By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: September 14, 2024
Venue: 2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Promoter: Alex Barbosa’s R&B Promotions – “Philly Fight Night VI”
Ring Announcer: Alex Barbosa
Referee: Shawn Clark
Coverage: www.combatsportsnow.com
Photos: Larry Dixon
Editors: Dr. Yulanda Essoka & Kahlil Small
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com

As we say in colloquial terms “ain’t nobody does it better” than Alex Barbosa and his team at R&B Promotions. Faced with the daunting task of replacing the main event featuring rapidly rising undefeated junior-middleweight Oluwafemi “The Nigerian Nightmare” Oyeleye (16 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 10 kos) – Barbosa and his team decided to elevate debuting junior-welterweights Omayki “El Domi” Torres of the Dominican Republic fighting out of Trenton, New Jersey and Anibal “AJ” Mercado of Newton, Pennsylvania to the forefront. Yes, the main event was a four-rounder – the Dominican Republic (Torres) versus Puerto Rico (Mercado).

It was an ingenious idea because the venue was almost near capacity, filled with fans supporting both countries. Thus, it was equally gratifying when undefeated lightweight Juan Marrero made his entrance to the 1983 hit “Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus & Chaka Khan. That song summarized another spectacular night of the sweet science in the greatest boxing town on the planet – Philadelphia.

Mercado emerged from the dressing room and his fans stood in unison as he made his way into the ring. Next, Torres appeared on the runway, a hooded sweatshirt covering his head, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses, the Dominican Republic flag across his shoulders as he walked briskly to the ring, his supporters shouting raucously. Excitement was in the air and loads of social dynamite were present for an extremely explosive encounter. When Torres removed his hoody and shades – I was almost speechless because he is the doppelganger for my cousin Otis Simpson! The late, great Richard Pryor seated next to me from the world beyond – the twilight zone – quipped – “That motherfucker looks like Otis!” Telepathically I responded – “Shut up Rich, you didn’t pay to get in here – don’t start any trouble!” I guess the old adage that “everyone has a twin” is true. Referee Clark, who was flying solo tonight – refereeing the entire card – gave the instructions and the fighters and handlers retreated to their respective corners. The gong sounded and the main event commenced with Mercado taking the lead – coming forward.

Mercado attacked early – walking down his opponent – working behind the jab as Torres retreated looking to counter. Whenever, there was an exchange – it was evident that the catlike reflexes of El Domi gave him a distinctive advantage. He was able to counter and unload like a Gatlin gun finishing with a left hook and gained separation motoring around the ring like a lion stalking its prey on the plains of the Serengeti. There were no knockdowns and neither fighter was in dire straights throughout the action-packed four rounds. It was a wonderful demonstration of the sweet science by both combatants with Mercado’s supporters being a tad louder than the Dominican contingent.

However, nothing dissuaded El Domi from executing his plan as a gloved-matador. He garnered rounds 1-3 on my scorecard. I scored the fourth and final round for Mercado, who was relentless, throwing more punches boosted by his supporters who stood cheering raucaously for him throughtout the round . One judge scored it even 38-38 but was overruled by the other two who reflected my scorecard of 39-37 for Torres who won by majority decision in an extremely entertaining and exciting debut. Once again Richard Pryor interjected – “I told you El Domi was a bad motherfucker! That boy can fight!” Thank you, Rich – I’m going to stop bringing you to the fights!

2023 National Golden Gloves 125lbs. Champion, Shera Mae “Da Beast” Patricio of Waianae, Hawaii stole the show in the third fight of the night. In the scheduled four-rounder between debuting bantamweights (118 lbs.) – Shera Mae Patricio lived up to her moniker against Ayeshia Green of Princeton, New Jersey. The lady I affectionately call “The Hawaiian Punch” strolled out at the opening bell and deposited her opponent on the canvas with a combination. However, Green didn’t just show up for a payday – boxing from the southpaw stance she fought valiantly and made it out of the round.

Patricio pressed the action in the second stanza, evoking fond memories of the late, great Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor looking like a bald eagle swooping down on its prey – hell-bent on separating Green from her senses! The lady from Princeton showed her mettle and was able to survive the second round despite the heavy artillery dropped on her.

This is where you must understand the nuisances and intricacies of the sweet science, there is a method to the madness and that Patricio is a strategic thinker – not a whirlwind of punches from all angles. She laid the ultimate trap and bagged her prey. Reminiscent of the great five-division World Champion – Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns against the legendary Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran – Patricio baited Green with a jab to the body immediately following up with a devastating and crushing overhand right that sent her to the canvas – lights out – fight over! Referee Shawn Clark didn’t waste time counting because Green wasn’t getting up. Patricio was declared the winner by knockout 1:22 of Round 3. Thank God Green was able to make it upright and back to the dressing room without any assistance. Patricio will be a World Champion before her sixth fight. She is on the road to greatness, and I am ecstatic that Philadelphia was her first stop.

In the opening fight of the night – a scheduled six-round middleweight bout – Philadelphia’s Dewayne “The Beast” Williams (4 wins – 8 losses – 1 draw – 4 kos) won a majority decision 58-54, 57-55 and 56-56 over Quaseem “Hurricane” Carter (5 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 4 kos) of Newark, New Jersey. It was a virtual chess match from the opening bell with Carter being busier with the jab garnering the first round on my scorecard by a slight edge. However, Williams found his rhythm and started connecting with the jab followed by a straight right. It was an evenly matched fight as they both tried to gain an upper-hand using feints as their corners yelled throughout the match. James Shedrick Sr., Williams’ trainer, was boisterous throughout the bout yelling the right instructions – admonishing his charge to stay busy – cognizant that with eight losses there is a high probability that his fighter has been relegated to the status of “opponent” or cannon fodder for upcoming prospects. But there is an adage in boxing – “records don’t beat you – fighters do!” Thus, despite the eight blemishes on his record – even Stevie Wonder could see that Williams is a talented fighter with plenty in his tank to drive far into the middleweight division. “That boy can fight!” quipped the ghost of Richard Pryor sitting next to me! Carter, like his nemesis, is a highly skilled boxer with a high boxing IQ. However, he simply could not keep his mouthpiece in place and was penalized a point in rounds four and six for it landing on the canvas – Referee Clark concluding that he purposely spat out his gumshield. Based on the scores – absent of the penalties – the fight would have been scored 58-56 Williams, 58-56 Carter and 57-57 – a split-draw. I had Williams winning four rounds to two or 58-54 in a closely contested match. Hopefully, we will get the opportunity to witness a rematch.

Legendary Philadelphia trainer – Fred Jenkins Sr. was in the corner of his pugilistic prodigy – rapidly rising nineteen-year-old junior-middleweight Richard Johnson (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko). I don’t know what is in the water at 26th and Master Street – home of ABC Recreation Center in North Philadelphia. But, since a twenty-seven-year-old Jenkins produced his first World Champion – twenty-five-year-old IBF Lightweight Champion Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown on January 30, 1984 – the recreation center has been churning out arguably the best boxers in the greatest boxing city on the planet – Philadelphia. Like the mythical Dr. Frankenstein, Jenkins goes into his lab and emerges with human fighting machines – boxers steeped in the art of the sweet science and the talent to make it all the way to the top. Johnson is merely his latest prodigy – a tall boxer with lean muscles, a quick thinker, amazing reflexes and the power to separate opponents from their senses with one punch.

In the second bout on the card, Johnson faced fellow Philadelphian Jamar Leach (1 win – 1 loss – 0 draws – 0 kos). I was in press-row on April 14, 2013, for Leach’s debut against Allen Otto who was also making his entrance into the professional ranks. With almost no time left on the clock – Otto connected with a powerful, well-timed right hand that crashed off the side of Leach’s cranium somehow causing him to land face-first on the canvas as though he was planking – working on his core. Given that performance, I wasn’t optimistic that the thirty-four-year-old would make it to the final bell of the scheduled four-rounder against the power-punching, prodigious teenager. Once again, Rich chimed in – “Johnson gonna kill that motherfucker!” I simply nodded, thinking – “I have to stop inviting famous dead people to the fights!”

Johnson stalked Leach at the opening bell, working behind his jab switching to the southpaw stance ten seconds into the bout – raking his opponent with some vicious body shots. Leach kept his distance and motored around the ring – unable to avoid the body shots but adept and defensively savvy enough to evade the left hooks and straight rights targeting his head. The second stanza was almost identical to the opening round with Johnson going to the body, laying land mines that would lead to Leach’s demise. Twenty seconds in the third round, Johnson connected with a blow south of the border – hitting Leach square in the gonads – forcing referee Clark to call a halt to give Leach time to recover. Leach stood in his corner shaking his hips during the almost two-minute respite.

He signaled that he had recovered, and the action resumed. Johnson pressed the action and despite the warning earlier for the low blow – stayed committed to the gameplan of “working the body and the head will fall.” With almost a minute remaining in the round, Johnson hurt Leach with a body shot and swooped down on him like a B-52H Stratofortress – dropping the heavy artillery – hitting the target – forcing Pennsylvania Athletic Commission Official Joe Divon to signal to the referee to end the fight. Referee Clark was a millisecond from stopping the fiasco when Divon waived it off. Johnson was declared the winner by technical knockout 2:09 of the third round. I didn’t look in Pryor’s direction, I could hear him saying, “I told you that motherfucker was going to get kilt!” No that’s not a typo – I am merely writing how he said it.

I am a huge fan of spectacular entrances. Nothing will ever top WBO World Featherweight Champion “Prince” Naseem Hamed’s entrance on a flying carpet from the dressing room to the ring to face Vuyani Bungu March 11, 2000, at Olympia, London. However, tonight the award for “Entrance of the Night” belonged to undefeated, hard-punching Philadelphia lightweight Juan “The One” Marrero (5 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 5 kos). Juan went old school with “Ain’t Nobody” – the 1983 hit single that was #1 on the Rhythm & Blues charts by Rufus & Chaka Khan. The song blasted over the house speakers as he made his way to the ring for the seventh bout, eyes covered with dark sunglasses – his handlers in tow – fans and family on their feet cheering – some singing and dancing as his opponent Ezra “The Black Cowboy” Rabin (1 win – 6 losses- 0 draws – 1 ko) from Oakland, California waited patiently. The music that framed Marrero’s entrance was refreshing because my ears are assaulted every time a boxer makes his way to the ring blasting rappers bellowing self-hate, misogyny, low self-esteem and violence packaged as music! Thank you, Juan!

With Hall of Fame Cutman – Joey Eye – in his corner performing triple duty as coach, second and cutman – Rabin followed instructions and was able to make it to the final bell of the scheduled four-rounder upright. It was a spirited contest with Marrero attacking at the opening bell digging into his opponent’s body with hard shots and combinations. However, “The Black Cowboy” did not come to Philadelphia to be memorialized in a picture for “Knockout of the Night.” He fought an intelligent fight, was defensively sound and didn’t engage in a shoot-out with Marrero. There weren’t any knockdowns and neither fighter was in dire straits – on the verge of being knocked out. For pedagogical purposes this was the ideal fight for Marrero who has become accustomed to seeing his opponents either comatose on the canvas or rescued by the referee. This was the first time he heard the bell ending one of his fights. All three judges scored it 40-36 for Marrero who earned a unanimous decision victory. The Black Cowboy makes it back to Oakland leaving us nothing for a viral meme. All Rich had to say was, “You know that the Lone Ranger was Black?” Yes, Bass Reeves – the first Black US Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi was the real-life inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

The fourth bout featured the big guys – heavyweights – Daniel Bean (3 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) of Old Bridge, New Jersey against undefeated Jesse Hayward (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Philadelphia. Somehow, I thought that Bean would be in a rematch with Dante “Mr. Snuggly Time” Selby after winning a four-round majority decision in their June 22nd chess match. However, tonight Bean was across the ring from Hayward. And, when the bell rang – he worked behind his jab being busier – doing enough to win the opening round.

There were no knockdowns and neither fighter was in jeopardy of losing by knockout. Bean was simply busier as Hayward appeared to be waiting to land a game-changing punch. Midway, in the third round I heard “Jesse, hit that motherfucker!” I thought that directive came from my invisible friend, comedic legend the late, the great Richard Pryor, seated next to me. However, I noted that the comment came from directly behind me. At the end of the round, I stood up and introduced myself to the gentleman seated behind our VIP enclosure. He told me that his name is Todd Parker and that he is the Director of Operations at Tacony Academy Charter High School in Philadelphia – Hayward’s alma mater. I handed him my notebook where I chronicle all the night’s action, and he wrote his name and email address. I told him that he would be included in my fight coverage.

Hayward responded in the next round with his best punch of the night – a straight right. However, Bean was in a zone and was unaffected. It was an intriguing match that could have turned into a slugfest. However, both combatants appeared to be strategic and didn’t engage in a traditional heavyweight brawl. All three scorecards had it 39-37 for Bean who won by unanimous decision. I would love to see a six-round rematch.

In an action-packed somewhat wild barroom brawl twenty-six-year-old lightweight Noah “The Cannon” Norman (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) of Coatesville, Pennsylvania waged a four-round war with winless Benji Gomez (0 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws) of Oxnard, California. Norman attacked at the opening bell putting the southpaw Gomez down twice in the opening stanza with uppercuts. Somehow, Gomez pulled himself off the canvas and was able to continue and make it back to his corner. Norman was hell-bent on leaving Gomez horizontal on the canvas counting sheep. It was evident that “defense” to these two combatants meant “a barrier, railing or other upright structure enclosing an area or ground to mark a boundary, control access, or prevent escape” because neither fighter attempted to block a punch nor slip and roll. This was strictly a war of attrition and after the opening round – I was surprised that the judges had to decide the outcome.

Round after round they waged war – both combatants launching bombs as though they were inebriated in a pub in Dublin, Ireland and wanted to settle a dispute. Norman refused to take a step backwards and Gomez stood his ground. Norman suffered a cut on his left eye that had little or no impact on his gameplan. One judge scored all four rounds for Norman – 40-34 while the other two scored it two rounds apiece – however the two knockdowns in first round was the difference – a 10-7 round for Norman. Thus, the other two judges had it 38-36 for Norman who won by unanimous decision. Absent of the two knockdowns – two judges would have scored the fight even 38-38 and the final decision would have been a majority draw.

Looking like a supermodel and standing 5 ft 7 inches – debuting twenty-five-year-old flyweight Lia “Rogue” Lewandowski of Berlin, New Jersey towered over her opponent – 5 ft 0 inches – forty-five-year-old Amarilis “Manito” Adorno (1 win – 13 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) from Veja Baja, Puerto Rico in the sixth bout – a scheduled four rounder. It should be noted that Adorno has only suffered one knockout loss in her career – back in 2018. Adorno came forward at the opening bell with the taller Lewandowski landing the better, more accurate shots. However, despite the bombardment, the more experienced boxer demonstrated her defensive wizardry by slipping and rolling to avoid being hit flush with power punches.

The size disparity was so egregious that Rich quipped, “Goddamn, Manito is so short that you can see her feet on her driver’s license!” I had to remind the genius behind “Live on Sunset Strip” that he departed this earthly life on December 10, 2005, and that I am the only one in the building who could see and hear him. Thus, his commentary was falling on deaf ears in the building. However, I must admit that his description of the diminutive pugilist was accurate.

In the fourth round with barely thirty-seconds remaining, Adorno had the audience cheering when she found her inner “Pernell Whitaker” and demonstrated her defensive abilities by slipping a combination that was unleashed to close the show. Lewandowski threw with bad intentions hoping to end the festivities in fantastic fashion. The gong sounded bringing closure to another entertaining fight. No surprise, all three judges had it 40-36 for Lewandowski who won by unanimous decision in her debut and the start of an extremely bright future.

It was another exceptional night of boxing by R&B Promotions. Unfortunately, I was unable to make the amateur portion of the show featuring 14 bouts beginning at 4 PM. Nevertheless, I arrived in the building two minutes before Dewayne Williams was preparing to make his ring walk with his trainer James Shedrick Sr. Photographer Larry Dixon got a photograph with all three of us. Lastly, I am not sure if I will be taking Richard Pryor to the next fight on my agenda. Maybe, I will invite Redd Foxx if he can get his passport approved to travel from the after-life.

Continue to support the sweet science. And remember, always carry your mouthpiece!

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Venue: The Wells Fargo Center
Promoters: Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport & Boots Promotions
Ring Announcers: David Diamante
Commentators: Chris Mannix, Sergio Mora & Shawn Porter
Referees: Shawn Clark, Eric Dali, Harvey Dock & Ricky Gonzalez
Timekeepers: Alice “The G.O.A.T” Grady
Coverage: DAZN
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr. & Ray Bailey
Editor: Dr. Yulanda Essoka

If over the next decade, boxing superstar Jaron “Boots” Ennis doesn’t garner at least a billion dollars in fight purses and endorsements – his management team failed immensely. It doesn’t take a Harvard MBA to do the projections for this extremely marketable world champion – a generational talent and wholesome young boxer – committed to his craft – supportive of his stablemates – always helping them. And he comes from a two-parent family – a wonderful mother and father – two older brothers who were exceptional professional pugilists – one a graduate of Cheyney University. He is one of two boxers that are loved and showered with accollades by the entire boxing community of Philadelphia. The other is no longer competing – former two-time world cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham. You can’t make this up because it is true! I doubt Boots ever got a parking ticket.

Where do I start? As my late father always told me, “Start from the beginning!” People, unlike the overwhelming majority of boxers who walk into a boxing gym to learn the sweet science, this was never the case for our undefeated IBF World Welterweight Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (31 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 28 kos). He literally crawled into a boxing gym as a toddler, following his two older brothers, Derek and Farah, to learn under the guidance of their father, Derek “Bozy” Ennis, who is a distinguished trainer. Baby Boots was given a mouthpiece – there is no evidence of him ever acquiring a pacifier. He was walking by the time I saw him in the gym – a mini-master of his craft – a precocious pint-sized pugilist – that you knew was destined for greatness. There is no point in his career when he wasn’t exceptional. To him boxing is as effortless as breathing.

It has been a wonderful journey watching him progress through the amateur ranks all the way up the ladder to the pinnacle of his profession – a world championship. I unapolegitically have stated on numerous occasions that Jaron “Boots” Ennis is the best boxer in the galaxy unless there is a better pugilist on Mars. The last time we saw a boxer of this caliber – it was a gentleman from Palmer Park, Maryland who went by the name Sugar Ray Leonard. Not only is he a supremely gifted and talented boxer but Boots is also a humble, disciplined and dedicated athlete who is devoted to his profession and helping others inside and outside the gym. He is truly an ambassador for Philadelphia boxing – a unifying figure loved by all. Thus, it is so gratifying that he made his first title defense in his hometown – “The Capital of Boxing” – “The City of Brotherly Love” – Philadelphia.

Ennis, who turned 27 years-old on June 26th, was initially slated to face undefeated IBF #1 contender Cody Crowley (22 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 9 kos) of Canada, who wasn’t medically cleared due to undergoing eye surgery in November. On only five weeks’ notice 35-year-old, former WBA World Welterweight Champion David Avaneysan (30 wins – 4 losses – 1 draw – 18 kos) of Russia now fighting out of the United Kingdom stepped up to the plate and accepted the challenge. And despite the lack of mass media advertising and promotion, 14,119 fans, friends and supporters packed the Wells Fargo Center. This is the largest crowd to watch boxing in our beloved city since an audience of 14,930 witnessed Marvin Hagler win a unanimous ten-round decision over “The Policeman of the Middleweight Division,” “Bad” Bennie Briscoe, at the Spectrum on August 24, 1978.

No surprise that my good friend – The Salute to Philly Boxers “2018 Philadelphia Boxing Fan of the Year” – Luther Chiles, who recently retired as a Station Manager from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”) after 34 years of service was in the building. Absent was his childhood friend/road dog and co-recipient of the “2018 Philadelphia Boxing Fan of the Year” – Fred Wilson aka “Fred Rock” – who was unable to attend due to grandfather duties – babysitting his grandkids. However, Luther brought his two adult sons, Addul Haqq and Marcellus, along with Wilson Rosario – another childhood friend whom I deemed “Fred Rock’s Replacement.” On my way to the concession stands before the main event I had a brief chat with the quartet – who were all equally excited about this historic event.

The crowd cheered raucously as Boots made his way to the ring with his stablemate and friend, former Unified Super-bantamweight champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton leading the way carrying the IBF belt in the air – his handlers in tow. He entered the ring and proceeded to the far-right corner where he knelt in prayer – his standard routine. Referee Dali brought the fighters and their trainers to the center of the ring – gave the requisite instructions and they retreated to their respective corners. The gong sounded and the ambidextrous Philly fighter came out jabbing from the orthodox stance – walking down his opponent – landing to his head and midsection. Avaneysan kept his hands high while returning fire – blocking and throwing left hooks and straight rights. Boots controlled the action and switched to the southpaw stance a minute and fifteen seconds into the round. He immediately started ripping right hooks to the body. A little after the two-minute mark, Boots landed a right uppercut south of the border – in the groin forcing the Russian to the canvas writhing in pain. It was accidental and caused by Avaneysan pulling Boots’ head down with his right hand – changing the trajectory of the punch. Referee Dali reminded the grounded fighter that he had five minutes to recover as he knelt on the canvas. Avaneysan recovered after only two minutes and fifteen seconds and the fight continued with Boots resuming his strategy of fighting at close range while ripping shots to the body, winning the round on my scorecard.

Standing between rounds, Boots listened attentively to the instructions from his father/trainer. He began the second round marching forward landing vicious combinations on the body and head of his opponent. However, Avaneysan is a fearless and resilient warrior. He rarely retreated, switching to the southpaw stance fighting with every ounce of his strength and energy. It was an action-packed bout with both combatants committed to a war of attrition with Ennis getting the better of the exchanges and in-fighting – breaking down his nemesis one brick at a time – knowing eventually that his building would collapse. The action continued round after round, and I just had the feeling that it was only going to be a matter of time before Boots closed the show. Avaneysan was getting raked with some vicious shots to his rib cage, in addition his face was turning carmine – cherry red from the jabs and straight rights that landed frequently. Nevertheless, the indefatigable fighter showed his temerity giving his best effort.

In the fifth round, while switching from the orthodox to the southpaw stance – Boots launched a right hook that missed its mark sending him to the canvas – much to the delight of Avaneysan who mocked him by laughing. Had the punch landed – the fight probably would have concluded. Referee Dali wiped Boots’ gloves and the action resumed with the Philadelphian going to the body like a gravedigger with a shovel removing six-feet of dirt. Avaneysan blanketed Ennis, landing an uppercut on the inside-making the round competitive. With his back to the ropes, Boots connected with a left uppercut from the southpaw stance and immediately turned it into and overhand left that found its mark – anchoring his opponent to the canvas as though his legs had been swept from beneath him. It was a beautiful counter, executed so effortlessly – a reminder that Jaron Ennis is to boxing what Michael Jackson is to the music industry – a special talent with amazing abilities.

The fallen fighter was up almost immediately as referee Dali administered an eight-count and signaled for the fight to continue With almost a minute remaining in the round, Boots came forward ripping shots to his opponent’s ribcage and midsection. He hit Avaneysan with everything except the referee. Maybe my imagination was running wild because I thought I saw him lift Eric Dali in the air and throw him at the Russian striking him in the head. How Avaneysan was able to withstand the bombardment to the body is a testament to his will and conditioning. Somehow, he made it to the bell.

I should have asked Bozy for Saturday’s Powerball numbers because he predicted the fight would not make it past the fifth round. And “Bozydamus” was correct because the opposing corner and the ringside doctor protected the courageous combatant from himself, refusing to send him out for the sixth round and stopped the fight. Boots was declared the winner by technical knockout at 3:00 of round five. I am not one to speculate but I heard that Avaneysan suffered a broken jaw and a few fractured ribs and was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Hopefully, he will make a speedy recovery. Kudos to David Avaneysan for coming into his opponent’s backyard and giving a tremendous effort.

It was an impressive performance by Boots. Unsurprisingly, the Saudi Arabian royal billionaire, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of General Entertainment Authority, facetimed Boots after the fight to congratulate him on his win and shared that he would like to see Boots in a fight with Terrence Crawford at the weight of 154 lbs. soon. If Crawford defeats WBA Super-welterweight Champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd in Los Angeles – to capture a world title in a fourth weight class – his next fight should be against Boots. The spurious allegations that Boots “brings nothing to the table” and that he is looking for the big fights have been eradicated. The Philly fighter has a billionaire in his corner willing and able to give Crawford the biggest payday of his career. Nevertheless, I doubt that we will ever see Crawford against Ennis. It appears that he would rather move up three weight classes and face Canelo Alvarez for his super-middleweight belts than risk his life and health against Jaron “Boots Ennis.

I can’t blame him because he’s made it to the age of 36 undefeated with his health intact and is the “ #1 Pound for Pound” boxer on the planet. The Nebraskan has nothing left to prove – and I doubt that his ego would allow him to succumb to public pressure and the largest payday of his career. Then again, I could be wrong. I was in attendance for Sugar Ray Leonard’s last fight when he was stopped in the fifth round by Hector “Macho” Camacho at Convention Center, Atlantic City – March 1, 1997.

Jaron “Boots” Ennis was not the only world champion making his first title defense. WBC World Featherweight Champion Skye Nicholson (10 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Australia was similarly situated squaring off against Dyana “La Maquina” Vargas (19 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 12 kos) of the Dominican Republic – her first fight since winning the vacant belt on April 6th by unanimous decision over Sarah Mahfoud. Nicholson, who is movie star Jodi Foster’s young doppelganger, made her ring walk to Eve blaring over the house speakers on the track “Who’s That Girl” from her 2001 album “Scorpion.” Based on her flawless performance, “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer would have been more depictive.

From the opening bell of the scheduled ten-rounder the southpaw Nicholson boxed brilliantly, working behind her jab to keep her shorter opponent at the end of her punches. I don’t mean to diminish or disparage Vargas who was simply given a lesson in the art of the sweet science. If my memory serves me right – the only time she touched Nicholson was at the opening bell when they tapped gloves. The Aussie’s jab was effective and whenever Vargas attempted to get on the inside she was met with a straight left that crashed off her cranium. The rounds were identical, and I doubt if Nicholson broke a sweat. It was evident that she was having a good time – standing in her corner during the one-minute respites – painting a perfect pugilistic picture with her gloves as the paintbrush. Vargas was frustrated but couldn’t find an answer to her opponent’s impeccable boxing skills.

There were no knockdowns and neither fighter found themselves in dire straits. However, by the tenth and final round Vargas was bleeding from a cut on her left cheek. Nicholson displayed her wares reminding us that boxing is truly the art of hitting without being hit. Referee Clark raised her hand in victory because all three judges had it identical 100-90 for Nicholson who retained her title by unanimous decision – sending a message to the entire division that you “can’t touch this!”

Like most, I was anxiously awaiting the scheduled ten-round welterweight bout for the WBA Continental North American title between 21-year-old Jahlil “Major” Hackett (8 wins– 0 losses – 0 draws – 7 kos) of Washington, DC and 34-year-old Peter “Pistol Pete” Dobson (16 wins– 1 loss – 0 draws – 9 kos) of the Bronx, New York. Recently signed to Matchroom, this would be Hackett’s first fight under his new promotional banner.

Dobson coming off a loss to undefeated #5 world rated contender Conor Benn on February 3rd in Las Vegas was looking to get back in the win column. Supremely confident that he would be the agent for Hackett’s demise – Dobson stated at Thursday’s press conference:

“Tell your daddy you my son for the night. Shout out to your father for doing a good job raising you. But this is boxing and I’m going to fuck you up. Your dad is going to stop the fight, they are stepping you up too fast.”

The New Yorker felt that no 21-year-old was going to beat him and that Bernard Hackett, Jahlil’s father/trainer, was taking too big of a step in accepting a fight of this magnitude so early in his son’s career. Nevertheless, both father and son were sure that they made the right decision.

Hackett attacked at the opening bell working behind his jab launching straight rights and hooks while being defensive responsible, blocking the counters from his adversary sporting bleached-blond hair. Round after round Hackett out-landed Pistol Pete mixing it up – going downstairs to the body then coming up to the head with the left hook. By the fifth round Dobson was sporting a huge contusion on the left side of his head above his eye. Hackett was in rhythm just a step ahead of his opponent, out-boxing and out-landing him. It was a masterful performance by the 21-year-old who controlled the fight from the opening bell to the end. To Dobson’s credit – he never wilted despite absorbing many vicious shots to the ribs and midsection. When it was over two judges had it 97-93, with the third scoring it 96-94, all for the winner by unanimous decision and the new WBA Continental North American champion – Jahlil “Major” Hackett. Despite the pre-fight theatrics the combatants hugged and exchanged pleasantries – a sign of respect – after the decision was announced.

The second bout of the evening featured Boots Promotions’ first signee and stablemate –22-year-old Philadelphia welterweight – southpaw Ismail “The Chef” Muhammad (4 wins– 0 losses – 0 draws – 3 kos) against 30-year-old Frank Brown (3 wins– 4 losses – 2 draws – 1 ko) from San Antonio, Texas in a six-rounder. The Chef started cooking at the opening bell working behind his jab, pressing the action. However, while attacking he was met with a right that sent him to the canvas. I am not sure if he tripped over Brown’s front foot while jabbing and was off balance – nevertheless a punch landed, and he visited the canvas – rightfully called a knockdown by referee Shawn Clark. Muhammad was up immediately, and the action resumed. Absent of the knockdown, he controlled the pace and tempo with his jab and straight left.

All three judges scored the round 10-8 in error for Brown. A knockdown is one point for the fighter scoring the knockdown. Had the knockdown not happened – Muhammad would have won the round 10-9. Therefore, Brown gets a point for the knockdown making it a 10-10 round. Fights are scored on a “10 Point Must System” meaning the winner of a round cannot get more than ten points. Thus, had Muhammad who was winning the round scored a knockdown – he cannot get an extra point – thus to give him the benefit of an extra point for scoring the knockdown – a point would have been taken from his opponent – making it a 10-8 round. Fortunately, Muhammad, who was penalized two points by the judges in the opening round, was able to outbox Brown – peppering him with his jab and straight left. To his credit – Brown was competitive – returning fire despite the Philadelphian being one step ahead bringing out all the right ingredients – showing the audience that he is truly a chef inside and outside the ring.

Muhammad returned the favor – dropping Brown early in the fourth round with a straight left and a right hook. Up immediately and jogging in place – Brown had his vitals checked by referee Clark and the action resumed. The Texan showed great recuperative powers and was able to clear the cobwebs as his adversary marched forward looking for another opening. Brown made it to the bell and back to this corner. The bout continued at the same pace for the remaining two rounds with Muhammad being in control with his jab and straight left – somewhat frustrating Brown who had no answer for the southpaw’s pin-point accuracy. With approximately fifteen seconds remaining in the final round – Muhammad landed a straight left wobbling Brown – his legs turning to spaghetti. Fortunately, time expired before the Chef had the opportunity to spice things up. Muhammad won by unanimous decision, 58-55 twice and 57-55. I scored the bout 60-55 for him.

Matchroom’s light-heavyweight prospect Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe (8 wins– 0 losses – 1 draw – 6 kos) of Flemington, New Jersey should have entered the ring to “Here Comes the Hotstepper” the 1995 hit by Jamaican dancehall artist, Ini Kamoze. I am confident that the Wells Fargo Center would have been rocking. Nevertheless, he was arguably the most destructive and devastating performer on tonight’s card. In a scheduled ten-rounder, the sixth fight of the eight-bout card, Coe faced last minute replacement Kwame “Rambo Time” Ritter (11wins– 1 loss – 0 draws – 9 kos) of Baltimore for the vacant WBC USA Light-heavyweight title. After a traditional opening round with each combatant trying to get a proper reading on the other – jabbing while probing for openings – Coe didn’t waste much time in the second stanza. The twenty-seven-year-old went to work.

Coe promised a knockout and delivered. Working behind his jab, Coe stalked Ritter in the second round. Ritter switched intermittently from southpaw to orthodox. Midway in the round Coe sent Ritter to the canvas with a devastating right and a left hook. Ritter was up before referee Ricky Gonzalez reached the count of four and allowed the fight to continue. Coe attacked with everything in his arsenal beating Ritter from pillar to post as he reeled down the ropes trying to evade punishment as he was struck to the body and head. Ritter fought back, but Coe was deadly accurate and the devastating shots to the head forced the referee to stop the fight. Coe was declared the winner at 1:59 of the second round and the new WBC USA Light-heavyweight Champion. During his post-fight interview Coe stated that he wants to face British and Commonwealth Light-heavyweight Champion, Joshua Buatsi (18 wins– 0 losses – 0 draws – 13kos).

In the third fight – a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout – Boots’ stablemate – Christian Carto (22 wins– 1 loss – 0 draws – 15 kos) of Philadelphia was impressive – showing exceptional footwork and angles – landing at will, dropping his opponent Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (38 wins– 13 losses – 1 draw – 22 kos) of Managua, Nicaragua in the third round, forcing him to retire and not answer the bell for the next round.

With referee Harvey Dock overseeing the activities in the ring – Carto answered the opening bell working behind his jab. Buitrago was able to connect with a counter right early. However, it had little or no effect on the Philadelphian who landed with double left hooks and counter rights. Carto captured the opening round and continued his display of pugilistic prowess in the next two stanzas – giving angles and going downstairs to the body – much to the delight of his trainer Bozy Ennis who was yelling instructions throughout the bout.

Forgive me for stating that Carto was like butter in a restaurant – he was on a roll! He was in a zone – “a state of achievement that seems to defy explanation.” In the third round he hurt Buitrago with a combination to the body and immediately shifted his weight and connected with a left hook that sent the Nicaraguan to the canvas. Up immediately, Buitrago was able to finish the round upright with Carto trying to close the show landing a combination as the gong sounded. Buitrago’s handlers signaled to referee Dock that he would not be coming out for the fourth round. Carto was declared the winner at 3:00 of the third round and had his hand raised by the referee. It was a dominant performance – much appreciated by the hometown crowd.

Puerto Rican super-featherweight Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz-Velez (28 wins– 4 losses – 0 draws – 18 kos) won by technical knockout at 2:36 of the second round in a scheduled eight-rounder – the fourth fight on the card – against Deryl “El Coyote” Hernandez-Gerarldo (12 wins– 1 loss – 1 draw – 10 kos) from the Dominican Republic. The opening round was close with both combatants fighting on even terms.

The action picked up in the next round with Velez attacking the body with left hooks as his opponent motored around the ring while jabbing and unleashing a left uppercut – or stopping on a dime to throw a double hook to the body and head. With approximately forty-five seconds remaining in the round, Velez wobbled the Dominican with a vicious left hook – driving him to the ropes where he unleashed combinations to the head and body snapping El Coyote’s head backwards forcing referee Ricky Gonzalez to halt the action and save him from serious damage. It was an impressive performance by Velez who appears ready for another run at a world title.

In the opening bout of the night, Boots Promotions’ signee and stablemate – 18-year-old southpaw bantamweight Dennis “The Quiet Storm” Thompson of Philadelphia was impressive in his debut – looking like a seasoned professional – winning a unanimous four-round decision 40-36 on all three scorecards- over tough 30-year-old Fernando Valdez (1win – 7 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Salta, Argentina. Standing 5 ft. 7 inches looking like a mini-version of five-division World Champion Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns, Thompson attacked at the opening bell working at a frenetic pace to the head and body of his shorter opponent – unleashing everything in his arsenal.

Despite his height advantage, the Philly fighter kept the action at close range forcing his opponent to fight back or get obliterated. How Valdez was able to stay upright despite the bombs landing on his chin and body speaks volumes to his conditioning and intestinal fortitude. It was an action-packed bout and a great outing by the affable teenager whose future is so bright that I will have to keep my sunglasses on the next time I interview him.

It was an amazing night of the sweet science in the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia came out to support our hometown hero – Jaron “Boots” Ennis. This is just the beginning as Boots continues to set and break records. Hopefully, there is someone on his team who understands his immense mass appeal and aligns him with brands that can benefit from his success, pristine image and wonderful personality. OnlyFans – “an internet content subscription service used primarily by sex workers who produce pornography” (Wikipedia) – isn’t one of them! Whoever greenlighted that deal and had a patch placed on his trunks should be relieved of his duties!

Ryan Garcia, who has never won a world title and possesses less than 20% of Boots’ abilities, makes approximately $5 million annually in endorsements.

It was great having so many boxing aficionados in the building including my good friend – boxing trainer, Aaron Ford and his lovely wife Lisa; Steve “USS” Cunningham and his son – undefeated junior-middleweight prospect Steve “Tugboat” Cunningham Jr.; trainer Greg Hackett; Jamil Ali, President, USA Boxing Mid-Atlantic Region LBC; Donald Lyons, Board Trustee, USA Boxing Foundation; former professional and amateur sensation Kevin “Beaver” Jackson; Police Officer/trainer George Gee and his son, amateur sensation George Gee Jr.; boxing trainer Damon Allen Sr. and his nephew – undefeated junior-welterweight prospect Tyreem “Moo Moo” Haywood; and my Jamaican brother – trainer Ronnie “Madd Mitts” McCoy.

Philadelphia loves Boots!

Thank you Eddie Hearn, Anthony Leaver, & Matchroom!

“Billion Dollar Baby!”

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece.

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: June 22, 2024
Venue: 2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Promoter: Alex Barbosa’s R&B Promotions – “Philly Fight Night 5.”
Ring Announcers: “Manager” Marty Brown & Alex Barbosa
Referees: Shawn Clark & Eric Dali
Coverage: www.combatsportsnow.com
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr. & Kenny Ludwig
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com

Please grab your favorite drink/refreshment as a I recount another memorably night of the sweet science by R&B Promotions at our favorite venue – 2300 Arena. If you were absent – you have my condolences and deep regrets because the action and knockouts were so titillating that had this show been held in a graveyard – the newly departed would have been knocking from within the caskets seeking assistance to join the festivities, rising from their graves. Kudos to the boxers, trainers, managers and matchmakers for etching another memory in the rich history of Philadelphia boxing. Take a seat as we enter the venue.

With Nigerian cultural giant – Burna Boy, Grammy Award Winner & African Artiste of the Year, blaring on “Monsters We Made” over the house speakers – his countryman – rapidly rising junior-middleweight Oluwafemi “The Nigerian Nightmare” Oyeleye (15 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 9 kos) exited his dressing room making it to the runway leading to the ring. With the audience’s collective eye glued to him – Oyeleye like the fearless Maasai warriors – performed the Adumu – the energetic and athletic traditional dance – by jumping several times in the air. I am confident that he can dunk a basketball effortlessly. Flanked by Hall of Fame trainer – Coach Shar’ron Baker, manager Lando Rosa with assistant Calib “Big Foot” Whitmore behind – he strolled to the ring basking in the cheers and adulation of the hometown fans. His opponent Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz (13 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 12 kos) Ludwigsburg, Germany fighting out of Pomona, California waited patiently in his corner.

Referee Shawn Clark gave the instructions, the combatants retreated to their corners and the gong sounded for the commencement of the opening round of the scheduled eight-rounder. Oyeleye worked behind his southpaw jab – connecting to Ruiz’s head and midsection as he came forward. Ruiz returned fire with his right hand in position to counter. With Coach Shar’ron shouting, instructing her charge to continue jabbing, “The Nigerian Nightmare” judiciously implemented their gameplan – garnering him the round on my scorecard.

The chess match resumed in the second round as Oyeleye found a home for his stiff right jab, occasionally turning it into a hook followed by a straight left, adding a few uppercuts to the recipe for success. Ruiz made it an interesting and intriguing battle, unleashing a few straight rights lased with Nyquil that missed their target by a cat’s whisker because of the impregnable defense of the Nigerian whom I would reasonably conclude captured the second stanza. The third round was being contested like the previous two when midway Oyeleye while recoiling his jab stopped it halfway – turned it into a hook – shifted his weight and connecting with power and precision on the left side of Ruiz’s head sending him crashing to the canvas as though someone had swiftly pulled a rug from beneath his feet. Somewhat shaken, Ruiz made it to a standing position before referee Clark tolled four, checked his vitals and signaled for the fight to continue. Oyeleye attacked with bad intentions hoping to end the festivities. Kudos to Ruiz for evading and dodging Oyeleye’s barrage – making it to the bell to end the round.

I had the best vantage point in the arena – I was seated in the first row – directly behind Oyeleye’s corner – privy to the instructions imparted by Coach Baker. Thus, there was no surprise when he came out for the fourth round – working behind his jab – strategically searching for an opening to land his deadly right hook. Oblivious to the land mine in his path – Ruiz attempted to walk through Oyeleye’s jab and was immediately met with a right hook that crashed off the side of his head – sending him to the canvas – genuflecting on both knees as though he had just entered the Vatican for Mass on Sunday morning – crawling forward as though he was searching for dislodged contact lenses – his head finally crashing on the bottom ropes, approximately six feet from where he first left his feet. No surprise that referee Clark immediately called a halt to this classical and tactical tussle – declaring Oyeleye the winner by knockout at 42 seconds of the fourth round. Fortunately, Ruiz recovered and was able to leave the ring without medical assistance. There is a new sheriff in the junior-middleweight division, and he is Nigerian!

In the six-round co-main event, Samuel Arnold, the boxer, not the French actor famous for the Netflix series Emily In Paris, rode into town from Dallas, Texas with two “Peacemakers” strapped to his waist ready for demolition and destruction. Bearing the moniker “S3” because his legal name is Samuel Arnold III – the 6 feet 3 inches, twenty-one years-old super-middleweight is the doppelganger for my late cousin Delroy “Dalton” Gregory – who was my faithful sidekick whenever I landed in Jamaica on vacation. I thought that my eyes were playing tricks on me when Arnold made his ring walk. I heard the late, great Richard Pryor talking to me from beyond saying, “Goddamn, that motherfucker looks just like your cousin!” I had to calmly excuse my favorite comedian and place him back into my subconscious as Arnold (9 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 6 kos) made his way into the ring flanked by his handlers to face the awaiting Jhosue Chumpik (6 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) Ecuador.

Referee Eric Dali brought the combatants and their handlers to the center of the ring, gave the instructions, had them touch gloves, wishing them well as they retreated to their corners for the opening bell. Arnold towering over his opponent, worked behind his long jab, locks bouncing under the ring lights. Chumpik bobbed his head evading some of the shots calmly as though he was looking for an opportunity to land something of consequence. This went on for over a minute when Arnold morphed into my favorite fighter, five-division World Champion Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns and landed a straight right with enough power to level a small building – that connected on Chumpik’s chin sending him straight to the canvas – no need for referee Dali to count but to immediately call a halt and get the ringside doctor and medical team to assist the fallen fighter. Arnold was declared the winner by knockout at 1:18 of the opening round. Fortunately, Chumpik was revived and left the ring with his handlers.

Many of us have accepted the refutable “fact” that Philadelphians are genetically programmed to despise anything coming out of Dallas, Texas as evidenced by the rivalry between our beloved Eagles – 2018 Super Bowl Champions – and the Dallas Cowboys who last won a championship during President Clinton’s administration way back in 1993. However, Philadelphia loves Samuel Arnold as he was given a resounding round of applause during his post-fight interview in the ring. The magnificently gifted and talented young fighter thanked the fans and mentioned his appreciation for fighting in Philadelphia. We only hope that his management team gets him on our hometown hero – Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ first defense of his IBF Welterweight Title on July 13th at the Wells Fargo Center.

I am a firm believer in the explicable that God blesses certain boxers with the gift of knockout power. Philadelphia lightweight Juan “The One” Marrero (4 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws –4 kos) like former two-division World Champions Julian “The Hawk” Jackson and the late, great Edwin Valero – the only undefeated World Champion with 100% knockout ratio – has the uncanny ability to leave his opponents on the canvas unconscious or writhing in pain with one shot from either hand. Facing the 5 ft 9inches southpaw, is tantamount to walking across a minefield in the Vietnam War hoping to make it to the other side safely – unscathed and intact.

Tonight’s opponent Michael “The Double Rican” Ruiz (1 win – 2 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Tom River, New Jersey held his own in the opening round of the scheduled four-rounder. He was able to fight on even terms with Marrero, never allowing him to land anything crippling – using his jab and movement to offset the Philadelphian. Based on the information that I overheard from his corner – it was safe to relay to you my reader that Brother Marrero was not judiciously following the instructions of his Hall of Fame trainer – Coach Shar’ron Baker.

Nevertheless, he regained focus and adhered to the game plan in the second stanza. Working behind his southpaw jab, Marrero stalked Ruiz and countered whenever his adversary punched. It is like backup singing – doing supporting vocal parts while the lead singer is performing. Somehow, this gave Ruiz the comfort that he was Smokey Robinson and Marrero was “The Miracles.” I hate the boxing cliché – “setting traps” a term often used but never explained by those whose knowledge of boxing fits comfortably on the back of a postage stamp. However, this was the textbook case of setting traps – given your opponent a certain level of comfort oblivious to imminent danger. While Ruiz was in the middle of throwing a combination, Marrero beat him to the punch and landed a well-placed left uppercut/half hook to the liver on his right side. He immediately crumbled to the canvas as the signals from the liver rushed to his brain letting him know that he was in dire straits unable to gain control of his legs and get upright before Referee Dali reached the count of ten. The ten-count was a mere formality as Ruiz was unable to get to his feet and Marrero was declared the winner by knockout 2:27 of the second round – giving further credence to my assertion that knockout power is from our creator – God! Can I have an “Amen?”

The opening fight of the night was an extremely entertaining four-round heavyweight bout between Dante “Mr. Snuggly Time” Selby (3 wins – 4 losses – 2 draws – 1ko) Philadelphia and Daniel Bean (2 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) of Old Bridge, New Jersey. The forty-three-year-old Selby found the “Fountain of Youth” and boxed brilliantly behind his jab with trainer Greg Hackett yelling “Stay off the ropes!” throughout the fight. Despite the thirty-one-year-old Bean, decked out in black trunks, bobbing and weaving – evoking fond memories of the great Michael Gerard Tyson – landing an overhand right – Mr. Snuggly Time kept his composure and garnered the opening round on my scorecard. The second round was fought at the same tempo and pace with Selby using his jab and pulling backwards like the great Muhammad Ali to avoid getting hit by Bean’s murderous left hook. Again – I gave the edge to Selby because he demonstrated good ring generalship and landed the more effective blows.

The third round was unquestionably won by Selby who hurt Bean with a few left hooks to the body and had him holding to survive. Both Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles would have awarded the third round to the Philadelphian. However, the tide turned in the final round as Bean connected with a few uppercuts – hurting his nemesis – pressing the action to the bell. Ring Announcer – Manager Marty Brown’s announcement of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 for Selby was met with cheers from the audience. However, he realized that he read the scores correctly but for the wrong boxer. He rectified his faux pas – announcing Bean as the victor – which was met with a cacophony of boos. I doubt if anyone argued against 38-38. However, the two judges who scored it 40-36 and 39-37 are either in need of guide dogs or simply need a refresher on the fundamentals of scoring a boxing match. Nevertheless, I hope there is a rematch scheduled for six rounds.

The second bout of the night featured undefeated junior-middleweights – nineteen-year-old Richard Johnson (1 win – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Philadelphia against twenty-three-year-old Edwin Charip (1 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Ecuador. The 5 ft 10 inches Johnson used his reach and dexterity to outbox his opponent who was four inches shorter. Switching intermittently from orthodox to southpaw, it appeared that Johnson was simply having a good time enjoying the art of hitting without being hit. There were moments in the bout that I am convinced that he could have closed the show – win by knockout – but he took his foot off the gas and resorted to demonstrating his defensive wizardry and fancy footwork. To his credit, Charip threw everything with bad intentions hoping to literally decapitate his tormentor. However, Johnson was too fleet-footed and fundamentally sound doing his best impersonation of IBF Welterweight Champion – Jaron “Boots” Ennis!

With legendary trainer Fred Jenkins Sr., and Fred Jr. in his corner, Johnson coasted to a unanimous decision, displaying his wares – giving us a glimpse of his immense potential. Two judges had it 40-36 while the third scored it 39-37 having me wondering which round could have been given to the Ecuadorian. Johnson has an extremely bright future.

I don’t know what occurred at Friday’s weigh-ins between lightweights Noah “Cannon” Norman (1 win – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) Coatesville, Pennsylvania and Michael Taylor (1 win – 7 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Cortland, New York. Because the sound of the gong had barely dissipated when Norman raced across the ring like he was competing in the 100-yard dash and commenced to rain down on his opponent with every punch in his arsenal in the scheduled four-rounder. Somehow, the taller Taylor survived the initial onslaught and began using his jab – keeping Norman at a distance. There were several exchanges. However, the 5 ft. 11 inches Taylor held his own and at one point beckoned for the shorter Norman to come forward – a sign of machismo. The man from Coatesville is five inches shorter but whatever he lacks in height is expiated by his ferocity and willingness to engage toe-to-toe. Apparently feeling disrespected by Taylor’s action, the heavily tattooed Norman pinned him in a corner and unleashed with every conceivable punch – connecting to the head and body – forcing Referee Clark to stop the fight – declaring Norman the winner by technical knockout at 2:53 of the opening round.

It was another spectacular night of boxing by R&B Promotions. “I am super happy! It is more of our brand to constantly test our fighters. Two fights fell out. But, we had six quality fights,” stated Alex Barbosa, Promoter.

It was great seeing Dr. Victory Anyiam – “The Muhammad Ali of Chiropractors” ringside to watch two of his clients – Oyeleye and Marrero – perform stupendously. www.victorychiropracticandperformance.com

Congratulations to Coach Shar’ron Baker and Lando Rosa.. Monsters you made!

Continue to support the sweet science. And remember, always carry your mouthpiece!

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: May 25, 2024
Venue: Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club, Newark, Delaware
Promoters: Greg Pritchett & Rashad Brown—Strict Biz Promotions
Matchmakers: Brian Dillon & Helen Hall
Ring Announcers: Adam Crist & Matthew Kenny
Prefight Chant: “It’s Time To Brawl Y’all” – Terrance Tykeem ”The Dream”
Referees: Shawn Clark & Eric Irizarry
Ring Card Ladies: Maia Murray & Trinity Brown
Timekeeper: Alice “The G.O.A.T” Grady
Coverage: FCLTV.com
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com
Photos: Kenny Ludwig

I was unable to attend Strict Biz’s inaugural show on November 4, 2023. However, absent of a natural disaster I was going to be in the building tonight seated in press row for the third show featuring four top prospects – Jalique “Duck No Action” Holden, David “Hot Sauce” Hardy, Adonis “The New Iron Mike” Wilkins and Cornellio “Chada” Phipps. In 1867 Delaware became the “First State,” – the first colony to ratify the United States Constitution. Therefore, I was hoping that US President Joe Biden, former US Senator from Delaware, would miraculously be in attendance. The venue was packed, and the environment was electrifying. And tonight, debuting featherweight – 17-year-old David “Hot Sauce” Hardy from Chester, Pennsylvania stole the show with his fans yelling “Pass the hot sauce” during his action-packed bout with Philadelphia gladiator – 28-year-old Nasir “Demon wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko).

I serendipitously sat in the ringside seat not too far from timekeeper Grady – watching the pageantry of Hardy making his ring walk, sporting sunglasses – his fans screaming “Hot Sauce,” taking me back to the first time I saw footage of the late, great Rock and Roll pioneer – Chuck Berry. Like Berry, Hardy mesmerized the audience as he strolled calmly to the squared circle, locs in a ponytail bouncing atop his head. The only thing missing was a guitar and him duck-walking to the ring. Hardy supremely confident and ready for combat was unfazed by the moment. At 5 ft 11 inches – he towered over his opponent by five inches – a featherweight version of Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns as referee Clark gave the instructions in the center of the ring.

The gong sounded for the scheduled four-rounder and Mickens hopped on Hardy like a roving rottweiler discovering a new bone. The action was fast and furious with the teenager keeping his hands high, staying relaxed and blocking Mickens’ hooks and overhand rights that were etched with devastation and destruction. Hardy conducted himself like a seasoned veteran – knowing every inch of the ring – pivoting to gain separation – using his jab, positioning Mickens for uppercuts. The opening stanza was worth the price of admission with “pass the hot sauce” being heard whenever Hardy mounted an attack.

Following trainer Rashad Brown’s instructions, Hardy evoked fond memories of three-division World Champion – Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum as he connected with hooks and uppercuts to Mickens’ ribs and midsection. No one will ever question the Philadelphian’s courage and confidence. Despite the onslaught – he refused to go backwards or down to the canvas – blanketing Hardy – pushing him with his shoulder – a tactic that was mastered when he graced the sports pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer as a three-way player (starting quarterback, defensive back and running back) for Overbrook High School’s football team back in 2015. I don’t mean to be misleading or to inject humor into this discourse but in the words of rap artist – Lil’ Wayne – Mickens “is tougher than Nigerian hair!” Hardy was in a zone – that ultimate space of nirvana where everything is effortless, and one is like a plane flying on auto-pilot. He dominated the second stanza with his body work and several vicious straight rights that momentarily buckled Mickens’ legs. Nevertheless, Demon Dog stayed upright.

“Pass the hot sauce” was heard throughout the venue as the bell rang to begin the third round. Hardy came forward behind his jab – digging to Mickens’ body – sedulous in his pursuit in not allowing him to go the distance as was promised when the Philadelphian stated at the weigh-ins – “I am not going to let a 17-year-old beat me!” To say that there is no bad blood between the two boxers is tantamount to stating that Bob Marley never partook in the burning of cannabis! Mickens hadn’t fully recovered from the heavy blows that almost short-circuited him in the previous round and was on borrowed time. Hardy continued with the heavy artillery – straight rights, left hooks to the rib cage and uppercuts straight up the middle. There is an adage in boxing that “you have to protect fighters from themselves.” In the case of Mickens – the word “quit” is absent from his vocabulary. Fortunately, trainer Quilly Hughes knows his fighter’s temerity and hopped up on the ring apron signaling referee Clark to stop the fight. Hardy was declared the winner by technical knockout 47 seconds of the third round, leaving no doubt that he belongs on everyone’s radar – a pugilistic prodigy with a future so bright – that his image would still be impeccable if he were to be photographed in the dark without a flash! Hardy turns eighteen next Thursday and will be graduating from high-school in June – STEM Academy, Chester, Pennsylvania. Happy Birthday and congratulations Hot Sauce!

Before the main event – the final bout of the night – the fans were reenergized by Terrance “The Dream” Tykeem who entered the ring and led his trademark chant “It’s time to brawl y’all!” It was truly time to brawl as the scheduled six-rounder featured top junior-lightweight prospect Jalique “Duck No Action” Holden (5 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 4 kos) Wilmington, Delaware and Romel Tsanimp (3 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Ecuador fighting out of Baltimore, Maryland. Holden, a tall, rangy boxer at 5 ft. 9 inches – with impeccable boxing skills – can wage war at a distance or closed-quarters – and has plenty of power in both hands to turn the lights off without notice. Equally important, he is a thinker who is truly in pursuit of greatness.

Decked out in an exquisite attire, Holden was already up on my imaginary scorecards for his sartorial splendor. Referee Clark gave the final instructions and the fighters, and their handlers retreated to their respective corners. The bell rang and Holden immediately started working behind his fast and stiff jab, keeping Tsanimp at a distance. It was shaping up as the traditional “feeling out” round with Holden dictating the pace, getting acquainted with his opponent’s tendencies – always planning, steering him into an abyss of his ultimate demise. Midway in the round Tsanimp complained to referee Clark that he had been struck behind the head. I doubted the veracity of his allegations. It appeared that the Ecuadorian was ducking, and Holden caught him on the side of his head with a downward right – a perfectly legal shot. Shortly thereafter, Holden lands a similar blow and Tsanimp is introduced to the canvas. I thought he was going to stay down and quit. As referee Clark reached the count of eight – the fallen fighter was upright and had his gloves wiped and the action resumed. He made it to the end of the round and back to his corner.

Holden continued boxing brilliantly in the second round – using jabs and feints to keep Tsanimp at a distance. He controlled the action, and you got the feeling that a stoppage was inevitable. A minute had barely expired when Holden connected with a straight right depositing Tsanimp on the canvas for the second time– complaining that he had been hit behind the head. Richard “The Ring Master” Caraballo who was working Tsanimp’s corner got on the ring apron and waved a towel – a sign of surrender – signaling to the referee that he was stopping the fight. Referee Clark accepted Caraballo’s submission and declared Holden the winner by second round technical knockout 1:02. I had an uncanny feeling that Holden’s fans were robbed, denied the opportunity to witness a spectacular knockout.

In the co-main event, eighteen-year-old featherweight Cornellio “Chada” Phipps (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Oxford, Pennsylvania faced twenty-eight-year-old Robin “The Gravedigger” Ellis (6 wins – 4 losses – 0 draws – 5 kos) Hempstead, New York in a scheduled six-rounder. I was at Phipps’ professional debut on January 12th at LIVE Casino, Philadelphia – where he pitched a shut-out – winning a unanimous four-round decision over Darin Holiday Jr. It was an impressive performance by the teenager. Ellis joined the punch-for-pay ranks back in 2021 – going 6 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 5 kos -losing the next four – three by knockout. I was at his last fight on April 18th at 2300 Arena, Philadelphia where he was stopped in the fourth round of a scheduled six-round junior featherweight bout by undefeated Romuel “Cuco” Cruz. I anxiously anticipated this bout because Phipps is a technician and Ellis needed a win to avoid being regarded as “an opponent” – a fighter who puts forth enough effort to be considered competitive but rarely ever wins.

Ellis entered the ring decked out in a black Cowboy hat with a black handkerchief covering his mouth bearing an uncanny resemblance to a cattle rustler. The venue was filled with fans sporting t-shirts emblazoned with “Chada” on the front. Phipps has a huge following and the cheers were deafening as he made his way to the ring. I noted the disparity in size as it was evident that Phipps – a full-fledge featherweight – was the bigger man. I am confident that Ellis should be competing two weight divisions down – at bantamweight. Referee Irizarry signaled the beginning of the opening round and the combatants fought on even terms working behind their jabs – throwing combinations – hoping to gain an advantage. Phipps came forward and Ellis boxed smartly – using lateral movement to avoid punishment – countering with his combinations. It was a chess match being played by two grandmasters. During an exchange, Phipps connected with a wicked left hook to Ellis’ kidney – sending him to the canvas writhing in pain as the referee administered the ten-count. Phipps’ hook left the gravedigger in the dirt – garnering him a first-round knockout – 2:49 – handing Ellis his fifth consecutive loss. Hopefully, the talented Ellis will get his career back on track by moving down to the bantamweight division with a promoter that can help revitalize his career. The young man is talented, but I doubt that he will have any success as a free agent barnstorming over the country.

In the third bout – the most interesting and intriguing fight of the night – Philadelphia natives – Greg “Hot Shot” Hackett (3 wins – 22 losses – 1 draw – 0 kos) squared off against Dominique Mayfield (3 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 0 kos). Standing 5 ft. 6 inches, tipping the scales at 214 lbs., Hackett who debuted as a super-middleweight at The Legendary Blue Horizon on April 11, 2008, was at a considerable size disadvantage by nine inches in height and sixty-eight pounds in weight. The 6 ft 3 inches Mayfield towered over him. Ironically, in his third fight on September 25, 2010, Hackett went 0 wins – 3 losses – after losing a four-round unanimous decision at Bally’s Atlantic City to one of tonight’s promoters – Rashad Brown who was making his professional debut. Brown would have four more bouts – all victories – before getting a detached retina during sparring in 2011 forcing him to retire and follow his passion for training boxers.

With the Robinsons (former world title challenger Ivan “Mighty” Robinson and his father Jim Robinson) in his corner – Mayfield answered the bell by stalking his short opponent, taking me back to 1988 when “Big” George Foreman squared off against the 5 ft 6 inches former world light-heavyweight & cruiserweight champion – “The Camden Buzzsaw” – Dwight “Muhammad” Quawi. Hackett, hands held high, stayed on the back foot – looking for an opening – throwing the occasional jab. It was a chess match until the collective silence in the room was shattered when Hackett launched an overhand right that caught Mayfield partially on the chin and shoulder. Mayfield kept his composure and distance. Before the bell rang ended the first round – Hackett had similar success with another overhand right. Those two punches gave him the round on my scorecard.

Mayfield got back on course in the second round working behind his jab, not giving Hackett the opportunity to land the overhand right. There were no knockdowns or either fighter being in dire straits. The fight was on cruise control as Mayfield used his reach and size to his advantage. He smothered Hackett whenever he pinned him on the ropes – not allowing him to land anything of consequence. Throughout the third and fourth rounds – Hackett engaged the audience by responding to their queries throughout the rounds, even forcing referee Clark to smile. Greg Hackett is an entertainer, and he wasn’t going to allow anyone in the audience to make a disparaging remark without a response. When the fight concluded, ring announcer Crist declared Mayfield the winner by unanimous decision, 40-36 and 39-37 twice in an entertaining bout.

The opening bout of the night featured middleweights – southpaw Joshua “The DMV Striker” Diop (1 win – 3 losses – 0 draws – 0 ko) of Hyattsville, Maryland against John Hawk (0 wins – 1 loss – 1 draw) of Bellmawr, New Jersey in a scheduled four-rounder. Diop got out of the blocks quickly at the opening bell, controlling the action with his southpaw jab, living up to his moniker – “The DMV Striker.” With about a minute remaining in the round, Hawk hurt Diop with a combination that got his attention. However, this was short-lived as Diop returned the favor by shaking up the Bellmawr native with a right hook and straight left. However, Hawk has a granite chin and great recuperative powers, making it to the bell ending the round in good condition. I scored the opening stanza for Diop by a small margin.

Little did I know that the tide was going to change in round two. Hawk was able to hurt Diop early in the round with a well-placed combination beating him from pillar to post until he crashed to the canvas, forcing referee Clark to call a knockdown. The DMV Striker made it to a standing position as Clark tolled four – checked his vitals – dusted his gloves and signaled for the action to resume. Hawk was going to shape his own destiny by seizing the moment – unloading from his arsenal forcing referee Clark to rescue Diop from serious punishment – calling a halt at 2:12 – declaring the man from Bellmawr the winner by technical knockout – his first victory in three fights. It was an outstanding performance by Hawk who was able to make the necessary adjustments after being outboxed in the opening round and score a technical knockout.

I should have anticipated the outcome of the second bout when middleweight Zak “Noble” Kelly (2 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 1 ko) Lancaster, Pennsylvania made his ring-walk to Ini Kamoze’s “Here Comes the Hotstepper” blaring over the house speakers as debuting Josiah “ The Student of the Game” Swarr of Pennsylvania waiting patiently in the ring. Kelly, his body covered with numerous tattoos, shares his time between boxing, mixed martial arts, and kickboxing. He was extremely confident – unbothered by the moment – ready at the opening bell. The first round was close even though Kelly’s jab appeared more effective. However, there was no doubt that Kelly dominated the second stanza – sending Swarr to the canvas twice – the first time with an uppercut and the second trip was compliments of a vicious combination after Swarr was blinking frantically as though something had impaired his vision. After each trip to the canvas, the fearless Swarr was upright before referee Irizarry reached the count of five.

Swarr, despite being dominated in the second round – came out for the third round working behind his jab. Kelly continued his dominance – coming forward and landing combinations as his opponent bled from cuts over his eyes. Swarr’s handlers shouldn’t have allowed him off the stool for the third round. They should have stopped the fight saving him from further punishment. It was his debut, and he was compromised in the previous round. Nevertheless, he came out for the third stanza and fought valiantly even though he was outboxed by Kelly who was blazing from both guns, capturing the third round.

With over a minute expiring in the fourth and final round, Kelly caught Swarr with a combination capped off by a right uppercut and left hook to the body, sending him to the canvas. The referee immediately stopped the fight – declaring Kelly the winner by technical knockout at 1:12. Kelly surgically dissected his opponent – taking him apart over four rounds – leaving no doubt that he was not only the more experienced fighter but also the better boxer. Hopefully, Swarr will be able to learn from this fight and continue his career because he has talent and the heart of a true gladiator. However, tonight his adversary’s experience in multiple combat sports was the deciding factor.

Junior-middleweight Adonis “The New Iron Mike” Wilkins (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws -2 kos) of Newark Delaware recorded his third win – a unanimous four-round decision 40-36 on all three scorecards over tough Juan de la Cruz Rodriguez (12 wins – 23 losses – 1 draw – 7 kos) of Front Royal, Virginia. With his trainers/promoters Greg Pritchett and Rashad Brown in his corner – the 25-year-old Wilkins was simply too much for his 33-year-old adversary – controlling the action behind an effective jab, excellent work to the body round after round – never allowing his opponent to out-land him. Despite the administering of what appeared to be a perfect game plan by Wilkins – Rodriguez showed his mettle by going forward the entire fight, attempting to disrupt his nemesis from painting a masterpiece with his Dukes’ boxing gloves. It was four rounds of well-needed experience for the talented and gifted boxer who scored knockouts in his previous two outings. Wilkins has a bright future.

I am ecstatic that I made it to Strict Biz’s third show to witness a great night of the sweet science – especially David Hardy’s debut. Kudos and much respect to our promoters Greg Pritchett and Rashad Brown! In the words of Tykeem – “The Dream,” – it truly was “time to brawl y’all!” Equally important, ring announcers Crist and Kenney were two masters of ceremony who rocked the mic. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the gorgeous ring card ladies, Maia Murray and Trinity Brown who graced us with their performance – making a difference between rounds!

I am looking forward to the next show on August 24th – my birthday – at the same venue. Hopefully, by then Hardy will have his own brand of hot sauce..

I cannot help myself and must in the language of my homeland – Jamaica – say one last time – “Pass Di Hot Sauce!”

And please go to YouTube Boxing 396 Episode 304 to watch the interviews from tonight including promoter Greg Pritchett.

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece!

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: April 27, 2024
Venue: The Liacouras Center – Philadelphia, PA
Promoters: Dominic Walton—Teflon Promotions
Matchmaker: Renee “The Boxing Diva” Aiken
Ring Announcer: Marty Brown & Semaj Haq
Prefight Chant: “It’s Time To Brawl Y’all” – Terrance Tykeem
Referees: Shawn Clark, Eric Dali & Eric Irizarry
Timekeeper: Alice “The G.O.A.T” Grady
Coverage: BLK Prime
Commentators: Zab Judah & Manuel Flores
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr. & Reese Raway (Terrance Tykeem only)

I found myself in a conundrum, The Penn Relays, The Pennsylvania Golden Gloves State Championships and Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions’ inaugural show at the Liacouras Center – the ring announcing debut of “Manager” Marty Brown and Semaj Haq all on the same day. In addition, Terrance Tykeem would be doing his trademark chant. And on the card was Lamont Capers who fought to a four-round draw with Walton on September 19, 2015, at Harrah’s Chester Casino – a show promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotion. The irony of promoting a former rival added more intrigue. I wanted to be at the largest track and field event on the planet to witness the continued dominance of Jamaica – my homeland – in the sprints. On the other hand, I didn’t want to miss the Golden Gloves because the best amateur talent would be showcased.

But how could I not attend the stacked show with my favorite matchmaker Renee “The Boxing Diva” Aiken working her magic – eleven bouts – seventy-seven scheduled rounds – the main event featuring my Jamaican brother – heavyweight Junior Wright buttressed by some of Philadelphia’s finest Joey “The Tank” Dawejko, Hammerin’ Hank Lundy, Jesse “Hollywood Hart’. Dylan Price and New Yorker Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy? Get a Tank and a Hammer, have a Hart & for the right Price, some White Chocolate? Yes, Junior Wright’s father is Jamaican – from Mandeville, Manchester – not too far from where I was raised.

I spoke to Wright (20 wins – 5 losses – 1 draw – 17 kos) Evanston, Illinois now training in Philadelphia, earlier in his dressing room. Insightful and erudite,” the late, great Sugar Ray Robinson is his favorite boxer. When asked about game plan, he revealed that he was going to be patient while looking for the knockout – planning to rebound from a first-round technical knockout loss to then undefeated Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makmudov on October 28, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His opponent Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (20 wins – 2 losses – 0 draws – 16 kos) Las Vegas, Nevada was also similarly situated – hoping to bounce back from a loss in his last fight – a unanimous ten-round decision loss to undefeated Justis Huni, Australian Heavyweight Champion – October 28, 2023, in Cancun Mexico. How ironic that both combatants were vanquished on the same day in different countries and were in this comeback fight – facing each other?

Referee Shawn Clark gave the instructions and the fighters, and their handlers retreated to their respective corners and the gong sounded shortly thereafter commencing the start of the ten-round main event. Both boxers worked behind their jabs, circling, probing looking for openings – the customary “feeling out” round. Wright was following the game plan of being patient. Unexpectedly, Tabiti delivered an eight-punch combination – a jab, followed by a straight right that landed flush on Wright’s chin discombobulating his internal circuitry – a left hook that partially landed – a right uppercut that found its marked immediately turned into another straight right that connected – a left hook that missed – another laser right found its mark and a sweeping left hook swung over the impaired fighter’s head on his way to the canvas. Clark called a halt to the bout at 2:29 declaring Tabiti the winner by technical knockout of the opening round.

In the scheduled eight-round co-main event, Philadelphia’s favorite son Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (30 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 24 kos) campaigning as a light-heavyweight, faced Daniel “No Size” Aduku (15 wins – 4 losses – 1 draw – 11 kos) of Accra, Ghana. Hart reminiscent of the late, great Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed in the movie “Rocky IV” made a similar magnificent entrance decked out in dark sunglasses, red and white robe – replicating the flag of the United States of America – high-top tube socks resting below his kneecaps with his entourage – one with a mike rapping a song with lyrics that were unfamiliar to my Jamaican ears. The crowd enjoyed the pageantry as Hart made his way into the ring with Aduku waiting patiently in his corner. Ring Announcer Haq similar to the “Rocky 1V” introduced Hart as “The Master of Disaster” – “The King of Sting.”

The 6 ft. 3 inches Hart controlled the action with his jab in the opening round, forcing Aduku backwards. The size disparity was noticeable as Hart towered over the Ghanaian. Midway in the round a right uppercut by Hart connected – getting Aduku’s attention. Not long after a jab that appeared to have landed in the midsection had the Ghanaian on the canvas – claiming that he was struck south of the border. Referee Dali stopped the action and went over to the fallen fighter who was able to get upright, taking a few minutes to recover before the action resumed. Hart continued using his long and accurate jab until the bell ended the round. The next two rounds found the Philadelphia light-heavyweight in a zone, evoking fond memories of the great Tommy “Hitman” Hearns – attacking behind his jab, landing the straight right, slipping, and rolling to evade his opponent’s counter. Hart was enjoying his work – having a good time in front of his hometown fans.

In the fourth round, Hart continued boxing brilliantly and connected with a right uppercut that anchored Uduku to the canvas. Somewhat shaken, he was able to make it to his feet as Referee Dali tolled three and checked his vitals before signaling for the fight to continue. Fortunately for Uduku the bell ending the round rang approximately five seconds later, saving him from the avalanche that was coming his way.

A few seconds into the fifth round, Uduku stopped, claiming a shoulder injury. The ringside doctor came upon the apron and examined the alleged impairment and gave the referee the signal for the fight to continue. The bout resumed with Hart working his jab, stalking his prey like a lion on the Serengeti plains. The end came when he drove a few shots to his opponent’s body and again Uduku made another declaration that he was debilitated and unable to continue. Referee Dali ended the fight declaring Hart the winner by technical knockout 1:37 of the fifth round. The Master of Disaster accomplished his mission!

We are all aware of the benefits of dark chocolate, which is very nutritious – a powerful source of antioxidants – and may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Based on bout #9 – it is an irrebuttable presumption that white chocolate is bad for your health! The match pitted the supremely gifted and talented middleweight prospect Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy (12 wins – 0 losses – 0 draw – 6 kos) of Brooklyn, New York who was returning after a 22-month hiatus due to his published admission of mental health issues – against Jesus Cruz Silva (6 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Monterrey, Mexico. Ababiy was a Junior Golden Gloves National Champion as well as a two-time World Ringside Champion with an amateur win over hot, middleweight prospect Austin “Ammo” Williams (16 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 11 kos) back in 2017.

Ababiy came out at the opening bell as though he was shot out of a cannon and commenced to rain down on Silva with devastation and destruction as though the Mexican had offended his mother! He wobbled Silva with a perfectly thrown left hook. I wanted to hop in the ring to see what kept Silva upright, allowing him to continue. Ababiy fought fast and furious oblivious to his opponent’s punches. What he didn’t block or slipped he walked through like a bull in a hailstorm! How Silva made it to the end of the round is a testament to his courage and ability to withstand punishment. I am assuming that Silva is lactose intolerant. It has been well-documented that White Chocolate is destructive to those who have lactase deficiency. Referee Irizarry realized that Silva had retired and was unable to come out for the second round. Thus, he called Ababiy to the center of the ring – raised his hand, declaring him the winner by technical knockout 3:00 of round one. White Chocolate is detrimental and destructive!

In the fourth bout of the night, thirty-three-year-old Philadelphia heavyweight Joey “The Tank” Dawejko (27 wins – 11 losses – 4 draws – 15 kos) – in his fifteenth year as a professional pugilist faced forty-two-year-old Walter Burns (7 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 5 kos) of Michigan in a scheduled eight-rounder. The 5 ft. 10 inches – 257 lbs. Dawejko strolled out of the dressing room like a victorious Roman Emperor returning from war with “Run This Town” by Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanya West blaring over the house speaker with Burns waiting patiently in the ring. The Tank was already up on my imaginary scorecards for the pageantry of his ring walk. Dawejko controlled the action at the opening bell with a stiff jab reminiscent of Philly legend, “Bad” Bennie Briscoe whom I was told once knocked an opponent out with his “jackhammer jab.” Early in the action, Dawejko wobbled Burns with a well-timed stiff jab. The man from Michigan was able to regain his bearings and not suffer an early dismissal. During the round Burns switched to southpaw after absorbing several hooks to the body from the hard-hitting Philadelphian who did likewise. However, they both reverted to the orthodox stance before the bell sounded ending the first stanza.

Dawejko continued his forward march behind his quick, hard, and accurate jab driving Burns backwards. The Tank was on the move, and he wasn’t going to let anything get in his way. The second and third rounds were almost identical – at a slow and accurate pace with Dawejko landing the harder punches – slipping and rolling whenever Burns returned fire. The Philadelphia landed several hard uppercuts and hooks to his opponent’s body. Burns walked back slowly to his corner at the end of the third round. Several seconds later referee Dali walked to the center of the ring indicating that the fight was over. Burns was unable to continue and thus Dawejko was declared the winner by technical knockout 3:00 of round three.

In the third bout – a scheduled six-rounder – former world title challenger Hammerin’ Hank Lundy (31 wins – 14 losses – 1 draw – 14 kos) of Philadelphia entered the ring to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. The entrance by the Philly veteran was intoxicating as many of the audience were singing and dancing in their seats as he strolled to the squared circle, glowing under the ring lights as his 47th opponent – Juan de la Cruz Rodriguez (11 wins – 22 losses – 1 draw – 7 kos) of El Salvador fighting out of Front Royal, Virginia stood in his corner. The forty-year-old Lundy has publicly stated that his aim is to retire after his fiftieth fight. Tonight, in the scheduled six-round junior-welterweight bout Lundy won by split decision 59-55, 59-56 with the third judge scoring it for Rodriguez 59-56 – raising questions regarding his last eye examination. My scorecard was identical to the first judge – 59-55 for the Philly gladiator.

Lundy controlled the action with his jab to the head and body with his thirty-three-year-old adversary unable to block or counter it – taking all the rounds in the first half of the fight. Rodrigues captured the fourth stanza with his aggression, getting in on the inside and outworking the Philly fan-favorite. It appeared that “The Hammer” was either fading or taking a break. However, somehow he was rejuvenated when my good friend – USA Boxing Referee Jackie Greenlee – started yelling in the fifth round “You gotto pick it up Hank!.” Lundy regained his mojo – righted the ship – and cruised into the victory portal – docking for his next fight in June – recording the well-needed win after six consecutive losses dating back to May 22, 2021.

Bantamweight Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price (17 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 11 kos) of Sicklerville, New Jersey along with Ababiy and Ammo Williams are atop my list of top prospects. The twenty-five-year-old is a gloved-sniper – able to fire from all angles, rarely missing his target. Tonight, he was like butter in a restaurant – on a roll! In a scheduled eight rounder against Tito Franzolini (19 wins – 14 losses – 2 draws – 1 ko) of Buenos Aires, Argentina – Price pressed the action at the opening bell, throwing combinations, switching intermittently from orthodox to southpaw dropping more bombs in the first 30 seconds than the imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on Pearl Harbor on that fateful day – December 7, 1941.

He was in a zone – that mental state of focused concentration where everything is in sync working perfectly. Price could do no wrong – punches were thrown perfectly, and he was like Eliot Ness – untouchable while sending Franzolini to the canvas three times. Fortunately, referee Dali is the consummate professional and made the right decision, stopping the fight after the third knockdown, declaring Price the winner by technical knockout at 2:22 of the first round. Price is truly the real deal!

The eighth bout of the night featured cruiserweights – undefeated Mushin Cason (11 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 8 kos) Las Vegas, Nevada against fearless trial-horse Lamont “Too Smooth” Capers (11 wins – 21 losses – 5 draws – 2 kos) of Brooklyn, New York. Yes, it was Capers who in his fourteenth fight on September 19, 2015, fought to a four-round draw with tonight’s promoter Dominic Walton in his debut and only fight in his professional career. I remember being in press-row covering the fight which was on a card by Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Chester, Pennsylvania. Life truly had come full-circle as Capers was now being promoted by his former nemesis.

Decked out in beautiful kente cloth trunks the thirty-year-old Cason didn’t waste much time in the opening round of the scheduled six-rounder. He got out of the gate fast, working behind his stiff jab, dropping Capers with an overhand right. Somewhat shaken, Capers made it upright as referee Shawn Clark tolled the count of four. Clark made sure that Capers was in condition to continue – dusted his gloves and the action resumed. The wily veteran was able to evade further punishment and fought back – making it out of the round. The second stanza was shaping up like the first – both combatants jabbing, probing for an opening when Cason pulled the trigger again and connected with his overhand right depositing “Too Smooth” to the canvas for the second time. Capers rested on his back as thought he was sunbathing on the beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica as referee Clark counted him out – his seventh consecutive defeat –declaring Cason the winner by knockout at 1:48 of the second round.

In the fifth bout, with legendary Coach Shar’ron Baker – who will become he first female trainer ever to be inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in October 2024, Manager/Cutman Lando Rosa, and former professional light-heavyweight Khalib “Big Foot” Whitmore in his corner – hard-punching Philadelphia lightweight Juan “The One” Marrero (3 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 3 kos) made short work of Daniel McCall (0 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws) of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Marrero didn’t waste much time -dropping and stopping McCall who attempted to fight back – at 2:23 of the opening round of their scheduled four-rounder – recording his fourth knockout in as many fights.

The southpaw Marrero stalked his opponent at the opening bell with an air of humble superiority – two cannons hoisted close to his chin – unloading to the body and head. A straight left pierced McCall’s defense – acquainting him with the canvas as referee Clark started counting. Somewhat shaken, the man from Stone Mountain made it to his feet and was able to continue. The action resumed and Marrero pinned him in a corner and unleashed a few vicious shots. Thank God that referee Clark is always in position, nearby to stop the fight and prevent McCall from serious injury or losing his life. Marrero has dynamite in both hands – a lightweight with the power of a hard-hitting middleweight. He reminds me of the late, great two-division World Champion Edwin “El Dynamita” Valero (27 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 27 kos).

The sixth bout featured debuting eighteen-year-old Philly Phenom Johnny Rivera against twenty-six-year-old DeAndre Menser (1 win – 2 losses – 0 draw – 1 ko) of Durham, North Carolina. Rivera made his way to the ring to the roar and applause of the hometown fans with Menser already in the ring scoping out the scenery – waiting patiently – appearing to as we would say in colloquial terms – “have something up his sleeve” – awaiting the commencement of their scheduled four-round junior-welterweight bout. The gong sounded and Menser hopped on Rivera like a thirsty wino on a bottle of Courvoisier. Menser threw with reckless abandon with Rivera blocking most of the shots appearing to be in control – waiting to counter the blitzkrieg.

Approximately forty seconds into the fight Rivera started returning fire forcing his opponent to take cover – using a high guard as his defense. Like his onslaught on Rivera – most of the blows were being blocked. However, referee Irizarry jumped in and called a halt to the bout – declaring Rivera the winner by technical knockout at 1:04 – giving us a classic case of a premature stoppage. Menser vehemently protested to no avail. Even Stevie Wonder wearing dark sunglasses could have seen that he was not hurt. It is unfortunate for both combatants because we are left with unanswered questions. Hopefully, it is a pedagogical moment for the referee after reviewing the fight – or an opportunity to visit his optometrist.

The second bout was a scheduler four-round welterweight bout between Seifullah Jihad Wise (4 wins – 8 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Philadelphia and Aaron “Long Arms” Newmones (2 wins – 4 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was a closely contested bout with the Philadelphian being the aggressor, working behind his southpaw jab followed by his trademark straight left capped off with a right hook. Newmones came out in the southpaw stance for round two with Wise converting to the orthodox stance. They both switched intermittently throughout the bout. There wasn’t much distinguishing the combatants – there were no knockdowns or either fighter being in dire straight. The bout was conducted at a smooth, methodical pace and when it concluded – all three judges scored it 40- 36 for Wise.

The opening bout featured Rancy Slanger (1 win – 0 losses – 0 draws – 0 ko) from Ghana, fighting out of Levittown, Pennsylvania against Tariq Green (5 wins – 2 losses – 1 draw – 3 kos) of Philadelphia in a scheduled four-round super-middleweight contest. I was in press-row at Slanger’s debut February 23rd at 2300 Arena which was contested at the light-heavyweight limit. Tonight, he moved down a division after shedding fourteen pounds. It was extremely difficult to score the rounds because no one had an apparent advantage. Nothing of consequences landed other than a stiff right that Green was able to score. Neither man was in danger of being separated from his senses nor were there knockdowns. Maybe, it was too much of a big step for Slanger who was only in his second fight. Nevertheless, I concur with all three judges who scored it 38-38 a draw.

It was an impressive card for a debuting promoter. Kudos to Dominic Walton, CEO Teflon Promotions, and matchmaker Renee Aikens. It is difficult to compete with the Penn Relays and the Golden Gloves on the same day. Fortunately, the audience of approximately 400 was buttressed by the live broadcast on BLK Prime. It was poignant that Marissa Fitzgerald and family were honored with a plaque in memory of her husband – Temple University Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald who was shot and killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2023. Fitzgerald is also the cousin of lightweight Juan Marrero.
I would be hypocritical if I didn’t voice my concerns about the music that was played throughout the event. There were times I closed my eyes and thought that I was at a Klu Klux Klan rally because “The N-word” preceded or followed by some act of violence and more songs that were degrading women – blaring over the house speakers by various mainstream rap stars and recording artists.

I pray that my observations do not fall on deaf ears because it was a great night of boxing – truly “time to brawl y’all!” We had a Tank and Hammer, and a Hart for the right Price along with some White Chocolate!

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece!

ghanson18@icloud.com

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Boots Promotions are proud to announce that Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against Cody Crowley at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 13, live worldwide on DAZN.

In his first fight as a World Champion, Ennis (31-0 28 KOs) will return to fight in his hometown for the first time since November 2018. The 26-year-old, born and raised in Germantown, returns to action just over a year since his stylish 10th round KO win over Roiman Villa in Atlantic City. During that fight, Ennis successfully defended his interim title before being elevated to full champion.

The man looking to spoil the party is mandatory challenger Crowley (22-0 9 KOs). The Las Vegas-based Canadian sits at #3 in the IBF rankings, with the #1 and #2 spots currently vacant. The unbeaten 31-year-old will get his first World title shot on enemy territory, returning to action following victory in Las Vegas in March 2023 over Abel Ramos.

“I’m excited for my homecoming especially being the first to fight at the Wells Fargo Center, the biggest arena in Philly,” said Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. “I can’t wait to show out and put on a beautiful, dominating, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and supporters while defending and retaining my IBF World title in spectacular fashion. I’m ready to step on any and everybody that’s in my way!”

“Ten years ago, I arrived in Las Vegas with a dream of becoming World champion, unbroken by the sport,” said Cody Crowley. “The only thing left to do is prove to the world in the City of Brotherly Love, that I am an undefeated champion, my spirit is unbeatable and I will fight for those who are too scared to fight.

“I will become the greatest in the world for my dad, who I love and miss dearly, my home country of Canada, and for world peace, so that others do not have to endure the same suffering. There is nothing anyone can do to break me. There is nothing I am not ready for. This next chapter is already written.”

“I am thrilled to be able to deliver a homecoming defense for Boots,” said Hearn. “Jaron is the next American star in boxing, and sports stars with all the tools he has should be headlining in their own city.

“This is just the beginning for Jaron in Philadelphia, a town that absolutely loves their sport, and in Jaron they can boast that their hometown hero is the best in the business. July 13 is going to be a massive night – we can’t wait to come back to Philadelphia for the first of many epic nights with Boots.”

“As Philadelphia’s home for sports and entertainment, Wells Fargo Center is thrilled to welcome Boots Ennis and Cody Crowley for what is sure to be an epic battle,” said Michael Sulkes, SVP and General Manager of Wells Fargo Center. “Fans attending on July 13 should come ready for an electric atmosphere unlike any other they’ve experienced.”

“Jaron Ennis is one of the biggest names in boxing and we are incredibly excited to be working with him,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “Cody Crowley is a good fighter but with bigger tests to come, this is a chance for Boots to put the division on notice. Tune in live July 13, only on DAZN.”

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date:                       Thursday, April 18, 2024

Venue:                    2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA

Promoter:                DiBella Entertainment Presents Broadway Boxing

Ring Announcer:    Henry “Discombobulating” Jones

Referees:                 Shawn Clark & Eric Dali           

Ring card:               Kiana Kareema

Coverage:               BXNG TV

Photos:                    Darryl Cobb Jr.

It was another outstanding night of boxing in “The Capital of Boxing” – “The City of Brotherly Love” – Philadelphia. Broadway Boxing came to town with a five-bout card – thirty scheduled rounds of pugilism featuring rising talent and prospects. And I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet a living legend – one of my favorite fighters and Jamaican brother – Lennox Lewis – 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time world heavyweight champion, two-time lineal champion – the last heavyweight to hold the undisputed championship. Lewis was in the building to guide his boxer – undefeated Jamaican southpaw middleweight Kestna “Hardball” Davis (5 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) Kingston, Jamaica now fighting out of Vauxhall, New Jersey.

Equally gratifying, handling the ring formalities was my favorite ring announcer – Henry “Discombobulating” Jones – who was recognized by the White House with a “Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award” on February 21st. Jones is in his 37th year of his chosen profession and reminded me that “everything came full circle” because he announced a show for DiBella thirty years ago and had nothing but love and respect for the promoter, my fellow Harvard graduate. In addition, Jones quipped that Lewis is “one of the unquestionable g.o.a.t.s (greatest of all times) of the game and we miss him!” Amen!

I arrived an hour before the scheduled start time of 7:30 PM and made my way to the dressing rooms where I saw the Champ showing his sartorial splendor decked out in an exquisitely tailored suit, white shirt and blue silk tie looking like the CEO of a Wall Street investment bank. I introduced myself and we immediately began a conversation regarding the state of boxing in our beloved Jamaica. We are both convinced that if our country committed to the sweet science as much as it did track & field – Jamaica would produce Olympic medalists and professional world champions like our dominance in the 100 meters and 200 meters. We spoke continuously for approximately twenty-minutes being disrupted twice – opportunity for an official or trainer to get a picture with the Champ. The show was about to start – I scribbled Lewis’ phone number and email address in my notepad – covered in blue pinstripe cloth – matching my suit of the same color and texture.

The main event featured heavyweights, a matchup of contrasting styles and stature as 5 ft. 11 inches, 228.6 lbs. “Gentleman” George Arias (18 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 7 kos) of the Dominican Republic fighting out of Bronx, New York squared off against 6 ft 7 inches, 251.9 lbs. Skylar “Big Dog” Lacy (8 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 6 kos) of Indianapolis, Indiana. The gong sounded and Lacy raced across the ring and threw a lead right that soared over the head of his shorter adversary who came out bobbing and weaving reminiscent of the late, great Smokin’ Joe Frazier. With former two-division World Champion Buddy McGirt in his corner, yelling instructions Arias uncorked several deadly left hooks that missed the towering target. Nothing of consequences landed in the opening round.

I scored the second round for Lacy who landed a straight right midway in the round. This bout was shaping up as a classic case of the bull versus the matador. Arias came forward attempting to decapitate his adversary with his vaunted left hook. In the third round McGirt shouted “Frazier” to get Arias to start with the left hook to the body then going upstairs with the same punch. The bout continued at a fast pace and tempo with Arias never taking a step backwards – launching bombs at Lacy’s head not throwing enough blows to the body as instructed by his trainers. Nevertheless, I scored the opening round along with third, fourth, fifth and eighth for Arias. Lacy fought gallantly boxing behind his jab not allowing his opponent to land his vaunted left hook to the head. In the end two judges scored it a draw 76-76 with the third reflecting my scorecard of 77-75 for Arias – a majority draw.

It is back to the drawing board for the talented Arias who was hoping to get back in the winners’ circle after suffering his first and only defeat – a third round corner stoppage by his handlers April 8, 2023 – against rising undefeated star Jared Anderson at the Prudential Center, Newark New Jersey. It appears that ring rust from the more than one year hiatus adversely impacted Arias’ performance. Hopefully, the gifted and entertaining fighter will stay busy and get back on the road to the pinnacle of his profession. On the other hand, Lacy has a bright future in the era of super-heavyweights who towers over 6 ft. 5 inches.

The opening bout of the night featured heavyweights – 2018 National Golden Gloves Champion, Roney “Too Much” Hines (13 wins – 0 losses –1 draw – 8 kos) Cleveland, Ohio against Robert “The Truth” Hall Jr. (14 wins – 2 losses –1 draw – 8 kos) Johnson City, Tennessee in a masterful display of the sweet science – a tactical and delightful chess match. Standing 6 ft. 6 inches, the 28-year-old Hines, another pupil of Buddy McGirt, controlled the action working behind his southpaw right jab with his trainer instructing him to “back him up Rony!” throughout the bout. Hall pressed the action and worked behind his jab also, trying to neutralize his adversary while probing for a chink in his armor.

Hines’ jab to Hall’s midsection and head garnered the man from Cleveland the opening three rounds on my scorecard with Hall winning the fourth with a one-two combination and his jab. McGirt felt that the tide was turning and shouted, “I need your jab Roney!” However, Hall was simply busier and outworked Hines. The fifth stanza opened with promoter Lou DiBella – two seats to my right, an earshot from Hines’ corner– joining the narrative with “Step on the gas Roney!” Hines regained control of the fight, capturing the fifth round with his jab causing blood to trickle from Hall’s nostrils.

Midway through the sixth round Hall connected with a straight right that momentarily shook Hines who was able to regain his composure. I had to score the round for Hall because this was the most telling blow of the fight. The seventh and final round were fought on similar terms with the Clevelander getting maximum usage of his jab as his opponent came forward with McGirt being heard over the audience giving instructions to Hines, Let him get close, then go downstairs!” Hines lived up to his moniker and was too much, winning a unanimous decision 79-73.

In the third bout of the night – southpaw middleweight Kestna “Hardball” Davis (5 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Kingston, Jamaica fighting out Vauxhall, New Jersey squared off against Abdalla Nagy (1win – 0 losses – 0 draw – 0 kos) of Albuquerque, New Mexico in a titillating action-packed bout. Nagy came out at the bell like a gloved-B2 bomber – throwing with bad intentions – launching left hooks and overhand rights that would have decapitated a cement statute. However, Davis is a master boxer with impregnable defense, well-versed in the art of slipping and pulling back from punches – countering with straight lefts and right hooks to the head and body. They competed at a frenetic pace with virtually no pause in the action. Nagy charged forward and Davis was nimble as a mouse on roller-skates – evading punishment, firing from his arsenal – perpetual motion – landing with power and precision – capturing rounds one and two.

The action continued in the third round with Davis on the move stopping on a dime uncorking the perfect hardball – a counter right hook that sent Nagy to the canvas. Referee Clark reached the count of two as the fallen fighter made it upright – had his gloves dusted – his vitals checked, and the action resumed at the same temperature and tempo. Nagy pressed forward unaffected by his trip to the canvas. Davis boxed brilliantly – a matador in motion – gorging the bull with combinations while dodging bombs as the bell sounded bringing the third round to closure.

Davis captured the fourth and final round, displaying his wares – boxing flawlessly behind his right jab while being defensively responsible. Nagy never took his foot off the gas and pressed the action to the final bell. No surprise that all three judges’ scorecards were identical 40-35 for Davis who won a unanimous decision. It was an impressive display of the art of hitting without being hit – evidence that Jamaica has a rising star. However, I am confident that with a few tweaks in the way he delivers his punches that Davis’ fights will not make it to the final bell. Kudos to Nagy who also has a bright future because not too many boxers will be able to withstand the pressure he brings.

Philadelphia middleweight Erron “Junkyard Dog” Peterson (5 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 4 kos) aka “JYD” is a man on a mission. The 28-year-old southpaw understands that he is truly in the entertainment industry when he acquired a professional boxing license and selected one of the greatest monikers – the same one made famous by the late, great professional wrestler Sylvester “Junkyard Dog” Ritter – the most electrifying and charismatic grappler of his time. Like his namesake, Peterson brings similar energy and intrigue to the squared circle because he has nitroglycerin in both gloves and can end a fight with one punch. Therefore, you must keep your eyes glued on the ring whenever he is fighting because a slight distraction will cause you to miss JYD’s destruction.

Tonight, JYD was spectacular in his scheduled four-round super-middleweight bout against Raheem Davis (1 win – 2 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Morgantown, West Virginia who with his bleached blond hair resembles knockout artist, IBF World Junior-welterweight Subriel Matias. Peterson didn’t waste much time – introducing the supremely unorthodox Davis to the canvas with a right hook thirty seconds of the opening round. Referee Dali reached the count of four as Davis made it to his feet and was able to continue. Peterson hopped on him like a lion attacking a gazelle on the Serengeti plains – beating him around the ring until the bell ended the round. Survival is truly an innate instinct because I doubt if anyone thought that the fight would continue to the second round. Kudos to Davis for his temerity and defensive wizardry.

Peterson continued working patiently behind his southpaw jab probing for openings keeping Davis at arm’s length. Midway in the round, lightning struck twice as Peterson connected with another right hook that reacquainted the West Virginian with the canvas. I thought the fight was over. Before referee Dali could begin the count, miraculously and surprisingly Davis hopped up like he was shot out of a cannon to the amazement of the audience. In all my years of watching boxing I have never witnessed a similar occurrence. The action resumed, and Peterson stalked his opponent looking to end the festivities. A straight left and a right hook found their mark landing on Davis’s cranium sending him to the canvas for the third time. Referee Dali didn’t bother to count and signaled the end of the bout declaring Peterson the winner by technical knockout 1:53 of the second round. The Junkyard Dog is back!

In the fourth fight of the night – a scheduled six-round junior-featherweight bout Romuel “Cuco” Cruz (10 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 4 kos) Philadelphia won by technical knockout 1:43 of the fourth round against Robin “Gravedigger” Ellis (6 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws – 5 kos) Las Vegas in an extremely exciting and tactical fight with Cruz displaying his mastery of in-fighting – winning in the trenches. The fighters met in the center of the ring, and they fought at close-quarters with Cruz proving to be more adept and craftier, landing the harder shot, forcing Ellis to clinch. There wasn’t much separating the fighters for the first half of the fight with the action being toe-to-toe with Cruz being in control landing the more telling blows as Ellis survived the third round by holding until the bell. In the fourth stanza, Cruz connected with a combination capped off by right uppercut that put the Gravedigger on the dirt – the canvas. Ellis made it upright as Referee Clark reached the count of four – checked his vitals and signaled for the bout to resume. Shortly thereafter, Cruz connected with another combination and body shot that forced Ellis’ corner to waive off the action and save him from further damage. Cruz was declared the winner by technical knockout1:43 of the fourth round – a very impressive performance against a good opponent. Kudos to Cuco!

I doubt if there was a better way to spend a Thursday night – Broadway Boxing in Philadelphia with one of the greatest fighters God ever created – Lennox Lewis. Having the opportunity to meet and discuss the state of boxing in our beloved homeland of Jamaica was refreshing. Watching Lewis’ protégé Kestna Davis display his skill-set, boxing like a gloved-matador was pleasing. Trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards went 2-0 tonight with both of his fighters – Peterson & Cruz – scoring knockouts. I would be remiss if I didn’t publicly congratulate my friend – ring announcer Henry
“Discombobulating” Jones for garnering “The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.” Congratulations – you are the greatest. Thank you “Big Lou” for bringing your franchise and Lennox Lewis to Philadelphia.

Also in the arena, enjoying the action were promoters Marshall Kauffman, King’s Promotions; Manny Rivera, Hard Hitting Promotions and Dominic Walton, Teflon Promotions. Also in attendance were former WBA, IBF & IBO Junior-middleweight Champion Julian “J-Rock” William, trainer/professional boxer Greg Hackett, super-featherweight Avery Sparrow, trainer/former professional boxer Khalib “Big Foot” Whitmore and my good friend Alex Hamer, President & CEO of Ringside Network.

See you on Saturday, April 27th at The Liacouras Center as Teflon Promotions presents “Lets Settle” featuring some of Philadelphia’s finest including Jesse “Hollywood” Hart, Hammerin’ Hank Lundy, Juan “The One” Marrero, Dylan Price, Joey “The Tank” Dawejko and Juan Rivera.

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece.

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.

Date: February 17, 2024
Venue: 2300 Arena – Philadelphia, PA
Promoter: Alex Barbosa—R&B Promotions
Ring Announcer: Steve Peacock
Referees: Shawn Clark & Eric Dali
Coverage: www.combatsportsnow.com
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr. & Nicole Ross (1st photo)
Editor: Kahlil Small
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com

The past week has been bittersweet – a melancholy lesson of advancing years. Early morning, Friday, February 9th, I was ecstatic when John DiSanto, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame, gave me the great news that Coach Shar’ron Baker would be inducted in the class of 2024. Coach Shar’ron was nominated last year, but for some inexplicable reason she was not elected with her trainer/mentor – the late, great Sam Hickman who was inducted in the Class of 2023. Nevertheless, a dream deferred for a year was equally gratifying. On Sunday, February 11th I was speechless when I learned of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, one of my favorite athletes – the marathon world record holder. The 24-year-old and his coach Gervais Hakizimana perished in an automobile accident. I have always been fascinated by long distance runners and Kiptum was so exceptional that I thought that he was Muhammad Ali in running shoes – “The Greatest.” He was poetry in motion, running effortlessly, gliding over the landscape as though God gave him an extra pair of lungs. How is it even possible to run a marathon time of 2:00:35? Rest in Paradise Kelvin Kiptum you shook up the world!

Coach Shar’ron Baker is a living chronicle of a by-gone era, and I wasn’t going to miss her in action tonight as the head trainer of three of tonight’s participants: Oluwafemi “The Nigerian Nightmare” Oyeleye, Joshua “The Real War” Jones and Juan “The One” Marrero. Billed as “Philly Fight Night 4” the ten-bout card – 48 scheduled rounds of boxing – a delectable slice of the sweet science proved comforting. No surprise that the venue was packed and brought out some of Philly’s finest sitting ringside – “The Baddest Man on the Planet” – undefeated IBF Welterweight Champion, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, former two-division World champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, former WBO, WBC & IBO Super-bantamweight Champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton who was so “iced out” – diamonds, golds and gems adorning his neck and wrists – that frankly I feared for his safety – and 2007 Pan American Games Gold Medalist Karl “Dynamite” Dargan. Once again, promoter Alex Barbosa proved that he has the formula for filling the venue and producing another excellent show with well-matched bouts.

It is an irrebuttable presumption that tonight’s main eventer – Oluwafemi Oyeleye affectionately known as “Femi” is one of my favorite fighters. Supremely talented with the work ethic of a Jamaican immigrant with three jobs – a 1,000-watt smile and the humility and diplomacy of the late, great Nelson Mandela – it is only a matter of time before he is atop the junior-middleweight division. Thank God that he is fighting out of Philadelphia. No surprise that the Nigerian community, inclusive of Prince Yomi Garnett MD, came out to witness its next world champion. And they were not disappointed.

Prior to commencement of the main event and final bout, Steve Peacock brought Coach Shar’ron Baker – sporting a colorful Nigerian dashiki – into the ring and announced that she will be inducted this year in the 2024 Class of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame, much to the delight and deafening cheers of the capacity crowd. Shortly thereafter, her charge made his way into the ring flanked by the Rosas – manager/cutman Lando and son/assistant Marcus sporting identical dashikis as Coach Baker. In the battle of southpaws – Oyeleye (14 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 8 kos) faced Wilfrido Buelvas (24 wins – 18 losses – 0 draw – 18 kos) of Barranquilla, Colombia. The Nigerian Nightmare came out at the opening bell working behind his jab – getting a proper reading on the speed and tempo of his opponent. An accidental clash of heads sent the Colombian to the canvas. Referee Dali gave him sufficient time to recuperate and resume fighting approximately fifteen seconds after the collision. The action restarted and shortly thereafter, Buelvas walked right into Oyeleye’s straight left that sent him to the canvas. More surprised than shaken – Buelvas was upright immediately. Nevertheless, the knockdown was acknowledged by the referee. Oyeleye kept his composure – stalking behind his jab while picking off his opponent’s counterattack with his gloves.

The second round commenced with Oyeleye boxing strategically behind his jab – looking for chinks in Buelvas’ armor. Allow me to paraphrase my childhood friend/teammate, the late Bucky Davis and the JBM by stating that “Buelvas didn’t come to lay down – he came to get down.” Yes, despite the early knockdown he showed temerity by returning fire with reckless abandon. A spirited battle unfolded, and the audience was invested in the bout. With approximately a minute remaining in the round, Oyeleye distracted his adversary with decoy shots – a left hook to the body and head – thrown without much force – giving him enough time to shift his weight to the right to deliver the nightcap– a left hook to the body followed by the same shot to the head – both landing with power and precision sending the man from Colombia to the canvas as though he was thrown out of moving vehicle. I nominate Referee Dali for the “2024 Humanitarian Award” because he immediately called a halt to the fight instead of risking serious injury to Buelvas. Oyeleye was declared the winner by technical knockout at 2:03 of the second round.

The opening bout of the night was stimulating – a shot of expresso – featuring debuting light-heavyweights – thirty-two-year-old Alex James from the Bronx, New York and Rancy Slanger, nine years his junior, from Accra Ghana – fighting out of Philadelphia. The 6 ft 2 inches Slanger pressed the action at the opening bell, connecting to the head and body as the dreadlocked James retreated. Midway in the round, Slanger landed a left hook that got his opponent’s attention. However, James recuperated and finished the round on good terms. The second round followed a similar pattern with the Ghanaian controlling the action with his jab – scoring with another left hook that forced James to clutch to survive further punishment. Slanger threw him to the canvas to get untangled. Upright immediately, James began a conversation with the audience over his protruding mouthpiece.

This continued well into the fourth and final round with Slanger getting the better of the exchanges and James addressing the audience with his outbursts – forgetting that he was a pugilist engaged in combat and not a politician on the campaign trail. When the decision was announced 40-36 on all three scorecards for Slanger – James blurted out “My first fight and I ran 12 miles last night!.” It was an impressive performance by Slanger who went about his business, unbothered by his opponent’s antics.

The second bout of the night featured another Coach Shar’ron Baker’s acolyte, hard-hitting Philadelphia southpaw – lightweight Juan “The One” Marrero (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) in a scheduled four-rounder against Darius Somieari (0 wins – 3 losses – 0 draws) of Roanoke, Virginia. It was a game of cat and mouse from the onset as the thirty-five-year-old Somieari – who at 5ft 10 inches – is two inches taller than his nemesis – motored around the ring demonstrating his fancy footwork -sidestepping and changing directions to offset the advancing Marrero who had destruction etched all over his countenance.

Marrero attacked the body early in the second round and referee Dali warned Somieari for excessive holding. Marrero pinned Somieari on the ropes and unleashed a vicious combination – beating him down to the canvas – forcing him to genuflect as though he had just entered a Catholic church early Sunday morning. Referee Dali reached the count of five and Somieari was upright – had his gloves wiped and the action resumed.
Marrero wasn’t going to allow the fight to go into the third round and hopped on his opponent like an exonerated death-row inmate in a Nevada brothel with a vivacious vixen. He ripped off another vicious combination reintroducing the Virginian to the canvas on one-knee as though he was an NFL quarterback leading a huddle. He was upright at the count of four and referee Dali checked his vitals and instructed him to walk back and forth. Dali ended the fight after noticing that Somieari was severely impaired and in no shape for combat. Marrero was declared the winner by technical knockout 2:14 of round two.

In the third fight of the night – a scheduled four-round middleweight bout, fan-favorite John Hawks (0 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws) of Voorhees, New Jersey, and southpaw Michael Scott (0 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws) of Dover, Delaware fought to a four-round majority draw – one judge had it 40-36 for Hawks, overruled by the other two who had it identical 38-38. The thirty-six-year-old Scott who lost a split-decision in his professional debut on November 14, 2023, captured the opening round on my scorecard by landing a more effective jab while switching stance throughout the round. Unlike Scott, Hawk was stopped in his professional debut on November 11, 2023 – losing by technical knockout in the first round of a scheduled four-round bout. However, tonight he not only heard the bell for the second stanza, but he also dominated the round, beating his adversary around the ring from pillar to post continuously for about a minute on the verge of scoring a technical knockout. However, Scott survived and in the next round he was sticking and moving – using his jab with Hawks in hot pursuit. It was an extremely close round that could have been scored for either combatant. I gave the final round to Hawks who was not only the aggressor but also landed the more effective shots. It was a close fight – thus 38-38 isn’t far-fetched.

Debuting Philadelphia middleweight Jason Moreno who was escorted to the ring by former two-division World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and his father/trainer Angel Garcia had to overcome adversity in the first round to score a technical knockout over fellow Philadelphian – Antonio Allen (1 win – 16 losses – 2 draws – 1 ko). With trainer Greg Hackett in his corner, Allen a 6 ft 3 inches southpaw who evokes fond memories of fictitious World Middleweight Champion Bootney Farnsworth played by Jimmy Walker in the action crime comedy film “Let’s Do It Again” – dropped Moreno in the opening stanza with a well-placed jab. The advancing Moreno was attacking and walked into the punch which introduced him to the canvas. Unshaken, he was upright immediately and continued his onslaught, landing and hurting Allen with a hook then storming him with a combination – forcing him into survival mode until the gong sounded ending the round.

Moreno dominated the second round as Allen attempted to evade punishment. Midway, Moreno delivered a blow south of the border – below the beltline – forcing referee Dali to call a temporary halt in the action – giving the debilitated boxer time to recuperate. Allen could have taken the allowable five-minute respite – however – a few minutes elapsed, and the action resumed. Moreno didn’t waste much time and pinned Allen in a corner and unleashed everything from his arsenal, connecting with hooks to the body and head – sending him sideways – destination – the canvas. However, referee Dali must have been an excellent baseball player because he caught Allen – preventing him from going to the deck and held him up – later declaring Moreno the winner by technical knockout 2:21 of round two.

Entering his 54th year at the Athletic Recreation Center in North Philadelphia, legendary trainer Fred Jenkins Sr. is still active – churning out prodigies – leaving us to believe that there is something special in the water at 1400 North 26th Street. With Jenkins in his corner, nineteen-year-old debuting junior-middleweight Richard Johnson sent fellow debutant and Philadelphian, twenty-nine-year-old Desmond Carr to the canvas three times, forcing referee Shawn Clark to stop the one-sided affair at 2:15 of the opening round of the scheduled four-rounder – declaring the teenager the victor by technical knockout. The initial journey to the canvas was a body shot to the breadbasket. Carr was up as the referee reached the count of six. The second knockdown was caused by a well-placed left hook to the liver. It was somewhat unbelievable that Carr was on his feet at the count of seven. We will never question Carr’s mettle and tenacity. Shortly after the second knockdown, Carr was on the canvas for the third and final time writhing in pain from right hook to the body. It was an impressive victory by Johnson who is now on everyone’s radar.

I made sure that I was seated – no distractions – for the sixth bout – a scheduled six-rounder between Philadelphia welterweight Tahmir “The Don” Smalls (10 wins – 0 losses 0 draws – 7 kos) trained by #1 trainer Derek “Bozy’ Ennis and southpaw Bruno Leonardo Romay (22 wins – 12 losses – 0 draws – 19 kos) of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Smalls’ last four victories all ended in the opening round and Romay has only one win in his last nine fights. There was a higher probability of former USA President “Dirt Dumb” Donald Trump being truthful during cross-examination than the Argentinian making it to the second round against Smalls. Call me Hansodamus because Smalls was deadly at the opening bell – landing an overhand right that had Romay doing his version of the famous Tik Tok “That’s My Dawg” dance meme. The Don seized the opportunity to continue his knockout streak and jumped on his victim like a fat man at a $10 All-You -Can-Eat buffet. Referee Dali – consistent in his humanity – stopped the fight – declaring Smalls the winner by technical knockout – 30 seconds of the opening round. The streak continues, Small now has five consecutive first round knockouts.

Twenty-five-year-old debuting Philadelphia heavyweight Jesse Hayward won a unanimous four-round decision 39-37 on all three scorecards over forty-two-year-old Daniel Fry (0 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws) of Cincinnati, Ohio. At 275.5 lbs. – the 6 ft 2 inches Hayward outweighed his opponent by 51.5 lbs. It was a spirited contest with Hayward’s cousin – former light-heavyweight prospect, Charles “The Cobra” Hayward – sitting next to me ringside, yelling instructions – reminding his kinfolk that the jab opens up all opportunities. His vociferousness didn’t fall on deaf ears as Hayward captured the opening round by landing the more consistent jab while probing for bigger shots. I gave Fry the second round because Hayward abandoned his jab looking for the knockout blow. He won the round by, as we would say in boxing parlance – “sticking and moving” – jabbing while circling – never standing still in one spot. How fortuitous that the Cobra got louder, and it appeared that his cousin took heed to his instructions and captured the last two rounds with a consistent jab, even connecting with two overhand rights in the third round. Congratulations young Hayward – please keep your cousin ringside within earshot.

Hopefully, you are following the order of the show despite me beginning with the main event – the last bout. In the eighth fight of the night, Philadelphia lightweight – southpaw Joshua “The Real War” Jones (8 wins – 0 losses – 1 draw – 3 kos) faced rough and rugged Ryan Schwartzburg (4 wins – 13 losses – 3 draws – 2 kos) of Dania, Florida in a scheduled six rounder. The Floridian was first out of the dressing room with “Gonna Fly Now” the theme from the movie “Rocky” blaring over the house speakers. Schwartzburg understood his role as the underdog. However, that did not deter him from going out in the first round and hurting Jones with an uppercut which sent him to the canvas. It was ruled a slip by referee Eric Dali who wasn’t in position to determine that the punch landed. Jones was shaken and relied on his innovative skills as a thespian to mask his condition and dissuade his opponent from attempting to close the show. It demonstrated the awareness and development of the Philadelphia fighter who realized that the one-minute respite between rounds would serve him well.

Jones came out for the second round rejuvenated and implemented his fight plan. With his celebrity friends (Ennis, Fulton, Garcia, and Dargan) yelling instructions from ringside, Jones got the ship back on course – working behind his right jab landing his trademark left bolo uppercut up the middle. It was an action-packed bout with both combatants working assiduously – much to the delight of the boisterous crowd. However, Jones was getting the better of the exchanges with Schwartzburg more than willing to return fire. The rounds were fought in similar fashion and the crowd yelled throughout the entire bout. The fifth round was close with Schwartzburg connecting with a left hook and straight right. Jones boxed brilliantly in the last round – playing the role of the matador with his opponent coming forward. It was an entertaining fight and well-needed experience for Jones who appears to be back on track to fulfill the expectations of his potential. The judges had it 60-54 and 58-56 twice, all for Jones who won by unanimous decision.

The co-main event featured a four-round bout between debuting junior-lightweight Noah “Cannon” Norman of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and Dan Van Fossen (0 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws) of West Deptford, New Jersey. I now understand the rationale behind Norman’s moniker because the echo of the gong had barely dissipated in my ears when he was atop Van Fossen across the ring as though he had been shot out of a cannon. He beat Van Fossen from one side of the ring to the other side, landing with everything in his arsenal.

Under tremendous fire, Van Fossen attempted to take cover while firing back. However, Norman didn’t allow him to the weather the storm – and rained down on him with great vengeance. I was somewhat bewildered by what I was witnessing and found myself reaching for my phone to dial 911 to get the Philadelphia Police to end this massacre. Fortunately, referee Shawn Clark stopped the fight as I was about to press the #9 on my I-phone – calling an end – declaring Norman the winner by technical knockout at 56 seconds of the opening round.

It was another amazing night of boxing by R&B Promotions in the greatest boxing town on the planet. It was a great way to end the week that was not only happy but also sad. Congratulations again to Coach Shar’ron Baker for being elected to the 2024 Class of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. I will have to buy a new suit for the induction ceremony. Job well-done Coach – you are a living legend. A debt of gratitude is owed to my good friends, Nicole Ross and Dawn Rosa, Lando Rosa’s wife. Both were pivotal in getting Prince Yomi Garnett, Dr. Victory Anyiam –“The Greatest Chiropractor on the Planet” – who ensures that Oyeleye’s and his stablemates’ muscles, tendons, and ligaments are in perfect condition, and the Nigerian contingent – comprised of doctors, PHD fellows and MBAs – to the fights tonight. We all know that it is only a matter of time before we are all headed to Nigeria for a world title fight featuring “The Nigerian Nightmare.”

In closing, I will miss watching Kelvin Kiptum – poetry in motion – the man who ran effortlessly as though God was gliding him across the landscape to victory. You and your coach will live forever in our minds, in our hearts and in our stories. Gone but will never be forgotten.

KIPTUM!

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece.

ghanson18@icloud.com

By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq

Date:                       January 12, 2024

Venue:                    LIVE! Casino Hotel Philadelphia.

Promoters:              Marshall Kauffman—King’s Promotions

Ring Announcers:  Henry “Discombobulating” Jones

Referees:                 Harvey Dock & Dave Braslow

Ring Card:              The Queens of King’s – Kendra Danelle & Kiana Kareema

Coverage:                BXNG TV Photos:                    Darryl Cobb Jr

As I sat in the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica midday on Thursday, awaiting my flight back to Philadelphia I decided to reacquaint myself to the luxuries of technology and social media. A three-week hiatus home on the farm in rural Manchester was a well-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the City of Brotherly Love and technology. I anxiously logged into www.boxrec.com and noticed that there was a professional card – eight bouts – featuring two of my favorite fighters – Chrisian Carto and Atif “Lord Pretty Calvo” Oberlton – two pugilistic prodigies that I have followed as we would say in colloquial terms – since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. As soon as I landed and reached home at 6 PM – I secured a press-credential by calling “The King of King’s Promotions” – Marshall Kauffman who was celebrating his 61st birthday. Happy Birthday Marshall!!

I arrived somewhat tardy and walked briskly across the parking lot into the building, through the casino – up the escalator to the ballroom/arena hosting the fights – just in time to catch the final two minutes of the first round of the opening bout. Philadelphia welterweight Ismail Muhammad (3 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) fighting from the southpaw stance, controlled the action against Zach Hill (3 wins – 6 losses- 0 draws – 2 kos) of Watertown, South Dakota. The twenty-two-year-old Philadelphian boxed masterfully against his adversary – thirteen years his senior – judiciously following the instructions of his corner – trainer Derek “Bozy” Ennis and his assistants – capturing the opening stanza.

In the second round of  the scheduled four-rounder, Muhammad resumed painting his masterpiece – a gloved Ernie Barnes having a good time – going downstairs to the body. Midway into the round a body shot forced Hill to the canvas much to the delight of Muhammad. Hill made it upright as referee Braslow tolled the count of three. The action resumed and Muhammad attacked relentlessly, both barrels blazing forcing the referee to call a halt at 1:53 – saving Hill from the inevitable – another trip to the canvas – separated from his senses. Muhammad was declared the winner by technical knockout.

After being sidelined for over fifteen months – Christian Carto (20 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 13 kos) of Philadelphia squared off against Ardin “The Jackal” Diale (35 wins – 18 losses – 4 draws – 17 kos) of Benguet, Philippines in tonight’s eight-round main event featherweight bout. The last time Carto saw action was October 1, 2022 – at 2300 Arena, Philadelphia –  when he won a unanimous eight-round decision over Hector Andres Sosa of Argentina. Sosa is currently the IBO World Featherweight Champion – a title he won on July 22, 2023, via a tenth-round knockout of James Dickens. Flanked by IBF World Welterweight Champion – Jaron “Boots” Ennis, trainer Derek “Bozy” Ennis,  cutman Joey “Eye” Intrieri and cohorts – Carto was last out of the dressing room as Diale waited patiently in the ring. The audience stood as multi-talented  lightweight Nahir “Woo” Albright graced us with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.

Referee Harvey Dock gave the instructions – the combatants retreated to the respective corners as their handlers exited and the gong sounded for the opening round. It was evident from the first punch that Carto held an insurmountable advantage in hand speed. The Jackal came forward and Carto peppered him with lightning-fast combinations. It was a masterful display of the sweet science as Carto captured the opening round in fantastic fashion. I had no idea what was in store for the next round as Carto came out of his corner unloading from both barrels. He controlled the action, blasting away with a quick combination followed by a vicious right that sent Diale to the canvas – laying on his back as though he was sunbathing. The Jackal rose on unsteady legs like a newborn fawn and genuflected forcing referee Dock to call a halt to the action – declaring Carto the winner by technical knockout at 1:09 of round two.

I was praying that tonight’s co-main event wasn’t the stage for a ring tragedy. The eight rounder featured southpaws – undefeated twenty-five-year-old Philadelphia light-heavyweight sensation Atif “Lord Pretty Calvo” Oberlton (8 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 6 kos) against thirty-seven-year-old Cleotis Pendarvis (22 wins – 19 losses – 2 draws – 9 kos) of Lancaster, California. The 5ft 7 inches Pendarvis joined the punch-for-pay ranks back in 2004 as a welterweight and appeared to be at a considerable size, speed, and power disadvantage against the towering 6 ft. 3 inches Philadelphian who packs dynamite in both hand and unleashes combinations like a Gatlin gun. Oberlton was inactive due to injuries for almost one year – his last fight on January 20, 2023 – an eight-round unanimous decision over then undefeated Artem Brusov. I was uncomfortable in my press-row seat as the song “Suicide or Murder” by Bounty Killer played from the tracks of my imagination. I must be intellectually honest – Pendarvis was on a suicide mission and there was a high probability that Oberlton was going to be “charged” for murder. Regardless – I knew that this fight was not going to end well for the Californian.

With new trainer Tom Yankello in his corner – Oberlton came out at the opening bell stalking his prey – working behind his southpaw jab. He controlled the action – showing no signs of ring rust as Pendarvis came forward with his head barely reaching Lord Pretty Calvo’s shoulders. Pendarvis was literally walking through a minefield and the audience was on the edge of their seats awaiting his demise. He made it out of the opening stanza compliments of the humanity and generosity of the Philly fighter who wanted to display his wares to his adoring fans. The second round began with the undefeated prospect comfortable playing the matador as Pendarvis came forward. As fate would have it – Oberlton unleashed a vicious left uppercut that drove Pendarvis to the canvas. I thought that he died and I just witnessed a fatal ring tragedy. Miraculously, Pendarvis made it to his feet as referee Braslow reached the count of nine and called and end to this mismatch, declaring Oberlton the winner at 1:26 of the round. Suicide or murder?

There must be something special in the water at the Albright household. Welterweight Quadir “Savage C-4” Albright (9 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 9 kos) lived up to his moniker in a scheduled eight-rounder against southpaw Adam Kipenga (11 wins – 4 losses – 1 draws\ – 7 kos) of Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania fighting out of Virginia. Standing 6 ft. I inch Albright towered over his 5 ft. 7 inches opponent. Albright answered the bell boxing brilliantly behind his jab reminiscent of the great five-division world champion and Hall of Famer – Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns. He patiently controlled the pace and distance, looking to unload the heavy artillery as Kipenga marched forward. The opening round was close because of the Tanzanian’s aggression.

Albright continued using his jab in the second stanza – probing for an opening – allowing Kapenga to come forward – oblivious to the ambuscade that was imminent. It was a cerebral display of pugilistic prowess, and I sat eagerly awaiting the moment when Albright would detonate the C-4 in his right mitt. The Philadelphian captured the second round simply by out-jabbing and outmaneuvering Kapenga who continued his forward march. Albright didn’t waste much time in the next round, uncorking a devastating straight right early that pierced Kapenga’s guard – landing squarely on his chin – sending him to the canvas – imploding like the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Allow me to applaud the Tanzanian’s temerity and resiliency. Surprisingly, he refused to be diminished in the ashes of history and was standing upright as referee Harvey Dock reached the count of six. However, Dock made the right decision as was expected and called a halt to the bout. There was no need for an impaired Kapenga to be target practice for Albright – a deadly finisher. Kudos to the referee who declared Albright the victor by technical knockout – 38 seconds of the third round.

In the fifth bout of the night and the second fight of her budding professional career, featherweight Jaclyne “The Assassin” McTamney (1 win – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) of Southampton, Pennsylvania entered the ring to the frenzied applause of her supporters who packed the venue. McTamney radiated in the adulation as she climbed through the ropes and zoomed in on Cara McLaughlin (1 win – 7 losses – 0 draws – 0 kos) of Cookstown, Northern Ireland now fighting out of New York in the opposite corner. Referee Harvey Dock gave the instructions and the fighters and handlers retreated to their respective corners and the gong sounded for the scheduled four-rounder. The 5 feet 3 inches McTamney was simply too quick and fundamentally sound for her thirty-seven-year-old opponent – working behind her jab, using lateral movement to offset her – landing the occasional right. There were no knockdowns or instances of either boxers being in dire strait. It was a textbook performance by the lady from Southampton who pitched a shut-out winning on all three scorecards 40-36. Hopefully, McTamney will fight more frequently and not every four months as is the case since her debut on September 15, 2023.

I gain no pleasure in disparaging the official arbiters of professional pugilism. However, it was the late, great Bishop Desmond Tutu who eloquently stated, “If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Thus, I am compelled to log my disapproval of the decision in the second bout – a six-rounder between welterweights – Ibrahim “Hitman” Robinson (6 win – 0 losses – 1 draw – 5 kos) of Baltimore, Maryland, and Renny Viamonte Mastrapa (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 2 kos) of La Isla Cuba residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.. Press-row had the twenty-two-year-old Robinson winning at least four rounds – one of the judges scored it 57-57 while the other two awarded Mastrapa the decision 58-56. The 6 ft Robinson controlled the action with his educated jab and counter right – easily taking the first three rounds as Mastrapa appeared to be looking to land a punch of consequence to turn the tides. The fourth round was closer because of the inside-fighting. However, Robinson was somewhat busier, and I am confident that any reasonable viewer would have scored another round for him. The next two rounds were close with not much separating the combatants. Mastrapa connected with an overhand right in the fifth round that could have made the difference on the scorecards – giving him the edge in that round. Robinson won the fight – however the judges got it wrong – making a compelling argument for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission to purchase three guide dogs and canes.

The third bout of this magnanimous night of the sweet science featured debuting light-heavyweights Cody Russell and thirty-eight-year-old Ronald “Pitbull” Trahan of Fort Worth, Texas – ten years his opponent’s senior. It was an entertaining and tactical match with the bewhiskered, distinguished looking Russell matching Trahan’s pugilistic prowess in the opening stanza with jabs and tactical movement, leaving the judges to flip a coin to decide the victor. Russell distinguished himself in the next round by landing a combination in the closing moments that momentarily froze the Texan in his tracks. Early in the third round, Trahan had his mouthpiece dislodged by a strike. Russell followed with a punch that sent him to the canvas. How fortuitous for Trahan that somehow based on the angle of referee Braslow – he missed the punch and the knockdown – calling it a slip. However, this was the precursor of the grand finale. Because shortly thereafter, Russell uncorked a crippling left hook that anchored Trahan to the canvas. As referee Braslow began the count, Trahan attempted to get upright and like a novice on ice-skates, his legs split in opposite directions forcing the end of the bout. Russell was declared the winner by technical at 1:19 of the third round.

Amateur standout, eighteen-year-old junior-featherweight Cornelius Chada Phipps of Oxford, Pennsylvania was successful in his professional debut, capturing a unanimous four-round decision 40-35 on all three scorecards over Darin Holliday Jr. (0 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws) of Philadelphia. Phipps was first with his jab in the opening round and was busier going to the body in the second round against the taller and talented Holliday that we can only surmise was over-thinking his dilemma instead of throwing punches. Phipps landed a vicious uppercut in the third round forcing Holliday to clutch for survival – referee Dock eventually deducted a point for excessive holding. The final round was uneventful with the Philadelphian demonstrating no sense of urgency as Phipps won the round working behind his jab. It was an impressive outing for the teenager and a lesson for Holliday who can easily change the trajectory of his career and get his name in the winning column.

This was a wonderful opening to another exciting year of boxing in the City of Brotherly Love. It is also the start of a new era, the first time in almost thirty-four years that the Lilliputian – Greg Sirb – masquerading as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission – was not patrolling ringside or the dressing rooms – yelling and overstepping boundaries. He retired in September of last year. We can only hope that he finds as much comfort in his retirement as we are experiencing.

Happy Birthday Marshall Kauffman. Thanks for a great show, the first article as I vie for another Salute to Philly Boxers “Writer of the Year” award. I appreciate everyone who continue to support my work, allowing me to win every year since 2012. Equally important, much respect to all the promoters – especially Alex “Macho” Barbosa, Stephen Espinoza, Manny Rivera, and Diane Fisher Di Maio. Special thanks to photographers Darryl Cobb Jr., Kenny Ludwig, and Amber Rosa. I can only hope that people are reading the articles and not just admiring the wonderful images that you capture. Thanks to my editors Kahlil Small and Chris Toney. Your help is greatly appreciated. Finally, thanks to my sister Dawn Marie Hanson who made sure that her little brother was way ahead of everyone. I only hope that one day that I can write as well as you. Despite your passing, I hear your voice every day pushing me to greater heights.

Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece!

ghanson18@icloud.com

Love boxing or hate boxing, professional boxing returns to North Carolina in championship style Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina! And, whether you love Michael Williams Jr or wish him ill will, Williams Jr is carrying the torch for professional boxing in North Carolina.

As they always seem to do, Williams Jr and his team raised the bar for professional boxing in North Carolina. After professional boxing took a three year hiatus from the state of North Carolina, Team Williams Jr put on the first pro boxing show in North Carolina. On August 12, 2023, Williams Jr delighted a jam packed ball room with a highlight reel stoppage of Ricardo David Ocampo. While Ocampo as an opponent might not have been what hardcore boxing fans wanted, he (Ocampo 12-13 7 KO’s) was exactly what North Carolina boing needed – a much needed WIN! Williams Jr delivered, and North Carolina boxing fans are frothing at the mouth for more.

Michael Williams Jr. 150% and his promoter/trainer/marketing guru father, Michael Williams Sr 300%, are ready to deliver. “Other promoters will step up, but right now, for my son, nobody is doing anything, so we are “doing” it. We are the ones taking the chances and entertaining North Carolina. This is hard work, but for my son, I will do it and it is worth it,” said Williams Sr.

What team Williams Jr has done is put together an entertaining night of professional boxing mixed with some local legend grudge matches. Ah, but the crown jewel in this potentially electrifying night of boxing is the return of professional championship style boxing when Fayetteville, North Carolina’s own Michael Williams Jr faces Juan Manuel Witt for the NBA welterweight championship belt.

All the non-believers, naysayers, trash talkers, and skeptics (including myself) need to shut our mouths about Williams Jr’s opponent on this one. In Witt, Williams Jr faces a tough fighter who knows how to win. Witt has won thirty two (32) of his thirty six (36) professional fights. Witt has only faced defeat in two of those fights. The two losses were in title fights against fighters with a combined winning record of 58-11-3. Witt’s most recent loss was to the well known and talented Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna 36-5-1 (16 KO’s). If you think Witt’s wins were against suspect opposition, he has beaten the exact same type of fighters Williams Jr has.

To say this is a step up in levels for Williams Jr, is an understatement. This fight is not a guaranteed bum of the month, tomato can, independent opponent money, promised win for Williams Jr. What it is – is the challenge Williams Jr needs to take, and the challenge his fans and non-fans need to see him to take to validate Michael Williams Jr 150% has moved from talented prospect status to true, contender status.

Folks, get your popcorn ready. Go to the Crown Coliseum to get your tickets. Because after this Williams Jr Witt showdown on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the next question we will all be asking, can he do this to Adrian Broner, Thomas Lamanna, or Ryan Garcia?

By Chris Williams

1 year removed from my battle with cancer and back to covering the great sport of boxing