This past weekend there was further proof that the local fight scene is alive and well as huge crowds packed two rooms to capacity to enjoy both boxing and mixed martial arts.
It was standing-room-only on Friday night inside the South Broadway Athletic Club at the local stage of the USA Championships, and some of the area’s most familiar names took part in the fun.
The 70-pounders drew the short straws as 12th & Park’s Orlando Hill and Cherokee’s Tyron Townsend got things started, with each athlete settling in and picking their spots after a tentative first frame.
After three competitive stanzas, Hill’s hand would be hoisted in the decision victory.
An interesting match-up occurred between Gamble stablemates Stephon Young and Jerail Singleton in a duel at 106. But the face-off was no sparring session, as each made it clear he wanted to be the one to push through to the regionals in Joplin, Mo on February 8 and 9.
For three rounds, the seasoned pair showcased an acute sense of distance that afforded each the opportunity to get inside and land crisp combinations.
In the end, the senior Young would get the nod from the judges and stamp his ticket out of town.
The complete list of local champions includes:
? Taylor Merriweather (75 lbs/Marquette)
? Terail Singleton (112 lbs/Gamble)
? Lamarcus Cowan (119 lbs/NCAA)
? Derrick Murray (125 lbs/West End)
? Jevon Singleton (132 lbs/Gamble)
? Darwin Price (141 lbs/NCAA)
? Darnell Mason (152 lbs/12th & Park PAL)
? Richard Bobbitt (165 lbs/Pagedale)
? Louis Holloway (178 lbs/St. Louis Int’l ABC)
? Jordan McCrary (-201 lbs/12th & Park PAL)
? and Jabril Temple (+201 lbs/WOHL).
On Saturday, the Viking Conference Center was the site of Shamrock Promotions’ “Battles for Fame” event that featured six amateur boxing matches followed by five breathtaking mixed martial arts bouts.
Jesse Finney and the rest of his Shamrock crew provided the usual party atmosphere for the packed room, and the most high-motor moment arrived when a pair of 265-pound brawlers took to the ring.
Just six seconds into the no-holds-barred contest, St. Louis’ Tony Patton launched a mean-spirited kick that his opponent leaned directly into. The sound of the impact of bone-on-bone sliced through the room like a tree branch splitting.
As Patton moved forward to pile on and add more damage, the referee intervened and the winning heavyweight celebrated with a pair of somersaults.
It was an exciting way to cap off a busy weekend spent in two venues jammed with enthusiastic fight fans.
Get well, Kenny
Members of Ozark Boxing and the amateur scene wish legendary trainer Kenny Loehr a speedy recovery from last week’s surgery. Hopefully he will make a quick return to the gym.
Battle of the Badges
The “Battle of the Badges” fight card on April 17 will match members of the St. Louis Police and Fire Departments with their cross-state crime and firefighting brethren. The unique event will take place in the parish hall, located at 939 Lebanon. Look for additional information in this column as the date draws near.
‘Xtreme Fight Party’ March 1
Deandre Latimore, Chris Sharp and Kevin Engel are just three of the names on the long list of talent that will be on display on March 1 when Shamrock and Rumble Time Promotions stage the “Xtreme Fight Party” at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. The action will kick off at 7:30 and will include both boxing and mixed martial arts. Ticket information is available by calling (314) 497-6959 or by visiting www.xtremefightparty.com.
I spoke with Rumble Time President and CEO Steve Smith this weekend, and he is currently in negotiations with Don King Productions and the Scottrade Center to bring Cory Spinks, Devon Alexander, Deandre Latimore and Kevin Engel to the downtown arena on Thursday, March 27. More details on what would certainly be a landmark event will be available soon.
Ten Count
Ozark Boxing is mourning the loss of long time judge and timekeeper Tony Mascalco, who passed away on January 17. Tony was a fixture for decades at ringside, donating his time as an Ozark official.
In a press release by Ozark President Juliana Neisz, she called Tony “a dear friend who will be missed by our organization and the National body.”
On a personal note, I will miss the good-natured grief followed by disarming smiles that he tossed my way at every amateur card.