For the past half-dozen years, this column has followed the amateur careers of the most talented athletes this area has produced. Fighters like Joshua Temple, Stephon Young and Julius Butler have appeared here numerous times in the past after they thrilled fans with memorable performances at local and national tournaments.
This Saturday evening, the aforementioned trio will join forces with other excellent home-grown products as they defend their turf against visiting opponents at the “Gateway to Glory” event inside the beautiful new Demetrious Johnson Rec Center.
Joshua Temple is now a senior at Cardinal Ritter High School and ranked number three in the nation by USA Boxing. Even though he juggles time on the gridiron with rounds inside the ropes, the defensive end told me that ranking will soon climb to the top spot with a busy boxing schedule on the horizon.
During a recent interview, the 201-pounder said, “I’m a very unpredictable fighter with multiple styles. My style is determined by my opponent.”
Temple began his amateur campaign at age 10, and having recently celebrated his 18th birthday, he can’t recall how many bouts he’s recorded in his passbooks over the years.
His message to fans is that on Saturday, “they can expect a great match because I’ll do my best to put on a show.”
Leon Spinks III will also be in action as he faces off against the accomplished Chris Porter. With such a famous grandfather in his lineage, it was natural that the “Third Generation” laced his first pair of gloves up shortly after he could walk, but he told me that he didn’t start taking boxing seriously until he was a senior at Beaumont High School.
A graduate of Harris-Stowe State University with degrees in Business Management and Theater, Spinks trains at the Wellston Housing Authority under the direction of Coach Devonshae Smith.
The 141-pound southpaw knows he has a lot on his hands in the form of the battle-tested Porter, but he ended our conversation by saying, “The fans can expect speed, great defense and bobbing and weaving,” adding, “we try to entertain.”
Rumble Time Promotions is working in association with Demetrious Johnson to create the card, and when I reached Rumble Time President/CEO Steve Smith, he offered his thoughts on the chance to work with so many talented people.
He said, “It’s an honor to be a part of the great amateur boxing programs in St. Louis, and we look forward to growing our amateur boxing team and helping these young boys and girls become well-rounded and respected young adults both inside and outside the ring.”
He added, “All of this wouldn’t be possible without the great trainers and past and present members of the local Ozark Boxing Commission. Also, the success of Kevin (Cunningham), Cory (Spinks) and Devon (Alexander) have put St. Louis on the map.”
The Rumble Time team is eagerly anticipating the opening of a brand new boxing and mixed martial arts gym inside the rec center in early December.
It will be a home for prospects like the ones featured on the “Gateway” lineup – talent that can be guided to the next level with the right tools and opportunity.
Smith said, “They are great fighters and respectful people outside the ring. It’s going to be a great night of action.”
Tickets to the “Gateway to Glory” event this Saturday, Nov. 6 start at $10 and are available by calling (314) 662-2000. Tickets are going fast and there may be a very limited amount at the door. The Demetrious Johnson Rec Center is located at 724 Union Blvd., just north of Delmar in the former West End Community Center building.
