Tag Archives: Philadelphia

Posted on 03/31/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions returned to the beautiful Fillmore in Philadelphia for the second time since their debut there a year ago. They put on an exciting 8 bout card Friday night before a sold out crowd.

In the Main Event Welterweight Ray “Tito” Serrano, 24-5 (10), of Philadelphia, PA, lost a close exciting decision to Malik “Iceman” Hawkins, 13-0 (9), of Baltimore, MD, over 10 rounds.

In the first round it was evident Serrano was stronger but Hawkins quicker. In the second round Hawkins continued using his effective jab and elusive defense causing Serrano problems. In the third round Serrano started getting in body shots on Hawkins. Serrano ended the round with a border line left hook followed by another left hook.

In the fourth round Serrano started by landing a left hook to the chin of Hawkins who shook his head like it wasn’t as hard as it looked. The rest of the round both fighters mixed it up well. Hawkins was landing right uppercuts while Serrano landed left hooks. In the fifth round Serrano landed a stiff jab knocking back the head of Hawkins. A right uppercut to the chin from Hawkins made Serrano hold. Hawkins ended the round with a double left hook to the head of Serrano.

In the sixth round Serrano started things off with a left hook to the chin of Hawkins. Hawkins came back with right uppercuts to the chin. Serrano rocked Hawkins with a right to the chin just prior to the bell. In the seventh round Hawkins was ripping right uppercuts to the body and chin of Serrano. Serrano came right back but Hawkins got the better of it in the round.

In the eighth round both fighters landed left hooks to the chin at the same time. Serrano landed a solid right to the chin of Hawkins. In the ninth round Hawkins landed a right followed by a left to the chin rocking Serrano. Serrano came back landing a pair of rights to the chin. Just prior to the bell, Serrano landed another pair of rights to the chin of Hawkins.

In the tenth and final round with the fight on the line both landed left hooks to the body. Serrano landed a right followed by a left to the chin of Hawkins. Whether Serrano did enough to pull out a draw would be determined and in the hands of the judges.

Judge Lynne Carter scored it 98-92, Justin Rosenstein 96-94 and Dewey LaRosa 97-93. This writer had it 96-94. Referee was Shawn Clark.

Super Bantamweight southpaw Tramaine “Mighty Midget” Williams, 15-0 (5), of New Haven, CT, easily defeated Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez, 12-21-1 (5), of Durango, MEX, over 6 rounds.

In the first round the shorter southpaw Williams was on the attack landing four straight left hands to the body and head of Rodriguez. Several more times the “slick” Williams landed lead left hands to the chin of Rodriguez and evaded return punches. In the second round a straight left from Williams to the chin drove Rodriguez into the ropes. Rodriguez landed a right to the body of Williams which may have been the best punch he landed up until then.

In the third round Williams landed a 3-punch combination to the body and head of Rodriguez. Whenever Rodriguez and Williams clinch Rodriguez gets in some of his best punches against the much faster Williams. In the fifth round Williams landed lead left’s to the chin of Rodriguez three different times. Rodriguez came back landing four unanswered punches that didn’t seem to have much effect on Williams. Williams landed a combination to the chin of Rodriguez who came back with a right of his own.

The sixth and final round inside Rodriguez is able to get right uppercuts to the body of Williams. Rodriguez landed a lead right hook to the side of the head of Williams. The ring physician was brought in by Referee Ron Bashir to check a cut along the right eyebrow of Rodriguez that the referee said it was from a punch. The action ending the last twenty seconds was furious up until the bell.

Judges Constatino 60-53, Rubenstein 59-55 and LaRosa 58-56. This writer had it 60-54.

Super Middleweight Ronald “Akeem” Ellis, 15-0-2 (10), of Lynn, MASS, defeated Taneal Goyco, 9-11-1 (4), of Philadelphia, PA, over 6 exciting rounds of action.

In the first round Ellis stormed out of his corner landing right hand after right hand to the chin of Goyco who mostly covered up taking punch after punch. In the second round it went almost the same way until the final minute when Goyco backed Ellis against the ropes. There was no quit in Goyco.

In the third round Ellis slowed down ad started boxing using his jab. Goyco had Ellis holding on after landing several wide left hooks to the head. Both boxers threw and landed left hooks to the chin with Goyco’s ending the round. The fans loved the finish. In the fourth round a right hand from Ellis dropped Goyco who was up immediately but took the 8 count from Referee Clark. Goyco continued bobbing and weaving trying to get away from the punch Ellis was throwing and out of nowhere Goyco rocked Ellis with a wild left hook to the chin just prior to the bell.

In the fifth round Ellis was on the attack but Goyco “fighting on instinct” was dangerous with every wild punch he threw. The round ended in a close one but Ellis seemed to have the edge. In the sixth and final round Ellis would land a jab knocking the head of Goyco back only to have Goyco coming back with a punch of his own. Midway through the round the boxers bumped heads causing half a minute of stoppage. Both fighters exchanged solid left hooks to the head in this very exciting crowd pleasing match right up until the end.

Judge Carter 59-55, LaRosa and Constatino 60-53 as did this writer.

Super Lightweight southpaw Jeremy “King” Cuevas, 8-0 (6), of Philadelphia, PA, came back from a knockdown to defeat Efrain “Macho” Cruz, 4-5-1 (1), of Viequs, PR, in another exciting 6.

In the first round Cuevas pushed forward backing Cruz up who was throwing back wildly. Both fighters exchanged left hooks with Cuevas ending up with a left to the chin of Cruz. In the second round Cuevas ran into a Cruz right hand and down he went for the first time in his short career. He struggled up beating the count of Referee Clark and worked his way back and had Cruz in trouble several times though Cruz was always dangerous.

In the third round it was mostly all Cuevas who was back in form with his many fans rooting him on. In the fourth round both fighters had the fans cheering on with Cuevas taking the round with mostly right hooks and following with left’s to the chin of the ever fighting back Cruz.

In the fifth round Cuevas landed a lead left making Cruz duck into a right to the head. Cuevas rocked Cruz with a straight left to the chin. It was Cruz coming forward knowing he was behind but ran into a Cuevas left to the chin. In the sixth and final round Cruz landed a solid left hook to the chin of Cuevas. Cuevas came back landing a double jab to the chin with Cruz coming back with a right to the chin. Cuevas landed a combination to the head of Cruz who once again came right back. This was following the exciting Goyco-Ellis bout keeping the fans cheering.

Judges Carter had it 59-55, Rubenstein 59-55 and LaRosa 59-55 with this writer having it 58-55.

Heavyweight Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock, 11-0 (7), of Philadelphia, PA, knockout out Ronny Hale, 4-12 (4), of Austin, TX, in 1:07 of the second round of a scheduled 6.

In the first round Hale came out swinging but the former top amateur Rock was ready for him. Hale making his second appearance in Philadelphia after scoring a knockout win against an opponent making his debut was in with a different kind of opponent tonight. In the second round Rock landed vicious body shots before finally dropping Hale for the count by Referee Ron Bashir.

Super Lightweight Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 9-1 (4), of Philadelphia, PA, came back big after suffering his first loss defeating Pablo Cupul, 9-24 (5), of San Diego, CA, over 4 rounds scheduled for 6 cut to a 4.

In the first round Pizarro started off tossing Cupul to the canvas getting warned by referee Clark. From that point on Pizarro handled the shorter Cupul for the most part. In the second round Pizarro continued dominating Cupul hurting him with a combination to the head. Pizarro ended the round with a left hook to the chin of Cupul.

In the third round Pizarro was all over Cupal hurting him with left hook body shots. Referee Clark warned Cupal for hitting behind the head.

All three judges and this writer had it 40-36.

Super Lightweight Sam “Tsunami” Teah, 13-2-1 (5), of Liberia living in Philadelphia, PA, stopped Orlando Rizo, 19-13 (11), of Vieques, PR, at 2:33 of the first round in a scheduled 6.

In the first round Teah dropped Rizo with body shots three times before Referee Bashir called a halt.

In the first bout of the night Super Welterweight Joey Alday, Jr., 7-0 (7), of Odessa, TX, stopped southpaw Michael Crain, 1-2 (0), of Smyrna, DE, at 1:28 of the third round of a scheduled for 4.

In the first round the taller Alday used his reach well while Crain occasionally got inside with some good body work. In the second round Alday’s timing seemed to get on track landing a good left hook on the southpaw Crain’s side of the head. He would follow up several seconds later with a good lead right hand to the chin of Crain. Crain used his jab to get inside with a body shot but can’t seem to reach the taller Alday’s chin. A combination left right from Alday to the chin of Crain dropped him. The bell sounded as Crain got up from referee Shawn Clark’s mandatory 8 count.

In the third round Alday continued the attack with solid left hooks to the body and head. Finally a left hook from Alday to the chin of Crain dropped him to a knee. Referee Clark wisely called a halt as Crain got to his feet.

Posted on 03/28/2018

By: Ken Hissner

John DiSanto did his usual great event at the VBA Ring One this year instead of the Xfinity live in recent years thanks to the suggestion by Brittany “BAM” Rogers who is part of Peltz Boxing team.

The event had its usual mix of a crowd from the boxing world in attendance and eleven awards to match the years DiSanto has been doing this event.

It was a three hour of nostalgia and current boxing interests. The No. 15 IBF super welterweight Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson, 26-6-2 (24), was the main man in the afternoon. He received the “Fighter of the Year (2017) Award scoring three big wins. Even though Boxing Director Greg Sirb hasn’t put out PA boxing rankings since the second quarter of 2015 on the PA website it hasn’t stopped promoters from having PA State title fights.

Brunson started the year off winning a split decision over Brandon Quarles, 18-3-1 (9), of Alexandria, VA, at the SugarHouse (no spaces) Casino in Philadelphia on March 11th.

On June 24th in what turned out to be the Briscoe “Fight of the Year” Brunson came off the canvas stopping former IBF Welterweight champion Kermit “Asesino” Cintron, 39-5-3 (30), of Reading, PA, in a war. Cintron had Brunson on the canvas twice in the fourth round but managed to get to the bell. In the fifth round Cintron came out to finish off Brunson but ended up on the canvas three times. Brunson with this victory won the vacant USA PA Super Welterweight Title.

On December 1st 2017 Brunson returned to the ring to pick up yet another belt in stopping Manny Woods, 16-6-1 (6), of St. Petersburg, FL, in the eighth round. All three opponents have not returned to the ring since their defeat.

Brunson picked up a third Briscoe Award for the “Performance of the Year” for his win over Cintron. Promoter of both Brunson and Cintron, Marshall Kauffman of Kings Promotion out of Reading, PA, has done well for Brunson and also in bringing Cintron back from inactivity.

Avery Sparrow, 9-1 (3), won both the “Breakout Fighter of the Year” and the “Prospect Fighter of the Year” posting four victories and gaining the No. 14 ranking in the WBO’s Super Featherweight division. He has put his career in good hands with IBHOF promoter J Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing and it has really paid off.

Sparrow started 2017 with a win over fellow Philly fighter Anthony Burgin, 10-2 (2), on July 10th at the 2300 Arena in South Philly winning a split decision over eight rounds of boxing.

In Sparrow’s second fight of the year on June 27th he defeated Dominican southpaw Isaelin Florian, 6-0 (3), fighting out of Reading, PA, over six rounds at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Fox Sports 1. Both fighters found themselves on the canvas in the first round. Florian was dropped a second time in round two. Not to be denied he dropped Sparrow for a second time in round four.

This writer put out an article on Sparrow prior to the Briscoe Awards that went up on www.boxinginsider.com Monday entitled “Philly’s Avery Sparrow is a Return to Old Philly Boxing”. Peltz made a comment how Sparrow doesn’t ask “who or where he is fighting or for how much but follows the promoters lead” and it has paid off big time.

In Sparrow’s third fight of the year on September the 8th at the 2300 Arena he won a majority eight round decision over Joey Laviolette, 6-0 (3), of Nova Scotia, Canada. One judge gave Sparrow all eight rounds and another all but one round.

In Sparrow’s fourth fight of the year on November 30th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, he defeated world contender Jose “Wonder Boy” Lopez, 19-1-1 (14), of Carolina, Puerto Rico over ten rounds on ESPN2 to earn his world ranking.

Winning the “One to Watch Fighter of the Year” is none other than welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 18-0 (16), who before that won the “Amateur of the Year”, and before that the “Everett Brothers Award. Last year he won the “Rookie of the Year” Award.

Doing his promotion in attendance was Chris Middendorf of Victory Promotions who in just under two years has Ennis with eighteen fights. He is scheduled April 14th in Virginia for his next encounter. He is trained by his father “Bozy” Ennis who is this writer’s pick as the best trainer in Philly out of his gym “Bozy’s Dungeon” on Venango Street over the Harrowgate Gym off of Kensington Avenue.

Ennis went 9-0 with 8 knockouts in 2017 in such places as Norfolk, Virginia, Durham, North Carolina, Washington, DC, Hammond, Indiana, and Springfield, Virginia. His other four fights were all in South Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. In the lone decision he won every round plus scoring a knockdown over James Winchester, 20-12, who hasn’t fought since their March 31st match.

The “Rookie of the Year” went to Dylan Price, 4-0 (4), a Super Flyweight former outstanding amateur for his posting of all four fights in 2017. In February he was in Wilson, NC, posting a first round stoppage. Then in April in Atlantic City he posted a third round stoppage. In June at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center he posted a first round knockout. He finished up the year in November at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, posting another first round stoppage on the undercard of WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder title defense.

Price is promoted by Mayweather Promotions with his father Dave Price and “Doc” Nowicki handling management and advisor.

The 2017 Amateur of the Year” went to Raymond Ford of the D-Boys Boxing team, of Sicklerville, New Jersey. The eighteen year old South Jersey boxer participated in three major tournaments and performed well all year long. In July, Ford defeated Californian Japheth-lee Llamido to win the Ringside Nationals – Mens Youth Open Division Championship at 123 pounds. He also won the Silver Medal at the USA Junior Olympics. In December, in Salt Lake City, Ford competed at the USA Boxing Nationals, Elite Division at 123 pounds. He is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation, in his weight class, and is a member of the USA International High Performance Team.

The 2017 “Knockout of the Year” award went to Marcel Rivers, 4-0 (3), out of the ABC Recreation Center at 26th & Masters in North Philly under the guidance of PAB HOF trainer Fred Jenkins, Sr. On September 8th at the 2300 Arena Rivers knocked out veteran boxer Osnel Charles, 11-17-1, of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The “Everett Brothers Award” presented by Mike Everett went to Jerome Conquest, 9-3 (1), managed by James Gibbs who was by his side. The award is for to acknowledge the accomplishments, commitment and character of boxers working hard to make their way in the ring. The award is intended to encourage young fighters with the same dream the Everett’s once had – to become world champion.

The award also helps to remember and honor their brother, the late, great Tyrone Everett, one of Philly’s all-time best. The worst decision this writer ever witnessed and in person was Tyrone Everett losing to champion Alfredo Escalera in Philly. I had it 13-2 in rounds for Everett and he lost a split decision. The PA judge who voted for Escarlera never judged another fight. He was Lou Tress and he judged since 1931 some 291 bouts. The other judge Ismo Wiso Fernandez it was his first title match and did a total of 55.

In attendance Sunday were such boxing people as promoters J Russell Peltz, Chris Middendorf and Marshall Kauffman. Also, writers Jeff Jowett, Nigel Collins, Frank Bartolini, Richie Pagano, Marc Abrams (also publicist) and Matt Ward. Boxers like former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Buster Drayton, Kerry Judge, Manny Folly, Garrett Wilson, Simon Carr and Mike Everett along with all award recipients. Trainers “Bozy” Ennis, Greg Hackett. Boxing people like Michelle Rosado (with Peltz Boxing), “Doc” Nowicki, Dave Price, Dan Rossano, Fred Blumstein (Time Keeper), photographers Kenny Ludwig, Darryl Cobb, Jr., lawyer and sponsor Neil Gelb, Nicole Ross (President of Hands Across Philadelphia), referee’s Vic de Wysocki and Blair Talmadge. VBA officers President Charley Sgrillo and Secretary John Gallagher. VBA member’s Norman Torpey, Fred Druding and Joe Mathis. Steve Fleisher who is always on the boxing scene.

I know I have forgotten many in attendance. John DiSanto will have a story coming up on his event at www.phillyboxinghistory.com which is a great boxing site about Philadelphia boxing people.

Posted on 03/26/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Philly’s Avery Sparrow puts all his trust in his promoter IBHOF promoter/matchmaker J Russell Peltz. He is currently No. 14 in the WBO ratings due to a victory over previous No. 5 Jose Lopez.

This is what Peltz had to say about his fighter when he was introduced first while fighting an opponent from Nogales, Mexico on the first pro show at Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA, on March 9th.

“When I mentioned this to Brittany Rogers who coordinated the smoothly run show, she remarked “since when did J Russell Peltz care about such things as who enters the ring first?” Never once did Sparrow mention it to me later that shows he has bought into the Peltz Boxing system for which we need a name. You’ve heard of the West Coast offense in football and the Triangle in basketball, but we need a name for the Peltz Boxing system. Something like, as Michelle Rosado coined last week: “If you want a tune-up, go to Midas!”

Avery Sparrow never said one word about being introduced first. He never moaned that he was making substantially less money for March 9th than he made for November 30th when he upset Jose Lopez, the No. 5 ranked WBO junior lightweight contender in the world, on ESPN. He never argued that Jesus Serrano, 17-4-2, was not exactly “a walk in the park type of opponent”. He never threatened to pull out when he was 8 pounds over the contract weight 48 hours before the weigh-in. He simply went out there and destroyed a credible opponent in less than 2 rounds to secure his rating with the WBO and hopefully open the eyes of the other ranking organizations.

I cannot sit here and tell you that Avery Marcus Sparrow will win the world title but I can tell you that after 49 years in this sometimes wonderful, sometimes rancid business of professional boxing, I am grateful that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. I’m not going to worry if, when the money comes in, that some moron on the street will fill his head with negative thoughts about me. That’s part of the business, but as I head to the top of the stretch of my career, I am enjoying the ride.

Sparrow is 10-1 (4) and turned 24 in January. He turned professional in July of 2014 winning his first 4 fight, 2 by stoppage, before losing for the only time in his career so far by DQ in the 6th and final round to Jerome Rodriguez, 6-3-3, in October of 2015. He came back in March of 2016 to score a first round knockout in Dubai Night Life in Charlotte, NC.

Sparrow didn’t fight again until March of 2017 when he was pitted against one time Philly prospect Anthony Burgin, 10-2, when he won an 8 round split decision. In June he was up in The Sands in Bethlehem, PA, defeating Isaelin Florian, 6-0, of the DR and Reading, PA. In September he was put in with another 6-0 boxer named Joey Laviolette from Nova Scotia, Canada who he defeated by majority decision in 8 rounds. Two months later he defeated Lopez, who was 19-1-1 (14), at the MGM National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, MD. This put him into the WBO Super Featherweight ratings.

In December of 2015 Peltz took Camden’s Jason Sosa who was 18-1-3, on a trip to a world championship. Sosa only had one 10 round bout prior to this. Sosa was pitted with Nicholas Walters the WBA World Super Featherweight champion who Sosa drew with in a non-title bout. In his next fight in June of 2016 Sosa defeated Javier Fortuna in Beijing, China, for the world title that Walters had given up.

Will Peltz lead Avery Sparrow to a world super featherweight title the same way? Only time will tell!

Posted on 03/14/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Philly’s Avery Sparrow puts all his trust in his promoter IBHOF promoter/matchmaker J Russell Peltz. He is currently No. 14 in the WBO ratings due to a victory over previous No. 5 Jose Lopez.

Photo Credit: Kenny Ludwig

This is what Peltz had to say about his fighter when he was introduced first while fighting an opponent from Nogales, Mexico on the first pro show at Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA, on March 9th.

“When I mentioned this to Brittany Rogers who coordinated the smoothly run show, she remarked “since when did J Russell Peltz care about such things as who enters the ring first?” Never once did Sparrow mention it to me later that shows he has bought into the Peltz Boxing system for which we need a name. You’ve heard of the West Coast offense in football and the Triangle in basketball, but we need a name for the Peltz Boxing system. Something like, as Michelle Rosado coined last week: “If you want a tune-up, go to Midas!”

Avery Sparrow never said one word about being introduced first. He never moaned that he was making substantially less money for March 9th than he made for November 30th when he upset Jose Lopez, the No. 5 ranked WBO junior lightweight contender in the world, on ESPN. He never argued that Jesus Serrano, 17-4-2, was not exactly “a walk in the park type of opponent”. He never threatened to pull out when he was 8 pounds over the contract weight 48 hours before the weigh-in. He simply went out there and destroyed a credible opponent in less than 2 rounds to secure his rating with the WBO and hopefully open the eyes of the other ranking organizations.

I cannot sit here and tell you that Avery Marcu Sparrow will win the world title but I can tell you that after 49 years in this sometimes wonderful, sometimes rancid business of professional boxing, I am grateful that he believes in me as much as I believe in him. I’m not going to worry if, when the money comes in, that some moron on the street will fill his head with negative thoughts about me. That’s part of the business, but as I head to the top of the stretch of my career, I am enjoying the ride.

Sparrow is 10-1 (4) and turned 24 in January. He turned professional in July of 2014 winning his first 4 fight, 2 by stoppage, before losing for the only time in his career so far by DQ in the 6th and final round to Jerome Rodriguez, 6-3-3, in October of 2015. He came back in March of 2016 to score a first round knockout in Dubai Night Life in Charlotte, NC.
Sparrow didn’t fight again until March of 2017 when he was pitted against one time Philly prospect Anthony Burgin, 10-2, when he won an 8 round split decision. In June he was up in The Sands in Bethlehem, PA, defeating Isaelin Florian, 6-0, of the DR and Reading, PA. In September he was put in with another 6-0 boxer named Joey Laviolette from Nova Scotia, Canada who he defeated by majority decision in 8 rounds. Two months later he defeated Lopez, who was 19-1-1 (14), at the MGM National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, MD. This put him into the WBO Super Featherweight ratings.

In December of 2015 Peltz took Camden’s Jason Sosa who was 18-1-3, on a trip to a world championship. Sosa only had one 10 round bout prior to this. Sosa was pitted with Nicholas Walters the WBA World Super Featherweight champion who Sosa drew with in a non-title bout. In his next fight in June of 2016 Sosa defeated Javier Fortuna in Beijing, China, for the world title that Walters had given up.

Will Peltz lead Avery Sparrow to a world super featherweight title the same way? Only time will tell!

Posted on 02/22/2018

By: Ken Hissner

With no world champions in Philly here in 2018 you wonder about the “good old days!” This writer has expressed “the Philly Jinx” which seems to happen every time a Philly boxer gets a shot at the world title. An exception was Tevin “American Idol” Farmer getting robbed on December 19th losing by split decision to Kenichi Ogawa in Las Vegas. That was robbery at its best!

In the late 60’s and early 70’s Philly had such boxers as “Gypsy” Joe Harris, 24-1 (9), who won a non-title fight over welterweight champion Curtis Cokes and couldn’t get a rematch. He was referred to as a “bag of tricks!” He wrapped his arms around his body and you couldn’t hit him if you wanted to. He was a street buy that led to his downfall including being diagnosed as being blind in one eye that led to his career coming to an end.

Out of the stable that “Smokin” Joe Frazier was Willie “The Worm” Monroe, 39-10-1 (26). This writer was at ringside the night he exploited “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. Hagler’s nose was red as can be in his second and could have been broken. Under new trainer George Benton Monroe’s new style was no longer hit and move, but stay in front and roll with the punches. This must have confused Hagler not expecting this. I saw Monroe at a weigh-in with a cast on his hand and asked “are you really going to fight Hagler again and up in Boston?” He replied “why not, I already beat him once!” Fast forward ahead and Monroe lost twice to Hagler after defeating him.

Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts, 39-7-1 (22), defeated fellow Philly boxers, Eugene “Cyclone” Hart and Monroe. His biggest win was defeating Hagler in 1976 by majority decision giving Hagler his first loss. I didn’t witness it but the decision was said to be controversial.

Like Monroe Watts gave Hagler a rematch in 1980 and was stopped in 2 rounds.

Today Watts is a trainer at a Recreation Gym at 22nd and Cecil B Moore a block from the famous 23rd PAL which had such boxers as Frazier, Harris, “Bad” Bennie Briscoe, Jimmy Young, Watts, “Classy” Al Massey and others run by “Duke” Dugent.
Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, 30-9-1 (28), won his first 19 fights by stoppage. He is the father-trainer of his son Jesse “Hard Work” Hart a recent title challenger for the WBO Super middleweight title. He recently won his first fight back. Hart defeated Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, drew and lost to Briscoe, beat Olympic Gold Medalist “Sugar” Ray Seales, lost to Watts, Monroe, Hagler, Vito Antuofermo and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, 32-12-4 (18), got a title shot at the Super Welterweight champion Freddie Little thanks to Philly promoter Lou Lucchese in 1969 losing a 15 round decision. He earned it by defeating Emile Griffith who he would loss to in a return match. He defeated Cokes, Percy Manning, split with Briscoe, lost to Hart, Monroe and Harris.

This writer’s first live fight I attended was Hayward getting a “disputed decision” in my opinion over fellow Philly boxers Dick Turner on January 20th 1964.

Dick Turner, 19-2-1 (11), lost his last two fights, the second to Hayward that ended his career with a detached retina.

He defeated Isaac Logart, Manning and South American Champion Fredrico Thompson of Argentina who drew and lost to Benny “Kid” Paret and went onto win 150 fights.

In the late 70’s and 80’s it was the light heavyweights that promoter J Russell Peltz of Peltz Boxing had after promoting the middleweights in the late 60’s and 70’s. Hayward got a title fight but it wasn’t one of Peltz’s promotions. Peltz promoted “Bad” Bennie Briscoe’s three title fights. He also promoted Bantamweight champion “Joltin” Jeff Chandler’s title fights.

Peltz made up for it with the bigger fighters starting with Matthew Saad Muhammad, 39-16-3 (29), who won the WBC title in 1979 over Marvin Johnson who would become champion under Peltz.

Muhammad aka Matthew Franklin had wins over a pair of future champions in Marvin Camel and Mate Parlov in back to back fights.

Richie Kates, 44-6 (23), was from Bridgeton, NJ, one of the Jersey fighters that fought regularly in Philly. When he dropped Saad Muhammad face first he thought the fight was over. Nobody told Muhammad who got up and would go onto win the fight in 1978 for the NABF title. He had wins over future champions Murray Sutherland and Jeff Lampkin. He lost to Victor Galindez twice in world title fights. He defeated Jimmy Dupree and Don Fullmer.

Another Jersey boxer, Mike “Jewish Bomber” Rossman, 44-7-3 (27), from Turnersville, NJ, defeated Galindez for the WBA title but losing it in a rematch. He defeated Mike Quarry and Lonnie Bennett. He lost to Yaqui Lopez who along with Rossman and this writer attended the Saad Muhammad funeral. He lost to another New Jersey boxer Dwight Muhammad Qawi aka Dwight Braxton.

Braxton was 41-11-1 (25), and called the “Camden Buzz Saw” who was the WBC Light Heavyweight champion! He defeated contender James Scott in the Rahway Prison as did Jerry “the Bull” Martin whom he defeated. He lost to Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield twice, George Foreman (giving away 61#), beat Leon Spinks, but lost his title to Michael Spinks. He lived in Lindenwold, NJ, but lived in Camden at one time. He beat LeRoy Murphy and Eddie Davis.

Jerry “The Bull” Martin, 25-7 (17), beat Jesse Burnett in 1979 and Scott in 1980.

He lost to Kates, Saad Muhammad and Mustafa Muhammad. He defeated Anthony Witherspoon and Billy “Dynamite” Douglas. He was originally from Antigua.

Marvin Johnson, 43-6 (35), from Indianapolis was 5-1 in Philly rings losing his WBC title to Saad Muhammad and then in Indianapolis lost to same in a rematch. He defeated Galindez for his WBA title. He defeated “Prince” Charles Williams (future IBF champion) and Parlov. He was a member of the 1972 USA Olympic team.

Posted on 02/19/2018

By: Ken Hissner

At the present time the city of Philadelphia once a major player in boxing doesn’t have any world champions. Still fighting are several such as Danny “Swift” Garcia who held WBC titles at super lightweight and welterweight. The other is Steve “USS” Cunningham who held titles at cruiserweight.

Leading today’s top 8 prospects out of Philadelphia is welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 18-0 (16), trained by his father Derrick “Bozy” Ennis. Their gym is over the Harrowgate Gym on Venago Street off of Kensington Avenue called “Bozy’s Dungeon”. Ennis also trains current top welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson.

The father was 4-1 (3) as a professional and decided to concentrate on his 3 sons. The eldest Derek “Pooh” Ennis was 24-5-1 (13), and held the USBA Super Welterweight title and is now 38 having retired after losing in July of 2014 to current IBF Super Middleweight champion Caleb Truax.

The second son Farah was 22-2 (12), having won the NABF Super Middleweight title. His second loss was to current WBA Light Heavyweight champion Badou Jack. His following fight was his last on May of 2015 ending with a win. He is 35.

The third son to come along is 20 year-old welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 18-0 (16), who was an Olympic alternate after losing 2 of 3 to Gary Antuanne Russell. He turned professional in April of 2016 under manager Cameron Dunkin. He has been promoted by Chris Middendorf’s Victory Promotions. His biggest wins were over Ayi Bruce, 23-14 and Gustavo Garibay, 13-9-2 in his most recent bout. He is 9-0 in Philly rings.

Next up is bantamweight Christian Carto, 13-0 (11), who trains out of the Rosati Gym in South Philly’s S. Chadwick St. The owner is his trainer Mickey Rosati. He is managed by his brother Frank III who was a novice Golden Gloves champion. Carto lives in Deptford, NJ.

Carto won the National Golden Gloves in 2014. He turned professional in July of 2016 and is 11-0 in Philly and scheduled March 2nd at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly in the 8 round main event against James Smith, 12-1, of Detroit. His two biggest wins have been over Juan Guzman, 22-7, and Alfonso Melendez, 14-1. He is 21.

Next up is featherweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton, 12-0 (5), who trains out of the James Shuler Gym on Brooklyn Street in West Philly owned by Buster Custus.

Fulton is a former National Golden Gloves champion in 2013T and trained by Hamza Muhammad. He has fought for one year in the World Series of Boxing prior to turning professional in October of 2014. He has only fought once in his home city of Philly. He is 23.

Fulton has defeated 5 unbeaten opponents including Luis Rosario, 8-0-1, and Adam Lopez, 8-0, in his last bout in December of 2017.

Last but not least is Jeremy “King” Cuevas, 7-0 (6), a 22 year-old southpaw. His biggest win was in September of 2017 stopping Justin Savi, 31-13-2. He is 6-0 in Philly rings and trained by Tony Bersanti.

Cuevas turned professional in October of 2016.

The Pizarro brothers are part of another pair of Puerto Rican decent with a big fan following. The younger, 18, Lightweight Branden, is 8-1 (4), and scheduled to fight this Saturday taking on Marlon Lewis, at the Orlando Live Event Center, in Orlando, FL. He is trained by his father Angel, Sr.

The older brother 22, is Super Bantamweight Angel Pizarro, Jr., 3-0 (2), who has had several cancelled bouts since his last fight. He is also trained by “Bozy” Ennis.

Super Featherweight Avery Sparrow, 9-1 (3), is 22 and in his last 3 fights has defeated Isaelin Florian, 6-0, Joey Laviolette, 6-0, and in his last fight Jose Lopez, 19-1-1, in his first 10 round bout. He is No. 14 in the WBO. His trainer is Vaughn Jackson and his adviser is J Russell Peltz. He is scheduled to take on Jesus Serrano, 17-5-2 (12), of Sonora, MEX, on March 9th at the Parx Casino, in Bensalem, PA.

Super Bantamweight Manny “Major Pain” Folly, 10-0 (8), is 25, and a former Philadelphia Police Officer. He is trained by “Bozy” Ennis.

Posted on 01/03/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Good things come in “small packages” and Philly’s Joey Intrieri! Started boxing around age 10 and ran in one of Stallone’s Rocky Movies with the actor. He was hooked in his early life!

“Joey Eye” with the big eye on the back of his vest has been in many corners as a cut man. He entered the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

Intrieri was falsely suspended by Pennsylvania Boxing Director Greg Sirb who finally dropped the suspension but only as a cut man not a promoter. He was filming a bare knuckle show for Showtime and that is all Sirb needed. Intrieri beat up Sirb in a “celebrity” match. Then not long before the suspension at a MMA match. The two rolled on the ground and up was the winner “Joey Eye!” Both are about the same height closer to 5 foot than 6 foot. What he didn’t know is that “revenge” would eventually catch up to him!

Intrieri is a very popular individual with the fight and movie people. The word “character” was meant for him! Though living in New Jersey he has run gyms in South Philly and operates out of that area.

The “Eye Man” agreed to do a Q&A with this writer.

KEN HISSNER: So what is it you like doing best the fight game or the movie business?

JOEY EYE: I definitely like the fight game much more. Cause it’s as real as it gets.

KEN HISSNER: So what movies have you been involved with of late?

JOEY EYE: I recently finished a film called “Without You”. I played a mobster called Bobby Pajamas.

KEN HISSNER: In your estimate how many fights have you saved for fighters?

JOEY EYE: I can only take an estimated guess and say close to over 100 fighters I have saved. But I don’t really keep track.

KEN HISSNER: How was it getting inducted into the PAB HOF?

JOEY EYE: Being inducted was such an honor. One of the best nights in my life in boxing along with going into the NJB HOF November 9, 2017! It’s so rewarding getting recognized for my hard work and dedication.

KEN HISSNER: Do you miss promoting at Harrah’s in Chester?

JOEY EYE: Yes most definitely. I am the first promoter to have promoted boxing in a casino in PA. No one can take that away from me.

KEN HISSNER: What do you think of the fight game today with the better fighters coming in from the European West?

JOEY EYE: I love watching these young and hungry, tough and skilled fighters from Europe today. I was Sergey Kovalev’s cut man early in his career.

KEN HISSNER: Who do you think is pound for pound the best today and who is your favorite fighter?

JOE EYE: Lomachenko is absolutely the best pound for pound fighter today. He is my favorite modern day fighter and Willie Pep my old school favorite fighter.

KEN HISSNER: Do you want to give a shout out to your many fans?

JOEY EYE: To all my fans out there I just want to say thanks for always coming out to the fights to support and without them it would mean so much less!! Keep on punchin! See ya at the fights!

Posted on 12/07/2017

By: Ken Hissner

There are twelve young prospects in Philadelphia that this writer calls ”The Talented Twelve”! This famous boxing city at present has no world champions but the best is yet to come!

The best looking prospect to come out of Philadelphia since 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Meldrick Taylor in this writer’s opinion is 20 year-old JARON “BOOTS” ENNIS, 17-0 (15), in just twenty months from the Germantown section. He was 58-3 in the amateurs. His father “Bozy” Ennis is his trainer. Cameron Dunkin is his manager and Chris Middendorf of Victory Promotions does the promoting for Dunkin.

Ennis won the 2015 in January and the National Golden Gloves in May. At the Olympic trials he ended up as an alternate.

Ennis defeated Gary Antuanne Russell in his first fight in the 2016 Olympic Trials. In the box-off he lost back to back matches to Russell. “Bozy” was not happy with the two losses and said “we beat him in the second bout but they stole it. I’d give Russell the third one”
Ennis made his professional debut in April in St. George Utah and stopped Cory Muldrew in 0:42 of the first round. He defeated Luis Ramos in 0:23 in Philadelphia in May for his second win.

In June he stopped Deshawn Debose in 0:20 of the first round in Springfield, VA, for his third win. Then in July for his third win he stopped Tavorus Teague at 1:38 of the fourth round in Rio Rancho, NM, for his fourth win.

In August in Ennis’ fifth win he stopped Matt Murphy at 2:52 of the second round in Bristol, PA. “Murphy had just stopped a 3-0 boxer in his previous. He won his sixth fight defeating Eddie Diaz, 2-4-2 at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on September 15th. He is 5:10 and after competing at 141 in the amateurs he’s now a welterweight.

Ennis won his seventh fight on November 11th at the 2300 Arena where he stopped Chris Alexander, 4-3, in 4 rounds. Then he won his eighth fight on December 15th at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, stopping Marcus Becker, 3-4-3, in the sixth and final round. On January 28th, of 2017 he knocked out Elvin Perez, 28-17-4, at 0:35 of the first round at the 2300 Arena. On March 31st at the 2300 Arena, he won his tenth straight in a rough and tumble bout against James “Shotgun” Winchester, 20-12, winning the entire six rounds on all judge’s score cards on a Victory Promotions show.
Ennis scored his eleventh win in thirteen months on May 13th at Norfolk, VA, where he stopped Eduardo Flores, 25-26-3 in the fourth of a six round bout. Flores had been in with some big names in boxing and either went the distance or wasn’t stopped inside of five rounds as he was by Ennis including former WBC champion Carlos Baldimor.

On June 2nd Ennis won his twelfth straight stopping Wilfredo Acuna, 16-20 of Mexico City in 2:53 of the first round. He defeated Robert Hill, 6-32-1, June 22nd at the Durham Armory, in N.C. when Hill retired at the end of the third round. In his fourteenth win he knocked out Ricardo Cano, 17-13-5, at 0:40 of the first round at the Howard Theatre, in DC.
Ennis in his fifteenth bout knocked out Lionel Jimenez, 3-18-1, in 2:43 of the first round in Hammond, IND. His sixteenth bout was October 14th in Springfield, VA, knocking out Ayi Bruce, 23-15, of Ghana, in 1:37 of the first round. In his seventeenth bout on December 1st he stopped George Rosa, 15-10-1 in the second round of a scheduled eight at the 2300 Arena.

Ennis’ two brothers were pro’s first. Farah “Quiet Storm”, 22-2 (12), won the NABF Super Middleweight title while the oldest brother Derek “Pooh” Ennis, 24-5-1 (13), won the USBA Super welterweight and the PA Super welterweight titles. Ennis has a combination of both brothers and then some of his own. He trains at “Bozy’s Dungeon” in North Philly run by his father over top of the Harrowgate Boxing Club on E. Venago Street off Kensington Avenue. He keeps his composure and is level headed.

DARMANI “SOLID” ROCK, 10-0 (6), is 21 and a super heavyweight at 6:05. He is trained by his father Wayne “Wiz”. They go between their own Rock Solid Boxing Gym at 2840 Chatman Street in the Frankford section of North Philly and Fred Jenkins 26th & Master ABC Recreation Center. His promoter is Jay Z’s Roc Nation. In 2014 he won the Youth World Title in Bulgaria and in 2015 the US Nationals. He also won the 2015 National Golden Gloves. He made it as far as the Olympic Trials semi-finals.

In May Rock turned pro in D.C. stopping Carlos Black at 1:54 in round one in D.C. In June he stopped Bobby Favors who weighed 402 lbs. at 1:46 of round one in Quincy, MASS. In July he stopped Hassan Lee at 2:21 in round one in Pittsburgh. In August he won over Mike Kyle in Oakland 40-35 and a pair of 39-37’s. In October he stopped John Orr in Winchester, VA. On November 19th in Las Vegas, NV, he defeated Brice Ritani Coe, 4-4-1, by decision, November 19th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Rock knocked out Solomon Maye, 3-7-2, January 20th at Bally’s Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ. “My dad has trained me since I started at 12 or 13. I feel that I will get better and better with each fight,” said Rock. On March 18th he won a 6 round decision over Jon Bolden, 8-10-1, at the Mountaineer Casino Ballroom, in New Cumberland, WV. At the 2300 Arena show he had his right hand bandaged which he said the injury went back to the Maye knockout.

In October he went south to Durham, NC, and won every round in a six round decision over Juan Goode, 8-6. On December 1st at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia he made his hometown debut stopping Carlos Cotto, 8-1-1, of PR, in the first round improving his record to 10-0

Bantamweight CHRISTIAN CARTO, 13-0 (11), of South Philadelphia was an Olympic Alternate. He is trained by Mickey Rosati, Jr. Mickey was a PA State GG champion. His gym is over his Business Rosati’s Auto Repair Shop at 1937 S. Chadwick St., in South Philly. “He is a rare breed who comes in the gym six days a week. I’ve trained him for the past 3 years. He’s a pleasure to train because he listens. He’s up to bantamweight,” said Rosati. Carto’s original manager Jimmy Binns, Jr., passed away in 2017 so Carto’s older brother Frank, a former Golden Gloves Novice champion took over as manager.

Carto’s twelfth win took him the full distance for the first time winning every round on the judge’s scorecards defeating Alonso Melendez, 14-1, of Mexico over 8 rounds in the main event at the 2300 Arena in South Philly. In his thirteenth and last fight on December 1st at the SugarHouse Casino he defeated Luis Fernando Saavedra, 7-3, of PR, over eight rounds scoring a knockdown and pitching a shutout.

Carto was the 108 National Golden Gloves Champion in 2014. “I was with him when he beat Leroy Davila who was the best in the country,” said Rosati. Carto finished third in the 2015 Golden Gloves. Carto turned pro at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA, stopping Rahkeem Parker who wouldn’t come out after three rounds. In his second bout he stopped Christopher Nelson at the Claridge Casino in Atlantic City in the third round just 20 days later after his debut. In August in his third bout he stopped Jonathan Hernandez at 1:02 of the second round at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly. In his fourth bout on October 28th Carto stopped Angel Carvajal, 2-4, in the second round.
In his fifth fight on November 12th he stopped Leonardo Reyes, 5-10, in the second round. Carto has a big following which showed in his last fight with all the Carto shirts. He boxes well with good balance and is finding some punching power in the professionals. He won his sixth straight at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly on December 16th. He knocked out Harold Reyes, 2-6-1, in the second round. During the referee’s instructions to start the bout Reye’s trainer said “now you are in with a man.” Carto’s trainer Rosati said “I can’t believe he said that. That’s just not right.” After the first round of which Carto won big he pointed to the trainer of Reye’s in the corner saying something. After knocking Reye’s out in the second round Carto again pointed to the trainer with some choice words.

In his seventh fight he stopped Sergio Najera, 12-28-2, of Mexico, at 2:06 of the third round at the SugarHouse Casino. In his eighth fight he stopped Rudolph “the Cutting Edge” Hedge, 10-4-3, of Jamaica after four rounds and not coming out for fifth round at the Fillmore, in Philly. Carto on April 29th at the Liacouras Center won his 9th straight by stoppage over Samuel Gutierrez, 14-18-5 at the end of 5 in a scheduled 6.
Carto continued his knockout streak at ten defeating Juan Guzman, 22-7, at 2:30 of the first round at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. In his eleventh fight he stopped Philip Adyaka, 7-9, at 2:43 of the second round at the SugarHouse Casino, in Phildelphia. That made it 11 straight stoppages from the start of his career.

Super bantamweight MANNY “MAJOR PAIN” FOLLY, 10-0 (8), of Philadelphia, now trains at Bozy’s Dungeon under “Bozy” Ennis. He was with Buddy Osborn’s Rock Ministry since the amateurs through his ten fights. He hasn’t fought since March when he defeated Luis Hinojosa, 30-10 at the 2300 Arena. He should be returning to the ring in January of 2018 per his trainer. At 25 he has a style like those Philly boxers back in the 70’s. He’s the complete package. Since turning pro has fought twice a year.

Folly’s last three opponents had winning records. His last four fights have been at the 2300 Arena in Philly. In March of 2016 he knocked out Hungarian Tibor Nadori, 9-3. Then in January of 2017 he scored a first round knockout over Carlos Morgan, 13-4. Folly turned professional in April of 2013. Being on the Philadelphia police force at that time he was more or less a part time boxer due to his shift work which accounts for his limited amount of fights entering his fifth year having turned pro in April of 2013. He won four of his first five fights by stoppage with four of those bouts being in his hometown.

A diamond in the rough is Philadelphia southpaw super lightweight JEREMY CUEVAS, 6-0 (5), who hasn’t gotten all the notoriety of the others. He is trained by Tony Bersani. He turns twenty-two December and turned pro scoring a pair of stoppages in October and December of 2016 at the SugarHouse Casino in Philly. He’s had four bouts in 2017 in March, then in June in Atlantic City. In his last two bouts making it four at the SugarHouse Casino he stopped Justin Saavi, 31-13-2 in September and on December 1st stopped Jose Miguel Castro, 5-9, in his first six rounder in the fifth round.

Featherweight STEPHEN “SCOOTER” FULTON, 11-0 (5), is a former amateur champion and is fighting Adam Lopez, 8-0, this Friday on FS1 in Hialeah Park Racing & Casino, Hialeah, FL. He is twenty-three and trains at the James Shuler Gym in West Philadelphia and trained by Hamza Muhammad.

Fulton like some other Philadelphia fighters rarely fights at home. He has only fought at home once in his eleven bouts yet seven times in PA. He turned pro in October of 2014. In his last bout in April he had his first eight rounder defeating Louis Rosario, 8-0-1 at the Sands in Bethlehem, PA, for the third time.

Lightweight DAMON “LIL’ DAME” ALLEN is 13-0-1 (5), trained by his father Damon at the Mitch Allen Gym names after the grandfather who still runs the gym at 56th & Haverford. Allen is with Golden Boy Promotions.

The 25 year-old Allen turned pro in 2013 only fighting in Philadelphia in three of his fourteen fights. In his lone non victory he fought a draw with Luis Arceo and was medically suspended due to a possible fractured right hand and left shoulder. He defeated the former WBC featherweight champion Gamaliel Diaz then 40-16-3 in June of 2017 with a TD6 of a scheduled eight.

Super Featherweight AVERY SPARROW, 9-1 (3), in his first ten rounder just defeated the WBO No. 5 contender Jose Lopez, 19-1-1, on ESPN last week. He trains out of the Joe Hand Gym and trained by Vaughn Jackson and promoted by Peltz Boxing.

In his four fights in 2017 he defeated fellow Philly boxer Anthony Burgin, 10-2, and then defeated a pair of 6-0 boxers in Isaelin Florian and Joey Laviolette.

The final two boxers are the Pizarro brothers. The youngest of the group is BRANDEN “THE GIFT”, 8-1 (4), at eighteen who came off the floor losing for the first time in a close fight this writer called a draw but the judges didn’t agree. It was his toughest opponent in Christian Rivera, a southpaw at 6-0 (5) from PR. This hopefully will be the best thing for this youngster who is a senior in high school who wants to be a world champion by the time he is 21. He is trained by his father Angel, Sr. and promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.
Branden was put in tough because he kept asking for better opposition and he got it. He is expected to come back more serious (show boater) and even better. His father just opened a new gym in Philly where he trains. He has fought seven of his nine fights in Philly.

The other Pizarro is Super bantamweight ANGEL, JR., Jr., 3-0 (2), who at twenty-two turned pro in August of 2016 winning every round. His three bouts have all been at the SugarHouse Casino with his last two bouts being in October of 2016 and didn’t come back until September of 2017 due to an injury. He stopped Joseph Cole, 1-2, and has had his opponents pull out in his last two scheduled fights at the last moment. He is trained by “Bozy” Ennis at “Bozy’s Dungeon in Philly.

THOMAS “T.J.” VELASQUEZ, 9-0-1 (5), who fights for DSG which is Danny and Angel Garcia’s group. Now twenty-two he turned pro in August of 2015.

Velasquez has fought four of his ten fights in Philadelphia. After winning his first nine bouts he was held to a draw in his last bout in September at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, by Tyrome Jones, 4-2. He is trained by Angel Garcia at the DSG Gym in Philadelphia.

STEVEN ORTIZ, 7-0 (2), 24 year-old lightweight turned pro in February of 2015 with only two fights in 2017. He defeated Tyrome Jones, 4-0, in his last fight who fought a draw with T.J. Velasquez. The previous fight he defeated 3-1 Hector Rivera. His last four fights were at the 2300 Arena. He is 3-0-1 in 2017. He trains at the DSG gym in Philly and is trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas in Cherry Hill, NJ.

That wraps up Philadelphia’s “Talented Twelve” who are all destined to be world contenders in the near future and possible world champions!

Posted on 11/30/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Yes, a writer’s nightmare this Friday in Philly thanks to the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission. We can only make one!
Both promoters Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions (SugarHouse) and Marshall Kauffman of Kings Promotions (2300 Arena) held press conferences Wednesday night. At SugarHouse Casino most of the boxers on the card were at this event with approximately 100 people in attendance. The show is was sold out in three days per promoter Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions.

At SugarHouse Casino the main event has Philly heavyweight Joey “The Tank” Dawejko, 18-4-4 (11), meeting Kelvin Nunez, 15-0 (14), of Carolina, PR, over 8 rounds. “I look forward to bigger fights and feel I will be champion someday. I want to thank my manager Mark Cipparone for believing in me. My trainer Freddie Roach is in with Miguel Cotto but I feel confident about this fight and am not looking past it. I am at the crossroads of my career. This fight could put me in the WBC rankings where I belong,” said Dawejko.

The co-feature has Philly’s fast rising bantam Christian Carto, 12-0 (11), meeting Luis Fernando Saavedra, 7-3 (3), of MEX, over 8 rounds. “I want to thank the promoter Manny Rivera and matchmaker Will Ruiz and that’s about all I have to say,” said Carto. He’s a young man who lets his fists do his talking in the ring.

Philly’s Pizarro brothers were scheduled to fight but only 17 year-old lightweight Branden, 8-0 (4), will be in with Christian Rivera, 6-0 (5), of Bayamon, PR, over 6 rounds. Branden keeps asking to step up the competition and this fight should be his toughest opponent. The older brother feather Angel Jr., 3-0 (2), was scheduled to fight but his opponent failed to show.

Philly Lightweight Sam Teah, 11-1-1 (5), meets Maynard Allison, 9-2 (6), from NC, who is now living in Philly, in a 6. Philly Heavyweight making his Philly debut is former amateur champion Darmani Rock, 9-0 (5), meeting Carlos Cotto, 8-1 (5), of San Juan, PR, in a 6. This should be a fight with plenty of fireworks when the “big boy’s” start slugging it out. “It’s good to finally fight in front of my home crowd,” said Rock.

Philly’s Jeremy Cuevas, 5-0 (4), meets Jose M Castro, 5-9 (3), of Carolina, PR, in a lightweight 6. “I want to thank God and for the opportunity to fight on this card. Cuevas is a “Diamond in the rough” who has gotten little recognition and he can fight. Super featherweight Gadwin Rosa, 4-0 (3), of Ocala, FL, meets veteran Jesus Lule, 11-24-1 (8), of Ft Myers, FL, in a 4. Kurt Wolfheimer is the PR man and did a fine job MC’ing the press conference.
“I want to thank the fighters for without them this wouldn’t be possible. Please come and see old school boxing at its best. There are five fighters on this card that could be the main event. We appreciate promoter Greg Cohen for allowing us to have Joey Dawejko in the main event.

At the 2300 Arena the main event is Philly’s super welter Tyrone Brunson, 25-6-2 (23), meeting Manny Woods, 16-6-1 (6), of St. Pete’s, FL, in a 10 rounder. The co-feature is Wilmington lightweight Omar “Super O” Douglas, 17-2 (12), facing Mexican Isaias Martin Gonzales, 22-9 (14), of Tucson, AZ, in an 8.

Also from Wilmington is middleweight Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis, 12-1 (5), meeting Jaime Barboza, 19-12 (9), of Costa Rica, 8 rounds. Super middleweights both from Philly are Brandon “Brob” Robinson, 7-1 (6), and Christopher “Ice” Brooker, 12-4 (5), which promises to possibly “steal the show”.

Possibly the best prospect in Philly Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 16-0 (14), at welterweight is a late addition and will meet knockout artist George “El Terrible Sosa” Rosa, 15-10-1 (15), of NJ. Heavyweight Joe Hanks, 21-2 (14), of Newark, NJ, takes on Joe Caudle, 7-0-1 (5), of Raleigh, NC, 8 rounds. Super bantamweight Marcus Bates, 7-0-1 (6), of DC, meets Antonio Rodriguez, 11-19-1 (5), of Durango, MEX, over 6 rounds.

In 4’s will be super bantam Romuel Cruz of Philly making his debut meeting Rondarius Hunter, 1-1 (1), of Atlanta, GA. Welter Rasheed Johnson, 2-1 (1), of Willow Grove, meets Readings, Kashon Hutchinson, 3-3 (1). Philly Super lightweight Shamsuddeen Justice, 1-0 (1), takes on Latorie Woodberry, 1-5 (0), of Roanoke, VA. Philly Lightweight Christopher Burgos, 0-1, meets Mexican Gerardo Tiburcio, 1-0 (1), of Coatesville. Heavyweight Colby Madison, 4-0-1 (3), of Owings Mill, MD, meets Randy Easton, 4-9-2 (4), of Sunbury, PA. Marc Adams is the PR man.

Posted on 11/13/2017

By: Ken Hissner

The Philly based writers like this one are quite upset with what Boxing Director Greg Sirb with the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission has permitted. Both promoters Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions and Manny River of Hard Hitting Promotions have no problem with it for both may sell out which Hard Hitting has done at all Sugar House promotions and King’s is the busiest promoter in Pennsylvania at this time. Whoever scheduled that date first should be the only promoter working that night. Why not have one on Friday and the other on Saturday of that week?

BUT, the writers who choose one show will probably be in the “doghouse” of the other promoter. Both shows look good. Christian Carto 12-0 (11) is on the Hard Hitting show and Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 16-0 (14), was just got added to the King’s Promotion’s show. Both are the two most popular and skilled young talents in the state and possibly the country.

This writer contacted the “Right to Know” Department in Harrisburg, PA, wanting an answer to such a thing happening in the same city. No results as of yet which is no surprise. Then, called Boxing Commissioner Rudy Battle who didn’t seem to know about this move by Sirb but I could hear in his voice he wasn’t for it and said he would to contact Sirb about it. It will do no good since Sirb runs the commission.

There are fans of boxers on both cards who also will be shortchanged. On the King’s show a good boxer in Tyrone Brunson is fighting a no name that lost to Kermit Cintron a year ago. Brandon Robinson against Christopher Brooker will be a possible barn burner. Joe Hanks, 21-2, is fighting one of those North Carolina boy’s with a 7-0-1 record. Popular Omar Douglas out of DE is looking to bounce back from his back to back losses though he got shortchanged in the last one. Another favorite DE fighter Kyrone Davis who trains in Philly is in with a 19-12 guy but who lost his last 5 of 6 fights. The rest are young boxers with 1 or less fights.

Hard Hitting has no opponents yet but has popular Joey Dawejko on top and rumors are he might be fighting for a minor title. There are 4 Spanish well known ticket sellers on the undercard in Branden Pizarro, 8-0, Jeremy Cuevas, 5-0, Angel Pizarro, 3-0 and Gadwin Rosa, 4-0. In addition former top amateur heavyweight Darmani Rock is making his Philly debut at 9-0. With just over 3 weeks to go Hard Hitting has to come up with opponents for a comparison.

Since Sirb, I admit is hard working though always has a good assistant and overworks his officials along with bringing in out of state one’s looks down on the press, especially this writer, and he could care less if we are shortchanged. My memory doesn’t come up with the last time this happened in Philly. Sirb has already allowed this writer to be removed from a Joe Hand Promotions weigh-in and threatened to ban me from ringside for reminding him of it at the next scheduled show. Like the phrase from a Jack Nicholson movie I can say “you can’t stand the truth!” That goes to all who read my articles and show results!

Posted on 10/17/2017

By: Ken Hissner

At the Xfinity facility in South Philadelphia Sunday was the Philly’s 7th Annual Briscoe Awards that packed the place with over 400 people crammed into that room. It was Philly Boxing History’s editor John DiSanto bringing in 2016’s finest performances. He will need a bigger facility the way this one turned out. He made all of us plus his lovely wife Jennifer proud.

Current boxers and past one’s attended with former the class of 2-time Cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham co-hosting. It was a low admission charge with free food for all. His precious daughter Kennedy and lovely wife Livvy along with young Steve were right there in support.

Former WBA world champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa who is one of the most likeable boxers you would want to meet got the much deserved “Fighter of the Year”. He went to China to dethrone previously unbeaten Javier Fortuna. This was after drawing with then unbeaten Nicholas Walters in 2015 to earn that shot. Then Sosa defended his title five months after winning the title defeating Stephen Smith in Monte Carlo. We fans cannot wait to see him back in action.

“The Briscoe Awards get bigger every year and it’s nice to see the boxing community get together for a social event. Plus several old-timers showed like Sidney “Sweet Pea” Adams and members of the “Gypsy” Joe Harris (one of Philly’s all-time favorites) family and Dick Turner (former welterweight contender), along with Nate Miller (former cruiserweight champion) and Curtis Parker (former middleweight contender),” said J Russell Peltz. (Hall of Fame promoter and matchmaker).

Possibly the best prospect to come along in Philly since 1984 Gold Medal Olympian Meldrick Taylor in attendance to receive an award was Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 16-0 (13), in just 18 months of activity thanks to people like his promoter Chris Middendorf who was also in attendance. It was just the previous day Ennis knocked out veteran Aye “Bruce” Lee Bruce of GH in 1:37 of the first round in Springfield, VA. His father and trainer “Bozy” Ennis was there along with his other two son’s “Pooh” and Farah who were USBA and NABF champions.

Peltz received an award for Dashon Johnson who along with top Philly super middleweight Jesse “Hard Work” Hart gave the Philly fans the “Fight of the Year”.

Hart was in attendance and this close title challenge in his last fight should only make him a better fighter with the fans looking for his return. His former co-managers Doc Nowicki and Dave Price were in attendance with the young son of Price’s Dylan who just turned professional receiving an award and like his father “giving praise to God” for the blessings he has received in his past amateur career.

“Every year the event continues to grow and improve. I had a great time seeing Philadelphia’s finest from the boxing community. John DiSanto continues to put Philadelphia boxing on a new level,” said Dave Price.

Others receiving awards were Tevin “American Idol” Farmer though not present is preparing for his December world title challenge. Unbeaten boxers Christian Carto, 12-0 (11) and Damon “Little Dane” Allen, 13-0-1 (5), who is with Golden Boy Promotions were also receiving awards.

Joining Carto were his father Frank Sr and brother Frank Jr (amateur champion) along with well-respected trainer of Carto’s Mickey Rosati. Mitch Allen a legend in Philadelphia who is the great grandfather of Allen’s and his father Damon Sr. were there in support. Speaking of Philly’s young talent present were Jeremy Cuevas, 5-0, trainer Angel Pizarro and his unbeaten son’s Branden, 8-0 and Angel, Jr. 3-0.

Getting the much deserved “Upset of the Year” award for the second time was Taneal Goyco for his defeat of Jerry Odom.

Absent was former world champion Bernard “B-Hop” Hopkins who since retiring after his bout in January was to receive a Briscoe award but was a “no show” and wonders why he doesn’t get the respect he cries out for?

Former USBA champion Willie Gibbs was in attendance and showed his class in assisting Dave Ruff a Wilmington, DE, legend out of this writers car. Ruff is currently in a re-hab in Wilmington getting his strength back after a three year illness. Another DE resident and referee Vic de Wysocki was there doing filming as usual. Also speaking of Gibbs there was James Gibbs of the WBF with his lovely wife and former veteran boxer Greg Hackett. Also were the Members from the Ring One VBA President Charley Sgrillo, Secretary John Gallagher and Jim Moran another member of one if not the oldest VBA in the country.

Others were Promoter Manny Rivera (Hard Hitting Promotions), top cut-man and actor Joey Eye, attorney Neil Gelb (son of former manager Frank Gelb who had Tyrone Everett), former title challenger Mike Everett, Darren Maciunski (defeated champions Meldrick Taylor and Buddy McGirt in back to back fights), popular former USBA champion Garrett Wilson, former editor of Ring Magazine Nigel Collins of ESPN, timekeeper Fred Blumstein, writers Jeff Jowett, George Hanson (also an attorney), Frank Bartolini, Ryan Bivins who also boxed and is serving in the US Army.

Others like Photographer Darryl Cobb (who received an award for photo of the year), Steve Fleisher who is always in support of Philly boxing, active boxer’s like contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, Fred Jenkins, Jr. and Tyrone Brunson. Rich Pagano (author of The Baron of Leiperville), Whita Frazier (daughter of “Smokin” Joe Frazier, her brother-in-law Pete Lyde who is married to Jacki Frazier, the honorable Alan Rubenstein who also serves as a boxing judge, referee Shawn Clark, newly inducted PAB HOF trainer and gym owner Buster Custus and his daughter. PR man Marc Abrams and his lovely new bride with Marc doing interviews and her filming them. Another PR person was the beautiful Cathy Lebron who works for Kings Promotions. Speaking of wives the lovely Linda Peltz joined her husband J Russell. Former boxers Simon Carr, “Oak Tree” Brown and title challenger Marvin Mack (also designs hats). Legendary ring announcer Hank Kropkinski was also in attendance and longtime boxing figure Eric Bottjier who works for DiBella Entertainment.

Then families of “Gypsy” Joe Harris, “Bad” Bennie Briscoe and Gil Turner were in attendance. DiSanto presented one of his past five gravestones for Turner.
This writer could go on and on as you can see. Disanto puts on this event every October. The event was enjoyed by one and all.

Posted on 10/11/2017

By: Ken Hissner

How many times do boxers fight in a small facility and become world champions and “forget where they got their start?” IBF World Super Middleweight champion Charles “The Hatchet” Brewer was “the exception!”

Turning professional in August of 1989 on a Peltz Boxing show Brewer won his debut at the legendary Blue Horizon in North Philadelphia. “Due to a knockout Brewer’s 4 rounder aired on USA Network,” said Peltz. Ron Katz of Top Rank saw this fight and signed Brewer to a promotional contract. He would go onto win his first fourteen bouts of which two were at the “Blue” and a dozen in Atlantic City, NJ. He would then run into a southpaw “spoiler” named Robert Thomas and lost back to back split decisions. This writer at one time well after this period of time put Thomas into several matches as his “advisor”. Eight of those fourteen wins were by stoppage. After losing those decisions to Thomas Top Rank dropped him. Brewer would go onto win eight straight by stoppage. It all started with stopping fellow Philadelphian Willie Harris, 21-1 and later Mario Munoz 14-0 among those eight wins. J Russell Peltz signed Brewer starting with the Harris fight.

“He was an aggressive big puncher with a wide-open style combined with a questionable chin, which made his fights exciting and a Philly crowd pleaser. Evidently like fans in Argentina and Denmark, where the local fighter NEVER loses, Philly fans were smart to the max and had no problem with the visitor winning, so as long as he did it in style. That’s how out-of-towner fighters like Billy “Dynamite” Douglas became huge local draws. So with Brewer, fans could rely on a good action fight, and one with the drama of an opponent always having a “puncher’s chance.” – That quote came from long-time writer Jeff Jowett now with Seconds Out.

Brewer was Ranked No. 6 when his streak was stopped with back to back losses at the “Blue” to Lonnie Beasley, 20-1-1 and Rafael Williams 32-13. Two fights later he lost to Rodney Toney 18-0-2. He would then go onto win nine straight including winning the USBA title over Frank Rhodes, 22-3-3 at the “Blue”. Rhodes was managed then by former Philadelphia Eagle coach Buddy Ryan. “It still rates in my book as the best performance ever turned in by any fighter at the Blue Horizon. It was a terrific shut out if you can imagine a 12-0 bout terrific,” said Peltz.

Two fights later he would defend his USBA title at the “Blue” defeating Greg Wright, 13-1-1. This would lead him to earning a world title fight set-up by his promoter J Russell Peltz. It was June of 1997 defeating Gary Ballard, 22-2-1, when he stopped Ballard for the vacant title that Roy Jones, Jr., vacated in Tampa, FL.

In Brewer’s next fight in his first defense he went “back to his roots” to be the first and only boxer to defend a world title at the “Blue” defeating Joey DeGrandis, 23-3. Next up would be European champion Herol Graham, 48-5, in Atlantic City whom he stopped. In his next fight he went to Germany and stopped USBA champion Antoine Byrd, 31-6-1. On that card would be German Sven Ottke who improved his record to 12-0.

The German promoter must have seen something he liked and challenged Brewer in a title defense against Ottke just two months later. Brewer would lose a disputed split decision. The first loss to Ottke was my fault. I thought the judge from Italy was neutral but was in the bag. US judge George Hill had it 117-111 for Peterson. “The other judges had it 115-113 and 116-112 for Ottke. What a farce,” said Peltz.

It would take eleven months to get a rematch. In the meantime Ottke would win half a dozen fights during that period of time. In September of 2000 the outcome would be the same with Brewer losing by split decision. The US judge had it 116-113 for Brewer.

Brewer would win two of his next three fights and get an opportunity to challenge World Super Middleweight WBO champion Joe Calzaghe, 32-0, in Cardiff, Wales, losing a decision. “It was the only fight under me that Brewer was dominated. He had Calzaghe buzzed late in the seventh round when the bell rang,” said Peltz.

Brewer would then defeat three good fighters in Scott Pemberton, 24-2-1, Etianne Whitaker, 27-8-2 and Freeman Barr, 25-3 and become the No. 1 contender under Peltz. It would be over a year before he fought again and got a title fight. “The contract ran out and he signed with Lou DiBella. Those three bouts earned him a shot at the interim World WBO Super Middleweight title in Germany losing to Mario Veit, 44-1. His next and final bout would be a loss in Copenhagen in April of 2005 ending his career at 40-11 with 28 by stoppage. Per Peltz “Years later I told him God punished him for leaving me for those last two fights. He said “maybe so!”

“He was from the same neighborhood I was from. I knew his mother and father. I started training him at the 23rd PAL. From then on he started picking up everything and was a dedicated kid who came to the gym and did what I told him to do. He had all the heart in the world. He was a real good kid. He never got in any trouble. He won the title and held it for a while. When it was time for him to retire I told him he did okay and to get out while he was ahead,” said Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts.

Knowing Brewer on a personal note he would agree to answer questions for this writer.

KEN HISSNER: You went from fighter to writer after your career was over. You are not only best known to being a world champion but the “only” Philadelphia boxer to defend that title at the Legendary Blue Horizon. Whose decision was that?

CHARLES BREWER: We had a team meeting at Peltz’ office and he brought up the idea of hosting a World championship fight at the Blue. We saw that, it would be the first time in the history of the Blue Horizon, that a reigning, world champion, would be defending their title at the Blue, so that was a plus. History was going to be made by “The Hatchet” of course, the fight was on!

KEN HISSNER: Were Augie Scimecca and Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts (co-managers) in your corner for the most part of your career?

CHARLES BREWER: Augie came on board upon me turning pro in 89’. “Boogaloo” had been my trainer since I was 14 years old.

KEN HISSNER: You would face two boxers that would retire undefeated in Joe Calzaghe at 46-0 and Sven Ottke at 34-0. What was your opinion on both of them?

CHARLES BREWER: Calzaghe, definitely one of the best, gotta give credit where credit is due. He fought the smarter fight in our battle. Ottke? The WORST ROBBERIES I’ve ever experienced in my boxing career. (He would have gotten the decision if it were in the US with Calzaghe. He beat Ottke twice but lost a hometown decision.” – Bobby Watts)

KEN HISSNER: You were 15-2 at the “Blue”. Was that one of or the one favorite place for you to fight?

CHARLES BREWER: Well, not necessarily. Of course I loved the hometown admiration I received at the Blue and that I was becoming a household name there as well, but I wanted to through boxing see the world, and I am ever so grateful, to have traveled internationally through boxing.

KEN HISSNER: I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and also thank you for so many exciting fights you gave to us fans.

CHARLES BREWER: Thank you…… Boxing Fans, for becoming fight fans of Charles “The Hatchet” Brewer.

Posted on 10/04/2017

By: Ken Hissner

At the end of this article this writer will talk about the three boxers in Philadelphia who hold the future of Philly boxing in their hands!

For some time Philadelphia writers, trainers, boxers and promoters have said Philadelphia is the “boxing capitol of the world!” Currently Philadelphia does not have a world champion. Only seven of Philadelphia’s boxers are in the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF ratings.

The most recent world champion was Danny “Swift” Garcia, 33-1 (19), who is currently now ranked No. 2 by both the WBC and WBA. He lost his WBC welterweight title by split decision to WBA champion Keith Thurman in March and hasn’t fought since. His manager is Al Haymon and his promoter is Golden Boy Promotions. He is trained by his father Angel Garcia at their DSG gym in North Philadelphia.

Steve “USS” Cunningham, 29-9-1 (13), the former two-time cruiserweight champion is listed at No. 15 by the IBF. He recently lost a lack luster decision. No one keeps in better condition than “USS” does. Newark, NJ, is having a cruiserweight title match and the opponent is a former opponent of his. “USS” should be on that show! He is trained by Naziim Richardson and promoted by Main Events.

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart got his opportunity recently coming off the canvas early in the fight but made a strong second half finish in losing but will probably keep his No. 1 WBO status among super middleweights but isn’t ranked anywhere else. How can that be? If he comes down to earth after that loss he still has potential to be a world champion but you can’t split his time between two gyms with two different trainers and expect results! It’s Fred Jenkins, Sr. at the ABC Recreation Center in North Philly and it’s his father Eugene “Cyclone” Hart in Joe Hand’s South Philly gym.

Super welterweight Julian “J Rock” Williams, 23-1-1 (15), lost in a WBC title attempt in December of 2016 to Jermell Charlo but is still ranked No. 6 in the WBC, No. 9 in the IBF and No. 15 in the WBO. He is still young and still has a future. Stephan “Bread Man” Edwards is his manager and trainer at Shuler’s Gym in West Philly.

Welterweight southpaw “The New” Ray Robinson, 24-2 (12) due to inactivity has dropped in the ratings but is still No. 10 in the WBO, No. 11 in the IBF and No. 13 in the WBC. He can make anyone look bad. So why doesn’t the Garcia people consider a Philly bout with him? He is trained by “Bozy” Ennis at “Bozy’s Dungeon” in North Philly. He is managed by David McWater.

“Hammerin” Hank Lundy, 28-6-1 (14), is No. 10 in the WBC lightweight rankings and has fallen to the “Philly Jinx” on more than one occasion. He’s 3-3 in his last 6 fights. “Cornbread” Ramsey was back in the corner last fight. He trains out of the Marion Anderson Gym in South Philly. Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 25-4-1 (5), is No. 2 in the WBC, No. 5 in the IBF and No. 9 in the WBO. Coming off an injury he should be ready to go again soon. Marc Cipparone is his manager while “Chino” Rivas trains him in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Now let’s get to the “future” of Philadelphia. The best prospect since 1984 Gold Medal Olympia is welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 15-0 (13), who at age 20 is on the verge of stepping up the competition. Promoting his fights with Victory Promotions is Chris Middendorf who has him either in Philly October 21st or in DC October 14th. To have him in fifteen fights in eighteen months is impressive. He was an Olympic Alternate in 2016. His father “Bozy” trains him at “Bozy’s Dungeon” North Philly Gym over the Harrowgate Gym.

Bantamweight Christian Carto, 12-0 (11), finally got some rounds in this past week in the main event defeating a 14-1 Mexican opponent. He has had twelve fights in fifteen months of boxing and is a former National Golden Gloves Champion. He lost his manager recently to a death and still doesn’t have a promoter. His trainer is Mickey Rosati, Jr. whose gym Carto trains at over Rosati’s Auto Repair garage. He’s had ten fights with Hard Hitting Promotions and two with King’s Promotions. He’s one white boxer that even the most negative black boxing people love him in Philly.

The third is a 17 year-old super lightweight named Brandon Pizarro, 8-0 (4), who will be turning 18 this month. “Gifted” is a crowd pleaser trained by “Bozy” Ennis and his father Angel Pizarro, Sr. at “Bozy’s Dungeon” in North Philly. He is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

On Sunday October 18th John DiSanto is holding his 8th Annual “Briscoe Awards” where most of these boxers along with this writer will be in attendance. It will be held at the Xfinity Live facility at 1100 Pattison Avenue in South Philly.

Posted on 09/30/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Kings Promotions returned to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia Friday featuring former National Golden Glove champion and current unbeaten bantamweight Christian Carto of South Philly.

In the Main Event bantamweight Christian Carto, 12-0 (11), of Philadelphia, went the distance for the first time easily defeating a game southpaw in Alonso “El Elegante” Melendez, 14-2 (12), of Chihuahua, MEX, over 8 rounds.

In the first round the taller Melendez used his reach but Carto landed several right hand body shots. Carto landed a flurry of punches without return to the delight of his many followers. In the second round a lead right from Carto to the chin of Melendez stopped him in his tracks. Carto followed-up with a 3-punch combination but ran into a left hand counter from Melendez to the chin. Carto landed four punches to the body of Melendez. In the third round Melendez landed a good right hook to the head of Carto. Melendez landed a right jab and was countered by a Carto left hook to the chin. Carto landed solid punches on two separate occasions to the chin of Melendez some twenty seconds apart. In the fourth round a left hook from Carto drew blood from the nose of Melendez. Carto jumped on Melendez landing a solid right uppercut to the chin. Melendez landed a counter left to the chin of Carto.

In the fifth round a lead right from Carto to the chin of Melendez backed him up several steps. Carto landed four unanswered punches to the body and head of Melendez. In the sixth round Melendez landed a left to the face of Carto who returned four punches to the head without return. In the seventh round Carto landed four punches without return backing up Melendez several steps. Carto landed four body punches before Melendez returned a left to the chin of Carto. In the eighth and final round Carto continued to dominate the bout. Melendez was returning to the ring after a two year lay-off.

All 3 judges Dave Braswell, John Poturaj and Marc Werlinsky as well as this writer had it 80-72 for the winner. “I was please with his performance,” said Mickey Rosati (trainer of Carto). The winner as usual had little to say “I felt real good,” said Christian Carto. He was mobbed by his many fans. At ringside was Mickey Rosati, Sr. with his granddaughter next to him. Sr. was an unbeaten boxer during a short stint in the ring.

In the co-feature lightweight southpaw Jerome “The Conqueror” Conquest, 9-2 (1), of Philadelphia, defeated Carlos “Rock Hands” Rosario, 7-3 (4), of Pennsauken, NJ, for the WBF North American junior lightweight title over 8 rounds.

In the first round Conquest used an effective jab to outwork Rosario. In the second round of a close contest Conquest out landed Rosario though few punches were landed. In the third round there was a lack of action with Conquest landing what little did land. In the fourth round a “fight broke out” with both landing combinations. At the bell Conquest landed several punches to the chin of Rosario.

In the fifth round both fighters threw punches at the same time with a Rosario punch going south of the border dropping Conquest. Referee Conquest was given a full 5 minutes to re-coup. When the contest continued Conquest went right after Rosario landing a flurry of punches. In the sixth round Rosario did too much “posing” as Conquest dominated with his jab dancing around the ring. In the seventh round Rosario landed a lead right to the chin of Conquest. Knowing he was behind Rosario loaded up hoping to land the right hand as Conquest kept him at bay for the most part with his jab. In the eighth and final round Conquest stunned Rosario with a right hook to the head. Conquest countered with a straight left to the chin of Rosario. The last 30 seconds were the best of the fight with both throwing bombs and Conquest getting in the better of the two.

Judges David Braswell and Lynne Carter scored it 77-74 while judge John Poturaj had it 78-73. This writer had it 79-73. Representing the WBF were Greg Hackett and James Gibbs. The referee was Benjy Esteves, Jr.

“It was a great fight as I expected. They have been asking for this fight for a year. I’m getting better and better every year and I want more competition even with the limited amateur experience. I took his best shot and I used my jab knowing he couldn’t adjust to my boxing ability while he loaded up with his right hand,” said Conquest.

In the opening bout super lightweight from North Carolina Maynard Allison, 9-2 (6), now out of Philadelphia, was stopped at the end of the second round by Juan Rodriguez, 8-7-1 (6), of Haymarket, VA.

In the first round Allison countered the body of oncoming Rodriguez. In the second round Allison is missing wild overhand rights following his jabs but Rodriguez couldn’t take advantage of this until all of a sudden “bang” and down went Allison. It was a short right hand to the chin by Rodriguez who had a bloody nose. Allison beat the count but referee Dali waved it off as the bell sounded.

Allison is originally from NC and his trainer is former boxer Rasheed Brown questioned this but got no answer. “He had his moments but in the second round I felt I was starting to get to him,” said Rodriguez.

Super lightweight David “Two Gun” Gonzales, 8-2-2-1nc (2), of Philadelphia, and Darius “I Am King” Ervin, 4-1-1nc (0), of L.A. ended up in a No Decision do to a clash of heads at 1:53 of the second round. The referee was Dali. “He stopped it do to a cut by my left eye,” said Gonzales. The cut was under the eye lid.

In the first round there were more misses than connections. In the second round the much shorter Gonzales tried his best to make a fight out of it but ran into the first punch of the fight landed by Ervin a right to the chin. Referee Dali had his hands full separating these two. Do to a clash of heads Gonzales was examined by the ring physician who halted the bout. This saved the fans of 5 more rounds like the first one.

Super welterweight southpaw Erik “Abnormal” Spring, 10-2-2 (1), of Reading, PA, was upset by Anthony “Put ‘em down” Prescott, 7-7-2 (2), of Cherry Hill, NJ, over 6 rounds.

In the first round Spring did enough to outwork Prescott. In the second round Prescott pinned the taller Spring in a neutral corner. Prior to the end of the round Prescott had Spring in trouble. In the third round Prescott continued to press the action getting the better of Spring.

In the fourth round Spring worked his way back into the fight landing lead left hands to the head of Prescott who countered well but not well enough. In the fifth round Spring continued outworking what looked like a tiring Prescott. In the sixth and final round Prescott countered with several hard right hands to the chin of Spring.

Judge Braslow had it 58-56 while judges Poturaj and Werlinsky had it 59-55. This writer had it 58-58.

Light heavyweight Brandon Robinson, 7-1 (6), of Upper Darby, PA, stopped George Sheppard, 1-3 (0), of Norfolk, VA, at 1:20 of the fourth and final round.

In the first round Robinson was the aggressor. At the bell both fighters were letting leather fly. In the second round Sheppard stood his ground willing to exchange with Robinson who outworked Sheppard with combinations mostly to the head. Sheppard decided to start moving backwards and was taking quite a bit of punishment from Robinson to the body and head.

In the third round Robinson continued to dominate. In the fourth and final round do to a clash of heads Sheppard took a knee. When time resumed Robinson jumped all over Sheppard landing a barrage of punches having Sheppard hanging over the ropes facing the crowd when referee Dali had no choice but to halt the contest. A jubilant Robinson said “I took the fight on a weeks notice.”

Super featherweight Roberto “Infamous” Irizarry, 4-1-1 (0), of Camden, NJ, defeated southpaw Bryan Perez Nevarez, 2-8-1 (1), of Carolina, PR, over 4 close rounds.

In the first two rounds it was the southpaw Nevarez landing several overhand lefts to the chin of Irizarry. At the 10 second warning ending the first round there was a clash of heads as the time ran out ending the round.

In the third round Irizarry got his best punch in up until then a lead right to the chin of Nevarez. In the fourth and final round both fighters let it all hang out. Nevarez had asked Irizarry to come in and fight and he should have watched what he asked for as Irizarry came in and fought.

All 3 officials had it 39-37. This writer had it 38-38.

In the first walkout bout light heavyweight Amir Shabazz, 4-2 (0), of Philadelphia, was stopped by Alan Lawrence, 2-0 (2), of Newark, NJ, at 1:24 of the first round.

In the first round of action a crushing left hook from Lawrence to the chin of Shabazz dropped him under the ropes. Referee Eric Dali immediately waved it off.

In the second walkout bout welterweight Rasheed Johnson, 2-1 (1), of Philadelphia, knocked out Demetrius Williams, 1-4 (0), of Philadelphia, at 0:36 of the first round.

It was all over in the first round when Johnson landed a lead right hand flattening Williams. Referee Esteves didn’t even have to count.

The ring announcer was Alex Barbosa. It was a very large crowd with Eleven Sports broadcasting the event.

Posted on 09/29/2017

By: Ken Hissner

King Promotion held a press conference at the 2300 Arena in South Philly Wednesday night the CEO Marshall Kauffman announced that the proposed main event between Junior Castillo and Gabriel Pham is off. Both fighters this writer had been told suffered training injuries.

With a solid undercard Kauffman moved Philly’s unbeaten bantamweight Christian Carto, 11-0 (11) into his first 8 round bout. Carto will meet his toughest opponent today against opponent Alonso “El Elegate” Melendez 14-1 (12), of Chihuahua, MEXICO.

Carto is a former National Golden Gloves champion who lets his fists “do his talking” in the ring! He was scheduled to fight in Philly on September 22nd but his trainer Mickey Rosati was away so they were fortunate to get this opening on short notice.

Melendez 14-1 (12) will be making his US debut and first fight in two years. He is tall and thin and in obvious good shape while speaking through his trainer.

“11 Sports Network will be showing what is a solid undercard and a new and stronger main event. We will donate $1.00 from each ticket and from the 50-50 tickets half the earnings to those suffering in Puerto Rico,” said Kauffman.

The opening bout on the televised portion of the event will have a long waited match-up between Philly’s southpaw Jerome Conquest, 8-2 (1), and Pennsauken, NJ, lightweight Carlos Rosario, 7-2 (4). “I promote Rosario and when both parties agreed I immediately made this match,” said Kauffman.

Welterweight Mykal Fox, 14-0 (4), of Forestville, MD, is pitted against Marion Aguas, 9-1 (6), of Quito, ECU. Philly super lightweight Maynard Allison, 9-1 (6), will meet Juan Rodriguez, 7-7-1 (5), of Haymarket, VA.

Super lightweight David Gonzales, 8-2-2 (2), of Philly meets Darius Ervin, 4-1 (0), of L.A. Super welterweight Erik Spring, 10-1-2 (1), Reading, PA, takes on Anthony Prescott, 6-7-2 (2), of Cherry Hill, NJ.

Other young Philly talents like Tyrone Crawley, 7-0 (0), Brandon Robinson, 6-1 (5), and Amir Shabazz, 4-1 (1), will be featured.

Doors open at the 2300 Arena at 6pm with the first fight scheduled at 7:15pm. It will be an 11 bout card.