Fight fans around town tell me they can’t wait for Rumble Time Promotions’ stacked show on Saturday, August 22 at the new Chaifetz Arena on the campus of Saint Louis University. The card has been dubbed “It’s On” and will feature the return of Deandre “The Bull” Latimore in the main event, as well as a co-feature including Alex “The Technician” Bunema in a junior middleweight title clash with Willie Lee.
I visited members of the Rumble Time stable last week to check out their training camps, and the atmosphere in the basement gym was all business. Rapper V.I.C.’s rhymes were flowing through the stereo as I descended the steps to find Hollie “Hot Stuff” Dunaway shadowboxing inside the ropes, snapping off combinations at an imaginary opponent in preparation for her bout against Mayela Perez from Saltillo, Mexico.
Much of the black and red concrete walls are covered with fight posters from past events featuring Dunaway and other familiar faces who have built large followings over the last few years.
Latimore was wearing his game face as an assistant carefully wrapped his hands with Rumble Time President/CEO Steve Smith looking on. Before the junior middleweight climbed into the ring to get down to business, I asked him how things were going.
“Everything’s good,” he said, adding, “I’m in the best shape of my life. My mindset is the best it’s been and whoever is in the ring with me has got something coming. People can expect to see the best.”
His strength training and boxing routine have stayed the same for his latest test, but he has upped his running and is ready to make a statement. As far as future goals, he said, “I want to fight the best cats in the division, I want a rematch with Cory and I need to get a couple of titles in the next year.”
The rematch, of course, refers to his split decision loss to Cory Spinks last April at the Scottrade Center for the vacant IBF belt.
I’ve been following Latimore’s career since the amateurs, and I sensed during our most recent interview that there is an even greater intensity that he’s carrying with him into battle.
Steve Smith was quick to point out the quality of the opposition that his crew will face. Lightweight “Dangerous” Dannie Williams will put his perfect 11-0 mark on the line as he looks to add to his total of nine knockouts, while light heavyweight Kevin Engel will face a stern test in the form of Julius Fogle (15-1).
I spoke with matchmaker Derrick Spicer by phone and he said, “It’s time to step up. We’re not babying anyone. Dannie needs rounds and Kevin wants to step up to the challenge. It’s going to be a great show.”
I was in a race with an expiring parking meter, but before I departed, Steve Smith wanted to make sure I passed along congratulations to Devon Alexander on his recent world title victory.
The Rumble Time chief is also looking forward to a show he’s promoting on September 12 at the Playboy Mansion, as well as “Hot Stuff” Dunaway’s pictorial in a popular men’s magazine in January.
For now the buzz continues to build around the Chaifetz event that should provide a memorable end to a steamy summer.
Tickets for the August 22 “It’s On”card start at just $10 and are available online at Metrotix.com or by calling (314)534-1111 & (314) 607-9850. More information is available at www.rumbletimepromotions.com, including the Chaifetz seating chart and ticket information for the Playboy Mansion event.
