The beautiful Grbic Hall served as the setting last Thursday evening as amateur boxers battled to raise money for Catch A Falling Star, a foundation that uses after-school programs to strengthen physical and social skills of kids with developmental disabilities.
Sgt. Roger Engelhardt and Captain Jerry Leyshock of the St. Louis Police Department orchestrated the event, and there were several standout performances that wowed the capacity crowd.
I was present when Orlando Hill and Demetrius Johnson both made their debuts, and both have built on their raw physical talents as they continue to log gym time.
During Hill’s bout in the 65-pound division, the 12th & Park product showed fast hands as he fired off blazing combinations. But his greatest asset is his marvelous footwork, which he uses to effortlessly carry him in and out of harm’s way as he puts his punches together.
Demetrius Johnson from Gamble Center had his hands full in a contest at 85, but the southpaw used a snappy jab to set up several telling series of punches on his way to a strong finish and a decision victory.
Johnson’s gym mate Jamiel Foy answered the first bell of his bout with a buzz saw attack that earned him a couple of early standing eight counts in the bank. Although his punch output would level off just a bit down the stretch, there was little doubt that his glove would be raised at the wire.
12th & Park’s Durrand Jones proved that the youth movement is still strong at his gym, breathing down his opponent’s neck and using 1, 2’s up top with hooks tacked on as he worked towards a decision.
The show ended up being the most enjoyable amateur card so far this year, with its success owed to all of the organizers, athletes and trainers involved.
Ring the bell
Less than 48 hours after the Grbic fundraiser, the local boxing community was stunned by the sudden passing of 16-year-old Anthony Lane of Team STL.
A talented student/athlete and an even better young man, Lane was the nephew of Coach Ron Harris. I wrote about the Hazelwood Central High School student last August, and at the time he told me his favorite subject was math and that his goal was to qualify for the Olympic team and turn pro.
The wake will be Friday from 4-7, with a noon funeral service on Saturday, both at Austin Layne Mortuary at 7239 West Florrisant Ave.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Ron and the rest of Anthony’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
Lamar Harris signs
Local junior middleweight Lamar Harris called me last week to announce that he has signed with Fight Knight Promotions, the same company that reps Vernon “The Viper” Forrest. There is still a chance he will fight on the Forrest-Mora undercard on June 7, but if not, he will definitely be in action in July and September. Good luck to the St. Louis product as he resumes his career and adds to his unblemished record.
Pro action tonight
The Viking Hotel & Conference Center will host Rumble Time Promotions’ “Fight Night”, beginning at 7:30. Tickets are available in a wide variety of price ranges by calling (314) 607-9850.
