Lockett Stopped In Fifth Round in North Dakota!

Takoma Park, MD's Willis "The Prophet" Lockett was stopped in the fifth round by undefeated Michael Seals of Atlanta, GA Friday night at the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, ND.

Seals stopped Lockett at 2:50 of the fifth round, scoring his eighth consecutive knockout despite being outweighed by 13 pounds.

Lockett's record evens at 13-13-5, five KO's while Seals is now 18-0, 14 KO's.

Brown, Crews Win Bouts During Dual Meet Vs. Canada!

Tiara Brown and Franchon Crews won their bouts during a dominant performance by Team USA in a dual competition against Canada Saturday at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Brown competed in international competition for the first time since the 2012 World Championships and won her bout against Sabrina Aubin at 125 pounds by unanimous decision.

Crews was in one of the marquee bouts of the competition as she faced off in the 165 Pound contest against three-time world champion Mary Spencer.  Crews was able to box well and win a four-round unanimous decision.

The third member of the Beltway contingent, Dara Shen, did not compete because no opponent was available at light heavyweight. Shen won by walkover.

US boxers took seven of the nine scheduled bouts in the competition.  The team also included Olympians Marlen Esparza and Queen Underwood.

The 2014 Open And Novice Washington Golden Gloves Teams!

To recap from Saturday's Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals, here are the members of the 2014 Open and Novice DC/MD teams that will compete in the Regional Golden Gloves championships against Virginia/North Carolina on Saturday, April 26 at the Waldorf Jaycees in Waldorf, MD:

Open Division:

108 Pounds: Demetrius Young (Sugar Ray Leonard)

114 Pounds: Malik Jackson (Limelite)

123 Pounds:  Gary Antonio Russell (Enigma)

132 Pounds: Jalen Jones (Limelite)

141 Pounds:  Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma)

152 Pounds: Malik Hawkins (Upton)

165 Pounds:  Tavon Body (Headbangers)

178 Pounds: Justin Bell (No Xcuse)

201 Pounds: Malik Titus (Upton)

201+ Pounds: Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard)


Novice Division:

114 Pounds: Kollin Shrewsbury (NOMIS)

123 Pounds: Cody Woodland (Woodland)

132 Pounds: Taylor Woodland (Woodland)

141 Pounds: Tyrek Irby (Headbangers)

152 Pounds: Shynggyskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin)

165 Pounds: Tyrell Boyd (Upton)

178 Pounds: Jordan Payne (Woodland)

201 Pounds: Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis)

201+ Pounds: Carlos Black (Champions)

Nembhard Wins 201+ Pound Title!

Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard) wins the final title of the evening -- the 201+ Pound title -- with a victory over Calvin Countess (Charm City).

We'll have a brief Post-Fight Wrap-Up later today.  Until then, good night from the Waldorf Jaycees!

Titus Stops Morris To Win Heavyweight Crown!

Malik Titus (Upton) stops Stephon Morris (UMAR) in the first round to capture the 201 Pound championship. 

The final bout of the night is the 201+ Pound championship between Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard) and Calvin Countess (Charm City).

Bell Takes 178-Pound Championship!

Justin Bell (No Xcuse) has won the 178-Pound title bout with a tough victory over Genc Pllana (unattached).  Bell gutted out the victory over the last two rounds.

The 201-Pound title contest is next -- an all-Baltimore affair between Malik Titus (Upton) and Stephon Morris (UMAR).

Body Wins 165-Pound Title!

Tavon Body (Headbangers) won an outstanding contest in the 165-Pound championship over Russell Gaskins (Enigma).

  Gaskins got off to a good start despite competing with a bicep tendon tear in his left arm.  Body took control in the final two rounds, however some in the crowd thought Gaskins might have pulled out the win.

Up next: The 178-Pound title bout -- Justin Bell (No Xcuse) vs. Genc Pllana (unattached).

Hawkins Wins 152-Pound Title!

Malik Hawkins (Upton) wins the 152-Pound championship in a very competitive contest over Zarifbek Nishanbaev (Raw Assassin).  Solid performance for Hawkins.

Now, it's the 165-Pound title bout between Russell Haskins (Enigma) and Tavon Body (Headbangers).

Keystone, Woodland Awarded Junior, Novice Titles!

As we resume action here at the Waldorf Jaycees, congratulations to Keystone and Woodland Gyms.  They won the most titles in the Junior and Novice Divisions respectively.

In the ring is the 152-Pound Open title between Malik Hawkins (Upton) and Zarifbek Nishanbaev (Raw Assassin).

Antuanne Russell Wins 141-Pound Title!

Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) wins the 141-Pound Open title with a victory over Nigel Fennell (Down Under).

We are now at intermission with five bouts remaining. 

Congratulations to four boxers who received Sportsmanship awards during the tournament:

Deric Davis (Old School)

Elijah Gilchrist (Kenilworth)

Jayese Stephens (Hagerstown)

Damian White, Jr. (Tony's Gym)

Jones Defeats Cole To Win 132-Pound Title!

Jalen Jones (Limelite) picks up the 132-Pound title with a victory over Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse).  Good contest.

Next bout is the 141-Pound title bout between Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) and Nigel Fennell (Down Under).

Jackson Wins 114-Pound Title!

Malik Jackson (Limelite) has won the 114-Pound championship with a decision over a very game Paul Jerry.

Gary Antonio Russell (Enigma) has won the 123-Pound title by walkover.

We head to the 132-Pound Open title bout between Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse) and Jalen Jones (Limelite).

Black Wins 201+ Pounds Championship!

Carlos Black (Champions) is the winner of the 201+ Pound title defeating Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym).

We now move into the Open Division with the 114-Pound championship.  Paul Jerry (unattached) takes on the top-ranked boxer in this weight class in the nation, Malik Jackson (Limelite).

Davenport Wins 201-Pound Championship!

Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis) takes the Novice crown at 201 Pounds with a decision over Phillip Murray (Laurel).

Our final Novice contest is in the Super Heavyweight division.  Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym) faces Carlos Black (Champions).

Payne Captures 178-Pound Crown!

In a very close contest, Jordan Payne (Woodland) wins the 178-Pound title with a decision over Demarvea Cutchember (Cross 4 Christ).

This has been a very good night for Woodland Gym -- all three of their boxers advanced to next month's regionals.

We head to the 201-Pound championship bout -- Phillip Murray (Laurel) vs. Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis).

Boyd Wins 165-Pound Title!

Tyrell Boyd (Upton) is the winner of the 165-Pound Novice championship here in Waldorf.  Boyd defeated Francisco Bustos (Champions).

We move to the 178-Pound championship bout where Jordan Payne (Woodland) faces Demarvea Cutchember (Cross 4 Christ).

Tazhibay Wins 152-Pound Title!

Shynggskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin) has captured the Novice Title at 152 Pounds by defeating Monyae Gregory (Upton).

Next up is the 165 Pound title bout between Tyrell Boyd (Upton) and Francisco Bustos (Champions).

Irby Defeats HeadbangersTeammate Zeledon at 141 Pounds!

Tyrek Irby has captured the 141-Pound Novice title with a decision over Headbangers gymmate Siprano Zeledon.  Irby battered Zeledon, who fought valiantly despite have his nose bloodied.

Up next, the 152-Pound Novice title bout between Monyae Gregory (Upton) and Shynggyskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin).

Woodland Brothers Win First Two Novice Titles!

Cody and Taylor Woodland (Woodland) have won the first two Novice Division titles of the evening.  Cody Woodland won the 123-Pound title with an RSC-1 over Albert Sostre (Sugar Ray Leonard) while Taylor captured the championship at 132-Pounds with a decision over Juan Melsur (Infinite).

The 141-Pound championship bout is an all-Headbangers affair between Soprano Zeledon and Tyrek Irby.

Action Underway at Washington Golden Gloves!

Good evening from the Waldorf Jaycees in Waldorf, MD for the Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals.  Action is already underway in the Novice Division.  We are having some internet issues here tonight but we will give you results as best we can.

Grayton Added to April 19 Card In DC!

Although there are no Beltway Boxers slated for the feature bouts on the Saturday, April 19 card at the DC Armory, the undercard is loaded with Beltway talent.

The latest addition to the card is undefeated DC welterweight David "Day-Day" Grayton (6-0, five KO's) who will be in a four-round contest.  Grayton has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Roberto Lopez on October 26 at the Washington Convention Center.

Another boxer added to the card comes from just outside the region but has ties to the Beltway area.  Undefeated Norfolk, VA lightweight Chris "The Dentist" Alexander (4-0, four KO's) will compete in a four-round encounter.  Alexander is one of the latest signees of Al Haymon and is managed by local manager Sharif Salim.  Alexander, who has family in the DC area, is the second Salim-managed boxer to sign with Haymon -- The first being Seth Mitchell.

Washington Times Profiles Bobby Magruder!

Washington Times columnist Thom Loverro profiles the man some have come to know in the area as the "Don King of Southern Maryland," Bobby Magruder in today's edition.  Magruder, of course, is the man behind the Washington Golden Gloves Championship tournament.  As you should know by know, the Washington finals will be Saturday, March 29 at 8 PM at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, MD.

By the way, BATB plans to blog live from the Jaycees.  Here is Loverro's column:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/27/behind-bobby-magruder-dc-boxing-scene-lives/

Lamont Roach, Jr. Signs With Golden Boy Promotions!

(from No Xcuse Twitter Feed)

BATB has learned that Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and will look to make his pro debut sometime in May.

Roach capped off a stellar amateur career in 2013 by winning the National Golden Gloves and the USA Nationals in his weight class and earning a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers Tournament in Ukraine.

Unlike many of his Beltway brethren, Roach did not sign with manager Al Haymon.  Roach's father, Lamont, Sr. will serve as manager.  Roach, Jr. joins his No Xcuse gym mate D'Mitrius Ballard as Golden Boy signees.

Tori Nelson To Defend WIBA Welterweight Title Against Mia St. John May 17 in Annandale, VA!

BATB has learned that undefeated WIBA (Women's International Boxing Association) Welterweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will defend her title against one of the more recognizable names in female boxing -- former world champion Mia "The Knockout" St. John of Oxnard, CA -- on Saturday, May 17 at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, VA. WIBA Chairman Ryan Wissow confirmed the news exclusively to BATB.

This will be the second title defense for Nelson, the 2013 Beltway Boxing Co-Boxer of the Year (8-0-3), who won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kali Reis on November 7 in Cockeysville, MD in her first defense.  This will be Nelson's sixth consecutive time competing in a world title bout.

St. John (47-13-2, 18 KO's) is a well-traveled veteran who, like Nelson, has won numerous world titles.  Like Nelson, St. John's most recent outings have been in world title bouts.  St. John's last win came against the legendary Christy Martin in August of 2012.  St. John won a 10-round unanimous decision.  St. John initially announced her retirement after the bout, however she has fought two more times since the Martin victory, losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Tiffany Junot in Bakersfield, CA for the WBC Junior Middleweight championship in November 2012 and, in her last outing, St. John was stopped in the third round by WBA/WBC/WBO Welterweight champion Cecelia Brakhus on April 13 in Denmark.

This will be the main event on the inaugural card promoted by Ponytail Promotions, the new group headed by well-known Baltimore-area trainer and manager James Hogan.  More to come on the rest of the card.

Lockett Weighs 191 For North Dakota Contest!

Willis "The Prophet" Lockett will hold a distinct weight advantage in his eight-round contest against undefeated Michael Seals Friday night in New Town, ND..if the bout actually takes place.

Lockett weighed in at 191 pounds while Seals tipped the scales at 173.  As of this hour, the bout is still on.  No word on whether Lockett was asked to lose any weight.

Awesome April of Beltway Boxing Begins April 4!

Seemingly every year, April is the busiest month on the schedule. This year is no different.  We call it the Awesome April of Beltway Boxing. 

This year, the Beltway Boxing scene may have outdone itself.  We have a lot going on in April including three local pro cards in the span of one week (April 12-19).  As of right now, here is the schedule:

Friday, April 4 – Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, PA – Larry “Hitman” Pryor of DC (7-8, four KO’s) returns after a two-year absence to face undefeated Sullivan Barrera of Miami, FL by way of Cuba (10-0, six KO’s) in a six-round light heavyweight battle.

Friday, April 4 – Parsippany PAL, Parsippany, NJ – Antoine “Action” Douglas of Burke, VA (12-0, seven KO’s) is in a scheduled 10-round main event against Luca Messi of Bergamo, Italy (37-9-1, 13 KO’s).  Also, “The King’s Son” Jerry Odom of Bowie, MD (8-0, eight KO’s) squares off against Douglas Otieno Okola of Nairobi, Kenya (24-8, 12 KO’s) in a six-round contest.

Saturday, April 12 – Hardwork Promotions card at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD.

Saturday, April 12 – Bally’s Event Center, Atlantic City, NJ – Sherman Artis, Jr. of Severn, MD (2-0) takes on Antowyan Aikens of Atlantic City (8-0, one KO) in a six-round bout.

Friday, April 18 – Keystone Boxing Promotions card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD

Saturday, April 19 – Golden Boy Promotions card at the DC Armory in Washington, DC televised on Showtime and Showtime Extreme.

Thursday, April 24 – Aqua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, CA – Thomas Williams, Jr.(16-0, 11 KO’s) of Fort Washington, MD will meet Enrique Ornelas of La Habra, CA (34-8, 22 KO’s) in a 10 round contest on ESPN2.  Also hearing word that Gervonta Davis will also be on this card.

Saturday, April 26 – ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA – Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card

Amateur cards: 

Saturday, April 12 – Ham AC Old School Boxing Reunion – DC vs. NJ Rematch – Merrick Center, 4275 4^th Street, SE

Saturday, April 26 – Golden Gloves Regional Championships – DC/Baltimore vs. VA/NC – Waldorf Jaycees, Waldorf, MD.

Lockett Faces Undefeated Seals March 28 in North Dakota!

Takoma Park, MD light heavyweight Willis "The Prophet" Lockett will try to stay on the winning track when he travels to the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, ND for a scheduled eight-round contest against undefeated Michael Seals of Atlanta, GA.

Lockett (13-12-5, five KO's) broke a five-bout losing streak with a six-round unanimous decision over Julius Fogle on February 7 at the DC Armory in Washington, DC.  Seals (17-0, 13 KO's) will try to continue a seven-bout knockout streak in which six of his seven KO's have come in the first round and the seventh was in the second round.  However, only two of those seven knockouts came against boxers with over-.500 records.

Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals Bout Sheet!

Here is the list of scheduled bouts for the Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals that will take place at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, MD on Saturday, March 29 at 8 PM.

Novice Division:

114 Pounds: Kollin Shrewsbury (NOMIS) walks over as 2014 Champion.

123 Pounds: Cody Woodland (Woodland) vs. Albert Sostre (Sugar Ray Leonard)

132 Pounds: Taylor Woodland (Woodland) vs. Juan Melsur (Infinite)

141 Pounds: Siprano Zeledon (Headbangers) vs. Tyrek Irby (Headbangers)

152 Pounds: Monyae Gregory (Upton) vs. Shynggyskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin)

165 Pounds: Tyrell Boyd (Upton) vs. Francisco Bustos (Champions)

178 Pounds: Jordan Payne (Woodland) vs. Demarvea Cutchember (Cross 4 Christ)

201 Pounds: Phillip Murray (Laurel) vs. Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis)

201+ Pounds: Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym) vs. Carlos Black (Champions Gym)


Open Division:

108 Pounds: Demetrius Young (Sugar Ray Leonard) walks over as 2014 Champion

114 Pounds: Paul Jerry (Unattached) vs. Malik Jackson (Limelite)

123 Pounds: Gary Antonio Russell (Enigma) vs. Daron Williams (Benning Park)

132 Pounds: Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse) vs. Jalen Jones (Limelite)

141 Pounds: Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) vs. Nigel Fennell (Down Under)

152 Pounds: Malik Hawkins (Upton) vs. Zarifbek Nishanbaev (Raw Assassin)

165 Pounds: Russell Gaskins (Enigma) vs. Tavon Body (Headbangers)

178 Pounds: Justin Bell (No Xcuse) vs. Genc Pllana (Unattached)

201 Pounds: Malik Titus (Upton) vs. Stephon Morris (UMAR)

201+ Pounds: Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Calvin Countess (Charm City)

The winners from this event advance to the Regional Championships that will be on Saturday, April 26 at the Waldorf Jaycees.

Female Beltway Amateurs In USA Boxing Camp Preparing For Dual Event Vs. Canada!

Three female Beltway amateurs are at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO at this hour preparing for a dual competition against a team from Canada that will be held there on Saturday, March 29.

From left to right in the above picture: Dara Shen of Alexandria, VA received an invitation to the camp on the heels of winning her first USA Boxing National championship in January at light heavyweight.

In the center is seven-time national champion Franchon Crews of Baltimore, MD who won a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 2014 USA National championships.

On the right is Tiara Brown of DC by way of Fort Myers, FL who was a world champion in 2012 and captured a USA title this year at featherweight.

As soon as we get all the matchups for the event on March 29, we'll pass them along.

Washington Golden Gloves Wrap Up Semis With Exciting Open Action!

The Washington Golden Gloves finished their last night on Saturday at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center with another night of exciting action before another packed house that included former world champion Adrian Broner (here with former three-time WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy).

All roads will lead to the Waldorf Jaycees in Waldorf, MD for the championship round on Saturday, March 29.

In the Open Division semifinals, Antonio and Antuanne Russell (Enigma) both moved into the final round.  Antonio Russell outgunned Hector Soto (Down Under) in the 123 Pound class while Antuanne Russell earned a RSC-3 with a crushing stoppage of Montell Pridgett (UMAR) at 141 Pounds.

However, the bout of the night -- and maybe the most exciting bout of the tournament thus far -- was in the 178 Pound class where Justin Bell (No Xcuse) took on Jeffery McCalla (Upton) in a back and forth contest that brought the crowd to its feet.  Both men had their moments, however it was Bell who moved on to Waldorf with a well-deserved decision over McCalla, who is the younger brother of undefeated pro junior middleweight Cecil McCalla.

Also, Malik Jackson (Limelite), recently ranked number one in the US advanced to the 114 Pound Division finals with a decision victory over Duglas Soto (Down Under).

Here are the rest of the Open Division Semifinal Results:

123 Pounds:  Daron Williams (Benning Park) over Keeshawn Williams (The Answer)

132 Pounds:  Jalen Jones (Limelite) over Anthony Hooker (Diamonds N Da Ruff)

141 Pounds:  Nigel Fennell (Down Under) over Cornell Hines (Woodland)

152 Pounds: Malik Hawkins (Upton) over Emmanuel Rodriguez (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Russell Gaskins (Enigma) over Maynard Sterling (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Tavon Body (Headbangers) over Maiwak Dagoot (Down Under)

201 Pounds:  Malik Titus (Upton) over Daquan Johnson (Sugar Ray Leonard)

Three other boxers advanced by walkover:

178 Pounds: Genc Pllana (unattached)

201+ Pounds: Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard)

201+ Pounds: Calvin Countess (Charm City)

The Novice Division crowned three female champions on Saturday night.  At 132 Pounds, Amelia Moore (Club One) won the crown with a decision over Lisa Bodenburg (Kicked Up).

D'Ajah Scott (Diamonds N Da Ruff) and Krista Robinson (D-Block) won titles at 140 and 152 Pounds respectively by walkover.

In the men's Novice Division Semis, two of the heavier boxers scored stoppages in their bouts.  Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis) scored an RSC-2 over Mitchell Clinton (Sugar Ray Leonard) at 201 Pounds while Carlos Black (Champions) also earned an RSC-2 over Ralph Alexander (unattached).

There was an RSC-1 at 141 Pounds when Tyrek Irby (Headbangers) stopped Delante Perkins (Cherry Lane).

In other Novice Division results:

123 Pounds: Cody Woodland (Woodland) over Preston Gatling (Hillcrest)

132 Pounds: Juan Melsur (Infinite) over Stephen Blaylock, Jr. (No Xcuse)

141 Pounds: Siprano Zeledon (Headbangers) over Gregory Blakeney (Dream Team)

165 Pounds: Francisco Bustos (Champions) over Dayshawn Jones (UMAR)

165 Pounds: Tyrell Boyd (Upton) over Mark Dunkin (Headbangers)

201 Pounds: Phillip Murray (Laurel) over Jordan Scott (Sugar Ray Leonard)

201+ Pounds: Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym) over Shaka Williams (NOMIS)

Two other boxers won by walkover:

152 Pounds: Monyae Gregory (Upton)

178 Pounds: Jordan Payne (Woodland)

Congratulations also to Jesse Reyes (Old School) who was the champion at 15, 95 Pounds in the Junior Division.

The Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals will be on Saturday, March 29 at 8 PM at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center, located at the intersection of Routes 301 and 5 in Waldorf, MD.  Tickets are General Admission $25 ($30 at the door), Reserved $35 ($40 at the door) and Ringside $45 ($50 at the door).  For ticket info, call 301-843-6165.

The Lost Art of Boxing by Rick Farris

"Today we have a lot of well conditioned athletes competing in professional boxing. Sadly, most of the training today focuses on athleticism, which is only part of what makes a great fighter. What we are lacking is true boxing skills, mastery of a brilliant art. The truth be known, there are few skilled teachers of this art today. No disrespect to the trainers who share their time & knowledge with young fighters, however, you can't teach what you don't know. For those of you who appreciate the best of boxing, we must turn around and look back in time. Here are a few masters of what has become "a lost art" . . . Robinson, Armstrong, Pep, Duran, Leonard (Benny & Sugar Ray) and a few more. Enjoy!"" - Rick Farris

Tony Thompson WIns WBC International Title Via Split Decision in Turkey!

Tony "The Tiger" Thompson continues to stay relevant in the heavyweight division.

Tonight in Tekidrag, Turkey, Thompson won a 12-round split decision over Odlandier Solis to capture the vacant WBC International Heavyweight championship.

Thompson (39-4, 26 KO's) won by scores of 115-114 and 115-113.  Solis (20-2, 13 KO's) took one scorecard by a 116-111 score.

Here is the recap from Fightnews.com's Editor-in-Chief Karl Freitag:

The story of this fight was that Thompson fought for three minutes every round while Solis fought in spurts. The taller Thompson came out pumping his southpaw jab in round one. Solis stalked “The Tiger” but didn’t land much. Thompson methodical in his approach, while Solis had moments with short bursts of activity. Thompson was more aggressive in round three and outworked Solis. Neither landed much in a tactical round four. Thompson was busier. Open scoring has Solis up 39-37, 40-36, 39-37 after four. Thompson upped the pressure and had some good moments in round five. Both had moments in round six. Thompson again working harder. Thompson’s offense again more consistant in round seven, Solis scored in spurts. The tactical fight continued in the eighth neither fighter clearly winning.

Scores were announced as 77-75, 77-75 for Thompson, 78-74 Solis after eight. Thompson again busier in the ninth. Solis finally showed some urgency in the tenth, his most decisive round in the fight. Both fighters were more aggressive in the last two stanzas, while still not completely opening up. 

Thompson Weighs 266 1/2 For Tussle in Turkey!

(photo courtesy of digital-sports.tv)

Tony Thompson weighed in at 266 1/2 for his 12-round contest with Odlander Solis Saturday in Tekirdag, Turkey.  The bout will be for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

Thompson's weight is the highest of his career.  Solis weighed in at 257 pounds, 10 pounds more than when he faced Vitali Klitschko almost three years ago.

Peterson Wins Unanimous Decision in California!

Anthony Peterson has won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marcos Jimenez tonight at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.

Peterson was in complete control of the contest landing solid jabs and rights to the head and body.  Peterson won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92.

Peterson is now 33-1, 21 KO's.  Jimenez falls to 20-5, 13 KO's.

Recio Battles Veteran Felix; Trussell Takes On Williamson; Davis Returns Against Johnson April 12 in Baltimore!

We've told you a little bit about the Hardwork Promotions card on Saturday, April 12 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD.  Three bouts have been added to that card and one in particular, could be a very interesting one.

Undefeated rookie junior middleweight "The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio of Landover, MD has been added to the card and he will take on veteran Jose Felix of Albuquerque, NM in a four-round encounter.

Recio (4-0, three KO's) has stopped his last three opponents, including a second-round stoppage of Mike Santiago on March 7 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  However, if you combine the amount of bouts of Recio's previous four opponents, they would not have close to the experience of Felix (11-14-2, four KO's).

Felix steps into the ring for the first time since November of 2012 when he was stopped in the first round against Quatavious Cash in Atlanta, GA.  The last victory for Felix came in the Beltway region when he scored a fifth-round TKO over Tony Jeter in Arlington, VA in December of 2011.

Also, Baltimore middleweight Jeremy Trussell returns to action as he battles Shakee Williamson of Danville, VA in a four-round encounter.  Trussell ( 8-0, six KO's) scored a first-round TKO over Jeremy Boardwine on March 1 in Lynchburg, VA.  Williamson (1-1, one KO) returns for the first time since March of 2011 when he stopped Mike Sawyer in the second round in Ransom, WVA.

Bowie, MD junior welterweight DeAndre Davis (1-0, one KO) returns for the first time since making his pro debut in January 2013 when he faces the debuting Christopher Johnson of Chicago, IL.  Davis stopped Coy Lambert in the first round in Fort Washington, MD.

A. Peterson Weighs 135 For his 10-Rounder in California!

Anthony Peterson (32-1, 21 KO's) weighed in at the lightweight limit of 135 for his nationally-televised 10-round contest against Marcos Leonardo Jimenez Friday at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.  Jimenez (20-4, 13 KO's) tipped the scales at 132.

The bout will be shown on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.  The show begins at 9 PM ET.

Russell To Battle Lomachenko For Vacant World Featherweight Title, Says WBO!

RingTV.com's Lem Satterfield is reporting word that the WBO has officially made Ukranian Vasyl Lomachenko the mandatory opponent for number-one ranked "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. of Capitol Heights, MD and the two will compete for the vacant WBO Featherweight championship.

The questions now, of course, are when and where the bout will take place.  Those questions might end up having very interesting answers.  Russell is associated with Golden Boy Promotions and Lomachenko is promoted by Top Rank.  The WBO has said that the two competing promotional companies have 30 days to negotiate a contract for the bout.  If no contract comes in that period, the bout would go to a purse bid.

Lomachenko (1-1, one KO) received an opportunity to battle for the WBO in just his second pro bout (although Fight Fax, Inc. lists Lomachenko's record as 7-1 because he received payments for his appearances in the World Series of Boxing) on March 1 when he faced then-champ Orlando Salido in San Antonio, TX.  Russell was named the mandatory challenger to Salido in October.  However, Salido decided to take a voluntary title defense against Lomachenko.

Salido ended up losing the title on the scales, giving Lomachenko an opportunity to win the vacated title if he won.  However, Salido defeated Lomachenko by split decision.

In an interview with Satterfield, Russell (24-0, 14 KO's) wasn't exactly pleased with the WBO's decision on Lomachenko. Here is that interview:

Russell, Jr. Rips WBO Decision

Interesting DC-NJ Weekend Takes Place On Weekend of April 4!

Local pro and amateur Beltway Boxers will be involved in an interesting weekend on Friday and Saturday, April 4-5 in New Jersey.

On Friday, April 4,  two undefeated local pros -- Antoine "Action" Douglas" and "The King's Son" Jerry Odom  -- will be in action on a card at the Parsippany PAL Arena in Parsippany, NJ. Both men are coming off knockout wins over their opponents at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA on March 15.

Douglas (13-0, eight KO's) will headline the card in his first scheduled 10-round contest as he battles veteran and former world title contender "The Bergamo Bomber" Luca Messi of Bergamo, Italy.  Messi (37-9-1, 13 KO's) is coming off a six-round decision over Kristian Camino on February 1 in Bergamo.  The win broke a two-bout losing streak.  In August of 2005, Messi lost a bid for the WBA Junior Middleweight championship to Alejandro Garcia by unanimous decision in Chicago, IL.

Odom (9-0, nine KO's) will be in a six-round encounter on the card against an opponent to be determined.

Special guest attendees of this card will be a contingent of Potomac Valley Association amateur boxers who will be town in a dual meet against the Elite Heat All-Stars of NJ that will take place on Saturday, April 5 in Newark, NJ. No official word on who will represent the PVA squad.

One week later, on Saturday, April 12, the PVA squad will host the New Jersey team for another card at the Merrick Recreation Center in Southeast, DC.  We'll have more on that card in a few days.

Semi-Final Matchups Ready For Washington Golden Gloves!

The Washington Golden Gloves will have its second night of Semifinal action on Saturday, March 22 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.  Here is the scheduled bout sheet:

Novice Division:

There will be three female Novice Division Championship Bouts:

132 Pounds:  Lisa Bodenberg (Kicked Up) vs. Amelia Moore (Club One)

140 Pounds: D'ajah Scott (Diamonds N Da Ruff) vs. India Speed (No Xcuse)

152 Pounds: Clarissa Lindsey (Young Titans) vs. Krista Robinson (D-Block)


Here are the bouts in Men's Novice Competition:

123 Pounds: Cody Woodland (Woodland) vs. Preston Gatling (Hillcrest)

132 Pounds: Juan Melsur (Infinite) vs. Stephen Blaylock, Jr. (No Xcuse)

141 Pounds: Siprano Zeledon (Headbangers) vs. Gregory Blakeney (Dream Team)

141 Pounds:  Tyrek Irby (Headbangers) vs. Delante Perkins (Cherry Lane)

152 Pounds:  Monyae Gregory (Upton) vs. Derek Gibson (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Dayshawn Jones (UMAR) vs. Francisco Bustos (Champions)

165 Pounds: Mark Dunkin (Headbangers) vs. Tyrell Boyd (Upton)

178 Pounds:  Kahyah Winslow (Tony's Gym) vs. Jordan Payne (Woodland)

201 Pounds:  Phillip Murray (Laurel) vs. Jordan Scott (Sugar Ray Leonard)

201 Pounds:  Mitchell Clinton (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Jordan Davenport (Mack Lewis)

201+ Pounds:  Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym) vs. Shalka Williams (NOMIS)

201+ Pounds:  Ralph Alexander (unattatched) vs. Carlos Black (Champions)

Open Division:

114 Pounds:  Duglas Soto (Down Under) vs. Malik Jackson (Limelite)

123 Pounds: Hector Soto (Down Under) vs. Gary Antonio Russell (Enigma)

123 Pounds:  Daron Williams (Benning Park) vs. Keeshawn Williams (The Answer)

132 Pounds:  Jalen Jones (Limelite) vs. Anthony Hooker (Diamonds N Da Ruff)

141 Pounds: Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) vs. Montell Pridgett (UMAR)

141 Pounds: Nigel Fennell (Down Under) vs. Cornell Hines (Woodland)

152 Pounds: Malik Hawkins (Upton) vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Maynard Sterling (Down Under) vs. Russell Gaskins (Enigma)

165 Pounds:  Tavon Body (Headbangers) vs. Maiwak Dagoot (Down Under)

178 Pounds:  Genc Pllana (unattached) vs. Jerod Bowling (unattached)

178 Pounds:  Justin Bell (No Xcuse) vs. Jeffrey McCalla (Upton)

201 Pounds: Malik Titus (Upton) vs. Daquan Johnson (Sugar Ray Leonard)

201+ Pounds: Sean Elam (Enigma) vs. Anthony Nembhard (Sugar Ray Leonard)

201+ Pounds: Calvin Countess (Charm City) vs.  Cortez Dunston (UMAR)

The card gets underway at 7:30 PM.

Thompson Arrives In Turkey To Prepare For March 22 Bout Against Solis!

 DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson recently arrived in Istanbul, Turkey for his 12-round WBC International Heavyweight title bout against Odlanier Solis of Miami, FL on Saturday, March 22 in Tekirdag, Turkey.

Thompson (38-4, 26 KO's) will be participating in his fifth straight international bout. Thompson has not fought in the United States since May of 2011 when he stopped Maurice Harris in the third round in Reno, NV.  Thompson last fought on August 24 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany and lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Kubrat Pulev for the IBF International title.

Solis, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist for Cuba (20-1, 13 KO's) won the IBF Inter-Continental title with a seventh-round TKO over Yakup Saglam on July 27 in Cuxhaven, Niedersachsen, Germany.

“Solis vs. Thompson is surely a crossroads fight for both guys which could go either way”, says promoter Ahmet Oner in a press release. “For me, this is one of the best possible fights in the heavyweight division at the moment. It will surely be a different story than the farce between Wilder and Scott last Saturday. And it is also a better fight than Klitschko vs. Leapai. I still believe that Odlanier Solis is the only fighter who can beat Wladimir Klitschko. All other guys like Wilder, Jennings, Stiverne and Arreola have no chance against Solis when he is in top shape and lives up to his potential. But that is exactly what he has to do next weekend against Thompson. Because Thompson is so experienced that Solis cannot afford to make any mistake. I am sure that it will be a great fight.”

Martin Wins By First Round TKO in Pro Debut!

DC welterweight Kareem "Reemo" Martin made a successful pro debut tonight at the House of Blues in Boston, MA.

Martin scored a first-round stoppage of Philadelphia, PA's Eric Palmer at 1:42.  Palmer's record evens at 2-2-2.

Kareem Martin Weighs 147 For Pro Debut in Boston!

(photo by Emily Harney)

DC welterweight Kareem Martin weighed in at 147 pounds for his pro debut at the House of Blues in Boston, MA.  Martin's opponent, Eric Palmer of Philadelphia, PA (2-1-2) tipped the scales at 144 1/2 pounds.

Gervonta Davis is no longer on this card.  No opponent could be found for him.

Results From First Semi-Final Night at Washington Golden Gloves!

A standing-room only crowd at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD saw an exciting night of Washington Golden Gloves action during the first of two weeks of semi-final action.

We start in the Open Division where there were a number of quality matchups.  The marquee bout was in the 141 Pound class where Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) began his quest to be the fourth member of his family to win a National Golden Gloves title by defeating former 114-pound regional champion Gregory Outlaw (Sugar Ray Leonard).  Both men traded very well through the first two rounds of the bout.  However, Russell took over in the third and used his speed and accuracy to win the contest.

Russell is slated to face Montell Pridgett (UMAR) in the 141-Pound championship finals on March 29 at the Waldorf Jaycees in Waldorf, MD. Pridgett defeated Jonathan Ludson (Monsters, Inc.) in the other 141 Pound semifinal.

Russell's older brother, 2013 National Golden Gloves champion Gary Antonio Russell, advanced to walkover in the 123 Pound division via walkover.

There will be a new Regional Golden Gloves champion in the 165 Pound division.  Tavon Body (Headbangers) defeated defending regional champion Jerome Featherstone (Baltimore Boxing) in a very close bout.  Also in the 165 Pound class, Maiwak Dagoot (Down Under) defeated Tavon Marshall (Upton) and Russell Gaskins (Enigma) advanced via walkover.  These three winners, along with Maynard Sterling (Down Under) who won by walkover on March 8, will move into next week's semis at Sugar Ray Leonard Center.

Here the results of the other Open Bouts from Saturday:

132 Pounds: Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse) over Andrew Barrett (Laurel)

152 Pounds: Zarifbek Nishanbaev (Raw Assassin) over Alonzo Thompson (Cherry Lane)

152 Pounds: Malik Hawkins (Upton) over Drayvontay Speed-Rawls (Enigma)

178 Pounds: Justin Bell (No Xcuse) over Teaquone Nance (NOMIS)

Four other boxers advanced by walkover:

114 Pounds: Paul Jerry (unattached)

132 Pounds: Jalen Jones (Limelite)

165 Pounds: Russell Gaskins (Enigma)

201 Pounds: Stephon Morris (UMAR)

Here are the results from action in the Novice Division:

123 Pounds: Preston Gatling (Hillcrest) over Johnny Peterson (Sugar Ray Leonard)

132 Pounds: Taylor Woodland (Woodland) over Cory Snowden (No Xcuse)

141 Pounds: Gregory Blakeney (Dream Team) over Gorwar Karyah (Tony's Gym)

152 Pounds: Monyae Gregory (Upton) over Andre Harris (Club One)

152 Pounds: Shynggskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin) over Christopher Perkins (Woodland)

165 Pounds: Dayshawn Jones (UMAR) over Carl Harper (Sugar Ray Leonard)

178 Pounds: Demarvea Cutchember (Cross 4 Christ) over Leonard Poe (Hillcrest)

201+ Pounds: Carlos Black (Champions) RSC-1 over Rogers Taylor (Woodland)

Four boxers advanced by walkover:

123 Pounds: Albert Sostre (Sugar Ray Leonard)

141 Pounds: Siprano Zeledon (Headbangers)

141 Pounds: Delante Perkins (Cherry Lane)

165 Pounds: Tyrell Boyd (Upton)

The final two champions were crowned in the Junior Division:

14-15, 150 Pounds:  Jaseye Stephens (Hagerstown) over Damien White, Jr. (Tony's Gym)

13-14, 115 Pounds Female:  Mia Ellis (Upton) over Jasmine Garland (UMAR)

The second night of semifinal action will be Saturday, March 22 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center beginning at 7:30 PM.

Where We Will Be This Saturday!

As you know by now, there is a good amount of action this Saturday along the Beltway.  Maybe I'm making too much out of what I'm about to say but I feel I need to explain why I will be where I will be, especially to long-time readers of this blog.

When BATB started in 2005, it was strictly designed to cover the professional boxing in the area.  At that time, I didn't feel I could give the best coverage to both the pros and the amateurs and since I started my boxing writing and broadcasting career with the pros coupled with the fact that I knew I couldn't cover every amateur show in the area, I decided, at that time to keep the blog strictly about the pros.  Also, there was a blog that was created to cover the amateurs in the area at that point.

I altered the focus of the blog around 2009 because the amateurs were doing so well in the area. The other blog eventually ceased operation so I felt an obligation to pay more attention to the growing success of the amateurs in the area, many of whom are now exciting young pros.  However, when it came to a scheduling conflict of a pro card versus an amateur card, the pro card would win out and I would usually attend the pro card.

That will not happen Saturday night.  I will be covering the Washington Golden Gloves at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD instead of the Gulfstream Promotions pro card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

There are two main reasons for my decision.  The first reason deals with the tardy information received from the promoters of the pro show.  From my perspective, it seemed like the promoters did not really want to promote the show.  After repeated attempts to get information on this card, the information finally came on the day you see the complete info posted -- with a bout still to be announced.  After getting almost complete information this week on cards slated for next month, it seemed foolish to me to consider going out to Springfield at that point. Also, once I received the bout sheet for the Golden Gloves for this week, that cemented my decision.  Let me apologize to the locals that will be on the card at the ABC Complex and I look forward to seeing you again in action soon.

The second reason is a little more personal and this is the first time I am sharing this with the general public.  Back in January, I was suffering from repeated headaches.  After two cat scans and an MRI, I was told I have a benign tumor near my right eye.  The tumor can't be removed with surgery, so I have been going through radiation treatments that started a little over a week ago and will continue for the next five weeks.  What this means is that I am driving to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore five days a week.

Let me just say that I am fine and I am going through the treatments very, very well.  However, I've been doing a lot of long driving this week and Palmer Park is a lot closer to me than Springfield.

I will not be blogging live from the Sugar Ray Leonard center because there is no reception available.  I look forward to getting results from BOTH venues this weekend.

Thanks for reading!

Al Haymon Continues Raid of Beltway Boxing Region; Peterson Brothers Are Newest Signees!

If he didn't have so many boxers under contract around the world, we would think that uber-boxing manager Al Haymon would open a satellite office somewhere in the Beltway Boxing region.

Fighthype.com is reporting that both Peterson Brothers -- IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont and soon-to-return-to-action Anthony -- have both signed with Haymon.  The brothers join a growing Beltway Haymon stable that includes Gary Russell, Jr., Thomas Williams, Dominic Wade, Gervonta Davis and Kareem Martin.

Lamont Peterson now has opportunities for rematches with fellow Haymon signees Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse among others.  Anthony Peterson will be fighting on ESPN2 on Friday, March 21 against Marco Jimenez.  We'll give a full preview on that bout later this weekend.

Buchanan Opportunity For NABO Title Derailed By Injury!

BATB has learned that Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan will be unable to battle for the vacant NABO Super Middleweight title on Saturday, March 15 in Oxnard, CA.

Buchanan suffered a bad knee sprain in training and was hospitalized for two days.  The matchmaker for the card, Chris Middendorf, has replaced Buchanan with Gary, IN veteran Derrick "Superman" Findley on the card

Middendorf tells BATB that he will try to reschedule the Buchanan-Vlasov bout on a future card in Oxnard.

Fighthype.com Talks To Gary Russell, Sr. About Jr.'s Next Move!

Nice interview by Percy Crawford of FightHype.com with Gary Russell, Sr., the father and trainer of undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. concerning the next move for his son.  As you will see in the interview, Russell, Sr. refers to an adage used a lot in the Beltway region.

"If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense."

Here's the link to the interview:

Gary Russell, Sr. interview

Buchanan Battles For Vacant NABO Super Middleweight Title March 15 in Oxnard, CA!

Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan returns to action in a bout for the vacant NABO Super Middleweight championship on Saturday, March 15 at the Performance Arts Center in Oxnard, CA.

Buchanan (21-3, 14 KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO over William Gill on December 14 at the Washington Convention Center.  This will be Buchanan's first scheduled 12-round contest.

Buchanan's opponent will be Maxim Vlasov of Samara, Russia (28-1, 14 KO's) who will be facing a Beltway Boxer for the second consecutive bout.  Vlasov stopped Maxell Taylor in the fourth round on December 5 in Costa Mesa, CA.

Third Title Bout Slated for April 19 at DC Armory!

Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com is reporting that a third title bout has been signed for the Golden Boy Promotions card on Saturday, April 19 at the DC Armory.

Satterfield says that Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer emailed him to say that undefeated IBF Welterweight champion Shawn "Showtime" Porter of Akron, OH will defend his title against current NABF titleholder and former WBA champion "The Magic Man" Paulie Malignaggi of Brooklyn, NY, who will step away from his analyst role on the Showtime telecast.  Schaefer told Satterfield in the email that the bout is "done" for this date.

This will be the first defense for Porter (23-0-1, 14 KO's) who won the IBF title with a unanimous decision win over Devon Alexander on December 7 in Brooklyn, NY.  On that same December 7 card, Malignaggi (33-5, seven KO's) captured the NABF championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Zab Judah.

Fightnews.com reports that the IBF approved the contest on the condition that the winner face mandatory challenger Kell Brook of England by July 19.

The Porter-Malignaggi bout adds to the card that already has the light heavyweight unification contest between IBF champ Bernard Hopkins and WBA titleholder Beibut Shumenov as well as Peter Quillin's WBO Middleweight title defense against European champion Lukas Konecny.

As far as Beltway Boxers are concerned, so far BATB can confirm that locals D'Mitrius Ballard, Phil Jackson Benson and Dominic Wade will appear on the card.  We also know that undefeated Norfolk, VA lightweight Chris "The Dentist" Alexander (4-0, four KO's) will also be on the card.

March 15 Pro Card Is Intact At ABC Sports Complex!

Here is an update on the Saturday, March 15 card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  The main event will be a six-round encounter featuring Virginia State Middleweight champion "The Pride of Alexandria" Brandon Quarles who will take on Travis Davidson of Vinton, VA.

Quarles (11-2, four KO's) battles for the first time since winning the Virginia state title at the ABC complex on November 9 with a first-round TKO over Zain Shah.  Davidson (2-1, two KO's) bounced back from his devastating first round stoppage loss to Jeremy Trussell in November to score a first-round TKO of his own against Jamil Ramseur on March 1 in Lynchburg, VA.

Quarles is one of six Beltway Boxers slated to be on this card.  Undefeated WBC Interim Fecarbox Middleweight champ Antoine "Action" Douglas battles "The Carolina Kid" Jeremy Yelton of Forest City, NC in a six-round contest.  Douglas (12-0, seven KO's) won the interim Fecarbox title with an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Marquis Davis in a nationally-televised contest on January 17 in Memphis, TN.  Yelton (17-15, eight KO's) will be trying to break a 13-bout losing streak.

Also on the card, undefeated Bowie, MD super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom returns to action with a six-round bout against veteran William Gill of Toms River, NJ.  Odom (8-0, eight KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO over Demetrius Walker on the January 17 card in Memphis.  Gill (9-31, seven KO's) has lost his last 10 contests including a third-round TKO defeat to Henry Buchanan in his last outing on December 14 at the Washington Convention Center.

Undefeated Springfield, VA junior welterweight Edgar "The Tiger" Torres will face Aloric Carson of Indianapolis, IN in a four-round contest.  Torres (4-0, three KO's) stopped Greg Thomas in the second round on October 5 at the ABC Complex.  Carson (0-7) will try to go the distance for the first time in his pro career.

The card will also mark the long-awaited pro debut of Ashburn, VA lightweight Seth Billups.  Billups is a former Virginia State Golden Gloves champion who will face Darrell Martin of Baltimore, MD in a four-round contest.  In his last outing, Martin (4-16, one KO) lost a close four-round split decision to Joshua Parker on October 26 at the Washington Convention Center.

Fighting for the first time in the Beltway region as a pro will be Baltimore welterweight Stephon McDonald (1-0, one KO)  McDonald made his pro debut on September 21 in Greensboro, NC and scored a first-round TKO over Tevin Parker.  McDonald will face Anthony Ganway of Wilson, NC (0-1) in a four-rounder.  Ganway made his pro debut in DC at Echo Stage Lounge on June 8 and was stopped in the first round by Jordan Peters.

Returning to the area will be Virginia fan favorite "Money" Mike Sawyer.  Sawyer, originally from Culpepper, VA, fought out of Fairfax, VA for many years before moving to his current home in Winter Park, FL.  This will be the first bout for Sawyer (4-3, two KO's) at the ABC Sports Complex in seven years..  Sawyer will be in a four-round light heavyweight contest against Montrail Speight of Wilson, NC (0-1).

Five other bouts are slated to be on this card.  Undefeated welterweight Anthony "Juice" Young will take on veteran Reggie "Two-Gun" Nash of Grand Rapids, MI in an eight-round encounter.  Young (9-0, four KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over James Harrison on September 13 in Newark, NJ.  This will be Young's first eight-round contest.  Nash (10-36-1, two KO's) has lost nine straight.  This will be Nash's third trip to the Beltway and second to the ABC Complex.  Nash lost a four-round unanimous decision to Todd Wilson on October 5.  In July of 2012, Nash was stopped in the first round by Dusty Hernandez Harrison at the Washington Convention Center.

Super middleweight John Magda of Rutherford, NJ (4-0, three KO's) will take on Chorles Parker of Wilson, NC (1-2, one KO) in a four-round bout.  Magda moved up to the six-round level in his last outing on December 14 in Atlantic City and won a unanimous decision over Jess Noriega.  Parker was stopped in the first round in his most recent bout by Jeremy Trussell on October 17 in Bethlehem, PA.

Newark, NJ light heavyweight Angel Concepcion (5-0) returns to action for the first time in almost two years to take on the debuting Brandon Johnson of Indianapolis, IN in a four-round contest.  Also, middleweight Bobby Gunn, Jr. will make his pro debut.  Gunn, Jr. is the 18-year-old son of the former cruiserweight contender of the same name and has been training in New Jersey with famed trainer Roger Bloodworth.  Gunn, Jr. will face Delvin Gist of Spartansburg, SC (0-3).

Another son of a former boxer is slated to be on this card.  Somers Point, NJ super middleweight Isiah Seldon (7-1, three KO's), son of former WBA Heavyweight champ Bruce Seldon will be facing an opponent to be named later.

Washington Golden Gloves Kicks Into High Gear March 15!

The first night of semi-final action at the Washington Golden Gloves will be on Saturday, March 15 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD. This week's scheduled bout sheet may be one of the most enjoyable in recent memory.

We will go in order as we normally do but please keep a close eye on the scheduled order of bouts in the Open Division, especially.

We still have two more championship bouts in the Junior Division and here they are:

14-15, 150 Pounds:  Jaseye Stephens (Hagerstown) vs. Damien White, Jr. (Tony's Gym)

13-14, 115 Pounds, Female: Mia Ellis (Upton) vs. Jasmine Garland (UMAR)

Two more walkover champions in the Junior Division:

13, 132 Pounds: Zoria Curry (UMAR)

16, 115 Pounds: Somer Smith (First Class)

Here is the list of the scheduled Novice Division bouts:

123 Pounds:  Preston Gatling (Hillcrest) vs. Johnny Peterson (Sugar Ray Leonard)

123 Pounds: Albert Sostre (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. James Crawford (Woodland)

132 Pounds: Corey Snowden (No Xcuse) vs. Taylor Woodland (Woodland)

141 Pounds: Siprano Zeledon (Headbangers) vs. Tyree Banks (NOMIS)

141 Pounds: Gregory Blakeney (Dream Team) vs. Gorwar Karyah (Tony's Gym)

141 Pounds: Delante Perkins (Cherry Lane) vs. Christian Bratton (Raw Assassin)

152 Pounds: Andre Harris (Club One) vs. Monyae Gregory (Upton)

152 Pounds: Christopher Perkins (Woodland) vs. Shynggskhan Tazhibay (Raw Assassin)

165 Pounds: Dayshawn Jones (UMAR) vs. Carl Harper (Sugar Ray Leonard)

165 Pounds: Tyrell Boyd (Upton) vs. Maxwell Hulse (No Xcuse)

178 Pounds: Demarvea Cutchember (Cross 4 Christ) vs. Leonard Poe (Hillcrest)

201+ Pounds:  Carlos Black (Champions) vs. Rogers Taylor (Woodland)

Now we come to the Open Division, which this year is just chock full of interesting storylines and thus, while we will list the bouts in order, we will point out some of the storylines.

We have a walkover champion in the Open Division:

106 Pounds Female: Tania Jackson (Enigma)

114 Pounds: Paul Jerry (Unattached) vs. Cesar Rojas (Sugar Ray Leonard)

At 123 Pounds, Gary Antonio Russell (Enigma) will start his quest for a second straight national title as he faces Raul Santana (No Xcuse).  Russell was the "Golden Boy" (Outstanding Boxer) at the National Golden Gloves in 2013.

132 Pounds:  Andrew Barrett (Laurel) vs. Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse)

132 Pounds: James Early (Woodland) vs. Jalen Jones (Limelite)

There is another interesting scenario at 141 Pounds.  Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) will start his journey to become the fourth member of his family to win a national Golden Gloves title.  However, he will have what may be a very interesting opponent in Greg Outlaw (Sugar Ray Leonard).  We are trying to confirm this but we believe this is the same Greg Outlaw who won regional Golden Gloves titles at 108 and 114 pounds and also went to the US Olympic Trials in 2011.

The other bout at 141 Pounds will pit Jonathan Ludson (Monsters, Inc.) vs. Montell Pridgett (UMAR)

152 Pounds:  Alonzo Thompson (Cherry Lane) vs. Zarifbek Nishanbaev (Raw Assassin)

152 Pounds: Drayvontay Speed-Rawls (Enigma) vs Malik Hawkins (Upton)

165 Pounds:  Kevin Ottley (Mack Lewis) vs. Russell Gaskins (Enigma)

165 Pounds: Jerome Featherstone (Baltimore Boxing) vs. Tavon Body (Headbangers).  Featherstone is the defending regional champion in this weight class.

165 Pounds: Maiwak Dagoot (Down Under) vs. Tavon Marshall (Upton)

178 Pounds: Justin Bell (No Xcuse) vs. Teaquone Nance (NOMIS)

201 Pounds: Shaundre Kellum-Gee (Mobtown) vs. Stephon Morris (UMAR)

If bouts don't fall out, this will be an outstanding night of amateur boxing that will begin at 7:30 PM.

July Battles Undefeated Graves April 12 in Baltimore!

Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy "Hardwork" July returns to action on his latest self-promoted (Hardwork Promotions) card on Saturday, April 12 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD.  July (16-1-2, six KO's) has won three straight contests since his TKO loss to Edwin Sanchez in February of 2013 at the DC Armory.  This includes a six-round unanimous decision over Sevdail Sherifi on January 24 in Atlantic City, NJ.

July will take on undefeated Quantis Graves of Beaumont, TX in an eight-round main event encounter.  Graves (9-0-1, four KO's) fought to a six-round majority draw in his last outing against the very same Sherifi on November 16 in Verona, NY.

In other bouts scheduled for the card,  Laurel, MD heavyweight "The Big Ticket" Dwayne McRae will take on Jonte "Rock Steady" Willis of Tacoma, WA by way of Memphis, TN in a six-round encounter.   McRae (12-3, six KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over Franklin Edmondson on December 14 at the Washington Convention Center in DC.  Willis (9-9-1, three KO's) has fought some tough competition in his career including Eric Fields, Lateef Kayode and Danny Batchelder in his last three bouts.  The combined record of those three opponents were 60-11-1.

In four-round contests, undefeated Laurel super middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will battle David Rohn of Villa Park, IL.  Nicholson (5-0, five KO's) has knocked out his last four opponents in the first round including his win over Darryl Fields on the December 14 DC card.  Rohn (1-0, one NC) made his pro debut at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD on July 13 and won a four-round unanimous decision over Jarrelle Scott.  Rohn fought again in September and initially won a four-round unanimous decision but the decision was overturned when Rohn failed a post-bout drug test.

Baltimore cruiserweight Travis Reeves is also slated to be on the card.  Reeves (3-2-1, one KO) will compete for just the second time in the Beltway area when he faces Santos Martinez of Adrian, MI (2-5-1, two KO's) in a four-round contest.

Reeves battled to a six-round draw with Kamarah Pasley on February 21 in Dover, DE.  Reeves has fought in Delaware and Florida twice and in West Virginia.  Reeves made his pro debut in Frederick, MD on March 23, 2013 and lost a four-round majority decision to Zakki Scott.  

Martinez makes his third trip to the Beltway in his last four outings.  Martinez drew with Devon Mosley after four rounds on July 13 in Fort Washington, MD and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Mario Flores on September 28 at the Patapsco Arena. Martinez lost a four-round unanimous decision to Thad Berkhousen in his last outing on February 22 in Grand Rapids, MI.

More bouts are slated to be announced.

(The all-Beltway bout between Larry Recio and Norman Allen announced earlier has been scrapped from the card.)

Former Beltway Boxer Emil Baku Needs Donations For Cancer Treatment!

In the mid-nineties, two brothers from the former Soviet Union sought and received political asylum in the United States.  After solid amateur careers in their home country, Emil and Rufat Israfilbekov landed in Baltimore and began lives as pro boxers, taking the name of their hometown (Baku) in what is now Azerbaijan as their surname.

Rufat, a junior middleweight, had just a three-year career (13-2-1, seven KO's).  Emil, however, fought from 1995-2003 (22-2, 17 KO's) as a middleweight and, at one time, was one of the top middleweights in the United States, ranked number 12 by the USBA.

Now, however, Emil Baku faces a different and more potent foe.  He will need help to defeat this one.  In 2012, Emil was diagnosed with stage four Glioblastoma Astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The now-42-year-old continued to train at the Laurel Boys and Girls Club.  Last month, his condition worsened and doctors told him that he has just two months to live.

Emil, his family and his trainer, Robert Crawford, are looking for donations to help pay for Emil to travel to Brazil for a special medical treatment.  They are hoping to raise $2,500 to cover the costs of the treatment and transportation.

If you would like to help, call Robert Crawford at 410-419-4348 or email him at coach@crawfordfitness.com.  Thanks.

March 17-22 Becomes A Major Week For Beltway Boxing!

The week of March 17-22 will be a big week for Beltway Boxers.  While there will be no cards in the area, a number of boxers will be traveling for some quality bouts.

On Monday, March 17, two young locals will be in action on a card at the House of Blues in Boston, MA.  Undefeated Baltimore featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis is slated to be in a six-round contest. Davis (6-0, six KO's) battles for the first time in 2014, winning his last contest via second-round TKO over James Franks on December 14 in Washington, DC.

The card will also mark the highly-anticipated pro debut of DC junior middleweight Kareem "Reemo" Martin.  Martin was a highly-decorated amateur boxer who had an outstanding 2013 winning both the USA Nationals and the National PAL Tournament as well as winning a gold medal in his weight class at the Klitschko Brothers Tournament in Ukraine.

Davis and Martin also share another distinction -- they are two of the most recent signees of uber-boxing manager Al Haymon.  Haymon has raided the Beltway Boxing region in recent months as he has signed a number of the top prospects including number one WBO featherweight contender "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr., NABO Light Heavyweight champion Thomas "Top Dog" Williams and undefeated super middleweight prospect Dominic Wade.

This card, which is slated to be shown on Fox Sports 1, was originally scheduled to have three Beltway Boxers appearing on it.  The main event was to have Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer facing Danny O'Connor of nearby Framingham, MA.  However, O'Connor injured his shoulder and a replacement could not be found.

BATB has learned that DC lightweight Anthony Peterson will make his return on Friday, March 21 on an ESPN2 telecast originating from the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.  The bout will be a 10-round co-feature against an opponent to be determined.

Peterson (32-1, 21 KO's) has not fought since his second-round TKO victory over Dominic Salcido on May 18 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Then on Saturday, March 22 in Istanbul, Turkey, DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson looks to put himself in position for yet another world title shot when he faces Odlander Solis of Miami, FL by way of Cuba in a 12-round contest for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

Thompson (38-4, 26 KO's) will try to bounce back from a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Kubrat Pulev for the IBF International title on August 24 in Schwerin, Germany.  Solis (20-1, 13 KO's) won the IBF Inter-Continental crown in his last outing scoring a seventh-round TKO over Yakup Saglam in Niedersachen, Germany.

Both men have received world title shots in the past --Thompson losing twice to Wladimir Klitschko while Solis's only loss came to Vitali Klitschko.

Junior Division Finishes; Novice and Open Divisions Heat Up On Week Three of Washington Golden Gloves!

The final Junior Division champions have been crowned and the Novice and Open Divisions get ready to head into semifinal action after the third week of action at the 2014 Washington Golden Gloves Championships at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.

Deric Davis (Old School) won the 10-11, 75 Pounds title with a win over Elijah Gilcrest (unattached).

In the 14-15, 113 Pounds title bout, Juan Jenkins (Mobtown) took the championship defeating Jay Cromwell (Dream Team).

Two other boxers won titles via walkover:

15-16, 119 Pounds: D'Jon Brown (NOMIS)

16, 132 Pounds:  Mack Allison IV (Upton)

Six bouts were contested in Novice Division action as a number of bouts fell through and winners advanced via walkover.

132 Pounds:  Juan Melsur (Infinite) over Donnell Poe (Old School)

132 Pounds: Stephen Blaylock, Jr. (No Xcuse) over Devonaire Johnson (Dream Team)

152 Pounds: Monyae Gregory (Upton) RSC-3 over Estebon Sanchez (D-Block)

140 Pounds Female:  D'ajah Scott (Diamonds N The Ruff) over Courtney Feldheim (unattached)

152 Pounds: Christopher Perkins (Woodland) over Alejandro Rodriguez (Mack Lewis)

165 Pounds: Mark Dunkin (Headbangers) RSC-1 over Antonio Pennix (First Class)

201 Pounds: Phillip Murray (Laurel) RSC-3 over Flamur Pllanna (Hagerstown)


A number of boxers advanced to next Saturday's semifinals via walkover:

123 Pounds: Cody Woodland (Woodland)

123 Pounds: Albert Sostre (Sugar Ray Leonard)

132 Pounds: Corey Snowden (No Xcuse)

132 Pounds: Taylor Woodland (Woodland)

141 Pounds: Tyrek Irby (Headbangers)

152 Pounds: Derek Gibson (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Francisco Bustos (Champions)

165 Pounds: Maxwell Hulsh (No Xcuse)

210+ Pounds: Johnathen Surratt (Tony's Gym)


Only two Open Division bouts took place on Saturday night.

123 Pounds: Daron Williams (Benning Park) over Antwain Robinson (Upton)

132 Pounds: Jalonte Cole (No Xcuse) over Tommy Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard)

Four other bouts were decided by walkover:

132 Pounds: Andrew Barrett (Laurel)

132 Pounds: Anthony Hooker (Diamonds N The Ruff)

141 Pounds: Nigel Fennell (Down Under)

165 Pounds: Maynard Sterling (Down Under)

The semifinals begin on Saturday, March 15 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center at 7:30 PM.

Post-Fight From Rosecroft and San Diego!

Here is the recap from Friday night's Keystone Boxing card from Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed of Waldorf, MD won a six-round unanimous decision over "Rebellious" Bilal Mahasin in the junior welterweight main event.  Reed won by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 to raise his record to 8-0, five KO's.  Mahasin loses for the first time in his pro career and he is now 4-1.

In one co-feature, "The Baby-Face Assassin" Yurii Polischuk of Lanham, MD stopped Baltimore, MD's Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. in a welterweight contest at 1:39 of the third round.  Polischuk dropped Womack early in the third and pressured Womack for the stoppage.  Polischuk is now 3-1-1, two KO's.  Womack is 4-4-1, two KO's.

The other co-feature was a great six-round encounter won by Catonsville, MD lightweight Joshua Davis who earned a split decision over a very game Joel Flores of Hart, MI.  Davis was able to knock Flores down in the sixth and that may have been the difference in the judges's scorecards.  Davis is now 6-1, three KO's while Flores is 4-5, three KO's.

Landover, MD junior middleweight "The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio scored his second straight knockout win stopping Chicago, IL's debuting Mike Santiago at the end of the second round.  Recio dropped the former MMA competitor twice in the second and ringside doctors would not allow Santiago to come out for the third.  Recio remains undefeated at 4-0, three KO's.

Fort Washington, MD bantamweight Marq "The Monster" Johns stopped Gabriel Braxton of Ellenswood, GA at 1:01 of the second round.  Johns landed a solid overhead right to drop Braxton, who beat the count but was unfit to continue.  Johns is 2-0-1, two KO's while Braxton is 0-2.

DC-based junior middleweight "Mr. Hollywood" Charlie Natal won a four-round unanimous decision over Dontre "Pound For Pound" King of Cambridge, MD.  Natal won by shutout on all three cards.  Natal is 3-0-1.  King falls to 7-15-2, three KO's.

Meanwhile at the Pala Resort and Casino near San Diego, CA, DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison survived a second-round knockdown to win a six-round unanimous decision over Michael Balasi of Honolulu, HI.  Harrison scored a knockdown in the second round before tasting the canvas himself.  Harrison won by scores of 59-54 (twice) and, somehow, 60-53.  Harrison remains undefeated at 21-0, 10 KO's.  Balasi falls to 10-4, seven KO's.

Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up where I am joined once again at ringside by Juan Marshall.

Reed Wins Unanimous Decision!

Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed put on another  solid performance in winning a six-round unanimous decision over "Rebellious" Bilal Mahasin of Oakland, CA.

No knockdowns but Reed stuck to his gameplan landing shots to the body and head.  Reed also stayed calm when Mahasin tried to rush in.

Reed won by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55.  Reed is now 8-0, five KO's and Mahasin is 4-1.

Polischuk Stops Womack, Jr. In Third!

Yurii Polischuk has won the rematch over Kevin Womack, Jr. by third-round TKO. Early in the third, Polischuk landed a solid left hand that dropped Womack solidly to the canvas.

Moments later, Polischuk pressured Womack enough to get referee Brent Bovell to stop the bout at 1:39 in what looked like a very quick stoppage that wasn't helped by Womack going in retreat mode.

Polischuk is now 3-1-1, one KO.  Womack falls to 4-4-1, two KO's.

Main event is next: Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed vs. Bilal Mahasin.  Six rounds, junior welterweights.