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Monday, March 25, 2013

Boxing History: The First Professional Bouts in North Carolina

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          The first recorded professional boxing event in the State of North Carolina happened in Charlotte on May 8, 1922, and even back then it was an event in the sport of boxing marred by controversy.

The event was managed by Jimmy Woods, who had announced free access for women. In a Charlotte Observer article dated May 8, 1922, it reads: “Practically all the [American] legion men and their wives and sweethearts will be out to see the affair, and since ladies are free a goodly number are expected to attend. Tickets are on sale at the Tryon drug store and Holbrook’s cigar store.”

The article goes on to indicate how members of the legion in North Carolina developed “an appetite” for the sport while serving in the army, having had a lot more exposure to boxing during what was called The World War, an obvious reference to World War I, years before World War II ever happened.

In the main event that night in Wearn Field ballpark on South Mint Street, following three other bouts that evening promoted by the American Legion, welterweight “Burly Bob” Sullivan of New York was KO’d in the first round by the winless Frankie Lewis of North Carolina. On the following day, Bob Sullivan complained of several “foul blows”, with a crucial foul resulting in the knockout defeat, one that went unnoticed by the referee, Billy Charles. In one statement Sullivan said: “I wish to state that Lewis fouled me once when the referee noticed it and once that the referee did not notice. Lewis struck me far below the belt and in a place and manner that no man can stand.”


The name Frankie Lewis is an alias (AKA) for Jack Turner, whose birth name was actually Melvin Gillikin. The reason for changes of names during his career is unknown. Frankie Lewis was born in Morehead City, North Carolina on April 14, 1899. He retired as a middleweight in 1928 with a record of 22 wins and 14 losses with 17 wins by knockout.

In other bouts that evening:

Jimmy Wood knocked out Whitey Barry in third round.

Kid Gregory knocked out Billie Smith in the third round.

Battling Walsh of Charlotte, North Carolina gets decision win over Kid Penry.

Paco Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk
Twitter: @GAR1680



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Friday, March 22, 2013

Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees Announced at Bojangles' Coliseum Press Conference

This past Thursday, in the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame display room at the Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, representatives of the Hall held a press conference to announce its 2013 inductees. It was mostly Board Member Humpy Wheeler who addressed a gathering that included a number of big names in the world of South and North Carolina Boxing. In attendance were former world heavyweight champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith, former prizefighters and current boxing promoters Krishna Wainright and Kevin Lowther, chairman of United States Amateur Boxing Inc. and 2013 Hall of Fame inductee Clarence Flemings, president of USA Boxing Southeast Region Coach Al Simpson, and a number of representatives speaking for inductees unable to attend, but whom are expected to be at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 19.

The 2013 Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame inductees were named as follows:

Calvin Brock, former professional heavyweight boxer from Charlotte, North Carolina. Brock (31-2) fought Wladimir Klitschko in Madison Square Garden in 2006 and retired from the sport because of an eye injury in 2007 after a split decision loss to Eddie Chambers. Klitschko and Chambers were his only two losses.

Robbie Epps, who was born in Greenville, South Carolina and fought during the 70’s and 80’s. Epps retired in 1983 with a professional record of 31-4 (with 3 of the 4 losses coming in his final 4 bouts).

Clarence Flemings of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Chairman of United States Amateur Boxing Inc., amateur boxing coach, and amateur boxing official.

Brandon Mitchem. Fought professionally from 1996-2007. Grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina where his father, Randy Mitchem, a former professional boxer during the 1980s and a 2011 Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, began teaching his son how to spar in the basement of their home when Brandon Mitchem was just 6 years old. As an amateur, Mitchem won the 1996 National Golden Gloves and earned a spot as Olympic alternate, losing the Box-Off match to Fernando Vargas. During his career he assisted as a sparring partner for such champions as Bernard Hopkins, Terry Norris, Kostya Tzyu, and William Joppy prior to big fights.

Also inducted were Jay Welch of Conover, North Carolina, an amateur boxer during the 1970s and Olympic hopeful, and Kim Welch.

The 2013 Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on April 19, 2013 at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel; 3315 Scott Futrell Dr, Charlotte, North Carolina (I-85 and Billy Graham Parkway). Additional details of the ceremony will be posted in “Upcoming North Carolina Boxing Events” section (at top of this blog site) when it becomes available.

The ceremony will also include a tribute in the memory of Billy Joe Sharpe of Lexington, South Carolina who passed away at age 68 in December 2011. Billy Joe Sharpe had served as president of South Carolina USA Boxing for 17 years.


(Click any picture to enlarge)
With Krishna Wainright of Join the Fight Productions

At the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame display in Bojangles' Coliseum

With former heavyweight champion, James "Bonecrusher" Smith

Additional photos of the press conference can be seen on the Facebook site for photographer John Davidson: CLICK HERE (Note: you will need to be signed into a Facebook account to view the photos).

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Greensboro, N.C. Boxing, April 13: Seven Bouts, Seven Undefeated Fighters

Walter Johnson is promoting a boxing event featuring seven bouts to take place at the Holiday Inn Airport in Greensboro, N.C. on Saturday, April 13, 2013 billed as Ballroom Brawl 5. Seven undefeated boxers will be on the card, including 4 from North Carolina. Two of the fights will be a battle of undefeateds.

Joshua "Too Tuff" Tufte (11-0) of Kernersville, North Carolina vs. Robert Dunton (9-6-1) of Hopkins, South Carolina.

Rematch: Noel "Shut-Up" Echevarria (9-0) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina vs. Sean Lockhart (5-19-2) of Columbia, South Carolina (Echevarria defeated Lockhart by 4-round unanimous decision on October 27, 2012 at the Music Factory venue in Charlotte, NC).

Christian Dominguez (4-1) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina vs. John Willoughby (3-17) of Atlanta, Georgia.

Jovan Francois (5-0) of New York vs. Steve Williams (3-0) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Keith Tapia (7-0) of Puerto Rico vs. Franklin Edmondson (14-37-1) of Durham, North Carolina.

Steven Matthews (3-0) of Greensboro, North Carolina vs. Shawn Cameron (3-0) of Brooklyn, New York.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Boxing Event Newsflash - Press Conference in Charlotte

The Carolina’s Boxing Hall of Fame will be holding a press conference at the Bojangles' Coliseum on Thursday, March 21, 2013 to announce 2013 inductees. The event begins at 1:00PM and is open to the public.

Bojangles' Coliseum
2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Paco Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk

Twitter: @GAR1680

James “Bonecrusher” Smith in Charlotte Area for Book-Signing of M.A.D.

Former world heavyweight champion from North Carolina James “Bonecrusher” Smith will be in the Charlotte area this weekend on a book-signing tour for his book: M.A.D. (Make A Decision).

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 FROM 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Trendsetter Barber & Beauty
78 Cabarrus Ave W Concord, NC 28025

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013 FROM 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Applebee's
517 NC 24-27 Bypass East, Albemarle, NC 28001

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2013 FROM 11:00AM T0 2:00PM
Hooters
7702 Gateway Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027 (Near Charlotte Motor Speedway/Concord Mills Mall)


Paco Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk
Twitter: @GAR1680

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Former North Carolina World Heavyweight Champion James “Bonecrusher” Smith Radio Interview

Click on picture to purchase
this book at Amazon.com
UPDATE (Tuesday, March 19, 2013): A recording of last night's show can be heard HERE.

On next Monday’s North Carolina Boxing Talk Radio Show, Bonecrusher Smith talks about growing up in North Carolina, his boxing career, working with charitable organizations, and his opinion on MMA and other toughman type competition. He also talks about his world-wide book-signing tour for M.A.D. (Make A Decision) and his upcoming stops in Fayetteville and Charlotte, North Carolina. And he sings for us on the show!!! Great show; don’t miss it! Listen to it live on Blog Talk Radio CLICK HERE on Monday, March 18. Show starts at 6:30PM. Will be taking calls. GAR1680 CHAT ROOM opens at 5:30PM. Find GAR1680 Boxing Talk Chat Room link button on this blog site (above, right column).




Paco Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk
Twitter: @GAR1680

RESULTS: Boxing at The Ritz in Raleigh – Friday, March 15, 2013

UPDATE (Tuesday, March 19, 2013): The boxing event at The Ritz in Raleigh (Friday, March 15) was discussed in last night's radio show. A recording of the show can be heard HERE. 

In the main event, undefeated Noel “Shut-Up” Echevarria defeated Jahaad Wingfield by TKO when Wingfield retired in his corner following the second round. Echevarria’s record improved to 9-0. Bouts took place at The Ritz in Raleigh, North Carolina.

FINAL RESULTS AT THE RITZ (RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA), FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Vernon Alston (Antoine "The Future" Alston) (5-4) of Durham, North Carolina lost to Soumana Nandou Abdoulaye (1-6) of Brooklyn, New York by 6 round split decision.

Bobby "The Kid Bam" Hornsby (5-0) of Atlanta, Georgia defeated Jerry Couzens (0-1-1) of Tampa, Florida by 4 round unanimous decision.

Pablo Velez (1-0-1) of New Brunswick, North Carolina defeated Charles Parker (0-1) of Wilson, North Carolina when Parker was disqualified after the 1st round ended.

Noel "Shut-Up" Echevarria (9-0) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina defeated Jahaad Wingfield (1-8-1) of Tampa, Florida by "Referee Technical Decision (RTD)" when Wingfield refused to come out for the start of the 3rd round.

Remy Fullwood (1-0) of Wilmington, North Carolina defeated Vashon Allen (0-1) of Wilson, North Carolina by TKO in round 3.

Andre Baker (10-36-2) of Lumberton, North Carolina defeated Joseph Figueroa (10-53-5) of the Bronx, New York by 4 round unanimous decision.


Paco Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk
Twitter: @GAR1680


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Paco Rivera of GAR1680 Boxing Talk with Noel "Shut-Up" Echevarria (in Winston-Salem)
Follow Noel on Twitter  @ShutUp1nonly

Monday, March 11, 2013

North Carolina Boxing Talk Radio Show; GOLDEN GLOVES Recap Show (3/11/2013)

Listen to the GAR1680 North Carolina Boxing Talk Show from this evening (Monday, March 11, 2013) from BlogTalkRadio. Join this blog to be alerted about future Charlotte & North Carolina Boxing Talk radio shows. The 30-minute show broadcasts each Monday at 6:30pm HERE

This show: Wrap-up of 2013 State Golden Gloves Championships (Charlotte, North Carolina). * Special THANKS to Coach Al Simpson for putting on a great event! * Amateur boxer Jamaal Gregory of Concord, N.C. displays excellent ring skills in a losing effort. * Recognition of Coach James Pressley of Dyme Boxing & Fitness in Charlotte for his training of a masterful team of boxers in his stable and winning a number of Golden Glove trophies this past weekend. * Professional North Carolina prizefighter John “Spidey” Williams, also trained by Coach Pressley at Dyme, returns to the ring in April.

Comment your thoughts on the show here. Also, share with your Facebook/Twitter friends!

Listen to a recording of tonight's show here
 Radio show recorded: Monday, 3/11/2013
 Just press the play button!


Saturday, March 9, 2013

RESULTS: 2013 State Golden Gloves Championship Finals, Charlotte, North Carolina

10 bouts. All bouts except last one ended in decision. Boxer’s city is shown if known. All 10 bouts have been uploaded to our YouTube Channel individually. Click "WATCH" to see the match.

RESULTS

1) 123lb: Raheem Robinson (Durham)   def.   Enoc Sobano (Hendersonville) WATCH
2) 152lb: Barry Pierce   def.   Jamaal Gregory (Concord) WATCH
3) 165lb: Vardges Vardanyan (Charlotte)   def.   Michael White (Charlotte) WATCH
4) 165lb: Makolam Green   def.   Alan Brady (Charlotte) WATCH
5) 178lb: Ryan Howell (Charlotte)   def.   Paul Lynch (Raleigh) WATCH
6) 200lb: Darnell Price (Camp Lejeune)   def.   Esau Eatman WATCH
7) 152lb: Ismael Johnson (Wilmington)   def.   Nathan Mullin (Charlotte) WATCH
8) 125lb: DaQuan Blair (Winston-Salem)   def.   Olaf Sanchez (Wilmington) WATCH
9) 165lb: Broze Francois (Charlotte)   def.   David Perez (Asheboro) WATCH
10) 141lb:
Lavonte Earley (Charlotte)   def.   Melvis Madrigal (Asheville) – Fight stopped by referee, 1st round. WATCH

Paco Rivera, GAR1680
Twitter: @GAR1680


Golden Gloves recap Radio Show on Monday night (March 11, 2013) beginning at 6:30PM. Go HERE to listen live. Will be taking calls. CHAT ROOM opens at 5:30PM. Find GAR1680 Boxing Talk Chat Room link button on this blog site (above, right column).

Friday, March 8, 2013

2013 Golden Gloves in Charlotte - Scenes from Friday Night

Had a great time at the Golden Gloves tonight in Charlotte. Great crowd! FINALS ARE TOMORROW AFTERNOON! (Saturday, March 9, starting at 4:00 PM).


Short scene of what it was like (click play button)


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The first bout was a junior exhibition. Everybody
loved watching these two kids perform like pros!
 

Had the honor of meeting an illustrious figure in North Carolina: Mr. Humpy Wheeler
Boxer raises hand in victory; moves on to Saturday's finals
Coach James Pressley of Dyme Boxing & Fitness
in the corner with one of his fighters
Here with Concord's Mid-South Boxing Academy trainer, Mike Kane (left) and his boxer
Jamaal Gregory (right), who will be fighting in the Golden Gloves finals tomorrow (Saturday) 


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

North Carolina Boxers Report (March 6, 2013)


  BOXER    CITY    DIVISION     REC.
Aaron Williams Kinston middleweight 0-4
Alvin Baker Lumberton welterweight 1-3-1
Andre Baker Lumberton welterweight 9-36-2
Andrew Ward Wilson heavyweight 0-2
Anthony "The Tyger" Hanshaw  Kernersville light heavyweight 23-2-2
Anthony Ashe Wilson lightweight 0-1
Anthony Crawley Wilson super featherweight 0-2
Bobby Wooten Wilson featherweight 0-2
Brad Knight Wilson middleweight 0-2
Brandon Bowens Wilson heavyweight 0-2
Brandon White Wilson cruiserweight 0-2
Carlette Ewell Winston-Salem heavyweight 15-7-1
Charles Jones Asheville super featherweight 3-12
Christian Dominguez Winston-Salem  welterweight 4-1
Christopher Baynes Reidsville welterweight 0-2
Corey Preston   super middleweight 1-9
Corey Winfield Winston-Salem heavyweight 5-10
Dalton Dixon Wilson cruiserweight 0-2
Darrick Allen   heavyweight 2-11
Deon Broadnax Reidsville  heavyweight 0-1
Derek "The Black Lion" Edwards Winston-Salem super middleweight 26-2-1
Dominic DeSanto Spencer welterweight 6-1-1
Dominick Joyner Wilson lightweight 0-2
Dominique Winstead  Wilson light heavyweight 0-3
Donta Chestnut Wilson heavyweight 0-2
Dontterreus Rogers  Wilson lightweight 0-2
D'Quan Morgan Hamlet cruiserweight 3-1-1
Frank Armstrong Winston-Salem super middleweight 4-20-3
Franklin Edmondson Durham  heavyweight 14-37-1
Gary Lavender  Pine Level  cruiserweight 8-17
Gregory Joyner Wilson super middleweight 0-4
Hassan Lee Charlotte heavyweight 4-3
Ivan Burke Wilson light heavyweight 0-2
Jamal Clay Fayetteville lightweight 0-7
James Winchester Greensboro  light middleweight 15-7
James Young  Charlotte super featherweight 1-2-1
Jared "The Quiet Storm" Robinson  Charlotte  light welterweight 13-0
Jeff Edwards Winston-Salem light heavyweight 0-1
Jeremy Bethea Laurinburg light welterweight 2-2
John "Spidey" Williams  Charlotte light welterweight 10-2-1
John Butler  Raleigh light middleweight 23-4
Joshua "Too Tuff" Tufte Kernersville  heavyweight 11-0
Juantaurius Boddie Wilson lightweight 0-2
Ken Dunham Charlotte light middleweight 6-14-1
Kenneth Farr Rocky Mount cruiserweight 0-8
Kevin Carter Winston-Salem welterweight 11-66-1
Kevin King Wilson lightweight 0-1
Kovelman Williams Wilson lightweight 0-1
Kyle Harrell  Charlotte light middleweight 0-1
Lee Campbell Laurinburg light heavyweight 5-0
Malcolm Barnes Wilson  light middleweight 0-2
Maurice Winslow  Wilson heavyweight 3-17-1
Michael Rayner  Lumberton  super middleweight 8-19-1
Milton Rogers Wilson welterweight 0-2
Nasser Abdel Malik Cary welterweight 1-1
Noel Echevarria Winston-Salem  lightweight 8-0
Octavius Davis    cruiserweight 2-11-1
Omar Pena  Charlotte welterweight 7-2
Pablo Velez Raleigh middleweight 0-0
Pablo Velez Brunswick super middleweight 0-0-1
Quinton Rankin  Charlotte light heavyweight 5-2
Raymond Arrington Wilson light welterweight 0-2
Richard Rivers    featherweight 9-0
Roberto White Winston-Salem heavyweight 5-5
Samuel Tomlin Wilson super middleweight 0-3
Shakeel Creech Wilson super featherweight 0-2
Shane Pearson Statesville super middleweight 1-1
Steven Matthews Greensboro welterweight 3-0
TayShawn Autry Garland super featherweight 0-5
Travis Farmer Wilson super featherweight 0-1
Tyrone Braswell Wilson  light middleweight 0-5
Vashawn Tomlin Wilson heavyweight 0-7
Vernon Alston Durham light welterweight 5-3
Willie Bookman Wilson cruiserweight 0-1

Monday, March 4, 2013

North Carolina Boxing Talk Radio Show (3/4/2013)

  Coach Al Simpson Radio Interview: 2013 North Carolina State Golden Gloves Preview 

Listen to the GAR1680 North Carolina Boxing Talk Show from this evening (Monday, February 25, 2013) from BlogTalkRadio. Join this blog to be alerted about future Charlotte & North Carolina Boxing Talk radio shows. The 30-minute show broadcasts each Monday at 6:30pm HERE

This Show: In charge of coordinating the 2013 State Golden Gloves Championships, legendary Coach Al Simpson talks about the upcoming event in Charlotte on March 8th and 9th and gives us a full preview. He also discusses what it takes for young aspiring athletes to someday compete as an amateur boxer in the Golden Gloves and the application process.

Comment your thoughts on the show here. Also, share with your Facebook/Twitter friends!

Listen to a recording of tonight's show here
 Radio show recorded: Monday, 3/4/2013
 Just press the play button!

NOTE: Sorry about the volume issue. I didn't realize until hearing a recording of this show that my mic volume was set to low. The interview with Coach Al Simpson was set to normal volume. So it may be necessary to raise volume on your speakers when I speak, and possibly lower the volume when interview begins.