Memphis Boxing 2005 News Archives

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.

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”, 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.

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."

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.

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.

" 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.

" 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.

" 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."

" 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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) obliterated Harlem, NY's, Rudolf Dixon (4-2-1, 3 KO's) by TKO in the first stanza. The official time was :47. With this victory, Roy puts his first notch in the KO column. In the main event of the evening former Atlanta ('96) and Sydney ('00) Olympian, Eromosele Albert (11-1, 6KO's) TKO'd welterweight Rodney Freeman (5-5, 3 KO's), at :50 seconds of number 3. Albert improves to 11-1, with 6 KO's and Freeman falls to 5-5, with 3 KO's.

Freeman to fight former Olympian, Albert! (8-12-05)

Tonight in Hot-Lanta (a.k.a. Atlanta), GA, Welterweight Rodney Freeman (5-4, 3 KO's), who hails from a small community in West Tennessee by the name of Covington, TN, which grows and manages a high number of good fighters, will climb between the ropes to scrap with former Atlanta ('96) and Sydney ('00) Olympian, Eromosele Albert (10-1, 5 KO's). The fights will be held at the Earthlink Live Concert Hall and are billed as "Atlanta Night of Fights. Eromosele, lost his undefeated status in a recent loss by decision to Julio Jean in July '05. Also fighting on the undercard from Covington, will be Featherweight, Terrance Roy (7-13) squaring off with Harlem, NY's, Rudolf Dixon (4-1, 3 KO's).

Robbins Almost Defeats the Undefeated! (8-12-05)

Crossiville, TN's, Marty Robbins lost a 10 round UD to Verquan Kimbrough (Aliquippa, PA) Thursday night, at the Mountaineer Race Track in Chester, WV, but not before he shocked the Super Featherweight up-and-comer by delivering blows on three occasions that sent Verquan to the seat of his pants in the final stanza of their bout. Verquan led all rounds except the tenth where his output waned along with his stamina. With the victory, Kimbrough maintains his undefeated status at 12-0-1 with six big wins by-way-off knockouts. The veteran Robbins' record falls to 21-27, with 15 kayos. Judges ruled the bout 97-91 | 96-91 | 96-91.

Prize Fight Boxing announces “The Trilogy"! (8-9-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

Prize Fight Boxing is proud to announce “The Trilogy” Ann Wolfe vs. Valerie Mahfood III for the IBA Light Heavyweight Championship of the world on August 20, 2005 at The Isle of Capri in beautiful Biloxi, MS. Wolfe 21-1 (15 KO’s) lost her only professional match to Mahfood 19-9-1 (9 KO’s) on November 30, 2000 in Houston, TX by third round KO. Wolfe has since avenged that loss by defeating Mahfood on August 23, 2003 in Biloxi, MS by unanimous decision. Since that time a lot has been said as to who would win a third match between the two. Whoever wins the swing match will put to rest forever the question of who is better. Ann must defeat Valerie in order face a man on October 15, 2005 at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. The much talked about and rumored showdown between Ann and a Man will take place if Ann is able to get past Valerie on August 20, 2005. In attendance at the fight will be Ann’s proposed opponent for the October 15th showdown, Bo Skipper 11-3-2 (7 KO’s) from Laurel, MS. The Wolfe/Mahfood bout will take place at The Isle of Capri in Biloxi. The card will begin at approximately 7:30 pm precluded by 6 exciting under-card bouts. On the under-card will be Leon Bobo 9-0 (1 KO) from St. Louis, MO, DeAndrey Abron 4-0 (3 KO’s) from Youngstown, OH, Lamont Peterson 12-0 (6KO’s) from Washington D.C. and Anthony Peterson 11-0 (8 KO’s) from Washington D.C. “I expect this card to be the most powerful card ever brought to the coast,” exclaimed promoter Brian Young of Prize Fight. “I feel that the Wolfe/Mahfood showdown will bring fireworks to The Isle. Don’t blink or you may miss the bang,” Young said.

Web Blog – Share Your boxing Thoughts! (8-8-05)
In order for you to post on the blog you will need to e-mail memphisboxing.com for an invitation to become a free contributor. Just click the "Blog-Sound off on Boxing" button below the speed bag in the upper left corner of this page to begin or you may click here and be taken directly to the blog

...and New...Mid-South Heavy Champ...Willie Perryman! (8-8-05)
JD Meredith at ringside – MemphisBoxing.com

Lula, Ms - The buzz at the Isle of Capri not only consisted of electronic chimes of slot machines and clatter of their jackpots but also vibrations from a large bell, rung by a sledgehammer left hook from one Willie Perryman.

Perryman (9-8, 7 KO's) battled Wade "Rock" Lewis (13-13, 12 KO's) this past Saturday night (8/6) in an eight round main event. The winner of the bout would not only exit the ring with their pride butwould also exit with an added prefix to their name...Mid-South Heavyweight Champion.

" Rock" Lewis (219 lbs.) started strong with a piercing jab and 1-2-3 punch combinations that landed down the middle. In a circling pattern, Lewis created an imaginary circle around the 260 lb. Perryman patiently stood his ground in the center of the ring, throwing bursts of counter punches as he felt Lewis out.

Round three brought the crowd to their feet and cheering loudly for the local Perryman as he unleashed vicious power punches that landed accurately to the chin and body of a teetering "Rock". The first knock down came after a rumbling left hook hung from Lewis' chin. He hit the canvas with his head resting on the ropes. Stunned but not badly hurt, Lewis made the count and wanted more. The punch that caused the second knockdown was not as obvious as for the first, but came after the focused Perryman worked Lewis over. Again a wobbly Lewis made the count and was sent back out to the adrenalized Perryman. After 2:31 of punishment in round three, Lewis was dropped for the final time. An overhand right was the last blow to touch the fallen "Rock" who's head came to rest on the ropes where his gaze was momentarily blank as he lay on the canvas. Perryman's corner rushed in and lifted Perryman high above the ring. Shortly after their celebration, Perryman was crowned the "New" Mid-South Heavyweight Champion.

In the featured bout, Monroe, LA, pugilist, Anthony Greeley (6-17-2, 1 KO) climbed into the ring with fellow light heavyweight Brian "the Assassin" Norman (7-2, 2 KO's) of Decatur, GA. Greeley, a counter puncher, showed good side to side movement in this bout. He was able to weather the forceful storm that raged against him complements of Brian Norman. The Assassin was in great shape for this fight and it showed as his powerful punches sounded like they misshaped Greeley's body. The bout was all Norman through the fifth round when Greeley began to bob and weave around Norman's strikes. Well placed and timed counters filled the air as Greeley had either realized how to make contact or finally decided that he wanted to be on the other end of the punishment. Greeley's good footwork was the main skill that allowed him to score when Norman's snapping 4 and 5 punch body combos left him open up top. Greeley and Norman traded punches until the end of the final round (6). Seconds from the conclusion of the fight the fighters were tangled in a clinch and Greeley was thrown to the canvas. Norman bullied his way to a six round unanimous victory over the out-gunned Greeley. Judges saw their fight 59-55 | 58-56 | 59-55. Click here for other Results from the Isle Of Capri, Lula, Ms!

Results – Isle Of capri – Lula, Ms! (8-2-05)
Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for a closer look at these fights with photos!

Clottey Decisions Logan! (8-5-05)
Local fighter Marteze Logan was unable to fend off Emmanuel Clottey last night at the Grand Ballroom of Manhattan Center, New York, New York. Clottey won their bout by unanimous decision. Scores were, 72-80 | 73-79 | 74-78. Logan falls to 20-17 with 5 KO's while Clottey improves to 23-6 and 14 KO's.

Web Blog created To Share boxing Thoughts! (8-5-05)
Just click the "Blog-Sound off on Boxing" button below the speed bag in the upper left corner of this page to begin or you may click here and be taken directly to the blog. In order for you to post on the blog you will need to e-mail memphisboxing.com for an invitation to become a contributor, FREE!

Marteze Logan To Face Emmanuel Clottey in NY! (8-4-05)
Marteze Logan tipped the scales at 143 lbs. for his Thursday night match-up against Emmanuel Clottey. Clottey, hailing from Bronx, NY, has 6 losses against him which were delievered from the hands of fighters the likes of "Panchito" Bojado, Ebo Elder and Alex Trujillo. With a 22-6 record, accompanied but 14 KO's, Clottey will post a big challenge to Logan. On the other side of the ring will be Logan (20-16, 5 KO's), who seems to fight at a similar level to his opponent. Their fight takes place on 8-4-05 at the Grand Ballroom of Manhattan Center.

August Fights at the New Daisy Theatre! (8-3-05)
By JD Meredith Photos Online!
The Main Event pitted the "Pastor", West Memphis' Dan Ward (194 lbs.), against Nashville, TN's, Tim Johnson (208 lbs.) in a heavyweight bout. Johnson, shot across the ring from the first bell and worked Ward over with blistering body shots that landed with accuracy. It looked as though Johnson would make quick work of the home town favorite but Ward showed great defense and countering skills with his back to the ropes. With one hard right hook, Ward shifted the scales in his direction in round two. Midway through the same round and with Ward still on the offensive, Johnson droped Ward to his knees with a low blow which many saw as intentional but not the judges. Even Johnson commented after the punch that it was in retaliation for an alleged low punch from Ward. During the fight Johnson toyed with Ward by making faces, dancing and attempting to throw punches from the hip while looking the other way. Ward, who appeared to not be in the best of shapes, was able to trade shots with Johnson. Short bursts of power shots to the body were all that Johnson could manage in the third and forth. With the fight in the balance Ward was quickly attacked at the bell for round four and put on the defensive. With some well timed counters Ward turned the tables and forced the action to Johnson's corner. There Ward landed a crippling right upper cut to Johnson's chin. Johnson toppled over and although he made it to his feet before the count, referee Alan Lovell saw that Johnson could not continue. To the pleasure of the crowd, Ward wins by KO at 2:02 of round four. Ward improveed to 29-16-1, 16 KO's). Johnson feel to 18-25-1, 2 KO's. Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for more local boxing info. (continued)

Results – New Daisy Theatre – Memphis, TN! (8-2-05)
Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for a closer look at these fights!

3-Time Champ Moorer in lula 8/6/05! (8-1-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
SOUTHAVEN, MS – Former 3-Time Heavyweight Champion of the World Michael Moorer will be in attendance at the “Rumble In Paradise” at the Isle of Capri Casino in Lula, MS on August 6, 2005. Moorer coming off a knockout victory over Vasily Jirov which catapulted him back into heavyweight contender status will be assisting a young protégé, Ed Peredes, as he makes his Prize Fight boxing debut Saturday night. “I enjoy taking in boxing events all around the country. Boxing is my life, it is in my blood. This is what I do. I look forward to seeing all the fans in live attendance,” stated Michael Moorer from his home in Florida. Moorer is no stranger to the Mid-South region has he staged a training camp between Memphis, Southaven and Tunica while preparing for the Jirov fight. Moorer actually rented an apartment in Southaven, MS and trained at the Tunica Prize Fight gym.

“I was really able to clear my head while in the Mid-South. I met a lot of wonderful people and look forward to seeing the friends I made while there.” – Michael Moorer

Moorer will be available for autographs the whole night. The card at the Isle of Capri will be promoted by Prize Fight Promotions and will be televised on a tape delay basis locally by UPN 30. “It is a huge deal to have a legend such as Michael in attendance. It is great for our fighters to be able to meet a man who changed the boxing landscape. It is also huge for our committed fans. This will be a treat for everyone,” an excited Brian Young passed along. Tickets for the event Saturday night are moving fast but are still available by calling 1-800-789-5825 ext 6424. You may also purchase tickets at the Banana Cabana Gift Shop at The Isle Of Capri in Lula, MS. There will be seven action packed bouts on the card. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout will begin shortly thereafter.

Results from Crossroads Arena! Results (7-31-05)
In the Jr. Middleweight first bout of the evening Rohan Nanton scored a secound round TKO over Curtis Hinton Hinton was down from a right hand but beat the count but a left hook to to body sent him down again and that was the end of his evening. The secound bout was between to pro debut LT. Heavyweights. Ray Smith of Little Rock Ar. made short work of Micheal Lancaster from Southaven Ms. Sending him to the canvas twice in the first minute. The third bout Jr. Middleweight Edy Chavez of Olive Branch made his pro deut against Rick Swift of Jackson Tn, also in his pro debut went 4 rounds with Chavez winning every round on 2 judges score cards and 3 rounds on the other score card. In the fight of the evening Ali Muhhmad of Southaven and Marty Robbins from Crossville Tn. squared off for a 6 round Jr. Welterweight battle Marty dropped Ali in the 3rd round but Ali got up and rallied back. Each fighter threw a lot of punches. Marty got the decision and the crowd gave both fighters a standing ovation. In the main event Laffarrell Bunting from Memphis was pitted against Billy Joe Tipton from Conington Tn. for a Lt. Heavyweight contest. Laffarrell played with Tipton in the first round like a cat with a mouse in round 2 the playing must have become boring to Bunting as he put Tipton on the ropes and battered him with a barage of punches that sent Tipton down but much to Tipton's credit he beat the count but the ref see he was out of it called a halt to the contest. Giving Bunting his 11th win aganist 1 loss.

Boxing at the New Daisy - Memphis, TN - 8/2/05! (7-29-05)
The New Daisy Theatre will play host to another edition of Mid-South Boxing's "first Tuesday of every month" fight card. Last month, Tuesday night fight was put on hold due to the fourth of July festivities. In the main event, heavyweight Mitch "Blood" Green (18-6-1, 11 KO's) from Jamaica Queens, NY, will square of with Billy MItchem (3-11-1, 1 KO) who hails from Spartanburg, SC. More bouts are scheduled. Come out and enjoy the always colorful Boxing at the New Daisy Theatre this Tuesday night! Tickets are $15 (Reserved) and $12 (General Admission)

Jones-Tarver III Inked!
Could it Be...Number Three... in Memphis? (7-27-05)
The grapevine is hot these days with talk of the rubbermatch between Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver possibly coming to Memphis, and the FedExForum. The contracts are signed and the date is set for October 1st and Memphis is playing tug-of-war with other major venues wanting to host this event. MemphisBoxing.com has confidence the Brian Yound will find a way to bring this fight to Memphis. Stay tuned to MemphisBoxing.com for further updates on Jones-Tarver III!

“Throw Down In M-Town" A Huge Success! (7-27-05) Photo Gallery
Tuesday night, at the Pepsi Pavilion on Beale Street, while others were rocking to Def Leopard at Mud Island or catching the Redbirds at Autozone park, well over 1,000 crazy fight fans came out and took advantage of the free boxing card that was put on by Prize Fight Boxing and broadcast to a national audience via ESPN2. Brian Young and Prize Fight Boxing put on the event to Memphis boxing fans as a thank you for their support for boxing in the Memphis area.

In the main event former WBO Super Fly Champ Ivan "Choko" Hernandez fought low blows and holding behind the head...and then had to fight Cesar Morales. Morales was penalized 4 points over the coarse of the ten round event. Ivan looked excellent in his first fight back since losing his belt to Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel in April. By using his stiff jab he was able to keep Morales on the outside for the most part. Much of their bout was fought at close range, where all the point deductions arose. Morales gave a fantastic effort aside from the point deductions. Scores were 97-89, 96-90, 96-90.

“ Throw Down In M-Town” - Free Boxing event Tonight! (7-14-05)
Fight fans get ready for a hot night, both in temperature and action, tonight when you make your way to beautiful Downtown Memphis, TN, for Brian Young's and Prize Fight Promotions' "Thow Down in M-Town, at the Pepsi Pavilion in Handy Park. The fights will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The main event will feature former WBo Super Feather Champ, Ivan "Choko" Hernandez facing off with Cesar Morales. Click here for full fight card

“ Throw Down In M-Town” Tomorrow - Weigh in Today! (7-14-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
“Throw Down In M-Town” will showcase the return of former WBO Super Flyweight Champion Ivan “Choco” Hernandez 21-1-1 (16 KO’s) from Ensanada, MX. Ivan captured the WBO title with a knockout over Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson on September 25 at the FedExForum. “Throw Down In M-Town” is being offered for free to boxing fans. The show will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2’s Tuesday night fight series.

“This is sort of our way of saying thank you to the wonderful boxing fans of Memphis who supported us all these years..."
– Brian Young

"We are making the lawn seating available free of charge so all can come enjoy this event. This is a wonderful way to showcase Memphis to over 80 million homes via television”, stated Brian Young of Prize Fight. The fight card will be riddled with 6 to 7 world caliber fights.

Webb Fights 9/2/05 at Pearl River Resort – Choctaw, MS! (7-25-05)
Team Freedom is promoting a ShoBox at the Pearl River on Friday, September 2nd headlined by undefeated welterweights Richard Gutierrez vs. James Webb plus jr middleweight "Irish" John Duddy in the co-main event.

"Showdown at the Shamrock" – Fitzgerald's - Tunica, MS (7-24-05)
JD Meredith at ringside – MemphisBoxing.com Photos Now Online
Fight fans and were filled with excitement and food Saturday night in the Ballroom of Fitzgerald's Casino, in Tunica, MS. There fight fans enjoyed complementary food as they watched six action packed fights. Ivan Hernandez, along with Lamont and Anthony Peterson, were a few of the faces in the near capacity crowd. undefeated prospect Adam Hubinger (169 lbs.) banged out an eight round unanimous decision over Billy Thompson (168 lbs.) in the super middleweight main event.

Round's one through five were much the same. Fighting at close range Hubinger pressed the action and moved forward. Thompson consistently found himself, back against the ropes, trying to defend. As orders came in from his corner, Hubinger would act them out as requested. Hubinger mixed things up with his creative punching ability. One-two combinations followed by blazing uppercuts, were thrown with grace but no mercy. The left eye of Thompson was swelling from Hubinger's assaults....continued

Saturday night at Fitzgerald's Casino (7/23) undefeated Light Heavyweight Adam Hubinger (10-0, 10 KO's) <above left>. Hubinger faces Billy Thompson (7-2, 3 KO's) the main event. Also on the card Saturday night at Fitzgerald's Casino (7/23) is Southaven, MS's, Cristy Nickel (7-2, 4 KO's). Nickel faces an opponent to be announced.

Every purchase you make helps support MemphisBoxing.com

“Showdown At The Shamrock”, Sat. July 23 @ Fitzgeralds! (7-21-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
SOUTHAVEN, MS – Prize Fight Boxing’s monthly Saturday fight night series on UPN 30 returns this Saturday July 23 to Fitzgeralds Casino Tunica as they present “Showdown At The Shamrock”. The show will feature 6 world class boxing events headlined by Adam “The Boss” Hubinger 10-0 10 KO’s against Billy Thompson 7-2 (3 KO’s) from Garland, TX.

Under card fight Update from Lula, MS! (7-21-05)
By JD meredith – Memphisboxing.com
Washington, D.C.'s, Ty Barnette (who trains under Peterson brother's trainer Billy Hunter traded licks with Covington, TN's, Tyrone Wiggins in a scheduled four round event. The fireworks started early in this one as Barnette lit up the ballroom with a lighting bolt in the form of a right hook to Wiggins' jaw. The jolt sent Wiggins to the seat of his pants. Amazingly, Wiggins was able to continue. In round two a recovered Wiggins lands his own right hook that stuns Barnette. Wiggins was unable to capitalize on his handy work. The thunder rumbled through the air again in round three as Barnette goes to work on the body and landed an over hand right that dropped Wiggins again. Wiggins wobbled to his feet but then collapsed to the canvas again. Barnette wins by KO round three and improves to 3 and 0 with 2 KO's. Barnette fights again Tuesday, July, 26 on ESPN2 from Handy Park in Memphis, TN. read more

Wolfe Wins Great Fight with Nunez! (7-20-05)
By JD meredith – Memphisboxing.com - Photos!
Monica Nunez gave Ann Wolfe a challenge last night at the Isle of Capri Casino, in Lula, MS. Nunez (9-4, 4 KOs) showed great movement and proved elusive to Wolfe's stalking punches. Wolfe, was unable to keep Nunez in front of her, do to Nunez's smooth footwork, and found it tough to land with frequent power on the moving target.

Nunez, was able to slip in and land a high percentage of jabs. She kept busy and kept Wolfe at a distance. Wolfe threw (and missed) lots of haymakers that delighted the crowd. Through round 5 Nunez gave Wolfe trouble, but in the 6th, Wolfe had figured out the mystery. She began going to the body which stilled the nimble Nunez and eventually wore her down. The entire sixth round was all Wolfe. At the start of the seventh round, Nunez's corner says no mas. Wolfe (21-1, 15 KOs) wins by TKO 7.

Lamont Peterson Busts through Torresillas! (7-19-05)
By JD meredith – Memphis boxing - Photos!
Jr. Welterweight sensation, Lamont Peterson (12-0, 6 KOs), won impressively last night at the Isle of Capri Casino in what appeared to be his toughest battle yet against Miguel Torresillas (16-5-1, 7 KOs) of Juarez, Mexico.

Torresillas-Peterson was a great match-up for ESPN2 as the fight was entertaining and went the distance. But more so it was a great match-up for Peterson's television debut.

Fighting before a national audience on ESPN2, Peterson presented his skills to the world. Speed, endurance, defense, power, presence and a great jab are all attributes that Lamont Peterson has on his side. Not to mention a big heart who's beat sounds like that of a future champion. If we had to say that there was one thing missing from Lamont Peterson's armory it would have to be the one thing that comes easy...experience. Peterson does have many amateur rounds to his credit, but there are some lessons that can only be learned from professional courses.

Throughout the fight, Peterson had complete control. Jabbing and sticking Torresillas at will. He began the fight cautiously. Using his jab and feeling Miguel out. But as the fight progressed, and the jitters of national television faded into the background, Lamont's greatness emerged. During the bout, Lamont, switched back and forth from aggressor to counter puncher and then back to aggressor. Doubling up on hooks to the body and tossing quadruple combinations with ease and sheer accuracy.

Torresillas was a very game fighter and walked through everything Lamont had to offer. Aside from taking a large amount of punches, Torresillas threw some shots that found their way through Peterson's guard. He fought through the barrage of punches all the way to the final bell but just didn't have enough skill to tackle the beast that is Lamont Peterson.

Judges scorecards were: 98-92 | 100-90 | 100-90

Promoter Putting on Debut Boxing Event! (7-19-05)
Submitted by Bob Cerbe
Roung 1 Boxing is putting on their first show July 30th at the Crossroads Arena in Corinth, MS. The Main event will feature Lafarrell "Fairway" Bunteng vs TBA. Ali Muhmmad vs Marty Robbins in a JR. Welterweight bout. Ray Smith from Little Rock, AK vs Southavens Micheal Lancaster in a Light Heavyweight bout. Wimpy Wilson from Covinton, TN. vs Grant "The Dragon" Wilson from Southaven, MS, in another Light Heavyweight contest. Rohan Nanton from N.Y. vs Curtis Hinton Culumbus, MS, in a Jr. Middleweight fight. Plus two other bouts TBA. Kennedy "King" Mckinney, former 3 time World Champion will, also be there. Tickets are $ 11.50 and $16.50 for more info call Round 1 boxing gym at 662-890-8881.

“TKO Tuesday” Tonight on ESPN2! - Isle of Capri, Lula, MS (7-19-05)

Isle of Capri Fight Card (Subject to Change)			RD	Division
Lamont Peterson	VS	Miguel Angel Torresillas	10	Jr. Welter
Ann Wolfe	VS	Monica Nunez	8	S. Middle
Leon Bobo	VS	Miguel Delgado	6	Feather
William Johnson	VS	Martin Verdin	6	L. Heavy
Charles Ellis	VS	Sugi Foxx	4	Heavy
Ty Barnette	VS	Emmanuel Ford	4	Light
Alvin Manley	VS	Dominic Jenkins	4	Heavy
DeAndrey Abron	VS	TBA	4	L. Heavy

“ TKO Tuesday” Tomorrow Night! - Isle of Capri, Lula, MS (7-18-05)
The national Tuesday night fight series on ESPN2 will be broadcast from the Isle of Capri Casino in Lula, MS, tomorrow night. “ TKO Tuesday” will be headlined by Prize Fight Boxing's own Lamont Peterson. Peterson 11-0 (6 KO’s), now hailing from Memphis, will battle Miguel Angel Torresillas 16-4-1 (7 KO’s) in the ten round main event. The feature bout will show case seven time world champion Ann Wolfe 20-1 (14 KO’s) to the national viewing audience as she slugs it out with Monica Nunez 9-3 (4 KO’s) from Irvington, NJ. “TKO Tuesday” will be filled out with 7 other exciting under card bouts featuring Pete Johnson of Sardis, MS and Leon Bob of St. Louis, MO.

TAYLOR DEFEATS HOPKINS!
Taylor Inherits WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO Middle Belts from Hopkins
After he shatters Bernards hopes for 21st Defense! Revised (7-16-05)
By JD meredith – Memphisboxing.com
Stock just went up in Little Rock, AK, for Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor. Saturday night at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, the 26 year old Taylor executed the reigning, undisputed, Middleweight Champion, Bernard Hopkins, by 12 round split decision (scores – 113-115 | 116-112 | 113-115).

Taylor's age was not his advantage in this fight as much as desire and heart were.
Hopkins' age (40yrs) was not his disadvantage as much as his non aggression and low punch numbers were.

Early in the fight, it was evident that Hopkins would attempt to use his boxing knowledge of dirty tricks to get in Taylor's head (mainly low blows and head butts). It was a rough fight. Referee Jay Nady, warned Hopkins on a few occasions but no points were deducted for these slick fouls and Taylor managed to maintain his composure through them.Although there were no recorded knockdowns in the fight, it was a battle. An accidental clash of heads in the fifth left Taylor bleeding from a one and a half inch gash just above his hairline. The cut did not jeopardize the fight but it seemed that the sight of blood motivated Hopkins...a little.

Taylor fought a great fight. He appeared somewhat ancy and threw a few wild shots but largely did well to stay within his capabilities. During the course of the first nine rounds Taylor was very active and quicker than the champ. His excellent jab popped Hopkins frequently. In the later rounds it appeared as though Taylor became at a loss as to how to approach Hopkins. Hopkins' defense was solid and he moved well and slipped under some of Taylor's hard right hands.

In round 10, after largely sleeping through the first 9 rounds of the fight, Hopkins countered Taylor with a lead right hand that sent Taylor reeling into the ropes. Taylor managed to survive the round with no further damage.

Bernard never appeared hurt or stunned by a Taylor punch. Inactivity was his downfall. A strategy that appeared to depend solely on countering Taylor's mistakes (which were few) was a bad choice. In no round did Hopkins ever stand toe-to-toe with Taylor and trade. He seemed to have time on his side when he would skip around the ring and toy with Taylor. Little did Hopkins know that Taylor's determination and punch stats were building. Hopkins' corner seemed to feel no urgency that they were behind on the scorecards. He did manage to win some rounds late in the fight but it was too little too late for the long reigning champion. The curtains were already closing.

Michael Buffer's announcement of a split decision seemed to appeal to Hopkins much more than it did Taylor. Hopkins was smiling before the decision was read and appeared to invite someone from the crowd into the ring to celebrate. Taylor's expression was more intense before the decision. Understanding completely the weight of what was about to be reveled. At the moment of announcement Hopkins'expression went from smile to shock and Taylor's went from solemn to humble with tears of joy.

Jermain Taylor now holds the WBA Middleweight Title, WBC Middleweight Title, IBF Middleweight Title, and the WBO Middleweight Title (Talk about Bling!). Taylor is no longer the "Heir Apparent". He's the "Heir"

Logan loses Decision to Meliksetian (7-16-05)
Friday night at Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA, Marteze Logan lost a 4 round unanimous decision to a game Archak Ter-Meliksetian. Marteze kept the rounds close but was unable to overcome Meliksetian's speed. Meliksetian improves to 14-1, 11 KO's while Logan drops to 19-16, 5 KO's. Even with the loss, Logan shows heart and desire by facing up-and-coming fighters who either are contenders or have the potential to be one.

Marteze Logan in Temecula, CA Tonight! (7-15-05)
Light Middleweight Marteze Logan (150 lbs.) will be fighting Friday night (ESPN2) at Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA, against the rising Archak Ter-Meliksetian (152 lbs.) Ter-Meliksetian has 11 knockouts in 14 fights. Logan (Covington, TN) is 19-15-2 with 5 Kayos. Logan, having only been TKO'd once in his career (Julio Aquino - 11-21-03) should provide tough opposition for the Armenian born Archak. Ter-Meliksetain has also been TKO'd once in his career (Nurhan Suleymanoglu - 4-17-04) which that took place at Pechanga Resort.

Introducing...Lamont Peterson! (7-15-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
SOUTHAVEN, MS – The 140 LB weight class has quickly become one of the best weight classes in boxing today. The names are endless. Dominant world class fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton control the top of the division. Seasoned veterans...continued

“Throw Down In M-Town” Press Conference Tomorrow! (7-14-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
The City Of Memphis, Performa Entertainment, Prize Fight Boxing, The Beale Street Merchants Association and countless others would like to remind you of the press conference scheduled for 7-15-05 at W.C. Handy Park on Beale Street. Mayor Herenton, John Elkington, Brian Young and countless other dedicated Memphians who have made “Throw Down In M-Town”, a 7-26 nationally televised boxing card from Handy Park, possible.

TKO Tuesday Press Release! (7-12-05)
Presented by Prize Fight Boxing
Isle of Capri - Lula, MS - 7/19/05
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing

Southaven, MS – “TKO TUESDAY” will invade Lula, MS Helena, AK and the greater regions of the mid-south as the Isle of Capri Casino & Prize Fight Boxing present 8 exciting fights televised nationally on ESPN2’s Tuesday Night Fight series to over 80 million homes nationwide. Headlining the great night of fights will be Lamont Peterson 11-0 (6 KO’s) vs Miguel Angel Torresillas 16-4-1 (7 KO’s) in a 10 round Jr. Welterweight main event. Lamont will take a step up as he exposes his exceptional ability to America for the first time as a pro. Lamont was a finalist at the 2004 Olympic Trials in Tunica, MS and turned pro on September 25, 2005 on the Roy Jones Jr. vs Glen Johnson under card at the FedExForum in Memphis, TN. more

Stomp In The Swamp! Cut Off, LA – 8-13-05 (7-12-05)
Cut Off to hold boxing for the first time since May of 2000!
Submitted by Damien St. Pierre– Gulf Coast Boxing

Boxing is back in south Louisiana as hometown company Fight to the Finish Productions, LLC will produce its inaugural boxing show Saturday, August 13, 2005, at the Youth Center in Cut Off, LA. Stomp in the Swamp will feature over 30 rounds of boxing, including a double main event! more

“Throw Down In M-Town!” A Free Boxing Event in Memphis!
7/26 – At the Pepsi Pavilion, Beale Street, Memphis, TN (7-11-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
The card at Handy Park will be called “Throw Down In M-Town” and will showcase the return of former WBO Super Flyweight Champion Ivan “Choco” Hernandez 21-1-1 (16 KO’s) from Ensanada, MX. Ivan captured the WBO title with a knockout over Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson that shocked the boxing world on September 25 at the FedExForum on the Roy Jones Jr. versus Glen Johnson under card. “Throw Down In M-Town” is being offered for free to boxing fans. The July 26 show will also be broadcast nationally on ESPN2’s Tuesday night fight series. “This is sort of our way of saying thank you to the wonderful boxing fans of Memphis who supported us all these years. We are making the lawn seating available free of charge so all can come enjoy this event. This is a wonderful way to showcase Memphis to over 80 million homes via television”, stated Brian Young of Prize Fight. All three fight cards will be riddled with 6 to 7 world caliber fights.

Prize Fight Boxing Signs Light Heavyweight Abron! (7-11-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
SOUTHAVEN, MS - Prize Fight Boxing is proud to announce the signing of Light Heavyweight DeAndrey Abron 3-0 (3 KO’s). DeAndrey is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army stationed at Fort Carson, CO. Abron is a 15 year veteran of the US Army and a 5 time National Golden Gloves Champion. Among his many amateur accomplishments DeAndrey was an alternate for the 2000 United States Olympic Boxing Team. Originally from Youngstown, OH Abron has been stationed all over the world during his time serving his country. His military travels have seen him serve in South Korea, Hungary, and Germany and as part of Operation Deny Flight Provide Promise in Bosnia during the mid nineteen nineties. “Serving my country has become a way of life for me. I wouldn’t trade my military experience for anything. I have learned a lot of valuable life lessons and have seen the world. But the best thing is the overwhelming sense of achievement I have gotten from serving this wonderful country”, DeAndrey was quoted as saying recently.

DeAndrey looks to follow in the foot steps of other successful fighters in Prize Fight’s stable. DeAndrey will make his Prize Fight debut on July 19 at the Isle of Capri Casino in Lula, MS vs. TBD on the under card of ESPN2 Tuesday Night Fights. “I look forward to fighting at a more rapid pace with Prize Fight behind me. Prize Fight does so many shows that I will have no problem staying busy and advancing my career.” stated DeAndrey. “We are excited about the signing of DeAndrey, He is a world class caliber fighter with tremendous skills. He will soon become a fan favorite on our televised UPN Saturday Night Fight Series.”, stated Russ Young of Prize Fight. “We saw DeAndrey first hand during numerous amateur events and fell in love with him. He is going to be a force in the Light Heavyweight division for years to come. DeAndrey should be fighting for a NABF/NABO title within 12 to 18 months,” Young said.

“TKO Tuesday!”
7/19 – Isle of Capri, Lula, MS (7-11-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
“ TKO Tuesday” will broadcast nationally on ESPN2’s Tuesday night fight series and will be headlined by Prize Fight’s own Lamont Peterson. Peterson 11-0 (6 KO’s), now hailing from Memphis, will battle Miguel Angel Torresillas 16-4-1 (7 KO’s) in the ten round main event. The feature bout will show case seven time world champion Ann Wolfe 20-1 (14 KO’s) to the national viewing audience as she slugs it out with Monica Nunez 9-3 (4 KO’s) from Irvington, NJ. “TKO Tuesday” will be filled out with 7 other exciting under card bouts featuring Pete Johnson of Sardis, MS and Leon Bob of St. Louis, MO.

“Showdown At The Shamrock!”
7/23 – Fitzgeralds Casino, Tunica, MS (7-11-05)
Submitted by Nate Yoder – Prize Fight Boxing
“ Showdown At The Shamrock” will be Adam Hubinger’s 10-0 (10 KO’s) first showing as a main event fighter as he duels Billy Thompson in a Super Middleweight affair. “Showdown At The Shamrock” will also feature Southaven, MS’s Christy Nickel and Adam Richards from Murfreesboro, TN. “Showdown At The Shamrock” will be televised locally on UPN 30 the following Saturday on tape delay. Just a short three days later Prize Fight is back at it again bringing another action pack fight card to the Mid-South.

Webb, first boxer ever Awarded key to city of Columbia! (7-7-05)
Submitted by Jake Donovan - Dapper Don Communications
Ever since 1840, the first Monday of every year kicks off the "Mule Day" celebration in Columbia, Tennessee. On Thursday, July 7, the city which served as the ancestral home to James K. Polk will be declared "Spider Day", as undefeated welterweight contender Tim "Spider" Webb (born James Timothy Webb) will be given the key to the city in a ceremony to be held at City Hall.

Webb (18-0, 15KO) is being honored for his courageous come-from-behind stoppage victory on ESPN2 this past May. Webb went to San Jose, California on Friday the 13th, overcoming facial cuts in five different locations to rally back and stop hometown favorite Jose Celaya on national television. more

No Boxing at the New Daisy July 5th. (7-4-05)
In lue of the July 4 Holiday, there will be no fights tomorrow night at the New Daisy, Memphis, TN. The next scheduled fights at the New Daisy on Beale will be August 2, 2005.

The U.S. of A. turns 229 years old Today! (7-4-05)
Happy Birthday America as we celebrate democracy and freedom. Let everyone remember the sacrifices of those who have given their lives to make America free. God is behind our strength and freedom! Celebrate safely! God bless America! Load Fireworks Show!

Logan out of fight with Ushona! (7-1-05)
Marteze Logan will not be facing Bethual Ushona tonight at Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA.
Logan was originally slated to face the undeafeted Ushona on the under card of George Jones vs Fred Moore. No reason for the change has been uncovered at this time. Stay tuned for more info.

“TKO Tuesday at the Isle of Capri” (6-30-05)
Isle of Capri Press Release
The Isle of Capri Casino will play host to ESPN's Tuesday Night Fights, Tuesday, July 19. ESPN will broadcast the CO and Main Events live to 80 million homes through out the United States.

The main event is 10 rounds with Jr. Welterweight prospect from Memphis, TN, Lamont Peterson (11-0, 6 KO’s) against proven veteran Miguel Torresillas (16-4, 7 KO’s) from Juarez, Mexico. Lamont Peterson participated in the 2004 Olympic Trials held in Tunica, Mississippi and three prior fights at the Isle of Capri – Lula. He has also appeared on three HBO televised fights; IBF Light Heavyweight Championship between Roy Jones, Jr. and Glen Johnson, WBC Lightweight Championship between Marco Antonio Barerra and Monzke Fana, IBO Light Heavyweight Championship between Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson. This is Lamont’s debut on live ESPN.

Co-bout will be an 8 round Super Middleweight bout between 7-time World Champion Ann
Wolfe (20-1, 14 KO’s) of Austin, Texas versus Monica Nunez (9-3, 4 KO’s) of Irvington, New Jersey. Ann Wolfe known as the “the best female fighter on the planet” has recently been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN and CNBC. If Ann Wolfe wins her next two fights, she will fight a male opponent this fall on pay-per-view. Monica Nunez, went nine rounds with Laila Ali in 2004, she will be a tough opponent.

Undercard fights will include a 6 round lightweight bout featuring Anthony Peterson (10-0, 7
KO’s) of Memphis, TN fighting a yet to be determined opponent. Leon Bobo (8-0, 1 KO) of St. Louis
Missouri will fight Miquel Delgado (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Dallas, Texas. In addition, Pete Johnson (5-3, 3
KO’s) of Sardis, Mississippi will fight Curtis Hinton (3-3, 3 KO’s) of Columbus, Mississippi.
Doors open at 6:30 pm with the first bout at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 reserved and $25.00
ringside. Tickets can be purchased at the Banana Cabana Gift Shop for more information call
1.800.789.5825 ext. 6424 or ask for the Ticket Office.

"Too Sweet" Battles Ushona on 7/1! (6-29-05)
Covington, TN's, Marteze "Too sweet" Logan continues to face top opponents in the ring. Logan, who is 19-15-2, with 5 KO's, has made it a point to face adversity and not mediocrity by taking on rising talent. This Friday night on the under card of George Jones vs Fred Moore bout at Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA, Logan will face off with Bethuel Ushona in a 10 round Light Welterweight bout. Ushona, from Windhoek, Namibia, is 11-0, with 4 KO's. In back-to-back performances, Ushona, broke the streaks of two previously undefeated fighters Gottlieb Shileka (8-0) and Ali Nuumbembe (9-0). With lots of ring experience against boxing thoroughbreds like Hector Camacho, Jr. and James Leija, Logan should pave a difficult path for the undefeated Ushona. This fight may be televised on ESPN2.

Brock Too Much For Craven! (6-27-05)
On the under card of Mayweather - Gatti, at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ, 11th ranked Heavyweight Calvin Brock (26-0, 21 KO's) worked Kenny Craven over Saturday night before winning by TKO in round four (2:34). Craven fought with heart but was unable to overcome Brock's onslaught. Craven falls to 26-16, with 22 KO's.

Craven To Fight Unbeaten Brock! (6-21-05)
Kenny Craven hopes to become a road block for the unbeaten Calvin Brock this Saturday night (6-25-05) on the under card of the Arturo Gatti-Floyd Mayweather fight at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ. Craven (26-15, 22 KO's), hailing from Ellisville, MS, is coming off a May majority decision win over Eric 'Butterbean' Esch, at the Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, MS.

Brock (25-0, 20 KO's), was extended the distance in his last fight (April '05) verses Jameel MclIne at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV. In a previous fight, Brock TKO'd Clifford 'The Black Rhino' Etienne after only three rounds. Brock is rated 11th in the World Heavyweight Ratings.

Tarver tops Johnson in rematch! (6-19-05)
by Scotti Vandevender at ringside

Saturday night at the FedEx forum Antonio Tarver (23-3, 18 KOs) boldly put his fists where his lips have been since his first fight with Roy Jones Jr. in his thrilling victory over “Gentleman” Glen Johnson (40-10-2, 28 KOs). In a tough battle that tested Tarver until the final bell, the new IBO Light Heavyweight champ won over the fans of Memphis, finishing to the cheers of a standing crowd of well over 12,000.

After an initial feeling out round, Tarver came on strong early and surged late to seal a unanimous victory over the ex-champ Johnson.

“It was a tough fight. I think he won. I don’t make any excuses,” stated a disappointed but gracious Johnson. “I just go fight my best. If I win, I win gracefully. If I lose, I lose gracefully. Tonight he ducked under my punches and I could not land my combinations. I welcome the challenge if he wants to fight again,” remarked Johnson when questioned what he thought of the outcome. (read more)

...And New Light Heavyweight Champion of the World,
...Antonio 'Magic Man' Tarver! (6-19-05)
Last night at the FedEx forum, in front of 12300 plus fight fans, Antonio Tarver was crowned the IBO Light Heavyweight Champion. Tarver defeated Johnson unanimously after 12 rounds of war with the 'The Roadwarrior' Glen Johnson. Tarver was a different man in the ring, than he was in for their December match in LA. One huge difference was that Tarver did not allow Johnson to get off to a fast start, by turning the tables and starting fast himself. Glen Johnson did have flashes of greatness, but was often stifled by Tarver's latteral movement skills. Trainer Buddy McGirt, told reporters that he and Tarver had trained to slip underneath from Johnson and take away the big right hands. Both Tarver and Johnson were in great shape. More info and a massive photo gallery from last night coming soon! Click here for results from the undercard results.

MemphisBoxing.com Covers Johnson-Tarver II - ringside! (6-17-05)
Check back after the fight for Photos and More!

'Refresh' your browser! (6-17-05)
Be sure and refresh your browser often for the latest updates from MemphisBoxing.com!

Johnson-Tarver II Weigh-in Today @ 5:30pm! (6-17-05)
IBO Light Heavy Champ 'Gentleman' Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson and his challenger, former WBA, WBC, IBO, IBA, NBA Light Heavy Champ, Antonio Tarver will take to the scales today (6/17/05). (Johnson and Tarver will need to meet the weight requirements for the Light Heavyweight division. Their weights have to fall in a 8lb. range which is between 168-175ibs. Although fighters have to meet weight requirements for the weigh-in, they can enter the ring as heavy or light as they like.)
Weigh-in is scheduled for 5:30pm today at the Pepsi Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis. The weigh-in is open to the public!

Craven to Battle Unbeaten Brock in Atlantic City! (6-17-05)
Kenny Craven (26-15, 22 KO's), Ellisville, MS, hopes to but up a road block for undefeated heavyweight, Calvin Brock (25-0, 20 KO's) in Atlantic City next Saturdaynight. Craven is coming off an impressive performance aganst the King of the 4 Rounders, Eric "Butterbean' Esch, back in May. Brock, AKA 'The Boxing Banker", hails from Charlotte, NC, and has defeated two contenders (Etienne, TKO 3 and McCline, UD 10) in his last two bouts. The Brock vs Craven will fight on the PPV undercard of the Arturo Gatti vs Floyd Mayweather (WBC 140) fight at the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ on 6/25/05.

Pre-Fight Press Conference! (6-17-05)
Johnson talks with hands! Tarver Beaming with Confidence!
Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
In typical fashion, the two Roy Jones conquerors arrived with their own style at the press conference to put their rematch in motion. The stoic and reserved Glen Johnson (42-9-2, 28KOs) presented an air of serenity as the boisterous and flamboyant Antonio Tarver (22-3, 18KOs) spoke loud and claimed he will carry a big stick on Saturday night.

" I will prove Saturday night that I am bar none the best light heavyweight in the world," a confident Antonio Tarver announced as he relished the limelight and worshipped the cameras before him. Tarver continued to fault his lack of preparation time prior to their last meeting as the reason for his split decision loss (scores were 116-112, 113-115, & 113-115).

" I am not a talker. I do not come to talk, I come to box," stated the soft-spoken Jamaican now fighting out of Miami in rebuttle. Johnson offered no bold statements professing his greatness, just the commitment to show up Saturday ready to fight.

Both fighters looked sharp in their public workouts the day prior with Johnson's showing off his punch combinations and chiseled physique with his trainer Orlando Cuellar in the midst of the Memphis heat. Tarver took the stage last and gave a glimpse of the left hook that has led him to 18 knockouts in his professional career.

So, with Roy Jones Jr. perched on the sidelines hoping for a chance to again face one of his nemeses in an effort to regain his lost title as the world's light heavyweight champion, the world will look upon the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN Saturday night for an answer to who is the best.

There we shall again have the opportunity to see if the loudest talker will walk the walk as well as he talks the talk or if possibly the quietest and most reserved champion ever will again speak with lips of leather.

Public Shake outs Today in Memphis! (6-15-05)
Today, the general public will be able to get a close up look of the IBO Light Heavyweight Champoion Glen Jonhson as well as his challenger, Antonio Tarver, as they hold a public shake out at the Pepsi Paviliion in Handy Park on Beale Street. Also working out at the Pavillion will be Olympic Gold winner Andre Ward. Bring a sharpie and your boxing memorabilia and try to snag an autograph. The shake out order and appearance schedule is as follows: Johnson - 5:15pm, Ward - 6:00pm, Anne Wolfe - 6:30, Tarver - 7:00pm.

Ward Ceremony at the Civil Rights Museum Today! (6-14-05)
Today, Memphis Mayor WW Herenton will honor 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward with the Keys to the City of Memphis. The presentation will take place at 3:30pm at the Civil Rights Museum in Downtown Memphis. Andre Ward, (3-0, 1KO) as a professional, won the gold medal for the US as a light heavyweight in the Athens 2004 Olympics. Ward will be fighting Ben Aragon (4-2-1, 4KOs) on the 'Megafight in Memphis' undercard on June 18th at the Fedex Forum.

Ward at Civil Rights Museum Today! (6-14-05)
Today, Memphis Mayor WW Herenton will honor 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward with the Keys to the City of Memphis. The presentation will take place at 3:30pm at the Civil Rights Museum in Downtown Memphis. Andre Ward, (3-0, 1KO) as a professional,
won the gold medal for the US as a light heavyweight in the Athens
2004 Olympics. Ward will be fighting Ben Aragon (4-2-1, 4KOs) on on June 18th at the Fedex Forum.

Ward on Good morning Memphis Tomorrow Morning! (6-14-05)
Tune in to Fox 13 June 15th at 6am and catch 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Andre Ward. Ward will be fighting Ben Aragon (4-2-1, 4KOs) on the 'Megafight in Memphis' undercard on June 18th at the Fedex Forum.

Quartey needs a big win to keep come back alive! (6-13-05)
By MemphisBoxing.com
Ike "Bazooka" Quartey (35-2-1, 30 KO's), once withstood one of the most ferocious rounds of modern boxing history vs. Oscar De La Hoya. Both De La Hoya and Quartey, at the time they fought, were undefeated. From the time the fight began it was a war and as the fight progressed Quartey was neck and neck with De La Hoya. They even traded knock downs in the sixth. Quartey was on the verge of handing De La Hoya his first loss and stealing away the WBC Welterweight title until the 12th and final round. De La Hoya dropped him with his signature left hook. Quartey jumped to his feet and quickly recovered from the knock down but for the next minute, with his back to the ropes, Ike withstood a series of thundering right hands and crushing left hooks from De La Hoya. Refeeree Mitch Halpern stood close by. Waiting for a sign that Quartey was finished so he could step in and call the fight. Qaurtey managed to throw some counters to show he was still alert. Oscar's pace eventually slowed and Quartey somehow stayed upright through the end of the round. Although he went on to lose to by SD, Quartey showed strength, toughness, and heart.

After moving up in weight from welterweight to middleweight, Ike took a fight with the young and undefeated Fernando Vargas (18-0, 17 KO's at the time) in 2000 for the IBF Light Middleweight Title. This would be Vargas' fifth title defence. Quartey, not being able to control the ring, was overpowered in their bout and lost to Vargas by unanimous decision. After the loss Quartey would not step into the ring for another five years.

On January 14, 2005, Ike Quartey returned to the ring and this time he met Clint McNeil in a bout held at the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, in Accra, Ghana. Ike's first fight on the come-back trail was a success. McNeil, who was able to hang around for eight rounds, was down once in the seventh and twice in the eighth. Quartey defeated him by TKO in round eight.

Now, Quartey's trail winds through Memphis, TN. He stands to take on, Verno Phillips (38-9-1, 20 KO's) on the under card of Glen Johnson vs Antonio Tarver II, at the FedEx Forum.

Phillips, held the IBF Light Middleweight belt for a short time in 2004, after defeating Carlos Bojorquez for the vacant title. A few months after the Bojorquez fight, Phillips defended his newly won title against Kassim Ouma. Ouma went on to defeat Phillips by UD and took the Middleweight title for his own.

With Phillip's experience, he will be a tough opponent for Quartey. The word on Phillips is that he is aggressive with quality punching skills but lacks big punching power. Verno has only been KO'd once ('88 - Chris Royal) which throws out any question about his durability and beard. As for Ike, he could be a little rusty and a little older but it is always said that a fighter never loses his power. Look for Quartey to try and create power punch opportunities with his strong jab.

Tickets are available to catch Ike Quartey on his come back trail June 18 at the FedEx Forum.
Interested in tickets? Call Ticketmaster at 901-525-1515.

Tarver & Johnson to Hold Public Shake outs in Memphis! (6-13-05)
On Wednesday, June 15, the general public will be able to get a close up look of the IBO Light Heavyweight Champoion Glen Jonhson as well as IBO Light Heavyweight Challenger, Antonio Tarver, as they hold a public shake out at the Pepsi Paviliion in Handy Park on Beale Street. Also working out at the Pavillion will be Olympic Gold winner Andre Ward. Bring a sharpie and boxing photos or memorabilia and you just might be able to snag an autograph or two.

D. Logan KO'd by Narh! (6-13-05)
Covington, TN's, Darnell Logan, traveled to Verona, NY, last Friday night to climb into the ring with Raymond 'Sugar Ray' Narh. Narh, a Lightweight born in Ghana but now fights by way of Pittsburg, PA, improved his near perfect record to 15-1. Logan was Narh's 14th opponent to lose by KO and his 4th first round KO. Official time was 2:53 of round one. Almazbek Raiymkulov, has been Narh's only stumbling block. He delivered Narh to the canvis in round one ('04). Darnell Logan is managed by Malcolm Terry.

Yarbrough defeats ladd in the Main event! (6-8-05)
By MemphisBoxing.com
As the Fedex Forum towered above the famous old buildings of Beale Street and the Redbirds, Memphis' AAA baseball team, routed the Iowa Cubs 12-2, boxing fans gathered faithfully at the historic New Daisy Theatre for a memorable night of boxing.'

Before the festivities began, a moment of silence was observed and the fight bell tolled 10 times for the late Haywood Watts. Before his retirement, Mr. Watts was a long time judge and ring announcer in Memphis, TN.

The main event featured two men who have fought more times in Memphis than any other active fighters. Lester Yarbrough (13-49-1, 5 KO's) and 'Fatal' Fred Ladd (44-10, 33 KO's) have fought in Memphis a combined total of 66 times (Ladd, 37 - Yarbrough, 29). The two non-titled veteran fighters squared off in a bout that had the flavor a championship fight. There was more to this fight than money.

In the opening rounds Yarbrough landed with atypical accuracy and power. Smashing Ladd with smooth combinations. He pressed the action as Ladd showed an exceptional defense along with some clean counters. Although he was elusive up top, Ladd, who had not been in the ring for over two and a half years, was slowed by his sub par footwork.

During the middle rounds Yarbrough continued to win rounds by being the aggressor and controlling the ring. Vary little of the fight was fought on the outside as both fighters would throw close and hold. Yarbrough's punch count was hight as he remained vary active. Ladd's activity was sparse and he would attack late and try to steal rounds. Yarbrough managed to match Ladd's attacks with counters.

As the fight stretched into the closing rounds, the crowd became more and more vocal. Their chants could be heard as they cheer their fighters on. In round 7 An accidental clash of heads caused referee Alan Lovell to call time in the bout. This gave Fred Ladd a short time to recover as he seemed to have gotten the worst of it. After time resumed Yarbrough pounced on the damaged Ladd and began working with haste. Trying to level Ladd. Ladd managed to endure the onslaught, but he never fully recovered from the head butt. Yarbrough did everything in his power to stay a step ahead of Ladd. By controlling the ring and staying away from Ladd's left right combos he was never in danger.

After the scheduled 10 rounds of action the fight went to the cards. A unanimous decision was rewarded to Yarbrough. After the announcement, an ecstatic Yarbrough jumped on the ropes. He raised his hands in victory and questioned his fans and others, "Who's the Champion?"

In other fights, new comer Anthony Camper was TKO'd by Ken Humpreys in round 2 of the scheduled 4. The referee stopped the fight after Camper showed fight fans what he had for dinner. Marie Kabba slugged out an impressive 4 round unanimous decision over Kiana Virgous.

Fight Results – New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, TN! (6-6-05)

Johnson and Ward Public shake Out in Memphis! (6-7-05)
A 'Shake Out' is when a fighter will shadowbox for a few rounds and do a lite workout a couple of days before a fight to get the blood pumping. Glen Johnson and Andre Ward will hold a public 'Shake Out' Wednesday, June 15th, at the Pepsi Pavillion in Handy Park. The workout will begin with Andre Ward at 5:15pm and Glen Johnson at 6:00pm.

Boxers to Visit St. Jude Children's Hospital! (6-7-05)
Not Only is Glen Johnson a great champion, he is also a fan of a great cause. The 'Road Warrior', along with Andre Ward, will be visiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital next Wednesday. The two are taking time in their busy pre-fight schedules to see for themselves the impact that St. Jude is having on the lives of children stricken with catastrophic diseases. St. Jude Online

Ward to Be on Good morning Memphis! (6-7-05)
Tune in to Fox 13 June 15th at 6am and catch 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Andre Ward. Ward will be fighting Ben Aragon (4-2-1, 4KOs) on the 'Megafight in Memphis' undercard on June 18th at the Fedex Forum.

Memphis Mayor WW Herenton to Honor Andre Ward! (6-7-05)
On June 14th, Memphis Mayor WW Herenton will honor 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward with the Keys to the City of Memphis. The presentation will take place at 3:30pm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Downtown Memphis, TN. Andre Ward, (3-0, 1KO) as a professional, won the gold medal for the US as a light heavyweight in the Athens 2004 Olympics. Ward will be fighting Ben Aragon (4-2-1, 4KOs) on the 'Megafight in Memphis' undercard on June 18th at the Fedex Forum.

John Johnson looking for Win #10! (6-2-05)
Brian Young's Prize Fight Promotions presents 'Summer Showdown' this Saturday night at the Isle of Capri Casino in Lula, MS. There, fight fans will get to see an excellent fighter in John Johnson (9-0, 8 KO's). Johnson narrowly escaped a decision loss to Hilario Guzmon, in April, by KO'ing him in the 6th and final round. The 'Voodoo Man' has been showing signs of advancement and development as a fighter and will need to bring his 'A' game to the ring when he clashes with journeyman Anthony Stephens (32-14-2, 17 KO's). Although Stephens, who has only fought four times in the last 4 years, will be a great opponent for Johnson in this stage of his career. However, Johnson should be leery of Stephens as Stephens has no '0' to lose. A notable opponent on Stephen's record is Fernando Vargas, '98.

Isle of Capri Fight Card
John Johnson (9-0, 8 KO's) vs. Anthony Stephens (32-14-2, 17 KO's) - Light Heavy - 8 Rds
Adam Hubinger (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Charles Daughtry - Super Middle - 6 Rds
Rayonta Whitfield (6-0, 1 KO) vs. Miguel Delgado (2-3, 2 KOs) - Bantam - 6 Rds
James Jones (8-4, 5 KOs) vs. Michael Hamilton (2-1, 2 KOs) - Heavy
Tad Waltman (Pro Debut) vs. Lee Harvey Rox - Jr Middle

Doors open at 7 pm. A Limited number of tickets are available.For tickets call (662)-363-4600.

D. Logan to Fight in New York on June 10th! (6-2-05)
20 year old Lightweight Darnell Logan (8-2-1, 4 KO's) will travel to Turning Stone Casino, in Verona, NY next week to battle the impressive Raymond 'Sugar Ray' Narth (13-1, 12 KO's), of Pittsburgh, PA. Narth has faced only one fighter who was able to stay on his Feet and that was Ukrainian, Rakhim Mingaleev in 2002. Logan, will have to stay behind his great jab to off set Narth's power.

Boxing at the New daisy is oN for June 7th! (5-31-05)
Next Tuesday night at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street, Mid-South Boxing will put on their monthly fight card. Presently there are three scheduled bouts. Two or three bouts will be added.
The main event will be a Jr. Middlieweight bout featuring toughman Lester Yarbrough (12-49-1, 5 KO's) from Jackson, TN, pitted against West Memphis. AR's, Freddie Ladd (44-10, 33 KO's). In Cruiserweight action, Memphis' Carlos Adams (1-3) will be fighting a four round rubber match with Parons, TN's, Jessie Tolley (2-1, 1 KO). In another scheduled match, Welterweights Diane Birgous and Maria Naba will go toe-to-toe.

Reserved Ringside - $15, General Admission - $12. Call Tom Harmon for tickets, (901) 634-6175.

Pictured above...(5-24-05)
...are Antonio Tarver (left), Dan Goosen (center) and Glen Johnson. Tarver crashed Johnson's Post fight Press Conference after Glen KO'd Roy Jones Jr. As you can see, Antonio Tarver uses his gift of gab as Glen Johnson thinks about jabing in the ring. Johnson defeaded Tarver in their first meeting ('04) at the Staples Center in L.A, by split decision. They meet again, June 18th, at the FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN.

Peterson Brothers Pound out Victories! (5-23-05)
Lamont and Anthony Peterson continue to dominate their opponents. Last night at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, MS, the brothers were once again victorious. Anthony KO'd a slick Mario Lacey at 2:20 of round 5. Anthony improves to 8-0, 5 KO's. Lamont Peterson, was extended the distance by Mikel Williams. Lamont went on to win his bout by UD. Lamont is now 10-0, 5 KO's.

Former IBF Super Feather Champ too much for Logan! (5-23-05)
Marteze Logan was outpointed over 10 rounds by former IBF Super Feather Champion Steve Forbes last night at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, MS. Scores were 97-93 | 99-91 | 98-92. Forbes won by UD and improved his record to 28-3, with 8 wins by-way-of KO. Logan falls to 19-15-2, 5 KO's).

Championship boxing returns to Pearl River Resort! (5-18-05)
By: Ryan Griffin, Public Information Manager- Pearl River Resort

CHOCTAW, Miss. – Championship boxing returns to Pearl River Resort, Sunday, May 22 at 6 p.m. with the co-main events featuring a former world champion and a “Battle for the Belt” match up.

In the main event, former Jr. Lightweight World Champion, Steve Forbes will face Memphis native Marteze “Too Sweet” Logan 19-13 in a 10 round bout. Steve “2 Pounds” Forbes, 26-3 with 8 KOs, won the IBF jr. lightweight world title in December 2000 and made one successful title defense. He lost the belt, not in the ring, but when he did not make the 130-pound weight limit prior to his second defense in August of 2002. Since that time he has challenged for the world title twice.
In the co-feature, Frank Wood, 25-3, the current Mid-South Heavyweight Champion will put his title on the line in a 12 round battle against Slidell, LA. native Quinn Navarre, 30-1-13.

There will be some amazing bouts on the under card featuring another Heavyweight fight. Lamont Peterson (7-0, 4KOs) of Memphis will face Mike Williams (2-7-4, 1KO) of Monroe, LA in a six round Jr. Welterweight bout. Heavyweight James Jones (8-3-, 5KOs) of Meridian, MS will take on Lincoln Luke (5-5, 4KOs) of Atlanta in a four round battle. Memphis’s Anthony Peterson (5-0, 3KOs) will stand for six rounds with Wayne Fletcher (4-11-1, 2 KOs) of Dallas in a lightweight fight. John Temple (6-8-1, 1KO) of Monroe, LA will compete in a four round jr. lightweight bout with Meridian’s own Antonio Young (7-9-2, 3KOs). Undefeated featherweight Leon Bobo (6-0, 1KO) will face six rounds against Jorge Lucas (0-2) of Mexico.

This event is associated with Goossen Tutor Promotions and will broadcast on the UPN Network.
Ticket prices begin at $20 call 1.866.44PEARL or visit the Pearl River Resort Box Office to get tickets for all of the hard hitting action of professional championship boxing live from the Silver Star Convention Center. Card is subject to change, doors open at 5 p.m. the night of the event.
Pearl River Resort, located on Hwy. 16 W. in Choctaw, MS is a development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Pearl River Resort is comprised of a number of individual properties. These include: Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, Silver Star Hotel & Casino, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, 14 great restaurants, Geyser Falls Water Theme Park, Clearwater Key beach and The Beach Club. For more information about Pearl River Resort, visit www.pearlriverresort.com.

Craven Bites Butterbean! (5-17-05)
IAt the Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson, MS, Saturday night, Kenny Craven fought the King of the 4 Rounders, Eric Esch, AKA 'Butterbean', to a 4 round majority decision. Scores were; 36-40 | 37-39 | 38-38. Kenny Craven improves to 26-15, with 22 KO's. Butterbean's record falls to 70-4-4, with 53 KO's.

"Spider" Webb TKO's Former Contender! (5-17-05)
Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
Columbia, TN's, James "Spider" Webb (18-0, 15 KOs), who you have seen at the New Daisy, fought former #1 contender Jose Celaya (26-3, 15 KOs), Friday night in San Jose, California. Webb knocked Celaya down once in round four and twice in round eight en route to a TKO win that he wasn't supposed to acheive according to all the experts.

Johnson-Tarver II Press Conference (5-3-05)
Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com

The highly anticipated rematch between Glen Johnson (42-9-2, 28 KOs) and Antonio Tarver (22-3, 18 KOs), the duo responsible for the only true losses on superstar Roy Jones, Jr's record, officially kicked off today at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN. While the IBO Light Heavyweight belt represents the only championship moniker adorned by the media festivities, those in boxing circles recognize this match up as the decider of the "real" Light Heavyweight champ. (photos & more)

Brothers Peterson Hunger for the Sport! (5-3-05)
By David Owens
Lamont and Anthony Peterson have come a long way since living alone as children in Washington D.C. “ When we were about seven or eight years old, we became homeless because our father was in jail,” said Lamont, the older of the two brothers. “We lived in shelters and house-to-house.”
When their father was released, the brothers moved in with him and started boxing.
Lamont was only 10 and his brother, Anthony, a mere nine years old. (more)

G. Johnson-Tarver PC today (5/2) at the Forum! (5-2-05)
Memphis Boxing will head to the FedEx Forum this afternoon to cover this event.
Stay tuned to Memphis Boxing for Press Conference info and Photos!

'Duelin in the Delta' From Isle of Capri Sat. Night! (5-1-05)
Prize Fight Promoters & Isle of Capri Casino Hosted an excellent boxing event Saturday night. the sell out Event allowed only for standing room only so fight fans lined the Ballroom's walls for the matches.

The main event featured 5 time World Champion 'The Coalminer's Daughter" Christy Martin (44-3-2, 31KO's) vs Lana Alexander from Nashville, TN. Martin weighed in at an even 144lbs. Alexander at 134 1/2lbs. As martin entered the ring... (continued)

'Battle on the Banks' on UPN 30 Tomorrow night! (4-29-05)
Prize Fight Boxing and Fitzgerald's Casino "Battle on the Banks" event that was held last week will be aired this Saturday night on UPN 30 at 10:00pm. The main event featured two highly touted and hard-hitting light Heavyweights, John Johnson 8-0, (7ko's) pitted against Hilario Guzman, in an exciting 6-round Bout.

Christy Martin on Card at isle of Capri Sat night 4/30! (4-29-05)
Coming off a loss to Laila Ali in '03, Christy Martin (45-3-2, 30KO's) is back. Martin is fighting a tune-up fight in preparation for her fight with undefeated Lucia Rijker (17-0, 14KO's) at the Isle of Capri Casino, Lula, MS, tomorrow night. Brian Young & Prize Fight Promotions will put on another highly regarded boxing show. Another Christy on the fight card tomorrow night is local fighter Christy Nickel from Southaven, MS. She will be fighting a rematch with Cassandra Lindsey. Local Memphis boxers and Brothers Lamont and Anthony Peterson will be on the card as well as Tunica heavyweight Ray Lunsford Although tickets for this event have been sold out, Isle of Capri will make some additional seating available.

Johnson - Tarver II Press Conference Monday 5/2! (4-29-05)
The first press conference for the Johnson - Tarver Rematch will be held 5/2/05
at the FedEx Forum at 2:00pm. Memphis Boxing will head to the FedEx Forum to cover this event.
Stay tuned to Memphis Boxing for Press Conference info and Photos! The original press conference was scheduled for 4/21/05 but was canceled due to a scheduling conflict with the Tarver camp.

Tune to 'Inside the Ropes' Today @ 10am! (4-29-05)
'Inside the ropes' airs 10:00am-11:00am, each Friday on Sports 56 WHBQ. The hour long radio show covers local and top stories in the world of boxing.

The Emile Griffith Story (4-27-05)
By: Memphis Boxing
You may have heard some talk about the documentary now playing on USA entitled 'Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story'. If you have cable or satellite and consider yourself a boxing fan, we suggest that you try and view this show. Unless you can remember boxing in 1961, you will learn a lot from this documentary. Not about who held the titles at that time but about how different the sport was then. 'Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story' shows us where boxing came from. The 3rd championship fight between Emile Griffith and Benny 'Kid' Paret was the first title fight shown publicly over TV airwaves where viewers witnessed blows that led to the death of a boxer. With some creative thinking on your part, the show will indirectly shed light on how boxing has evolved over the years and why boxing, deemed 'brutal' and "inhumane" was kept off national television.You will realize: why we have standing 8 counts, why we have the 3 knock down rule, why refs stop fights sooner, why fighters are required to meet stricter medical guidelines (TN either is going to, or has rejected Riddick Bowe's application for a boxing license due to health reasons. New York state is not allowing Evander Holifield to fight in their state anymore due to concerns about his inability to call it quits.) All these rules and regulations have a purpose and that is for the safety of fighters. 'Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story' shook our foundation. But, as we thought and sifted through history and time, we came to realize that Boxing has changed. And we feel, for the better.

John Johnson TKO's Guzman in 6th! (4-25-05)
Light Heavyweight Prospect John Johnson defeated Hilario Guzman by TKO in The 6 round. Their 6 round main event Saturday night at Fitzgerald's Casino in the 'Battle on the Banks', was a battle from round one. Stay tuned for more fight results from Fitzgerald's.

'Battle on the Banks' Tomorrow Night! (4-22-05)
Tunica, MS - Prize Fight Boxing and Fitzgerald's Casino announce "Battle on the Banks", an exciting six bout professional boxing card to be held on April 23, 2005. The main event of the evening will feature two highly touted and hard-hitting light Heavyweights in an exciting 6-round Bout. This bout will consist of top prospect and local favorite amongst fight fans, John Johnson 8-0, (7ko's) from Batesville, MS against Hilario Guzman. This is by far Johnson's toughest fight of his boxing career. Johnson, a local fight favorite, has been the talk of boxing circles because of his impressive punching power. Johnson has knocked out seven of his last eight opponents. Johnson has taken the mid-south by storm as he has been featured numerous times as the Undercard fighter for Prizefight Boxing. In Johnson's last fight, he succeeded with yet another victory with a third round KO in Biloxi, Ms against Charles Daughtry. Conversely, Hilario Guzman, from Orlando, FL, is the biggest puncher that Johnson has ever faced.

There will be an additional 5 exciting Bouts proceeding the Main Event including a much anticipated Feature Bout between the up and coming Adam Richards 4-1 (3 KO's) of Murfreesboro, TN and Terrance Marbra 5-1 (3ko's) of St Petersburg, FL. This will be Richards' toughest opponent of his career. This feature Bout will definitely be a favorite amongst fight fans. Jason Ross 0-1 from Southaven, MS will also be included on the undercard. Ross
will fight to avenge his first and only lost to Pete Johnson of Sardis, MS. " I will win this next fight, I have to win this next fight," expressed Ross as he trains hard at Prize Fight gym located in Tunica. Ross is currently training for his next fight under the training of heavyweight champion Ray Lunsford.Also included on the card will be fighters who were 2004 Olympic Trials
finalist. These fighters include; Anthony Peterson 4-0 (3ko's) from Washington D.C., LaMont Peterson 6-0 (2ko's) also from Washington D.C., and Rayonta Whitfield (2-0) from Augusta, GA.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ringside seats are priced at $30 with reserved seats being $25. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Fitzgeralds Casino gift shop located on the first floor of the Hotel.

Goosen Holding something Back for Fight! (4-22-05)
Dan Goosen, Glen Johnson's promoter, is cloak-and-dagger about a surprise announcement he says he has pertaining the Johnson-Tarver fight in Memphis, TN. Goosen says that what he has in store has never been done in boxing!

G. Johnson - Tarver PC Update! (4-22-05)
The press conference scheduled for yesterday at the FedEx Forum to promote the Glenn Johnson vs. Antonio Tarver rematch was canceled due to a scheduling conflict with the Tarver camp. The new date has been scheduled for May 2nd at the FedEx Forum.

Goosen Wants Toney in Memphis in '05! (4-22-05)
Dan Goosen, promoter for Glen Johnson, was a guest caller on "Inside the Ropes" on Sports 56 today and urged fight fans to watch James Toney KO John Ruiz on April 30th at Madison Square Garden. Goosen, who is Toney's Promoter, said that he wants to bring Toney to Memphis later this year.

G. Johnson-Tarver Press Conference Canceled for 4/21! (4-21-05)
Stay tuned to Memphis Boxing for details.G. Johnson-Tarver Press Conference today at the Forum! (4-21-05)
Memphis Boxing will head to the FedEx Forum this afternoon to cover this event.
Stay tuned to Memphis Boxing for Press Conference info and Photos!

John Johnson Talks about Roots-Career-Impact! (4-20-05)
By: JD Meredith - Memphis Boxing
MemphisBoxing.com had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with up and coming Light Heavyweight prospect, John 'Voodoo Man' Johnson (8-0), about his career and his next fight with the tough Hilario Guzmon this Saturday night (4-23) at Fitzgerald's Casino, Tunica, MS. Johnson, fighting by way of Batesville, MS, is currently 8-0 (7 KO's) and is looking for his 9th win. (More)

Correction - G. Johnson-Tarver Tix on sale Sat 4/23! (4-20-05)
Brain Young informed Memphis Boxing that around 15,000 seats will be available for the event at the Fedex Forum on June 18th. Tickets will be available Saturday, April 23rd, from Ticketmaster. Tickets start at $35. www.ticketmaster.com

Special Thanks To Brian Young - Chris Vernon!
To Brian Young of Prize Fight Promoters and Chris Vernon of Sports 56 WHBQ for having MemphisBoxing.com on this week's addition of 'Inside the Ropes'. 'Inside the ropes' airs 10:00am-11:00am, each Friday on Sports 56 WHBQ and covers top stories in the world of boxing. Thanks for Plugging Memphis Boxing.com! Sports 56 WHBQ

G. Johnson-Tarver Rematch PC Next Thursday! (4-15-05)
The first press conference for the Johnson - Tarver Rematch is scheduled for 4/21/05
at the FedEx Forum, 1:00pm.

Marteze Logan To Fight Figueroa in NY! (4-14-05)
Covington, TN's, Marteze 'Too Sweet' Logan will head to White Plains, NY, on May 6th to take on 9-2, 7KO's, Francisco 'Gato' Figueroa. Figueroa, has put up some impressive numbers early on, however, Logan will be a step up in class for the "Gato" from the Bronx. The fight will be held at the Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY.

Johnson - Tarver 2 At The FedEx Forum! (4-12-05)
Memphisboxing.com spoke with Brian Young of Prize Fight Promoters this afternoon (4/12) and he confirmed that the Glen Johnson vs Antonio Tarver rematch will be in Memphis, TN, at the FedEx Forum, on June 18th. "Its a done deal," Mr. Young said when asked if the fight was going to come to fruition. A press conference is scheduled for 4/21/05 at the FedEx Forum.

Johnson vs Tarver 1 was hosted at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, back in December '05.
Tarver brought the IBO Light Heavyweight Title with him to California but left for Miami with another loss. Johnson won the fight by a split decision.

Memphis played host to the fight between, then virtually unknown, 'Gentleman' Glen Johnson and Roy Jones Jr.in September of 2004. Johnson upset Jones by KO and became the IBF Light Heavyweight Champion of the World. MemphisBoxing.com will keep you updated on the latest news surrounding the fight.

Webb Weaves Yarbrough a Tangled Web! (4-7-05)
Tuesday night at the New Daisy Journeyman Lester Yarbrough (147lbs.) faced off with undefeated up-and-comer James "Spider" Webb (17-0, 14 KO's). In the scheduled 4 round welterweight bout James Webb dominated. Landing a very high percentage of his shots against Yarbrough. Webb was fast and his work in the ring overwhelmed his older opponent. In round 3 Webb poured on some skill and sent Yarbrough to the canvas 3 times before the fight was stopped. Webb wins by TKO at 1:57 of round 3. Lester Yarbrough's record may not suggest just how durable of a fighter he is, but he has only been KO'd one other time in 25 fights since 1996.

Logan / Roy face off in Exhibition! (4-7-05)
Darnell Logan and Terrance Roy faced off in a 4 round Exhibition match at the New Daisy last Tuesday evening. The pace was about half speed for the first couple of rounds but picked up towards the end of round 3. Logan's jab was a nice match-up for Roy's quickness.

Fans get what they paid for at Boxing on Beale! (4-6-05)
Tuesday night was an event filled night that offered many choices for sports fans tastes. The boys of summer were back in action. Baylor and Michigan State where fighting for the NCAA Woman's Basketball Championship and the Memphis Grizzlies were playing host at the Fedex Forum to the hot Denver Nuggets. Meanwhile, on the other side of the street, Memphis fight fans were shuffling about at the New Daisy Theatre for the April edition of Boxing on Beale.

Tuesday night showcased a great fight card that proved to be one of the best nights of boxing at the Daisy in recent months. With the exception of a 4 round exhibition match, all 4 professional bouts (2 Heavyweight, 1 Light Heavyweight and a Welterweight) ended in dramatic fashion, by KO! Excluding a few that were ruled slips, there were 7 total knockdowns.

The 10 RD Main Event featured tough Joe Harris (6-6, 4 KO's) vs. fellow Light Heavyweight, Karl Willis (24-17-1, 16 KO's). Willis, from Nashville, TN, has been in the ring with some highly acclaimed contenders and former world champions. The list includes Rubin Williams, Montell Griffin, Richard Hall, James Toney, and Thomas Hearns, remember him?

In the first stanza fans saw lots of hard hitting action. Harris, who weighted in at 195lbs., was a southpaw, so Willis had to acclimate himself to fighting an unconventional boxer. When either would throw they would seem to tangle up but it didn't take too long before both where rocking one another with power shots and landing quick jabs.

Rounds 2,3 and 4, contained tons of action and exciting boxing. The fight was even on the cards with neither fighter having the upper hand. When Willis and Harris get tangled up Willis used some well placed body to the head combinations to get out of the hold.

In the top of the 5th Harris' punch output was slowing down and his guard was dropping as well, which allowed Willis to jab and slip around for some body shots that landed with a snap. Later in the round, Harris plugged Willis with a low blow. Willis was given a moment to recover. The blow was ruled incidental. During this round the fight began to swing in Willis' favor but Harris would not go away.

Round 6 showed a terrific fighter in Willis. He went to the body well, he slipped and moved his head and he listened to his corner. Oh, did we mention he is tough? Mid-round Willis caught Harris with a hard over hand right and sent him to the canvas. Harris made the count and the fight continued.

Harris was tough in round 7, but he did not throw many punches and he took a beating. Willis connected with whatever he threw and referee, Alan Lovell threatened to stop the fight if Harris didn't show him something more.

Round 8 we find Harris getting drummed. His head being snapped back by every jab Willis tossed his way. Harris' face is showing how much punishment it has absorbed and he didn't have much gas left in his tank. Willis on the other hand is still moving well at this point in the fight. In the bottom half of the round Willis lands a barrage of punches that send Harris down. Harris makes the count, his eyes squinting in pain. He wants to continue but prior to the fight being resumed, his corner tosses in the towel.

Willis, wins by TKO at 2:38 of round 8.

After the fight, Willis did a series of one handed push-ups at center ring to show just how conditioned he was for this fight. Harris looked on from his corner.

McDaniel Roughs Up Garcia (4-5-05)
Wallace McDaniel turned up the heat on Alex Garcia (232lbs) in their bout last Tuesday night at the New Daisy. The fight was all McDaniel from start to finish. Garcia just couldn't get in to hit the talller McDaniel. McDaniel's quick jab set up lots of power shot opportunities for the 268lb fighter. Eventually, Wallace wore down Garcia by busting through his guard and was able to deliver a KO blow in round 3. The overhand right send Garcia reeling into the ropes and onto the canvas. Garcia hit pretty hard and was observed prior to leaving the ring.

Cobb Dismantels Guthrie in 57 seconds! (4-5-05)
Josh Cobb, son of former contender Randell "Tex" Cobb, needed only seconds to clobber Ken Guthrie in their scheduled 4 round heavyweight bout. When the opening bell rang Cobb's first punch hurt Guthrie and so did the other 10 that followed. Guthrie was put on the canvas 3 times but only one was considered a knockdown. The referee waved the fight off when Guthrie was slow to respond. Cobb is now 1-0, 1 KO.

Results from Tuesday Night Fights at the New Daisy! (4-6-05)
Fight Updates and Photos coming soon!

Karl Willis Def. Joe Harris - Light Heavyweights
James Webb Def. Lester Yarbrough - Welterweights
Josh Cobb Def. Ken Guthrie - Heavyweights
Wallace McDaniel Def. Alex Garcia - Heavyweights

April Boxing at the New Daisy Tomorrow Night! (4-4-05)
The New Daisy Theatre on Historic Beale Street will play host to MId-South Boxing's monthy fight card tomorrow night (4/5/05). See below for scheduled fight card.

Joe Harris VS Carl Willis (10RD Light Heavyweight)
James Webb VS Lester Yarbrough (4RD Welterweight)
Terrance Roy VS Chris Burdford (4RD Lightweight)
Chris Ricketts VS Ken Guthrie (4RD Heavyweight)
Josh Cobb VS TBA (4RD Heavyweight)
Doors open at 7:00pm - Additinal Bouts Possible

Hunt KO'd in Round 1! (3-28-05)
Jackson, TN's, "Marvelous" Marvin Hunt (11-15, 4 KOs) was at Jarrells Gym, Savannah, GA, Saturday night to take on fellow Heavyweight, Najee Shaheed. Shaheed, an unorthox fighter by way of Brockton, MA, sported a 20-7-2 record with 11 KOs, coming into the fight with Hunt. Hunt stepped into the ring with a 3-7 record in his last 10 fights while Shaheed came into the ring with a 4-6 record in as many fights. Shaheed was able to dispense of Hunt quickly. Winning by KO in round 1. Hunt falls to (11-15).

Local fighters Take it on the chin in Atlanta! (3-28-05)
Although it was "Good Friday", the day had some unpleasant things in store for local Memphis boxers fighting in Atlanta, GA. Welterweight, Paul Delgado, earned a victory last Friday night at Earthlink Live. Delgado beat local Covington, TN, boxer Walter Gilliam by unanimous decision after 6 rounds. In a Light Middleweight bout Leo Laudat defeated Covington, TN based Billy Tipton, by first round KO.

Giliam and Tipton in Atlanta 3/25! (3-23-05)
Covington, TN fighters, Walter Gilliam and Billy Tipton, are on the fight card for "Friday Night Fights at Earthlink Live in Atlanta, GA, this Friday night (3/25). Gilliam (5-11, 1KO), coming off a split decision victory over Lamont Ingram earlier this monthat the New Dasiy Theatre in Memphis, TN, will be taking on fellow Welterweight Paul Delgado (12-5-1, 2KOs) of Norcross, GA. Tipton (2-6), who recently defeated Carlos Adams by unanimous decision (4RDs) at the New Dasiy Theatre in Memphis, TN, will be stepping in the ring with Light Middleweight Leo "The Lion" Laudat (6-7, 6KOs) from Roswell, GA. Both Gilliam and Tipton looked to have improved in their last fights. These bouts are sanctioned by the Georgia Boxing Commission and are being promoted by Austin Wingo Sports. Stay tuned for updates.

Logan 1-2 this month! (3-23-05)
Marteze Logan is a busy fighter these days having fought 3 fights this month alone. Logan (18-13-2, 4KOs) began this month in Memphis winning a sparing match against Toris Smith. He then traveled to Puerto Rico to battle Wilfredo Negron. He lost by unanimous decision. And this past Friday night he traversed his way to Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT. There he was decisioned by 14-1-1, Delvin Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic. Scores in that bout were - 71-79 | 72-78 | 73-77.

Logan beaten in Puerto Rico! (3-11-05)
Marteze Logan (18-11-2) traveled to Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, last week (3-4) to take on Wilfredo Negron (24-8) at the Coliseo "Pedrin Zorrilla". Logan managed to win 3 rounds of the 8 round event but lost the bout to Negron by unanimous decision. The Judges, appearantly all from Puerto Rico, scored the bout, 77-74 | 77-74 | 77-74.

Logan's most notable fight is a draw with Light Middleweight Hector Camacho, Jr.
The fight was held at Grand Casino Coushatta, Kinder, LA, in 2004.

Wood wins dirty fight! - Courtesy of Gulfcoastboxing.com
In the main event Frank Wood (25-3) put his Mid-South heavyweight title on the line against Rafael Pedro (19-4-1). This fight started off well for Pedro, as he jabbed Wood and looked to be in control. In round 2, Wood upped the tempo and started to back Pedro up, as he did that Pedro started to grab, at the end of round 2 is where this fight started going downhill. As the :10 second bell rang, both fighter flurried to try to steal the round, as the bell sounded, Wood threw a left hook, that landed after the bell, Pedro retaliated with a punch of his own, and the fighters had to be separated by referee Fred Steinwinder. Pedro jabbed his way through round 3, anytime Wood would come close, Pedro would tie him up and lean on him, which seemed to frustrate Wood. In round 4, Wood pressured his way in and landed a slew of clean shots. Again shots were thrown after the bell sounded. In round 5, things got out of hand, the tiring Pedro held at every opportunity he had. Towards the middle of the round, the fighters feet got tangeld up and both fighters went the the ground. While on the ground, Pedro landed a right hand to the jaw of Wood. At that point referee Fred Steinwinder had seen enough and declared the Frank Wood the winner by disqualification.

After the fight Gulfcoastboxing.com had chance to talk to Mid-South heavyweight champion Frank Wood (25-3). Wood said “I prepared properly for a tough fight, and I still had a lot left in the tank.” He also went on to say that “the guy with the bigger heart was not going to be denied”. When asked about a rematch, Wood said “rematch whenever he wants, despite the dirty tactics, but it is up to Brian Young and the powers that be.” Wood said “I’m moving up the ladder and looking for bigger fights. I am hoping that promoters see this win, and hopefully that gets me to the bigger fights”, when asked what was next on the horizon.

March New Dasiy Update! boxing at the New Daisy! (3/2/05)
Beale Street was cold and quiet Tuesday night but inside the New Daisy it was quite the opposite. Hundreds of boxing fans bustled about inside, munching on popcorn or hotdogs while sipping on their beverage of choice. The lights were low and smoke billowed from cigars and nostrils. People shuffled around, looking for seats, while a brand new canvas covered the surface of the ring - waiting for its first victim.

March New Dasiy Update! Logan Defeats Smith! (3/2/05)
Fight fans got to see plenty of punches as the card supported 5 fights. The Main Event featured promising Welterweight, Marteze "Too Sweet" Logan vs Toris Smith. Logan began the fight with impressive work to Smith's body. Unleashing, powerful hooks to the body, that punished Smith and opened his guard for ensuing punches. Logan ate a few of Smith's jabs but they were few and far between. In round 3 Logan hit Smith low with a straight right hand that sent Smith reeling in pain. Smith was given time to recover. Logan is just impressively slippery, quick and able to position himself to deliver a punch. In round 4 Logan continued to pour on the punishment. Seeming to play with Smith until he wanted to end it. Smith was dropped in the early part of the round with a body shot and made the count. But soon was banged again to the body by Logan and was down for the count. Logan wins by KO at 42 seconds of round 4.

March New Dasiy Update! Gilliam Squeaks by Ingram! (3/2/05)
In a 4 round welterweight bout Walter Gilliam mixed it up with Lamont Ingram. Gilliam showed great body movement and circled Ingram in the first round. From time to time he would jump in and pop Ingram with a straight right hand. In round two, because of Gilliam's movement, Ingram wasn't able to connect many punches. Ingram did impose some damage on Gilliam. After a shot to the body landed for Ingram, it appeared (from our vantage) that Gilliam leaned forward and grazed the canvas with his right hand - Out of view from the referee the fight continued. In round 3 Gilliam began to tire from all his movement. We saw lots of holding and clinching from him while Ingram looked good and continued to land clean effective punches. Round 4 left Gilliam looking less in control and Ingram a more conditioned calculated fighter. The round ended with both fighters toe-to-toe in center ring. In a fight that could have gone either way, Gilliam won the favor of the judges and received the nod. Gilliam wins by split decision. After the announcement of Gilliam as the winner, Ingram's corner said something to the ring announcer, who then replied over the mic, "I just read 'em."

March New Dasiy Update! Tipton Outpoints Adams! (3/2/05)
In a 4 round light heavyweight fight, Billy Tipton stepped into the ring against a game Carlos Adams. Adams fought well in round one by utilizing his jab and switching between south paw and conventional styles. Both fighters showed lots of respect and circled each other in the ring. Round two was a different story were we saw the two fighters engaged in a series of holds and hugs while they continued to punch and slap. Later in the round, Tipton begin to gain momentum as he proved to be the stronger of the two. Adams found some success with the straight left but did't follow it. He looked very hesitant to punch, possibly looking to counter. At one point in the round Tipton used the rope-a-dope on Adams and it worked. While Tipton played opossum, Adams threw some nice combinations to the body and stepped back to toss in some straight right hands. Then Tipton turned the tides and landed several power counters that backed Adams up. In rounds 3 and 4 Tipton continued to hunt down the slower and tiring Adams. Adams did't have anything on his punches but showed a big of heart. Tipton wins by unanimous decision.

March New Dasiy Update! Tolley and Presley - Brawl! (3/2/05)
In an ugly but crowd pleasing fight, Jessie Tolley and Reggie Presley let it all hang out. Both fighters took some punishment in the fight when a few misguided hooks found some real estate. Presley was down several times during the fight, most due to weak legs. Tolley was the more durable fighter and it showed later in the fight as he walked right through Presley's punches. Tolley wins by TKO in round 4.

March New Dasiy Update! Logan Puts on Exhibition! (3/2/05)
Darnell Logan fought Jessie Davis in a 4 round, 2:00 minute per round, exhibition bout. You may be asking the same question, "Why is Darnell Logan fighting exhibition fights?" Darnell Logan is (8-2-1, 4KOs).

Bealestreetboxing.com is now Memphis Boxing! (3/1/05)
The decision to take on the new identity of Memphis Boxing is one that we have been pondering for a long time. We feel that the name Memphis Boxing will help us achieve our over all goal of bringing boxing news and information to our viewers and future viewers.

thank you for your Support! (3/1/05)
We apologize for such a long downtime for our site. During the first week of February, the web hosting service for Bealestreetboxing.com was attempting to move their offices to a new location. During this process, their servers were not able to be transfered properly. All of their customers' websites went down for the count, including ours. Since then Memphis Boxing has found a new web host to serve our needs.

To be or not to be - Golota/Brewster fight in Chicago! (3/1/05)
Memphis and the FedEx Forum, has lost their bid to host the WBO Heavyweight Championship bout between current WBO Heavy Champ Lamon "Relentless" Brewster (31-2, 27KOs) vs. Andrew Golota (38-5-1, 31KOs). The fight will now be held May 21, 05, at the 23,500 seat United Center in Chicago, IL.

Logan Too much for Dickson! (2/4/05) - By Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
The New Daisy Theatre hosted an action-packed lineup of fights on Tuesday night featuring local quick-fisted sensation Martez Logan (17-11-2, 3 KOs) versus Greg Dickson (23-8-1, 18 KOs).

Logan’s speed and ring generalmanship proved too much for Dickson. Logan scored a 5th-round TKO when Dickson refused to answer the bell in the 10-round junior middleweight main event.

Boxing is scheduled to return to the New Daisy Theatre next month on March 1st. If you’re a visitor to Memphis, you owe it to yourself to stumble down to the end of Beale Street and soak up plenty of the local boxing flavor.

Jessie Davis TKO's Newcomer! (2/4/05) - By Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
In another junior middleweight bout, Jessie Davis (1-1) scored a TKO victory over newcomer Justin Davis. The fight was halted at 2:53 in round 2 of the scheduled 4-rounder.

Adams Defeats Tolley! (2/4/05) - By Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
Light heavyweight Carlos Adams (1-2), from Memphis, won a split decision over Jessie Tolley (0-2) from nearby Parsons, TN in a 4-round contest.

Connolly Impressive in TKO Victory! (2/4/05)
By Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
Albuquerque, NM native Mike Connolly (2-1, 2 KOs) hammered out a second-round TKO victory over Leo Cruz from Columbia, TN at 1:55 into round 2.

New Daisy Fights heat back up this Tuesday Night! (1/31/05)
February 1st marks a new season of boxing at the New Daisy.
Make plans with the guys to come out and support Memphis Boxing.
Stay tuned for fight information.

The king, looking to Rock memphis! (1/31/05)
Fight fans the time is now for Memphis to welcome championship boxing events with open arms. First it was Tyson vs. Lewis, then Jones Jr. vs. Glen Johnson, now Memphis will play host to the WBO Heavyweight Championship bout between current WBO Heavy Champ Lamon "Relentless" Brewster (31-2, 27KOs) vs. Andrew Golota (38-5-1, 31KOs) on April 16, 2005, at the magnificent FedEx Forum.

Both Golota and Brewster have controversy swirling around their recent fights, however, Golota's far outweighs Brewster's. The beauty of these bouts, for Memphis, may not lay with the fighters but with the beholder and the beholder is Don King.
The significance of Don King Promotions' (DKP) bringing fights to Memphis is resounding. It tells Memphis several things but largely that Memphis is full of fight fans who will support fights like Tyson/Lewis & Jones Jr./Johnson. Memphis has what it takes.

What was the catalyst for Memphis' playing host to big fights? Yes, it has everything to do with the FedEx forum, however we are going a little deeper. It was not Tyson vs. Lewis – although Memphis did get the fight due to the Tyson/Lewis press conference mêlée, after which Tyson's Nevada boxing license was revoked (Tyson also didn't have a license to fight in New Jersey at that time). Why not Tyson vs. Lewis? Well, those guys could sell tickets on the moon. People were going to come see them. The catalyst was Jones Jr. vs. Glen Johnson. Glen Johnson, who is currently considered to be the top Light Heavyweight in boxing after defeating Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver, was relatively unknown before he dramatically KO'd Roy Jones Jr. in 2004. Granted, people bought tickets to see Roy Jones Jr., who will go down in history as one of boxing's pound-for-pound best. We expected to see Jones, Jr. KO Johnson in his come-back fight. Jonhson's boxing ability and record was underestimated and things didn't work out the way the Jones camp had hoped. Point is, fans bought tickets to see a fight that might not have been a spectacular matchup and it ended with a spectacular conclusion.....the people loved it.

If Memphis were to write a letter to DKP. Lets just say it had the sound of a letter written from summer camp. It would read like this,

Memphis boxing quiet....For now. (1/26/05)
Memphis Boxing has been relatively quiet in the early part of '05. The new Daisy Fights were on hiatus in January due to the Holiday Season. There has, however, been some boxing action in the area. Fitgerald's Casino–Tunica, MS, hosted several bouts on January 22. Those fights, titled "Fists of Fury", included several local fighters including Darnell Logan & Cristy Nickel.

Sources say that the near silence surrounding memphis boxing this year may be ready to break. Three big names in the sport of boxing are currently discussing the possiblity of an upcomming heavyweight collision for Memphis in March. Memphisboxing.com will keep you posted on this top story. Check back soon.

New Daisy Fights on Feb 1st! (1/26/05)
February 5th marks a new season of boxing at the new Daisy.
Make plans with the guys to come out and support Memphis Boxing.
Stay tuned for fight information.

Logan beats Santiago! (1/10/05) - By Scotti Vandevender - Fightnews.com
Marteze Logan of Covington, TN, won a ten round majority decision over Luis Alberto Santiago Philadelphia, PA. Logan (16-11-2, 2 KOs) took most of the early rounds and held off a late surge by Santiago (18-6-1, 11 KOs) to win by the scores of 97-93, 96-94, and 95-95.

"Fist of Fire" - Fitzgeralds Casino - January 22! (1/5/05)
Tunica, MS - Prize Fight and Fitzgeralds Casino announce "Fist of Fire", an exciting nine bout professional boxing card to be held on January 22, 2005. The main event of the evening will feature two highly touted and hard-hitting Jr. lightweights in a 12-round Feature Bout for the NABO Jr. Lightweight Championship. This bout will consist of top prospect and USBA Regional Champion, Antonio Davis 15-1, (7ko's) from Atlanta, GA against Donnell Logan 9-1-1 (7ko's) from Memphis, TN. During his successful boxing career, Antonio Davis has taken the mid-south by storm as he has been featured numerous times as the Undercard fighter for Prizefight Boxing. In Antonio Davis's last fight, he was featured on the undercard of the Ann Wolfe fight and profoundly left with a victory. Conversely, Donnell Logan is a great fighter who possesses a quick right hand and has succeeded nine of his eleven battles.

There will be an additional 8 exciting Bouts proceeding the Main Event including the mid south's best pound-for-pound female fighter, Christy Nickel from Southaven, MS against Miriam Brakache from Atlanta, GA. Christy Nickel has only lost one fight in her boxing career, and unfortunately it was to her opponent Brakache. Nickel is definitely seeking revenge from a fight that she feels she should have won. In her short but successful career, Nickel has improved to a 6-1 (4ko's) record and is coming off an impressive win that was also held at Fitzgeralds. Conversely, top challenger Miriam Brakache 2-1 (2ko's) of Atlanta, GA has earned another opportunity to fight Nickel and is definitely looking forward to another defeat against Nickel.

The Undercard will consist of #1 ranked contender Ray Lunsford 17-4 (4ko's) of Tunica, MS as well as fellow Heavyweight fighter Frank Wood 23-3 (16ko's) from Nashville, TN. Also, included on the card will be four fighters who were 2004 Olympic Trials finalist. These fighters include; Anthony Peterson 1-0 (1ko) from Washington D.C., LaMont Peterson 1-0 (1ko) also from Washington D.C., Rayonta Whitfield (2-0) from Augusta, GA and Heavyweight sensation Charles Ellis 1-0 (1ko) from Wichita, Kansas. In addition, Tyrone Muex 14-8 (8ko's) of Covington, TN and Danny Wofford of Jacksonville, FL will both be in an exciting bout.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ringside seats are priced at $30 with reserved seats being $25. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Fitzgeralds Casino gift shop located on the first floor of the Hotel.

Fitzgeralds Casino - Tunica Will host fights 1/22/05! (1/5/05)
Fitzgeralds Casino is lining up a fight card for an upcoming January boxing event to be held in the 7,800 sq. ft. Great Hall. Check back for fight info and times. Call 1-800-766-5825.


MIchael Moorer was was in attendance this past Saturday (8/6) night at the Isle of Capri Casino where he worked the corner for Ed Peredes pictured here <above right>. Michael Moorer is listed as the first left-handed world heavyweight champion in the history of the sport. (8-9-05)