by David Douglas – On a boxing web site that is normally reserved for the big names and mega venues in boxing, I thought it would be refreshing to give deserved credit, to one of the many grass roots shows across America, where the sport is alive and well.
Far east from the bright lights of boxing’s Las Vegas’s MGM, and far west from its glamorous New York City’s Madison Squire Garden, thrives the Midwest heart of boxing, in Saint Louis, Missouri. A city, that has over the years, given the boxing world many great contenders and champions ( amateur and professional ) ; Henry Armstrong, Charles Riley, Sonny Liston, Don Cobbs, Moses Carbin, Michael, Leon, and Cory Spinks, Harold Petty, Carl Daniels, Freddie Norwood, Ray Lathon, William Guthrie, Eddie Hopkins, Terron Millett, Andre Latimore, and Devon Alexander, just to name a few.. Well, this past weekend, this great city of pugilistic talent, continued to lay the ground work for its next generation of top level contribution.
At the helm of Rumble Time Promotions, staged in the Pageant Theater, an intimate venue normally reserved for music concerts, a local ten bout pro card provided all the drama that future boxing dreams are made from…also, casting a few classic match ups, that included the six round main event. An epic, and somewhat traditional, battle between a seasoned veteran, Kirk Douglas (11-16-0 ) and a strong determined, younger fighter, Tim Conners ( 9-1-0 ). The latter, a tough, ambitious 27 year old, spoiled the veteran’s “last hurrah” and over came the 37 year old by out working the slicker yet depleted warrior and dropping him within closing seconds of the last round, thus prompting the unceremonious “throwing in of the towel” by his corner. In an emotional post interview, Douglas fittingly announced, to his fans and family, that he would no longer be lacing up the gloves. A wise decision, and many thanks to a boxer who hails from three generations of fighters. To further enhance the drama, a hard hitting local latecomer, Todd Brown, now 1-0, ( two time Golden Glove champion and world renown Ringside Tournament finalist ), also trained by Kirk Douglas Sr., made his professional four round debut, as a heavyweight, and has begun setting his sights on the ever so soft American heavyweight division. He entertained the audience, with his undeniable arsenal of pure raw power, with a second round stoppage of his game yet weaken opponent, David Martin ( 0-3 ). Delivering from his natural southpaw stance, an explosive left upper cut to the liver that left his opposition lying lifeless on the canvas, and those at ringside in awe. Equiped with his apparent devastating power and upper sculptured torso, splattered with modern day warrior body ink, and pugilistic good looks, this charismatic 30 years young fighter, is reminiscent of the ” great white hope ” era. Todd Brown and trainer, will continue their road toward success, knowing they must take one fight at a time yet knowing his future is capable of reaching maximum potential, providing his coming out performance continues in such a dramatic fashion, within such a weak market.
The aforementioned two professional bouts were at the end and beginning of the evening, respectively. Opening the show were two young nationally top rated local amateurs, Stephen Young (112 lbs ) and Josh Temple ( heavyweight ). They are destined for the 2012 Olympics Games. Their winning performances provided the local fans with a sense of pride, knowing that Saint Louis will have an excellent chance at being well represented in 2012…a special boxing treat of today’s youth and talent. Following their lead, were two former nationally rated local amateurs, Tryone Chatman/ 140lbs (4-1-0) and Dannie Williams/ 133lbs (13-1-0), continuing to successfully make their way into the pro ranks. They show cased their sharp boxing skills, which brought them from the top amateur ranks into their current early developing professional stage. Both fighters defeating, within four and six rounds, convincingly, their opponents, Chad Vandenburg (7-2-0) and Daniel Mitchell (5-0-1), respectively. A bright future perhaps (?). Only time and good management will tell.
Filling in the remainder of the fight card, were two bouts with the classic seasaw, back and forth, and all the ebb and flow one could wish for in a boxing match. Each bout ending in a draw. First up, was another four round heavyweight pro debut by Wesley Blanks (0-0-1), taking on Michael Lunsford (0-2-1). A complete brawl that challenged each fighter to hang on until the final bell. Second up, was Ryan Davis/ 154lbs ( 21-8-3), whos claim to fame to date, is that he went the distance with Jab Judah, in a twelve round bid for the vacant IBC title, although losing by unaminous decesion. Well, he had his hands full in a high drama, six rounder against Lamarr Harris (6-4-3). They gave one another their very best and had the crowd up on their feet. The other two bouts featured a six rounder, with Prenice Brewer/ 143lbs (14-0-0) defeating Marteze Logan (26-41-2) and a four rounder, with Jamal Parram/ 126lbs (2-2-0) defeating Ryan Pederson (1-4-0 ).
It is from these small yet significant venues, that boxing fans learn to appreciate and support our great sport. The foundation is layed here at these shows, for the aspiring young ambitious boxer, and it is here, where they have the opportunity to learn from those who come before them in this business. The veterans who choose to remain under the lights for whatever reason, other than staying in the sport that gave them life, can continue to make not only a paycheck but, an impact on the local market that feeds the larger market, which will keep the heart of boxing alive and well. Congrats to all the boxers on this card and the similar shows throughout the world!