MEMPHIS BOXING - NEWS ARCHIVES 2005

Back to Memphis Boxing

MemphisBoxing.com Wishes all a Safe and Happy New Year!

Memphis, TN 'Jabba' Bryan on Mormeck-Bell Undercard! (12-30-05)
Submitted by Bob Cerbe - Round 1 Boxing
Lloyd (Jabba) Bryan of Memphis, TN. current N.A.B.C. Cruiserweight Champion will be heading to New York Wendsday to fight Steve Cunnuningham Jan. 7th on the undercard of the Mormeck, Bell Crusierweight Championship fight promoted by Don King at Madison Square Garden. Cunningham is ranked 4th by the W.B.A. 3rd by the W.B.C. and 1st bt the I.B.F. Jabba's management team of Willie Knox and Bob Cerbe think Jabba has a good chance of upsetting Cunningham. Jabba recently went to Indianapolis Nov 22rd and upset undefeted Jeff Baker for the N.A.B.C. Championship.

FightBeat Pick of the Week: Lamont Peterson (Wk of Dec. 4-10) (12-30-05)
Submitted by Jake Donovan - Fightbeat.com President
This link will open in a new window. Click here to read.

Chapman-Hill for AR Belt! (12-30-05)
From Fightnews.com
Up-and-coming heavyweight prospect JD “The Natural” Chapman, 19-0 (17 KOs), will return to action on February 4 at the Pope County Fairgrounds in Russellville, AR. The 22-year-old Chapman will face 19-9 (15 KOs) fellow Arkansas native Marvin Hill over 12 rounds for the NABC and Arkansas State Heavyweight Championships. "I want a knockout," says Chapman, who is currently in training in Florida. "Gutierrez (his last opponent) was a good learning experience for me, but my fans don’t come to watch me learn; they come to watch me take people’s heads off. Plus, we live in the same town, so everybody has been talking about us fighting since I turned pro. He thinks he's better than I am and I think I'm better than he is, so before I can prove I'm the best in the world, I got to prove I'm the best in my hometown. I'm not looking past Marvin Hill but I am looking to bigger things after I take care of this local problem." Chapman vs. Hill will serve as the main event of the Stacy Goodson promoted show. Tickets are priced at $15 and $30 and are available by calling (479) 353-6892.

James“Spider” Webb: Boxings soilder always on call! (12-29-05)
Submitted by Jake Donovan – Fight Beat Entertainment

“I’m starting to become the King of the Two Weeks Notice fights.”

So proclaims unbeaten welterweight contender James “Spider” Webb, as he prepares for his last-minute offer to challenge Mark Suarez on January 7 at Madison Square Garden. The winner will be declared the IBF welterweight mandatory challenger, and will also get a good look at the champion; Zab Judah defends his undisputed welterweight crown against Carlos Baldomir in the main event on SHOWTIME...(more)

McCall training in Nashville! (12-28-05)
From Fightnews.com
Former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall is training in Nashville, Tennessee for a February fight that will soon be announced by Don King Productions. "Oliver is working out twice a day. He is already in fighting shape at 226 pounds," commented McCall's trainer, Jimmy Adams. "This is the year Oliver becomes the heavyweight champion again!" McCall knocked out Lennox Lewis in two rounds back in September 1994 to capture the WBC title.

Jones-Hopkins II in works–Possibly in Memphis! (12-27-05)
From Fightnews.com
Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins have reportedly agreed to a March 11 rematch on HBO PPV. The fighters will split revenues 50/50 according to ESPN. Atlanta, Memphis, Chicago and Washington DC are in the running to host the fight. Jones outpointed Hopkins in 1993 and Hopkins was unbeaten for 12 years until dropping two close decisions to Jermain Taylor this year. Jones is hoping to rebound after three consecutive setbacks.

Taylor honored in Little Rock! (12-23-05)
From Fightnews.com
On Thursday night, middleweight champion Jermain Taylor publicly spoke to his hometown supporters for the first time since winning his rematch with Bernard Hopkins on December 3. Taylor, who hopes to have his next fight in Arkansas, stated "Whoever comes to Little Rock, I'm knocking him out," during a special halftime ceremony during an NBA Development League basketball game at Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas. He later met fans and signed autographs after the game. The first 1000 in attendance received a commemorative Jermain Taylor bobble-head doll.

Gutierrez gets Chapped! (12-16-05)
Jermain Taylor isn't the only good thing coming out of Arkansas. Fellow Arkansian and boxer, JD Chapman is doing great things too. Chapan (19-0. 17 KO's), battled Edward Gutierrez (15-1-1, 6 KO's) last evening on the under card of Global Warfare live from the Seminole Hard Rock Arena in Hollywood, Fl.

Both boxers where undefeated before facing off in the square ring, and after their bout it was JD Chapman who remainde that way. Chapman all but walked through Gutierrez winning a twelve round unanimous decision with judges scoring the match, 111-117 | 110-118 | 109-119.

Also last nigh Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peters scored a ten round UD over Robert Hawkins. Sultan Ibragimov TKO'd Lance Whitaker in seven.

Young fighter, Antonio Davis, Inked! (12-16-05)
From Fightnews.com
Promoter Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions has signed jr. lightweight prospect Antonio Davis to a co-promotional contract. Brian Young/Prize Fight Boxing is Antonio's co-promoter. Davis, now 19-1, with 9 knockouts, of Atlanta Georgia, has won 15 fights in a row since his only loss in February, 2003. A 31⁄2 -year pro, he is the current NABO jr. lightweight champion, and ranked #4 by the WBO. Co-promoter Brian Young said, "We've been working with Antonio for the last three years. He's a classic boxer-puncher, and he's 8-0 with us. We're very pleased to be doing business with Artie. He's one of the hardest workers in the business, and we've always had a successful relationship in whatever we've done together. He's an honest guy, and all of us at Prize Fight are excited to be partnering with him." Art Pelullo said, "Brian Young and his brother Russ are first-class people, and they've done an outstanding job in developing Antonio Davis's career. I think Prize Fight Boxing is the leading young promoter in the South, and I'm excited about working with them and Antonio Davis."

Correction >>> In MemphisBoxing.com Silver star Story
Buddy McGirt was mistakingly named the trainer for Eromosele Albert and Ishmael Andreas Kone. The trainer for Albert and Kone is Orlando Cuellar. Cuellar trains all fighters represented by the Miami based company MAINMAN promotions. As such, Orlando also trains the former Light-Heavywieght World Champion, Glen Johnson.

Championship boxing from the Silver Star! (12-12-05)
Presented by Big Star Promotions
Silver star Casino - Choctaw, MS - 8/13/05
by JD Meredith @ Ringside

“BAD BOY” CALMS “QUIET STORM” AT PEARL RIVER!

In front of an enthusiastic capacity crowd Saturday night, two-time Nigerian Olympian jr. middleweight “Bad Boy” Eromosele Albert (13-1, 6 KOs) was triumphant in his quest for the vacant jr. middleweight IBA Continental belt over Dorian “Quiet Storm” Beaupierre (12-4-2, 6 KOs) at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino Convention Center at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi.

In a fight that could only be described as a war of wills, both fighters fought a determined battle each second of every round.

For the first half of the fight Albert pressed a rough inside brawl, resulting in frequent holding and hitting, which seemed to frustrate Dorian. On the other side of the ring Dorian, tried to use his jab to halt the harassing tactics of Albert.

After being on the receiving end of a brutal inside assault from Albert for the first five rounds, Dorian became more successful using his jab to keep Albert on the outside in the middle rounds.
In rounds 5,6 & 7, Dorian began to set up power shots with his jab. Dorian also became craftier, using slick footwork to slip away from Albert’s endless pressure.

Round ten was an exciting with both Beaupierre and Albert exchanging equaling as they let their hands go.

An accidental clash of heads in round eleven left Albert the recipient of a gash to the right of his forehead. Doctors inspected the cut took and allowed Albert to continue.

In round twelve, Albert was seeing red as the gash poured blood into his eyes. At :46 of the twelfth, the doctor took another look at the gash and called a halt to the action.
Referee Tommy Kimmons asked the ringside judges to score the twelfth round as a completed round.

The crowd was respectfully silent as the scores were tallied. The verdict was announced moments later. Judge Peter Trematerra saw the bout 114-114. Judges Michael Pernick and John Rupert scored the bout 115-113 for Albert.

The audience reaction was mixed. Beaupierre thought a rematch was in order.SMITH WINS

ENTERTAINING DECISION OVER QUICK!

In other action, light heavyweight "Razor" Ray Smith (3-0, 2 KOs) won a six round unanimous decision over Brooklyn's Jason Quick (4-2-1, 3 KOs) in an entertaining contest.
Smith came out in the first like a bull in a china shop. Quick was his stiffest competition yet and Smith knew it. Quick had the height and size advantage over the stocky Smith that at first presented a physical obstacle for Smith.

For the majority of the bout Smith headhunted and threw counter punches as Quick pressed the action. Quick's jab landed to the head and chest in his pursuit of the back peddling Smith.
The “Razor” hurt Quick in the fourth after landing a firm left hook. Quick shook it off and continued to move forward. The fighters became heavily entangled during the middle of the fourth as Quick tried to hold Smith with both arms around his back. Smith pivoted and tossed a beautiful right hook up top then immediately threw a right upper cut under Quick's arms to free himself.

Also, toward the end of the fourth, Smith unleashed a sudden volley of punches that sent Quick sliding across the canvas. Quick popped up unhurt but nonetheless had tasted the knockdown.
In the sixth and final round, Smith had gained confidence due to the loss of power in Quick’s punches. Smith posed in the ring and followed his showboating with some razzle-dazzle as he made a windmill motion with his right hand and landed a booming left hook. Quick absorbed the punch and pushed Smith into the ropes with his attack. Quick kept the punches going until the bell rang seconds later. Judges scored the fight 59-55 and 60-54 for Smith.

SWEDE KONE SCORES A CONTROVERSIAL WIN!

Swedish fighter Ishmael Andreas Kone (pronounced Ko-Nee) – trained by Orlando Cuellar - found himself in a game of cat and mouse with Motor City's Harvey Jolly (2-2-1, 1 KO) in a cruiserweight contest. In the end, Kone walked away with a controversial decision that created more questions than answers about the prospect.

Jolly's jab, which came from the hip as he protected the right with his shoulder, proved to be a vicious weapon against Kone (10-1, 6 KOs). The jab of Jolly peppered and reddened the face of Kone throughout the bout. Jolly used the jab to keep Kone at a distance as well as to set up right hooks to the body and combinations from the outside.

Round three found Jolly coasting a bit, which allowed Kone to get inside and score.
Jolly landed six straight unanswered jabs at the beginning of fourth to announce he was back. Later in the same round, Kone slipped inside the jab to corner Jolly and land a series of powershots but Jolly was able to walk right through the offensive surge.

Jolly decided to backpedal in the fight and Kone followed in pursuit. Jolly showed great hand speed as he jabbed while moving away.

Jolly seemingly ran out steam toward the end of the fight and once again Kone backed Jolly into the ropes and hammered away (mainly up top).

In the final and sixth round, Kone pressed the action as Jolly looked to survive. Kone chopped away and landed a smart left hook to the head to punctuate his dominance in the final moments of the bout.

The judges scored the bout 59-55 and 60-54 twice for Kone. The decision surprised a lot of people with not only the victory to Kone but also the wide margin of scoring. Most ringside observers thought the fight was close, with some scoring the outcome as a draw.

ORTA WINS CROWD PLEASER!

In a jr. middleweight crowd pleaser, Jesse Orta (6-6-1, 4 KOs) battled a taller Leo Laudat (7-10, 7 KOs) to a unanimous decision victory (all three judges scored the bout 59-55). Laudat was impressive with his jab early but the jab failed midway through the fight as Orta moved inside to land power shots and combinations. Both fighters fought to the final bell but when it was all over Orta pulled out the victory.

JORDAN KO’S PHELPS! BELTRAN KO’S CASTOR!

In the opening bout of the evening, Bobby Jordan – making his pro debut - demolished Cory “Kid Cobra” Phelps (6-1, 5 KOs) as he sent his opponent to the canvas three times in the second stanza of their light heavyweight bout. Referee Frank Santor called a halt to the bout at 2:40. Jordan displayed a lot of skill as he switched from conventional to southpaw with ease.

In the second opening bout, the hard-hitting lightweight prospect “Handsome” Hector Beltran (10-1, 9 KOs) took only 2:36 to TKO opponent Dietrich Castor (0-6-1). Castor was down twice in the opening round. The corner of Castor and the doctor entered the ring upon the second knockdown. Castor was kept motionless for a few minutes before making it to a stool brought into the ring.

" Championship Night" was the inaugural event for Big Star Productions. “Championship Night” will air on Comcast CSS on December 16 at 8 pm

Prizefights sells out 43rd Consecutive Casino Card! (12-7-05)
As of today, Brian Young and Prize Fight Boxing have sold out forty-three straight casino fights. The December 10th show at Fitzgerald's was sold out solely from ticket purchases at the Fitz's box office. No tickets were sold online. This is big news for Young as he has created a great demand for boxing in the Mid-South.

Young Among Memphis Top 40! (12-7-05)
Congratulations to Russ Young of Prize Fight Boxing. Russ has been named by the Memphis Business Journal as a member of the Memphis "Top 40 Under 40". The MBJ's "Top 40 Under 40" honors some of the best and brightest men and women under the age of 40. These are the individuals who are making significant contributions to our community in the business, professional, civic and personal arenas. The event is proudly sponsored by MPACT Memphis and Christian Brothers University Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Program.

UBO All-American Champion Zane Marks Headlines! (12-6-05)
Submitted by damien St. Pierre – GulfCoastBoxing.com
On Saturday, December 17, 2005, at the Galliano Centroplex in Galliano, Louisiana, Fight to the Finish Productions will present its second professional boxing event of the year, entitled "Seasons Beatings".

The main event of "Seasons Beatings"; will feature U.B.O. All-American super middleweight champion, and hometown hero, Zane "The Train"; Marks (9-2). Zane is one of the hottest prospects in the south. Marks is undefeated in 05, winning 7 bouts, 5 of them be KO. Zane will be looking end 2005 with a bang. But standing in his way of a perfect 2005 is Carson Jones (7-1-1) a young and talented hard hitter out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jones is managed and trained by Buck Smith, also from Oklahoma. Jones is also a busy fighter, as this will be his 9th bout of 2005. The only two blemishes on Jones‚ record came from the same fighter (Favio Medina 8-1-2). The Jones/Marks bout will a big step up for both fighters.

The co-featured bout of the night is a fight that has been in the making for almost one year. Justin „Ironman‰ Verdin of Houma, LA (2-0) will take on Paul "War Dog" Foret also of Houma, LA in what is being billed as a "Houma Grudge Fight".

Chapman Added to Dec. 15 PPV! (12-6-05)
by Mike Sloan & Victor Perea at ringside – Fightnews.com
Undefeated power-punching heavyweight JD “The Natural” Chapman, 18-0 (17 KOs), has been added to the spectacular Warrior’s Boxing “Global Warfare” card, December 15 at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Arkansas’ Chapman will make his televised debut against fellow undefeated big man Edward “The Iron Man” Gutierrez, 15-0-1 (6 KOs), from Illinois. “We’re in tough in this one, but we’re happy to be getting the chance to showcase JD to the world,” said excited Chapman manager Scott Hirsch. “Tell the fans to buy this PPV and get their first look at a future champion.” Gutierrez represents another step up in class for Chapman who is coming off a KO 1 over formerly once-beaten John Carlo, November 26 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Oak Lawn native has never tasted defeat in his short, but very active three-year career. The evening’s main event will feature anvil-fisted heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter returning to face tough Robert Hawkins in a ten round contest for Peter’s NABA Heavyweight Championship. Heavyweights Sultan Ibragimov and Lance “Mount” Whitaker are scheduled to face each other and undefeated Irish fan favorite John Duddy will also appear. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first bell rings at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now for “Global Warfare.” They are priced at $150, $100, and $50. For more information please call 954.523.3309 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Wiggins falls in Montreal! (11-6-05)
West Tennessee’s Donnell Wiggins suffered a KO loss to the 14-0 Romanian, Lucian Bute Friday night
At the Molson Center, Montreal, QC, Canada. Wiggins fell in the second round of his NABA Super Middleweight Title fight vs Bute after being crushed with a left hook to the body. Official time was 2:53 of round two. Wiggins’ record falls to 24-7-2, 14 KO’s.

Taylor edges Hopkins!
by Mike Sloan & Victor Perea at ringside – Fightnews.com (11-16-05)
It was hardly scintillating, but Jermain Taylor (25-0, 17 KOs) won a twelve round unanimous decision over Bernard Hopkins (46-4-1, 32 KOs) to retain his WBC/WBA/WBO middleweight world championship Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. A lot of posing early on, but Taylor seemed slightly better. As the fight progressed, Taylor became more and more in control. Like their first fight, the tide began to turn around round seven Hopkins as began to have greater success by pressing the action more. The action picked up in round eleven as both traded hard shots with Taylor getting the better of it. Both fighters had their moments in the twelfth. All three judges scored it 115-113 for Taylor.

Radio Show has a new Home, Name! (12-1-05)
Brian Young's weekly radio show has a new name and a new home. Formerly featured as "Inside the Ropes" and broadcast by Sports 56, the show will now air under the title "Sweet Science" and will be broadcast from ESPN radio AM 730. Show times will be 11:00-11:30 each Friday.

Pro boxing comes to Pearl River Resort in December! (11-29-05)
It’s championship night at Silver Star Hotel & Casino!
Submitted by Ryan Griffin – Pearl River Resort
Live professional boxing returns to Pearl River Resort, Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. with a bout for the IBA Continental Title slated for the main event. The two-time Olympian, Eromosele Albert (12-1) will face off against Dorian Beaupierre (12-3-2) in a 12 round Jr. Middleweight bout. These two warriors will be battling for the currently vacant IBA Continental Title. Eromosele “Bad Boy” Albert represented his home country of Nigeria at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. Albert will be facing his toughest opponent yet in Beaupierre who had two 2004 controversial draws against top ranked Daniel Edouard. On the under card will be six more exciting bouts featuring a heavyweight battle between Andrew Greeley (10-10-2) of Monroe, La. and Demetrice King (9-11) of Detroit. Also on the card in the lightweight division is Meridian, Mississippi’s own Antonio Young (8-10-2) who will face off with Hector Beltran (9-1) of Dallas, Texas. Young defeated John Temple in a split decision during his last fight at Silver Star Hotel & Casino in May.

The fight, which is presented by Big Star Productions, will air on Comcast CSS on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. the night of the fight and tickets are available by calling 1.866.44PEARL. Must be 21 or older to attend. Bout card is subject to change.

Old Fashioned Irish Brawl at the Fitz! (11-29-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

Light Heavyweight prospect DeAndrey Abron will battle local favorite Terry Porter in an eight round main event. Abron, 6-0 (5 KO’s), fighting out of Fort Carson, CO will be making his second appearance at Fitzgeralds this year. Abron appears to be on the fast track after a storied amateur career that saw him capture multiple golden glove and national championships. Terry Porter from nearby Elaine, AR brings years of experience against the best competition the business has to offer. Terry has been in with the likes of Monte Barrett, James Toney, Sam Peter and Michael Moorer to name just a few.The main event will be for the Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title.

“Fighting a warrior of Terry’s caliber is a great barometer for me. I just want to give the fans what they pay for. Great Boxing!"
– DeAndrey Abron

“Fighting a warrior of Terry’s caliber is a great barometer for me”, said Abron from Ft. Carson, Co. “I just want to give the fans what they pay for. Great Boxing!” Abron also said. “Terry Porter’s coming to represent the Mid-South. This is my second coming out party and I will be doing it in front of my people. Abron better be prepared for mortal combat!” proclaimed a ready Terry Porter.

This is my second coming out party and I will be doing it in front of my people. Abron better be prepared for mortal combat!”
– Terry Porter

A feature bout on the under card pits two undefeated pugilist against one another as Ty Barnett 5-0 (4 KO’s) battles Deon Nash 2-0 in a six round feature attraction. Barnett, a power punching phenom, from Washington D.C. looks to add to his impressive KO ratio against Nash a slick boxer from New Orleans, LA. “This fight is the traditional boxer versus puncher match. It is always interesting to see which style prevails,” said Prize Fight’s Brian Young.

Also on the card is world ranked Jr. Welterweight Lamont Peterson 14-0 (7 KO’s) out of Memphis, TN by way of Washington D.C. Peterson will battle former world ranked challenger Johnny “Live Wire” Walker 18-18 (12 KO’s) from Ft. Lauderdale, FL in a six round match.

In other matches on the card heavyweight Adam Richards 8-1 (6 KO’s) battles Hearn Marler 9-2 (5 KO’s) and Tunica’s own Jose “Pepe” Rubio will make his pro debut against Tad Waltman 1-0 (1 KO) in a super featherweight battle. “We are excited about the whole card. Every fight is closely matched on this card. It is wide open. I am personally excited about the debut of Pepe. He will give Tunica something to be very very proud of,” a pleased Brian Young said. Doors for the show open at 7:00 PM with the first bout starting shortly thereafter. Tickets for the event are $20 and are available at the Fitzgerald’s casino gift shop or by calling Prize Fight Boxing at (662) 349-6263.

Briggs Scores KO at Slug-Out! (11-28-05)
From Fightnews.com
All the big names came away with knockout victories tonight at the All-Heavyweight Slug-Out event in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the main event, former linear heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, 44-4- 1 (38 KOs), scored a first-round knockout over Brian Scott, 25-7 (16 KOs). Coming in at the lowest weight, thus far, in his comeback (254 lbs), Briggs hit Scott with a hard body shot, followed by a left hook/right hand to the head that dropped Scott and caused a severe laceration. Scott rose, but a follow-up right hand finished the job. To the delight of his 2000 fans in attendance, Arkansas native JD “The Natural” Chapman moved his record to 18-0 (17 KOs) by scoring an impressive TKO 2 over now 14-2 (12 KOs) New Yorker John Carlo. Chapman’s long right hand had Carlo down in the first and then again in the second. In other noteworthy action, former world title challenger Jameel McCline got just his second win in five fights by scoring a first-round knockout over veteran Andy Sample, while former cruiserweight champion Robert Daniels got a KO 2 over Shaun Robinson. Recent David Tua opponent Cisse Salif, 18-5-2 (17 KOs), scored a 29-second knockout over Vernon Woodward and finally, in the most exciting fight of the night, Tommy “Concrete” Connelly of Arkansas pulled off a bit of an upset by winning a majority six-round decision over Milton Bowen, 35-8 (28 KOs). There were numerous undercard bouts, results on them to come.

'Jabba' Decisions Baker for Cruiser Crown! (11-28-05)
by Bob Cerbe
Last Tuesday (11/22) night Llyod (Jabba) Bryan went up aganist undefeated Jeff Boom Boom Baker at the Pepsi Collisum in Indianapolis in a 10 round title fight for the NABC Cruiserweight belt. Bryan who has not fought in about 3 years stood toe to toe with Baker working on Bakers body. The body work payed of in the 9th round as he landed a hard left hook to Bakers chin which sent Baker to the canvas for the 8 count. Bryan finished up the round with more body work as Baker held on to the bell. In the 10th round Bryan laned a left hook to the body and a over hand right to the head that sent Baker to the canvas again. Baker got up at 7 and held on for the remainder of the round. Bryan won the fight on all three judges score cards and brought the belt back to Memphis. Wille Knox and Bob Cerbe said Bryan will be back in action at the Desoto Civic Center on Dec 8th againist Martin Verdin.

Briggs, Chapman headline in AR! (11-23-05)
by Andre Coutemanche – Fightnews.com
Former linear heavyweight champion Shannon “Brooklyn” Briggs, 43-4-1 (37 KOs), will headline promoter Stacy Goodson’s “Arkansas Heavyweight Slug Out,” November 26 at the Fort Smith Convention Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. On a seven-fight, seven-knockout comeback, Briggs will face capable veteran Brian "Bam-Bam" Scott, 25-6 (16 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Also in action will be Michael Moorer-trained undefeated heavyweight puncher JD “The Natural” Chapman, 17-0 (16 KOs). Chapman will take on once-beaten boxing newsgroup favorite John "Bombs" Carlo. Carlo, who has the unique distinction of having beaten a former heavyweight champion in his professional debut (Leon Spinks), represents a step up in class for the still-developing Chapman. Also in action will be former world champion Robert “Preacher Man” Daniels, 47-7-1 (39 KOs). He will face hometown favorite Chris Lewallen, 9-2 (9 KOs). Also scheduled for this all-heavyweight event are Oklahomans Rick Dyer vs. Jeremiah Constant; Russellville, AK’s Matt Ricks vs. Oklahoma’s Shawn Dismuke; Conway, AK native Jason Bell vs. Paris, AK’s Bonaface Ramos; Kansas’s Justin Blevins vs. Russellville’s Calvin Miller; Russellville’s Markus Rhode vs. Shawnee, Oklahoma’s Vernon Woodard; and Fort Smith’s Steven Lewallen vs. Clarksville AK’s Carlos Trailer. For more information, call 479-353-6892.

Toughman Competition Tomorrow Night! (11-18-05)
Continental Arena, Olive Branch, MS!

Saturday night at the Continental Arena in Olive Branch, MS, fight manager Willie Knox will host yet another Toughman/Toughwoman competition. In recent past, Knox's toughman events at the 1,200+ seat Continental Arena have sold out. Tickets at the door. The Continental Arena is located off Old Hwy 78 near Hwy 305.

Wilma puts Taylor camp in Memphis!
Champ preparing for Hopkins rematch
Submitted by Gary Parrish – Commercial Appeal (11-9-05)

Rap music from K97 is blaring on a radio, a couple of people are training in the ring, and Jermain Taylor is sitting on a stool, dead silent, watching as the tape is cut from his hands following another two-hour workout.

This is happening at the Memphis Police Gym on Hollywood, next to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. In a corner, Taylor's trainer, Pat Burns, is running through the recent history of dynamic American boxers, bouncing from one generation to the next.

"After Sugar Ray Leonard came a guy named Oscar De La Hoya," Burns said. "And now the next guy is Jermain Taylor."

On cue, Taylor looked up.

" Jermain Taylor," he said. "That's me."

A year ago, that clarification may have been necessary. But now -- following the stunner of the year via upset of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins -- Jermain Taylor rarely needs an introduction.

He's the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. He's running on a street near you.

" Every morning at 6:30," Burns said. "We have a secret location."

A secret location in Memphis, it's worth noting. Credit -- or blame -- Hurricane Wilma for that.

When Taylor agreed to a Dec. 3 rematch with Hopkins in Las Vegas, he established camp in Miami, and things were going well. Then came Wilma. She took the electricity. All of a sudden, Team Taylor was searching for a new site, somewhere free of bad weather and close to Little Rock, yet far enough away to avoid the usual distractions that come with training in your hometown.

Memphis met the criteria.

One week in, the reviews are good.

" The traffic is a lot better here than it is in Miami," joked Ozell Nelson, Taylor's coach since the age of 13. "Memphis has been great. The people are really nice to us."

Including the people at a barber shop in town, the one Taylor visited last week. Nice, but tough.

In the African-American community, barber shops remain sacred. They are the one place where egos are checked at the door. If you are great, they'll let you know. But don't expect to impress anybody with belts alone. Because if the men inside don't believe you deserve them, they'll tell you, and to your face.

So, Jermain, what did they tell you?

" Same thing as everybody else," Taylor answered. "They told me, 'You fought a good fight, man. But dang, it was close!'"

This, by the way, is not something Taylor (24-0) disputes. He believes he won the first fight with Hopkins (46-3-1), and that two of three judges scored it correctly. But there are many who disagree, and Taylor can at least see why.

He's watched the replay of his July performance, the one that dealt Hopkins his first loss in more than 12 years. In it, Taylor saw what everybody else saw, how he dominated early, faded late and held on just enough to take a controversial split decision.

Meanwhile, he gained confidence with every punch to the head.

" I realized he can't knock me out," Taylor said. "In the ninth, 10th or even the 11th, he should've knocked me out. If he was going to knock me out, he should've done it then. But he does not have the strength to knock me out. He showed that. So now I know, and I'm giving him no respect this time. I know he doesn't have any power. So I'm going in there to take care of business and win convincingly."

And after that?

" Hopefully I can come back and do something here," Taylor answered. "Memphis is great."

Boxing Judge Passes Away (11-9-05)
Submitted by: Alan Lovell - Tennessee Boxing Advisory Board

The Mid-South boxing community lost a world class boxing official, early sunday morning (11-6-05). It saddens us to announce that " Mr.Joey Hadley Sr. has passed away. We would like for the many friends and boxing acquaintances to remember his family in all of our thoughts and prayers at this time. Mr. Hadley was affiliated with boxing for more than fiftty years. For the past three decades, Mr. Hadley served as boxing judge at the New Daisy on Beale as well as the old Holiday Inn Rivermark. Prior to judging, Hadley served in the capacity of, boxer, trainer, official, adviser, and volunteer. Mr. Joey Hadley will best be remembered as the coach and trainer of his son Joey Hadley Jr. for helping him to the top of amateurs and a invitation to the Mecca of all boxing gyms in the Catskills mountains of up state NY to be instructed by the late great Cus D'Amato. We here at the New Dasiy will never forget Mr. Hadley. His presence there was always certain and now there will be a unfillable empty chair. A piece of us will be missing without him.

Mr. Hadlley was a retired deputy from the Shelby County Sheriff's Dept. and a WWII Army Air Corp. Veteran. He is survived by a daughter; Evelyn Hadley of Memphis and a son; Joey Hadley of Atoka, TN. There are six grandchildren and three 3 great-grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Hadley will be held at Family Funeral Care on Wednesday, November 9, 2005, 2pm. Burial to follow at Memphis Memory Gardens. Family Funeral Care 901-761-8000

"This was a good thing to come to Dexter and the Eagles Aerie #4062 was proud to be a part of it.",stated Barry Blevins, Vice President of the Eagles Aerie #4062.

Fight Night at the Eagles in Dexter! (10-6-05)
Fans get what they came for!
Eagle's Arie #4062 - Dexter, MO - 10/29/05
Submitted by Brad Wick – Mississippi County Boxing

Fight night at the Eagles Aerie #4062 ended with all the fans wanting to know when it was going to come back. About 200 fans filled the venue for the fights Saturday night and everyone was patient as they waited for the first bell to kick off for the evening.

Starting the evening in the 60lb. weight class was Tyler "Lil' Dynamite" Latamondeer of Mississippi County Boxing going up against Armondo Reeves of Jefferson City Boxing. Reeves, looking a little bit like he should be in the 80lb. weight class, went toe to toe with Latamondeer throwing allot of punches. Latamondeer hung in there with the bigger more active fighter and forced the fight to a decision, with Reeves coming away with the decision.

In what appeared to be one of the most exciting match ups of the evening. Billy Mace of Mississippi County Boxing went into the ring against Tucker Davis of the KO Fight Gym in the 70lb weight class.

"Billy has really stepped up his game lately in training and turning some heads in the gym when he spars, I just wanted to see if he could do it when it really counted, in competition..", stated Coach Wick about Mace.

The first round bell rang and they both met at the center of the ring throwing punches, with Mace taking the lead on the points early by catching and stunning Davis early in the round. At the end of the first the crowd was on their feet cheering, this fight really got everyone fired up.

The second round started and basically was like the first round with Mace controlling the round, backing his opponent up with every flurry of punches he was throwing. Davis was hanging in there very well, catching Mace every once in a while with a great counter punch, forcing Mace to back up.

Going into the third round Mace started catching Davis with some very good combinations forcing a few eight counts with the Referee stopping the action in the third round, giving Mace the win by TKO.

Kaleb Johnson of the KO Fight Gym went up against David Miller of Jefferson City Boxing in the 115lb. weight class match up. Johnson went in strong with his opponent, throwing good hard jabs and catching Miller with some good combinations taking him all three rounds. Miller ended up winning by Decision over Johnson.

" Kaleb needed one thing to let him know he could box and that was a confidence builder, win or lose, he went in there did his job. I am proud of him, he looked good!!", stated Marquis Adams, Coach for KO Fight Gym.

Kenny Williams of the KO Fight Gym went in to action against Kevin Nichelson from Hannibal Boxing in the 120lb weight division, with Williams winning by TKO in the first round after catching Nichelson with a hard body shot that sent him to the canvas.

The Mississippi County Boxing team in the ring posing for fans.

Roger Achter of the Mississippi County Boxing Gym matched up with Austin Flores from the KO Fight Gym in the 155lb. weight class. This was a great match up with these two fighters and they showed it for three exciting rounds.

At the start of the fight Achter appeared to have control by coming out and landing some good combinations on Flores. Flores would answer with some of his own as they would exchange throughout the round. By time the third round came up, both fighters appeared to be a little tired from all of the action they had produced. Achter won the match by decision.

James Dickson from the Mississippi County Boxing Gym stepped into the ring against Joe Federer of the Fiore's Boxing Gym. This was a very exciting match between these two fighters. They both threw good hard jabs and would finish off with good combinations and both looked good in the ring. Dickson seemed to have most of the control throughout the match and landed more of the power punches against Federer. Dickson caught Federer in the third round with a flurry of punches giving Federer an eight count sealing the win for Dickson by decision.

In the only four round match up for the evening, Matt "The Man" Gephart of the Mississippi County Boxing Gym stepped in against Adam Johnson from the Hannibal Boxing Gym for a 178lb match up that was slated to be one of the most exciting match ups of the evening. Gephart and Johnson have meet in the ring before with Johnson winning the first two of the meetings.

The first round started with some good exchanges and jab work from both fighters, Gephart making sure that he respected the power that Johnson had would stick and move and set up for his combinations on the inside when he was able. Johnson was not making it easy for Gephart. Towards the end of the first round Gephart caught Johnson with a stunning combination causing an eight count for Johnson and leaving him a little dazed for the rest of the round. Gephart appeared to have control of the fight at this time.

Coming into the second round, Gephart started becoming a little more aggressive with Johnson causing another eight count, with Johnson wanting to continue. Gephart stepped it with a fast and hard combination that caused the referee to step in and stop the action giving Gephart the win by TKO in the second round.

"I had him hurt and could have finished him, but, I just couldn't take chances, he still has good power and can counter with good speed.", stated Gephart about his match, "He is a good friend and I respect everything about him, I wanted the win, I didn't need to knock him out.", he also stated about Johnson.

The eighth bout for the evening, a 155lb. weight class match up, Teddy Kealen of the Hannibal Boxing Gym was stopped in the first round by Jeremy Bappert of Jefferson City Boxing. Bappert stopped Kealen in the first round, giving him the win by KO.

Mike Warren from the Mississippi County Boxing Team stepped in against Desmond McDowell from the KO Fight Gym in the 132lb weight class match up. The action in this bout went on for three rounds as both fighters were exchanging throughout the whole fight. Mcdowell was ahead at the end of the second and going into the third Mcdowell showed some fatigue from the first two rounds as Warren tried to capitalize he just could not get enough in on McDowell by the end. Mcdowell won by decision in the match.

In the Heavyweight division came Chris "Hands of Stone" Gephart of the Mississippi County Boxing Gym going up against Robert Warren from the Jefferson City Boxing Gym. This was a match that allot of the crowd had been waiting for.

Going into the first round Gephart started by establishing his jab against Warren, landing some good combinations during the round. later in the first round Gephart caught Warren with a stunning shot that caused an eight count. Gephart was clearly ahead on the cards.

The second round started with Warren trying to establish himself, but causing him to get caught on the inside with a hard upper cut thrown by Gephart. Warren's legs appeared to be a little shaky as he worked around the ring trying to avoid shots by Gephart to survive the round. Before the round was over, Gephart set up for a combination causing Warren to back up against the ropes, a Little shaken by the end of the second, Warren made it to the corner to get ready for the third.

Coming into the third round, Gephart and Warren appeared to be a little fatigued from the previous rounds. Warren caught Gephart early with a body shot that appeared to effect him, following it up with a good four punch combination landing clean on Gephart. Gephart backed Warren up with a barrage of straight punches that landed clean and appeared to really effect Warren's movement. This match came down to the end with both fighters giving it their all and the crowd loved every minute of it as they were on their feet screaming and cheering for both fighters in the ring.

Gephart won by unanimous decision over Warren.

"It wasn't the cleanest fight Chris has had, I would like to see some of the stuff get worked out, but, we'll take the win and get back to the Gym, we have allot of work to do to get ready for our next fight.", Coach Wick stated about Gephart, "I am proud of this kid, he listens well in the corner and does his job. He has a great future ahead of him as long as he keeps doing that.", Coach Wick also stated.

All in all, this was a very exciting show for all the fans to enjoy. The fighters love crowds like this, they just didn't cheer for their hometown favorites, they cheered for all the fighters in the ring. Not one person left disappointed, everyone had a great time.

"This was a good thing to come to Dexter and the Eagles Aerie #4062 was proud to be a part of it.", stated Barry Blevins, Vice President of the Eagles Aerie #4062.

"I was very impressed with the evening and the fans that came out to watch, I was swarmed by fans after the fights were done and getting allot of compliments on the show. I really am proud that I hooked up with the Dexter Eagles on this show, it really turned out for both of us to be a good thing." Stated Coach Wick about the show.

Mississippi County Boxing will now get back to the gym to start getting ready for more tune ups to prepare for the Golden Gloves coming up after the first of the year. If interested in Boxing or becoming a sponsor of the Gym, contact Brad Wick at 573-624-1688 or 573-380-0383 for more information.

Chapman KOs Johnson, Carlo Next! (10-24-05)
From Fightnews.com

Michael Moorer-trained heavyweight puncher JD “The Natural” Chapman continued to roll last night at the Pope County Fairgrounds in Russellville, Arkansas. Fighting in the co-main event, Chapman scored a first-round knockout over 40-fight veteran Ron Johnson. The victory moves Chapman’s record to an impressive 17-0 with 16 KOs. “Michael has JD improving every fight,” said happy manager Scott Hirsch. “For a kid as young and inexperienced as JD to have the knowledge and wisdom of a Michael Moorer in his corner is irreplaceable. We’re going to step him up in his next fight. He is scheduled to face once-beaten New Yorker John Carlo, 14-1 (12 KOs), November 19 in Arkansas.”

Wiggins to face WBC #1 Otis Grant! (10-21-05)

WBC number one ranked Otis Grant is now scheduled to fight Covington, TN's Donnell Wiggins next Saturday (10/29) at the Lac Leamy Casino in Gatineau Quebec. Wiggins was chosen to replace the injured Cristian Sanavia.

Moorer trains Ark. Heavy prospect Chapman 16-0! (10-21-05)October 21, 2005
By Andre Courtemanche

Perhaps this partnership between a former heavyweight champion turned trainer, his 22-year-old heavy-handed pupil and the astute manager who brought them together, will someday be made into a movie.
The main story, how a successful businessman looking to get involved in the fight game stumbled upon a raw but naturally gifted heavyweight and proceeded to secure the services of a recently retired former undisputed heavyweight king to be his trainer, is woven with several sub-plots.
Will the new trainer stay a trainer or will the temptation to reenter the ring prove too great? Can he take this raw, albeit huge, piece of clay and mold him into a king? Does the young man have the determination and drive it takes to make it?
This is kind of like a Cinderella story,” admits undefeated Arkansas heavyweight prospect JD “The Natural” Chapman, 16-0 (15 KOs). “I come from nowhere and hook-up with a world-class manager and trainer. They picked me straight out of the hay field and now I’m in the ring with former world champions. I got lucky to be given this opportunity, it’s almost surreal.”
It was earlier this summer that Florida businessman Scott Hirsch was turned onto Chapman by Arkansas promoter Stacy Goodson. “I had always been a boxing fan and I finally decided to go for my dream and get involved in managing a while ago,” explains Hirsch. “I already work with (former linear heavyweight champion and current top contender) Shannon Briggs and formerly worked with Mitch “Blood” Green. I happened to run into Stacy and he mentioned that he had a young kid fighting on his club circuit who was bowling guys over as fast as he could set up the fights. He asked me if I would consider managing him. So I flew JD down to Florida and had Shannon work with him and evaluate him. When he was finished, I asked Shannon, ‘so what did you think?’ Shannon said ‘he’s got talent.’ I said ‘like a Minto or Maddalone-level talent?’ And Shannon said ‘No. He’s got real talent.’
Once the two came to terms, the first order of business was to find the right trainer to bring out the best in the young slugger.
Enter one-time Light Heavyweight and three-time Heavyweight World Champion Michael Moorer.
Recently retired from boxing (during a live broadcast of ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights), Moorer says in Chapman he saw the chance to quickly establish himself as a top trainer. “I’m new to training,” he explains, “but I’ve had such excellent trainers in my career to learn from. I wanted to display my talent as a trainer by working with a green guy and developing him into a prospect.”
Moorer says Chapman is the perfect first assignment for him to take on. “He listens and he’s willing to try anything. That’s what I really like about him. He does whatever I ask him to do because he knows I’m looking out for his best interests. He already has skills, but I want to enhance them so that once he gets established in the heavyweight division and starts fighting better opponents, he’ll be ready. He has an excellent work ethic,” Moorer adds. “He has a strength and conditioning coach that he lifts weights and runs with everyday. He’s doing things the right way.”
Chapman returns the good sentiment and says Moorer is the perfect trainer for his personality and background. “He’ll make me the best I can be. Traditionally, you think of a trainer as someone in your face and yelling, but he’s a different. I like that he stays calm, which keeps me calm, so we can work better that way. I’ve never had a coach take time like he does. If I don’t understand, he’ll take time and show me the right way to do something. I came from competing in Toughman, so with no amateur boxing background, I have to go through and learn the fundamentals properly. Right now, I would say I’m at 50% of my full potential. I still have a lot to learn. I’ve got real heavy hands, a hard right hand. Nobody has stood up to it yet. And I have a lot of potential. I’m 6’ 6”, 250 lbs, and my body isn’t even fully grown yet, but I’m quick. I also have the heart and dedication; I just need the know-how. Time is the only thing keeping me from the top.”
“ Normally you don’t think of an undefeated fighter with fifteen knockouts in sixteen fights as a ‘diamond in the rough,’ or ‘raw,’ says Hirsch, “but JD has relied on the power he was born with to this point. That’s why we call him The Natural. He’s got such pulverizing fists that he can mow down the types of guys you face on your way up. But the reason I decided I wanted to work with him is, in addition to the natural talents he has, he’s also a tireless student in the gym. To watch him work with Michael, you see a kid listening to every word, so that he’ll reach his dreams. The two of them believe in each other’s potential and they’re making it work together.”
Moorer says that rumors of his on again/off again comeback are baseless – he is a trainer to stay from here out. “I’m never coming back again. I’m done. I’ve already done it all,” he declares. “Training is coming naturally to me. I like it. I like to teach the fundamentals and basics, so that when its’ time to step it up they know how to do it.”
And so begins what could end up a classic story of a young man reaching his dreams, of a retired fighter finding all-new glory as a trainer, and of a businessman and lifelong boxing fan using his savvy to make it all happen.
However, the happy ending they hope for cannot be written with a pen. It can only be written with hard work, sweat and true belief in each other.

A cold room, leaking roof and makeshift training stations...
did not discourage Brad Wicks determination to offer an alternative to crime for young boys in Southeastern Missouri.
JD Meredith - MemphisBoxing.com (10-12-05)

Brad Wick, husband and father of three, landed in Southeast Missouri in 2003. He was discharged from the Army in 1992, and then relocated to Northwest Florida where he met his Wife, Lisa. After nine years in Florida and three years in the Memphis area, the Wick Family moved to East Prairie, Missouri after his wife accepted a job with a local business there. It was here in a small community of 3500 people that Wick began to focus on a dream that had developed over recent years.

"I felt I needed to find a way to help these kids stay out of trouble and a way to give something back as a member of the community."

Wick received his love for the sport of boxing through inspiration from his father. He trained in Manistee, MI, at Manistee Boxing Club under the instruction of Richard Guillien in the 80's and had a short amateur career as well. A hand injury, which occurred outside the ring, cut his boxing career short. But his love remained and eventually this dedication to the sport evolved into a dream to open his own gym.

While adjusting to life in East Prairie, Wick would hear stories of street fights involving local kids and teens. He encountered many young boys and teens working community service and would ask them what they were in trouble for. Most would respond that they were there because their involvement in street fighting. At this point Wick felt his dream knocking inside of him. Wicks says, "I felt I needed to find a way to help these kids stay out of trouble and a way to give something back as a member of the community."

"Overall, I feel this gym has helped some kids out and gave them a different outlook on life, whether it has to do with boxing or not. They have learned alot and the same goes for myself. I have no major background in the sport, no pro career for them to look up to, just someone who loves the sport as much as they do and is willing to take the time to get them involved with it. As long as I have a fighter in the gym that wants to train, I will train them. This will keep me active in the sport and keep the hopes that one day there might be a champion to come out of this community." – Brad Wick

After investigation, research and support from Dr. Martha Black and Lester Gillespie, Wick began to hear a heart beat for his new gym as he stood in the building that would soon house Mississippi County Boxing. The building was old. It's roof leaked and the air bit with cold during the winter from lack of heat. But Wick was able to overlook these inconveniences. "Getting started was hard enough," says Wick, "being picky about donated building space was the least on my mind, I just wanted to get this thing going."

It was May 2004 when Wick, using money he received through a loan made with his wife, bought the basic gear needed to start training. On top of that, every month he would take his VA Check and buy more gear through Ebay, Ringside and Title/Everlast monthly specials. With the help of his first student, Matt, a 15 year old that was serving community service for fighting, Wick was able to put up all of the homemade speed bag platforms and racks he had made for double ends and heavy bags. Mississippi County Boxing had just opened its doors.

"Through small donations made by some of the local businesses we were able to travel..., though sometimes it would only be one fight a month and sometimes three to four a month. It all depended on how our account looked at that time."

The gym was a far cry from what he would've liked it to be, but it was "his" gym. He had gotten the big wheels of his dream rolling and he was providing the opportunity to any kid that wanted, to walk in and learn something other than crime. He charged nothing for the training and received nothing in return, short of personal satisfaction. "I was not out to make a buck, I was out to enjoy the sport and to teach how the sport could be enjoyed. If a kid from my gym went pro, I was happy for them, for this I knew I helped one get started in a career that could change his/her life," says Brad Wick.

Of the many expenses Mississippi County Boxing faces, add to the list, traveling expenses. With travel a prerequisite for getting his fighters experience and with no facility capable of hosting boxing events for his fighters, Wick and his fighters commuted two and a half hours to face their nearest competition. "Through small donations made by some of the local businesses we were able to travel..., though sometimes it would only be one fight a month and sometimes three to four a month. It all depended on how our account looked at that time.", says Wick. Soon Mississippi County Boxing would be known as one of the most traveled teams in the state.

A year an a half later, you'll find Head Coach Brad Wick at Mississippi County Boxing three times a week from 5pm until the last kid walks out the door. Hard at work. Regularly training up to 25 fighters (Most are amateur with a few pro's in the mix). Wick has to divide his time among all who train due to a lack of assistant coaches. He travels over 800 miles a month to make sure that the doors to the gym are open for his kids to train. "I continue Coaching and the kids continue coming in for training," Wick says.

"We would have everyone stand around the kids that were sparring to make sure no one got knocked into the wall."

One of Mississippi County Boxing's goals is to purchase things needed to host their own events more frequently. When Mississippi County Boxing first began letting guys spar, all they were able to do was spar in an open carpeted space of the gym. Wick says, "We would have everyone stand around the kids that were sparring to make sure no one got knocked into the wall." Currently, Mississippi County Boxing borrows a ring from his good friend and former coach James "Red" Moore. Wick says of Moore, "He is very good to us and our needs when it comes to borrowing his ring." Lyle Hoskins of Hannibal Boxing Gym (Hannibal, MO) loans competition gloves to Wick for his fighters to use for events.

Donations as of late have been depleted due to high prices for fuel and equipment replacement costs. This year Mississippi County Boxing had to miss a few of the major tournaments they wanted to compete in because of funding shortages. For example, the Ringside Tournament in Kansas City sponsored by John Brown at Ringside, The Golden Gloves Tournament this past year and also the United States Qualifying Tourney in Colorado. Wick mentions that he hates that his kids cant make these tournaments, but we step back and look at it and say, "Maybe next time, this just gives us more training time to prepare."

October 29, 2005, at the Eagles Aerie #4062 in Dexter, MO, Mississippi County Boxing will put on a fundraiser event to raise money to fund their trip to the Golden Gloves and other Tournaments for 2006. Additionally, Wick hopes to raise enough at this event to purchase some of the things they really need for the gym.

Mississippi County Boxing has no full time sponsor and is interested in any type of sponsorship. This is a great opportunity to help with the success of their gym. If interested in providing sponsorship or support to Mississippi County Boxing you can contact Brad Wick at (573)624-1688 or (573)380-0383. Email Mississippi County Boxing here. Regularly updated team photos can be seen at http://capone357-mississippicountyboxinghomeshow.buzznet.com/user/

Peterson brothers will soon move past Small casino fights!
Brother Combination Invades World Rankings! (10-12-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

SOUTHAVEN, MS The WBC’s new rankings are out and there is a pair of fighting brothers who are making their debut. Anthony and Lamont Peterson of Washington D.C. are being recognized after accelerating up the charts this year. Lamont, featured on ESPN2 twice this year debuts at number 37 in the Light Welterweight class. Anthony, one year younger makes his debut at number 36 in the Lightweight rankings. The brothers are beginning to garner national attention for their boxing ability. Both Anthony and Lamont were finalist at the United States Olympic Trials this past year and both made their professional debuts on the Roy Jones Jr. vs Glen Johnson under card in September of ’04. Anthnoy, 13-0, and Lamont, 14-0, have been about as busy as young fighters can be since their debuts. They are a combined 27-0 after only 13 months as professionals. Not only are Anthony and Lamont maybe the best kept secret in the business today, there trainer, mentor and father figure Barry Hunter may be as well. The Peterson brothers have been under the tutelage of Hunter since they began boxing. Coming from an impoverished back ground on the streets of D.C. the Petersons turned to boxing to have a chance at a future. Through Barry’s guidance and love they were able to ward off the demons of the streets and become two of the hottest prospects in the boxing world today. Often there have been brother acts in professional sports, but rarely is each brother of equal skill level and talent. “It is tough to say who will be a champion first,” said Brian Young of Prize Fight boxing. “Each of them excites me with there ability and dedication to the sport. I have never met two more dedicated and focused kids in my life. They know what they want and they will let nothing or no one stand in there way,” Young also said. “Anthony and Lamont are surrounded by the right people. They have a manager in Shelly Finkel who has a long history of working with the best boxers in the business. A trainer and mentor in Barry Hunter who I believe is the best young trainer in the country today. And a promotional team like Prize Fight who is focused on making Anthony and Lamont world champions for a very long time. I expect 2006 to be a banner year for the best brother combination this sport has ever seen,” Young said. Anthony fights next on October 15th at the Isle of Capri in Lula, MS. Lamont’s next battle is set tentatively for December 2, 2005. For more information on Anthony and Lamont Peterson call 662-349-6263.

Fawl Brawl! (10-6-05)
Presented by Prize Fight Boxing
Isle of Capri - Lula, Mississippi - 10/15/05
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

SOUTHAVEN, MS The card for FAWL BRAWL II at the Isle Of Capri in Lula, MS is finally complete. A surprise on the card is a grudge rematch between DeAndrey Abron 5-0 (4 KO’s) and James Johnson. Abron and Johnson met this past September and the fight was stopped due to a cut by Johnson’s corner. “He knew I was about to stop him. This time I will finish him early,” an upset Johnson said. “I got tired of him parading around like he was the future of the division. Come October 15th I will stop him in his tracks. He may never fight again,” Johnson also said.

“He knew I was about to stop him. This time I will finish him early...” – James Johnson about DeAndrey Abron

“He is a mad and dirty fighter. I feel sorry for him. He tried to take our last fight to the streets and realized real quick that I feel at home in the streets,” Abron said. “If he could fight near as good as he could talk he would be somewhere by now.

“If he could fight near as good as he could talk
he would be somewhere by now." – DeAndrey Abron of Johnson

The talking will be over next week. I will stop him early!” Also, KO artist Ty Barnett will display his one punch power against Steve Verdin in a six round Lightweight battle. The highly touted Anthony Peterson 13-0 (10 KO’s) will be on display again as he goes to war with Roy Bohannon 12-3 (7 KO’s) from Nashville, TN. “This is shaping up to be one of our best casino cards ever,” Nate Yoder of Prize Fight Boxing stated. “The main event between Alonzo Butler and Andrew Greeley for the Mid South Heavyweight Title is sure to be electric,” Yoder also said. “These shows are a tremendous opportunity for the Mid-South to view future world champions for a decent price. In my opinion there are at least 3 future world champions on this card if not more,” said Yoder. The main even between Alonzo Butler and Andrew Greeley is sure to be an intriguing match up.

“These shows are a tremendous opportunity for the Mid-South to view future world champions for a decent price. In my opinion there are at least 3 future world champions on this card if not more.” – Nate Yoder - Prize Fight Boxing

Alonzo Butler is on his way up and understands the tough obstacle in his path is Andrew Greeley. “I am coming to destroy Andrew Greeley because it is my job. He stands in the way of my destiny and that is a shot at the big dogs,” a confident Butler said. “Alonzo has never fought anyone of my caliber. His over confidence is going to find him tasting the canvas early and often. His prospect days are over,” said an annoyed Greeley. The six bout card is promoted by Prize Fight Boxing in association with the Isle of Capri, Miller Lite, New York Suit Exchange and the DeSoto Athletic Club.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling the Isle of Capri at 1-800-789-5825. Tickets are $20 reserved and $25 ringside. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.

Directions: FROM MEMPHIS – Take US 61 South 45 miles to US 49 and make a right. Take US 49 7 miles. Isle of Capri on right. FROM LITTLE ROCK Take I40 East 61 miles to exit 216. Take US 49 55 miles. Cross Mississippi River and the Isle of Capri is on left.

'Preacherman'-'Fabulous Fairway' Rock
on Beale street in Double Barrel Main Event! (10-4-05)
By JD Meredith at ringside

Memphis, Tn - Former Cruiser Champ Robert "Preacherman" Daniels walked the path yesterday evening, that led to a second round knockout victory over " Bonetown Brawler" Shelby Gross. Gross and Daniels exchanged power shots inside a phone booth through much of the first round. Gross threw with high energy through the round with nice, quick hands, while Daniels threw more sparingly. Mid-round the "Preacherman" delivered a message via short left hook that dropped Gross to the canvas. Gross recovered. Round two found Gross leaving holes in his guard while staying busy and Daniels filled those holes like a front end loader at a construction site. All in all Gross was on the canvas four times in this round two, however only two of those were scored as knock downs. 2:52 of round two was the official time as Robert Daniels won his 47th fight (39 by way of KO).

In the co-main event light heavyweight "Fabulous Fairway" Lafarrell Bunting of Las Vegas, NV (Birthplace: Memphis, TN) took only seconds to score a knockdown over against tough and game Karl Willis with a vicious left hook to the body. Willis had pressed the action early, forcing Bunting to back into the ropes. Bunting pressed hard into the ropes and threw a faint right hand then, as he sling-shot himself off the ropes, landed the body shot. Willis was obviously hurt but made the
count after a few deep breaths. This type of body shot you do not recover from. Willis fought hard to keep the fight inside and at a safe distance from Bunting's power shots to the body but it was only a matter of time before Willis caught a right hand to the body. Just before the bell to end round one Bunting let the air out of the bag again as he sunk Willis grimacing to his knees again. This time Willis was done. Official time was recorded as 3:10 of round one.

In other bouts heavyweight Al Green (214lbs.) won a bloody four round unanimous decision over 257lbs. Jeremy Brooks. Heavyweight Jeff Holcomb won a lackluster four rounder by unanimous decision over Danny Wofford.

Former light heavy and heavy champ Michael Moorer was attendance for theTuesday night bouts at the New Daisy.

FAWL BRAWL II, 10/15/05 – Isle of Capri – Lula, MS! (9-28-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

Prize Fight Boxing returns to The Isle of Capri for yet another exciting night of professional boxing. The card, which features six world class fights, is headlined by the Mid-South Heavyweight Title fight between Alonzo Butler and Andrew Greeley. Butler 17-0-1 (14 KO’s) from Knoxville, TN is a former University of Tennessee football star who is looking to make his mark in the world of professional boxing. The match with Greeley is pivotal in Butler’s career. A loss and Butler sinks back into a long line of contenders. A win and Butler catapults into the upper echelon of heavyweight fighters and sets his sights on the Kiltschkos and Byrds of the world. “I know how big this fight is and I am more than prepared. I am ready to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division,” a confident Butler said.

“I know how big this fight is and I am more than
prepared. I am ready to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division,”
                                                                      – alonzo Butler

Greeley 12-6 (10 KO’s) hopes Alonzo is not overlooking him, “He better quit worrying about the Kiltschkos of the world and start worrying about me!” exclaimed Greeley. “If he looks past me he will be knocked stiff October 15th…..mark my words,” a mad Greeley said. The Mid-South Heavyweight Title bout is scheduled for 8 rounds and will be the main event of the night.

“If he looks past me he will be knocked stiff October 15th…..mark my words,”
                                     – Andrew Greeley of Alonzo Butler

Also featured on this card will be Little Rock, AR heavyweight Alvin Manley 9-0 (3 KO’s) versus tough John Dixon from Gulfport, MS in a 6 round heavyweight bout. Anthony Peterson 13-0 (8 KO’s) will also make his return to Lula in an exciting lightweight affair. “This card will be action packed from the opening bell,” stated Promoter Russ Young of Prize Fight Boxing. “Don’t get up from your seat during the Butler/Greeley fight, you may miss a KO you will never forget,” Young also said.

“Don’t get up from your seat during the Butler/Greeley fight, you may miss a KO you will never forget,”
                                                                         – Russ Young

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling the Isle of Capri at 1-800-789-5825. Tickets are $20 reserved and $25 ringside. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.
Directions: FROM MEMPHIS – Take US 61 South 45 miles to US 49 and make a right. Take US 49 7 miles. Isle of Capri on right. FROM LITTLE ROCK Take I40 East 61 miles to exit 216. Take US 49 55 miles. Cross Mississippi River and the Isle of Capri is on left.

“Fight Night at the Fitz! Fight Recaps” (9-14-05)
Johnny 'Kid' Vegas at Ringside

Jr. Lightweight, Emmanuel Ford (136 lbs.) did battle with David Vasquez (127 lbs.) Round one saw Ford being the aggressor while Vasquez turned it on late in the round. The Second round saw Vasquez pick up the pace and intensity. Ford's slapping rights had no effect on Vasquez who eventually cornered Ford and proceeded to unload a few good shots. Ford managed to back out of the corner and then took a knee but no 'touchbacks' here as took Ford another knee in the second. Ford failed to answer the bell for the start of the third round. Ford either had a latent injury or simply quit, which looked like the later.

Jr. Middleweight Steve Verdin (160 lbs) blew into town from Houma Louisiana for this 6 round contest verses 'Poison' Pete Johnson (161 lbs.). 'Poison' was exactly what Verdin got as Johnson started out early in this one by working the ring from rope to rope. Verdin on the other hand seemed content fighting with his back close to the ropes and proved early on that he could take a punch from the young native of Tunica MS. It was evident from the first round that Johnson was clearly the more agile of the two. Light on his feet and well conditioned, Johnson charged into the second, landing shots to both the head and body of Verdin. Verdin seemed to have a sense of urgency in the second as he brought the fight to Johnson. Johnson's was the more selective of the two when it came to throwing his punches and combinations. Verdin, on the other hand, could be nicknamed 'Crawfish' for his as he would establish himself in the center of the ring, only to wiggle and fade back into a corner. Possibly as a ploy to lure Johnson. Unfortunately for Verdin, however, the corner is no place to be as Johnson let loose with a fury 10 seconds to into the second. After the Ford fight, it was nice to see two fighters going at it early in the fight. Both fighters traded fists and did the do-se-do around the ring. Late in the third, it appeared that Verdin got Johnson's attention with a bomb to the his head, stunning Johnson, but only for a moment as Johnson belted Verdin, drawing blood from his nose. In round four Johnson smells weakness and attacks Verdin, who was having breathing heavily. Johnson worked his way inside in the 4th and by the time the fifth rolled around, Johnson's trainer yelled for Johnson to pace himself. Johnson responded by boxing with his guard down which is something he was doing in the first, but this time, he lead with his head. Taking advantage of Johnson's new style or lack thereof, Verdin mounted an attack until he was apparently dropped by a wet area on the canvas in the red corner. Time was closing on Verdin in the 6th and he knew it. He knew he must fight to win and he staged a final attack. During his assault Verdin struck Johnson with his forearm, but Johnson shook it off like a bad suit. Johnson, fading fast as though someone zapped him of all energy, was fighting with his hands down and leading with his head despite repeated shouts from his trainer to protect his head. As Johnson continued to ignore requests from his corner to keep his hands up, Verdin dropped Johnson with a shot to the face, unfortunately the shot came just as the bell rang for the final time. Johnson faded at the end and didn't close very well at all but managed to hang on for the decision.

In a female bout Lana 'Ice' Alexander took on Memphian Christy Sepulvado. This bout was one of the more entertaining fights of the evening as 'Ice' felt the heat from Memphian Sepulvado. Sepulvado extended 'Ice' the distance in her pro debut. The fight was ruled a majority draw.

If you go to see Ty Barnett fight, don't blink. He's a 'head knocker'. Barnett dropped Anderson like a bad habit with a hard right just after the first minute. The shot was a blur, but it trailed like a hook.

Undefeated Lightweight Rayonta 'Sting Ray" Whitfield took little time to dispense of Carlos Zambrano winning by TKO at 1:42 in round two. The stoppage was called by referee Randy Hammons and looked to be a wee bit too early. Granted Zambrano was on the ropes getting pelted by Whitfield, however, Zambrano still had his guard up and looked to be in good shape defending. In defense of the ref, Zambrano was not fighting back at the time. However, it appeared difficult for Zambrano to mount any offense at that particular time as Whitfield was showering his melon with a steady barrage of punches. Bottom line is that although it may have only been a matter of time, the ref was a bit quick on the trigger and it cost Zambrano early.

Light Heavyweight DeAndre Abron started his bout against 'Gentleman' James Johnson with a bang as he landed a big shot which he followed with several more to feel out the 'Gentleman'. Both fighters boxed aggressively and both appeared eager to mix it up which was even more apparent during the second when a brawl broke out. Both fighters hurled punchs and insults as they ignored any instruction from the referee. The result of the scrap was that Johnson received either a head but or elbow that opened up a gash above his left eye. This gapping wound ultimately led to his corner to throw in the towel before Johnson could answer the call of the bell for round 3.

In a rather anti-climatic end to a good night of fights, Leon Bobo was victorious over Carlos Valdez and claimed the Mid-South Jr. Lightweight Championship. Both fighters fought with respect for one another, almost too much respect as they danced and clinched through the majority of the fight. Both fighters were warned on several occasions about clinching and fighting in clinch. Overall, it was a good fight, slow and almost cautious at times. Both fighters did in their minds what they thought they had to do to win the fight, with Bobo coming out victorious.
Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for upcoming fight information. If you have information about an upcoming fight click on the "Submit News" link in the top left corner of a MemphisBoxing.com web page and tell us about it.

“Prize Fight Reaches out to Katrina Victoms” (9/10/05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

SOUTHAVEN, MS – Many people and organizations across the country have opened their hearts and their homes to support and aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina has affected most people in some way shape or form. Katrina’s effect on the boxing business may have been felt the most by Prize Fight Promotions based in Southaven, MS. “We have very strong personal ties and professional ties with many people in the business from Mobile to New Orleans,” Prize Fight’s Brian Young stated. “When Katrina hit all I could think about was our close and dear friends in the boxing business along the coast. Jimbo Stephenson, Warren Migues and all the countless people who have attended our shows for years on the gulf. I prayed for all of our partners and friends in the casino industry and advertising industry on the coast,” Young also said. Brian Young, Russ Young and Nate Yoder of Prize Fight have opened their homes, fed and donated clothes to people who were affected by the storm. The following is a brief question & answer with Brian Young as he discusses how Katrina has not only affected him and his company, but rather how it has affected millions of people and animals across the region.

Brian, thank you for joining us –

You are very welcome. Thank you for having me.

You just recently returned from Jackson, MS. What did you do in Jackson?

Well, I brought down countless amounts of food for the homeless dogs and cats that have been rescued from the gulf. As many that know me will tell you, I have a very special place in my heart for the animals. I have a house and yard full of animals myself that I have rescued and attempted to find homes for.

What effect has Katrina had on Prize Fight as a business?

I don’t think it is right to talk about the troubles Prize Fight has experienced. Prize Fight is fine. It is our partners in the business that are hurting and need our help. Casino executives who help make boxing possible on the gulf are now homeless and need our help. I implore all of my friends in the boxing business to contact the Red Cross and do what they can. I have personally been donating money and food since this has happened.

Tell us about the October 15 date “Ann versus Man”?

My brother Russ and I have not even begun to address that situation. I can assure you that if it does happen there is no way humanly possible for it to be at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

What can the boxing business do to help the gulf?

Obviously the immediate answer is send money, food and supplies. I think we all need to come together and put more thought to it though. I think we as promoters in this business have an opportunity to hit a home run for relief efforts. We need to formulate some sort of benefit night and give any and all proceeds to the relief efforts. We need boxers to fight and donate their purses to the effort. We need promoters to promote and donate their proceeds to the effort. We need a service staff to work for free and donate their time to the event so the event has little or no overhead. I am open to anyone in the business calling me and assisting me in organizing such an event. Prize Fight Promotions will continue their relief efforts until no more assistance is needed. “We are dedicated to assisting the citizens of the gulf region in any way possible,” Russ Young said. “We will be spending countless hours driving back and forth to the region assisting however we can”, Young also said.

“Fight Night At The Fitz” – 9/10/05 – Fitzgeralds Tunica! (9-7-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

The fight card will feature six exciting fights headlined by the undefeated Leon Bobo 9-0 (1 KO) battling tough nosed Carlos Valdez 10-3 (4 KO’s) for the Mid-South Jr. Lightweight Title. Bobo, from St. Louis, will meet Valdez, from Phoenix, in the eight round main event for the vacant Mid-South Title. “I have worked hard for this opportunity. This is a huge step in my career. First the Mid-South Title and then god willing many world titles to come.” said Bobo. The card, which will be televised via tape delay on UPN 30, will also feature 5 exciting undercard bouts. Rayonta Whitfield 9-0 (3 KO’s) from Augusta, GA will meet Carlos Zambrano 8-12-1 (1 KO) in an eight round Bantamweight match. The fight card will also feature an entertaining feature bout between Lana Alexander and Christy Sepulvado. The ladies will battle it out in a 4 round Lightweight war. Pete Johnson 5-4-1 (4 KO’s) will clash with Steve Verdin a veteran of over 25 fights in a six round Jr. Middleweight fight. Johnson from Tunica, MS will bring his large following to Fitzgeralds. “I love fighting at home. The excitement of the crowd energizes me. My friends and my family are close by to support me,” a proud Johnson stated. DeAndrey Abron 4-0 (3 KO’s) from Youngstown, OH will meet James Johnson 18-16-2 (11 KO’s) from Shreveport, LA in a 6 round Light Heavyweight battle. Wrapping up the exciting fight card will be the explosive Ty Barnett 4-0 (3 KO’s), who fights out of the same stable as the well known Anthony and Lamont Peterson. Barnett will meet Theodore Anderson in a 4 round lightweight match.

     “This card is sure to be explosive. Anytime we can get this many world class fighters
       in the same building there is sure to be electricity! If I was a fight fan I wouldn’t miss
       this one for the world!”– Brian Young

Tickets for the event are $30 and may be purchased by calling the Fitzgeralds gift shop at (662)-363-5825. All individuals who purchase a ticket will receive a “Free Mid- Night Buffet” courtesy of Fitzgeralds.

Crowd Boos as Anoutis announced victor over Logan! (9-6-05)
By Sean Wippert - Fightnews.com

" Mighty" Mike Arnoutis was not so “mighty” on Friday evening at the Gold Coast in Las Vegas as he scored a controversial decision over veteran Marteze Logan.
This was to be a shining moment for jr welterweight Arnoutis after a 5 1/2 month layoff due to a back injury but somebody must have forgotten to inform Logan. The 40-fight veteran - who had gone the distance with several contenders but never pulled off the upset - came out swinging. Logan remained aggressive and busy while Arnaoutis did nothing in the early rounds.
Arnaoutis seemed to wake up in the fifth round as he landed some good combinations. Logan tagged Arnaoutis with a left hook midway into the round but he failed to followup and “Mighty” Mike came back scoring.
The southpaw Arnaoutis was able to land his straight left effectively in the sixth round, as Logan seemed to fatigue. Logan came back late in the seventh and finish the round looking the better of the two. The eighth thru the tenth round had very little action from either fighter. Logan was exhausted and Arnaoutis was almost motionless.
It was a hard fight to score due to the lack of action but the vast majority of ringside observers – and the crowd – felt that Logan won due to his overall aggressiveness and willingness to fight. Arnaoutis was dull in his performance and boring to fans.
When the final bell rang the crowd was more than happy to see the conclusion but their moods immediately swung in the opposite direction when the scores were revealed. The audience booed loudly as the scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92 “all for ‘Mighty’ Mike Arnoutis” were announced.
Arnaoutis improves to 14 wins and 2 draws with 6 knockouts while a frustrated and angry Marteze Logan drops to 20 wins and 2 draws against 18 losses with 5 knockouts.
To say the Arnaoutis vs. Logan was a lackluster fight would be an understatement, but fortunately the last fight of the evening was the EXACT opposite of the main event.

Tough firefighter Antonio Wong from Tijuana, Mexico battled Alejandro Pena of Los Mochis, Sin, Mexico in an explosive lightweight matchup that was worth the price of admission by itself.
Both combatants came out and exchanged punches at a strong pace in the opening round.
They continued this pattern round after round as each fighter sought to punch a hole through his opponent. When one started to fire, the other retaliated. Wong (11-5 -17 KOs) won a split decision against Pena (12-8-0 8 KOs) in a fight that demands a rematch.
Also in action, hard-hitting Noe Bolanos came out firing some good body shots against opponent Juan Galvez in a featherweight contest scheduled for six rounds. Rib shot after rib shot took their toll on Galvez. Bolanos (8-0, 6 KOs) finished up in impressive fashion with a left-right combo that turfed Galvez (3-5) for the KO at the 2:26 mark of the 3rd round.
Super featherweight Dominic Coca (4-0, 1 KO) won a unanimous decision over Anthony Delgado (3-4-2) in an exciting fight. A combination of too much offense and a good footwork gave Coca the decision. All scorecards read 40-36.
Super featherweight Juan Garcia (6-0, 2 KOs) and Rodrigo Aranda (7-6-2, 2 KOs) both displayed excellent boxing skills but it the lethal jab attack of Garcia plus his combination punching that gave him the decision in a very entertaining bout.
Russian George Bjainia (3-0) won a workmanlike decision against Francisco Rios (2-2, 2 KOs) in a super lightweight bout.

Smith Comes back from Oblivion to decision Long!
Thanks to a cut & discression of the Referee (9-3-05)
By JD Meredith at Ringside
Photos Coming Soon!
Little Rock, AR – Saturday night at the State House Convention Center, gas prices weren't the only thing on the rise. Before his home town, Terry Smith rose with them. Smith fought Detroit's Julius Long in a 10 round heavyweight main event and this was a bout for the books. Prior to the main event all in attendance paused for a moment of silence for victims of the recent and ongoing crisis that hurricane Katrina created in her wake. Julius Long, stood at a mere seven feet, towered above Smith and you better believe that he came to get it on. Their bout was fought in very close quarters and from one side of the ring to another. The entire bout was a power struggle between the two warriors.

Rounds one and two saw both fighters testing their range and giving respect. Smith landed with power as he turned on the heat in round's three and four. In round six, Long thundered through Smith's guard with a jab and then a right hand over the top which staggered the 'Troublemaker'. Smith was hurt bad and big Julius took the opportunity to open up his guns and pounded away. Against the ropes and seconds away from tasting the canvas (most agree that the fight should have been stopped in round six due to Smith's balance, failed defense and inability to protect himself) Long cuts Smith with a right hand just over his left eye and time is called for a doctor to inspect it (the time taken to get the doctor to the ring and inspect the cut allowed Smith to regain his bearings). Smith somehow made it through round six. Using Long's height to his advantage, Smith would get inside and lean on the giant to conserve energy. Long's only method of conserving energy was to lean on the ropes, from which he countered Smith's attacks with long upper cuts and overhand rights. Believe it or not Long's jab was not as much a factor in the fight as you might estimate. He didn't throw them with frequency but when he threw them they landed with piston-like force. Long turned it on again in the seventh. Cornering the wounded Smith. With a great a great counter Smith then turned the table and backed Long up into the ropes. Julius was content to fight from the ropes, as he countered very well from that position. Rounds seven through ten were filled with pure excitement as both fighters dug deep down to find the steam and grit that they would need to get through round ten. At the toll of the final bell (or in this case, electronic tone, similar to that used in amateur boxing) sounded, no one person was left sitting. Everyone was on their feet cheering for an amazing fight in which Julius Long and Terry Smith had just revealed 39 minutes of their heart, sweat, and blood. Smith was fortunate to have lasted the ten rounds and because he did, he won the judges over and won the war by a very close unanimous decision.

After the fight MemphisBoxing.com caught up with Long who said that he was surprised that the referee had not stepped in during round six to stop the fight while Long battered away at a dazed Smith. Long also said that he was not hurt in the fight but simply rolled with the punches (as Long was hit hard he faded with the punches, stumbling back to absorb the blows which made it appear that Long was hurt.)

Stay tuned for more on the under-card bouts.

Smith–Long in 'Rumble at the Rock' Tonight 9/2! (8-17-05)

Little Rock Arkansas - Tonight, ESPN2's Friday Night Fights will air its last edition of 2005 from the Statehouse Convention Center and MemphisBoxing.com will be there to cover the action. The Main Event features a match-up of height vs heart. Standing a colossal seven feet in the air is Julius Long, Long has compiled a 14-6 record by wading through fighters seeking contender status. Although, Julius will tower above hometown favorite and rising heavyweight Terry Smith, he will still have big problem in front of him. Not wanting to go over him, but through him. Little Rock's Smith will be fighting in his 27th fight as a pro and has only tasted defeat on one occasion That loss, a ten round unanimous decision, was at the hands of now top 10 heavyweight contender of the world (IBF, WBO), Calvin Brock. In other action Lamont and Anthony Peterson will be fighting on the under card searching for some competition to keep their skills sharp. In recent fights each of the Petersons have been well superior to their opponents. These bouts should be battles and MemphisBoxing.com will bring you coverage and photos after the fight!

UPN30 to Rebroadcast Wolfe-Mahfood "Trilogy” bout! (8-25-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

SOUTHAVEN, MS – UPN 30 Memphis will rebroadcast last weekend’s exciting Prize Fight Promotions card in Biloxi, MS. “Trilogy”, Ann Wolfe vs. Valerie Mahfood III was the main event of the card. Ann , who recently announced that she was going to be fighting the first ever sanctioned bout pitting a man versus a woman on October 15th in Biloxi as she squares off against Bo Skipper, battles Valerie in the rubber match of their series. Valerie is the only person to ever defeat Ann when she stopped her five years ago by KO. Subsequently Ann returned the favor by dominating Valerie in a 10 round feature bout in August of ’03 on the Laila Ali vs. Christy Martin under card in Biloxi. Also fighting on the card were Lamont and Anthony Peterson, Pete Johnson and many others.

D. Logan Succumbs to Santana in NYC! (8-26-05)
Last night local Memphis fighter Donnell Logan (8-5-1, 4 KOs) took on rising junior welterweight Edgar Santana at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom in New York City. Santana (15-2, 10 KOs) put Logan on the seat of his pants twice in round two on his way to a second round TKO.

Thursday, 8/25/05 ESPN2 FNF Rolls Into The Rock! (8-25-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

SOUTHAVEN, MS - ESPN2 Friday night fights closes out an exceptional season of boxing on ESPN in Little Rock, AR as Prize Fight Boxing in association with Blake Murchison Productions and the Little Rock CVB host “Rumble At The Rock” on September 2, 2005 at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. The event will be headlined by a heavyweight bout that is sure to propel the winner closer towards a title shot. Little Rock’s own Terry Smith 24-1-1 (16 KO’s) will do battle with Detroit, Julius Long 14-6 (12 KO’s) in a ten round heavyweight min event. Smith’s only loss is to the undefeated Calvin Brock is considered by many to be a top heavyweight in the world today. Long, seven foot tall, and the brother of former NBA star Grant Long looks to get his career back on track. “This should be an interesting match up,” said Russ Young of Prize Fight boxing. “You have such a difference in size and weight. Terry will be punching up at big Julius all night.

This should be very intriguing to see how these two styles match.” Young also said. Expected to be in attendance is the Undisputed Middleweight King of the World Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor from Little Rock, AR. Taylor will be in appearance just months after defeating Bernard Hopkins for the undisputed crown. The feature bout of the night will showcase the second appearance in a little more than a month of the up and coming Jr. Welterweight prospect Lamont Peterson 13-0 (6 KO’s). Peterson will be duel Lamar Murphy 29-10-1 (20 KO’s) hailing from Miami, FL. Murphy, the former number one contender in the lightweight division will be a significant step up in level of competition for young Peterson. “We can no longer hold Lamont back, he is too good,” stated Brian Young of Prize Fight. “This is a tough match up for Lamont, but he has to defeat the Lamar Murphy’s to establish himself as a top flight contender,” Young also added. Lamont fought the main event on ESPN2’s Tuesday night fights this past July 19th at the Isle of Capri in Lula, MS as he thoroughly dominated Miguel Torresillas for eight rounds to win a unanimous decision. Also on the undercard is heavyweight Alvin Manley 9-0-1 (3 KO’s) form Little Rock, AR, light heavyweight Ray Smith 1-0 (1 KO) from Little Rock, AR, middleweight Pete Johnson 5-4-1 (3 KO’s) from Tunica, MS and many other exciting fighters. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the first bout will begin at 8:00 PM. The ESPN2 broadcast will be from 9-11 CST. Tickets are $20, $25 and $50 and are available through all ticketmaster locations.

Nickel unable to Capture Vacant IBA Title! (8-22-05)
Cravens Etches out Ecsh...Again!

Capital Gym, Bejing, China – Southaven, MS, female boxer, Cristy Nickel was unable to capture the vacant IBA Light Middleweight Title over Kim Connors (Memphisboxing.com incorrectly reported that Miriam Brakache defeated Nickel as she was originally slated to face Nickel), in her first title bid. It was Nickel's first 10 rounder as well. Nickel's last victory was a split decision over Brakache at Fitzgerald's Casino in Tunica, MS (1/22/05). This was NIckel's second consecutive heartbreaking loss to Connors.

In Heavyweight action, Eric "Butterbean" Esch" tried to topple, Ellisville, MS's, Kenny Craven in a rematch but was once again handed a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Craven. All three judges saw the bout 39-37 for Cravens. Butterbean and Cravens fought in May '05 at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, MS where Cravens was the victor by majority decision.

Saturday night at the Isle of Capri Casino, Biloxi, MS, (8/20) Light Heavyweight Ann Wolfe (22-1, 15 KO's) captured the IBA Light Heavyweight Title via ten round unanimous decision over Valerie Mahfood (19-10-1, 9 KO's). Wolfe controled the fight with jabs like the one pictured. (8-22-05) Photo Courtesy of Scott Foster - Fightnews.com

"Code Red" in China! (8-19-05)

Cristy Nickel (7-3, 4 KO's - Southaven, MS) has fought solely inside 100 miles of Memphis, Tn throughout her young boxing career.On August 20th however, Nickel will breakout of the MId-South and cross borders to fight Miriam Brakache (2-2, 1 KO - Atlanta, GA) in a far away land. The land – China. The city – Bejing. Nickel and Brakache will be facing each other for the Vacant IBA Women's Light MIddleweight Title at the Capital Gym. Not being sure of what Miriam Brakache's trademark is, if she has one, but most likeley Nickel will be the crowd favorite their with her flame colored spiked hair and candy stripe knee high socks. The Chinese appreciate colorful expression.

Ann Wolfe Calls out Skipper! (8-15-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

BILOXI, MS – A press conference has been called to announce one of the most monumental events in boxing history. There have been promotions in the past that have pitted males versus females in exhibition boxing matches but never one of this magnitude and professionalism. Ann “Brown Sugar” Wolfe 21-1 (15 KO’s), considered by many to be the most dominant female boxer in the world today, will meet Bo Skipper 11-3-2 (7 KO’s). Skipper is an accomplished boxer with considerable power from Laurel, MS. “The woman called me out! I have never hit a woman in my life, but this is different. If she wants a piece of Bo, she’ll soon find out why I am a man and she is a woman,” exclaimed a psyched Bo Skipper from his home in Laurel. “A woman can not beat a man in a professional boxing match or a bar fight. We are superior physically and I will show America that on October 15,” Skipper also said. The bout is scheduled for October 15, 2005 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS. The press conference will be held at 1:00 PM on August 22nd at the Isle of Capri in Biloxi, MS. Ann, who has long been coveting a match with Laila Ali, has no one else to battle in the women’s ranks. “It is getting to the point where Ann is beginning to double up on opponents,” stated Nate Yoder of Prize Fight Boxing.

“It is Ann’s time to shine. There are no women willing to fight Ann besides the ones Ann has already defeated, so the next logical choice is to enter the ranks of men’s professional boxing,” – Nate Yoder, Prize Fight Boxing

Yoder also said. With the recent surges of Danica Patrick and Annika Sorenstam into traditionally male dominated fields the doors have been open. For more information please use the contact information below.

Terrance Roy TKOs Dixon at :47 sec. of RD 1! (8-14-05)

Friday night at the Earthlink Live Concert Hall in Atlanta, GA, Featherweight, Terrance Roy (8-13, 1 KO) oblite