photo by Kenny White - April 2, 2010 – It’s been an interesting week in the City that Loves you Back. Nationally, Philly was put on the hot seat – again. This time we were the focus due to internet phenomenon branded as a ”flash mob”. With instances of kids wilding out on South Street and randoms joining together to stand still for a whole three minutes at 30th street station all taped and posted on YouTube – people from all spectrums of the arena couldn’t wait to chime in on what they thought were the possible reasons behind these pointless acts.
Locally, Mayor Nutter and city technology head Allan Frank officially entered the city into the running as a potential testing grounds for Google’s upcoming high-speed gigabit network project. In an attempt to lure the internet giant to our turf – Philly has been temporarily rebranded as “The City of Googley Love”. If selected, Philadelphia would take on a unique project that intended to offer unheard of bandwidth capabilities that in theory could make Philly the Silicon valley of the east coast. This would attract businesses, create jobs, improve schools and give unprecedented internet access to anyone with a laptop.
Under the radar of mainstream media, Germantown native Derek “Pooh” Ennis (21-2-1, 13ko’s) turned in another Fight of the Year candidate at The Legendary Blue Horizon. Coming into the night, just about everyone in the know thought that the he reigning 154 lb USBA Jr. Middleweight champion would be involved in a “stay busy” fight – one that would keep him fresh until his first official defense of the title that he won in this same building in November of last year. Read more…
Boxing returns to the Legendary Blue Horizon this Friday night but I must say – this card was very poorly constructed. Step it up Elbaum – these tickets are expensive!
In the main event – Philly’s lone headliner Derek “Pooh” Ennis (20-2-1, 13ko’s) will face last minute sub Jose Adelaydo Gonzalez (13-6-1, 11ko’s) of Garden City, Kansas in a 10 round non-title bout. Ennis is the USBA 154 lb champ and many are anxiously awaiting for him to defend the title. Manager Moz Gonzales says that multiple attempts were made to attract a USBA top 15 opponent but were unsuccessful due to issues with purse request, IBF approval or previous obligation. Team Ennis hopes to get back at it in about 6 weeks after this match. Gonzales has pulled off some last minute trouble in the past. Two years ago he stepped in on short notice to give the then undefeated Jason LeHoullier fits. For his effort he received a draw in a match everyone said he won.
In the co-feature, undefeated Light Heavyweight Farah Ennis (12-0, 6ko’s) will take on Frankie Santos (17-8-4, 8ko’s) of Puerto Rico for an 8 rounder. Santos was originally scheduled to box Derek Ennis but will now jump up two weight classes to face the rising prospect.
Bryant Jennings takes on John Bolden in a four rounder Heavyweight contest.
A lot of fall outs, a lot of changes on this card. Then again – these are the times when you get surprised with s good card so who knows what to expect…
On February 5 2010 – The Philly fight faithful snubbed their nose at certified blizzard to witness a classic night at The Legendary Blue on Friday. In the main event Derek “Pooh” Ennis sharpened up to the tune of a 5th round TKO over game journeyman Edwin Vasquez. Pooh pounded his head to no avail, but once he began to hit the body, the rock crumbled as Vasquez took two knees at the end, knowing it would take a miracle from Jesus to get a W.
In other action, it took Joey DaWejko longer to put on his socks than it did to dispatch his opponent, scoring a KO :47 intp the 1st round of his homecoming fight.
Ronald Cruz made a big statement when he bombed out Martinus Clay midway through the 3rd round of their scheduled 6 rounder.
Eric “Outlaw” Hunter and Andres Gustafson both scored some nice early KO wins.
Jackie Davis again pumps out the fight of the night in a 4 round rumble that had the crowd on their feet throughout.
Clement Bethea and Henry Northam fought like they were competing for a spot in Maximus Roman empire.
The Legendary Blue Horizon opens their doors for the first time in 2010 on February 5th as Ms. Veronca Michael and her tag team partner Don Elbaum bring a seven fight card to North Broad street. On top of the bill is USBA 154lb champ Derek Ennis (19-2-1, 12ko’s) of Gernamtown taking on Puerto Rico’s Edwin Vasquez (22-14-2, 8ko’s) in an 8 round non-title bout. This will serve as a precursor to Ennis first title defense which is expected to come in April in Atlantic City. In addition to the main event, people are buzzing about the home coming of Northeast Philly’s Joey DaWejko – the former top rated US amateur heavyweight who turned pro in September. He is scheduled for four rounds.
Also expect to see Eric “Outlaw” Hunter & Ronald Cruz compete in separate bouts – both have yet to find a suitable opponents. Jackie Davis looks to go 4-0 when she takes on the pro debuting Tanya Martinez. Tim Johnson is back in action for a 4 rounder.
There are rumors of a co-feature where grizzled vets Israel “Pito” Cardona and Martinus Clay will fight an 8 rounder at Middleweight! Could be true, could be a load of BS, we will see….More info to come soon…
On January 15, 2010, USBA Jr. Middleweight champion, Derek “Pooh” Ennis (19-2-1, 12ko’s) of Germantown will sharpen up before the first mandatory defense of his title when he takes on fading vet Edwin Vasquez (22-14-2, 8ko’s) at the Arena for a scheduled 8 rounder. Ennis is said to have changed his training ways and appears to again be in tip top shape. This is a retry of a scheduled 2007 match where Ennis failed to make weight, sparking off a debate on his dedication to the sport. All of that seems to be put to bed now, as he weighed a career low 151 lbs in his last match, when he turned in the Philly 2009 Fight of the Year in a 12 round win over Eromosele Albert at The Blue Horizon. With Ennis on point and Vasquez being a loser of his last 5, don’t bet on this going the distance. Ennis is tentatively scheduled to defend his USBA belt in April in Atlantic City. Win that, and you are ranked in the top 5 of the IBF Pooh!
The undercard will feature undefeated North East Philly prospect Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante (8-0, 4ko’s) taking on Andre Hemphill (8-13-2, 5ko’s) in a 6 rounder. Ferrante seems to be on a quest to clean out the local Light Heavyweights around town. Hemphill has lost four of his last five but is known to be a spoiler when fighting in this area, most recently blasting out Richard Stewart in 3 rounds. We will see if he can pull the rug out this time around…
The Boxing Barber Victor Vasquez (10-3, 5ko’s) and Gustavo Dailey (4-7, 1ko) square off for a potential 6 round riot.
Also scheduled for action are Coy Evans and Big Poppa Speller
October 16, 2009 in Philadelphia. Before we talk about today, take a walk with me for a minute as I take a flash back to Philadelphia, circa 1999. Looking back, it was a year of change for this great city with many tall tasks and lots of uncertainty ahead. One of the all time Philly greats, Ed Rendell, was stepping down from his big office at room 215 in City Hall wrapping up one of the most successful runs in the history of the country as mayor of a big city. The people chose a 19 year veteran of City Council, John Street to lead the charge into the new millennium. The big building across from the street from the clothespin hasn’t been the same since. It was also a new day in Eagles country as 1999 marked the beginning of the Andy Reid- Donovan McNabb era whose goal was to give a fresh breath of life into a franchise that hit the bottom of the barrel. Say what you want about Big Red and his adopted son’s reign but five NFC Championship games later, the Birds as a well-respected and very lucrative franchise. The Phillies were still light years away from becoming World F. Champions but Overbrook’s Will Smith just putting down the mic to hit Hollywood for a career that saw him become one of the highest grossing actors of all-time.
Flying below the radar was Greg Robinson, a young ex-boxer with ambitions to stay in the game he loved. With family roots that ran deep into the heart of Philly boxing, he gave birth to his Power Productions promotional outfit in late 1999. In the one sport that is truly here today, gone tomorrow, Robinson has survived and even thrived in this landscape where only the strong, smart and crazy survive. Ten years later, Power Productions has become a Philly boxing club show main stay, producing some of the best action fights this town has seen in the 21st century. For that I tip my cap to the man. Like Greg said at the press conference, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that make this a very tough business at times, but this is the sport we choose. For that we continue on doing what we love. Read more…
On October 14, 2009 Greg Robinson held a press conference at The Fox & Hound in Center City Philly to introduce he fighters on his upcoming 10th anniversary card. He plans to celebrate in style on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon with Philly Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis on top of the bill. After weeks of shuffling and searching for opponents, Eromosele Albert (22-3, 10ko’s) has been selected and approved by the IBF as this match will be over 12 rounds for the USBA Jr. Middleweight title.
Ennis has looked strong in his last few bouts, most recently on ESPN with a W over John Mackey. People have been calling for Pooh and his team to make a move, and here it is. Albert is a two time Olympian from Nigeria and overall solid competitor in his own right with some good showings on ESPN. Very solid match-up that should produce a lot of two way action.
On the undercard, look for an all out Philly rumble between the Boxing Barber Victor Vasquez and Tyric “Too Sweet” Robinson. Excellent matchmaking and should be a delight for the crowd. Vasquez hasn’t fought since March so you know he is itching for a fight. Robinson has lost two in a row and it itching for a win, especially on his uncles 10th anniversary card where I am sure the whole family will be in the house. Grab a beer and enjoy!
The night will also mark the return of Tommie “Big Poppa” Speller
Watch the video to hear from Promoter Greg Robinson, Derek Ennis, Coy Evans,
Tyric Robinson & more.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions you can email Philly Keith at keith@phillykeith.com
Go to www.phillykeith.com for up to the minute info on the Philly boxing scene
Tip your hat to promoter Greg Robinson as it is now 10 years in the promoting business for the head of Power Productions. He plans to celebrate in style on October 16th at The Legendary Blue Horizon with Philly Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis on top of the bill fighting for the 154 lb USBA title against Ireland’s James Moore in a 12 rounder that should be a rumble. Ennis has looked strong in his last few bouts, most recently on ESPN with a W over John Mackey. People have been calling for Pooh and his team to make a move, and here it is. Moore is a known fighter, especially in NYC where he moves a lot of tickets. Moore recently lost to Yuri Foreman on Showtime in a fight that vaulted Foreman into a world title shot. Two opposite styles that will force the other to fight. Should be a very good one.
Shalyte Promotions inaugural card at The Arena was a winner as they collaborated with Jimmy Burchfield and ESPN to provide a mostly competitive 9 bout card that was seen across the nation. On the local side, Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis made the TV portion of the show and delivered some post 4th of July fireworks, scoring two hard knockdowns during a competitive fight against Alabama tough journeyman John Mackey en route to a 6 round unanimous decision win. After a steady start from both men, Pooh almost sealed the deal in the 2nd round when he put Mackey on the canvas with a combination upstairs. Mackey did rise and actually fought hard enough to win some of the middle rounds. It was a good fight down the stretch and Ennis was the one looking to close the show as he put Mackey down hard late in the 6th with a head shot. Mackey got up again and weathered a late flurry to end the fight on his feet. Good showing for Ennis on national TV as he makes his case to secure a more meaningful fight in the near future.
Mayfair Light Heavy Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante found himself in the fight of his young career and dug deep down the stretch to pull out an 8 round majority decision win over the upset minded Billy Bailey of California. The fight had a steady theme, Ferrante headhunted and landed some good right hands upstairs or some well timed uppercuts while Bailey played the role of buzz saw, firing and landing hard hooks to the body. The momentum see-sawed from rounds 1 – 6. There were times where Bailey looked hurt, there were times where Ferrante’s tank seemed to have nothing but dust particles left. Throughout it all both kept on fighting. Ferrante gained a second wind when it matter most as he clearly took the final two rounds and was on the verge of a KO late in the 8th. Probably the best local fight in Philly so far this year.
In the TV co-feature, Light Heavy contender Chris Henry overcame a Shawn George SCUD missile attack in the early going, and after being force fed overhand right after right without budging, he turned the tide, gave his opponent a taste of his own medicine and eventually KO’d George late in the 5th round in one hell of a fight.
Olivia Fonseca scored a 3rd round KO with a body shot in her scheduled 4 rounds. Olivia, known for her wild brawls, actually sat back and boxed this time around and looked good doing it.
Jackie Davis pulled herself off the canvas in round 1 to win a clear cut unanimous decision in her 4 rounder. Rounds 2 – 4 were non stop Davis as she fought like it was now or never. Great show of heart from the Ivan Robinson trained boxer.
Angel Ocassio had some good moments in his pro debut. Good movement, good hand speed, seems to have some pop and brought a decent crowd with him. Did seem a little hesitant at times though offensively. Overall a solid start to his career.
Derek Webster beat up a guy who should never be allowed to lace up the gloves ever again. This one was mercifully stopped midway through the 1st.
In the TV main event, Sioux Falls native Shaun Hawk should have stayed on the reservation as he and Connecticut’s Matt Godfrey combined to put on a 10 round stinker that Godfrey won by unanimous decision to retain the NABF Cruiserweight title. Ran Nakash has nothing to fear if this is his competition at the next level…
It has been a while since I put together a Philly top 10 list and in that time it is still pretty obvious who is #1 in the town, that would be B-Hop. But in the past year there has been a lot of activity amongst the rank and file who made moves to get to the top. Some succeeded, some failed, some have rebounded and others are on their way.
This time around I give you two lists. First is a national Philly top 10 pound for pound which gives my ranking to those from this area who are either champions, within title contention or TV fighters. These guys are all over the world and are known industry names.
The next list is themed “21 & Under” ranking the Philly pros with 21 pro fights or less. These fights can take place anywhere in the world. This list tracks the activity of the young pros who seem to be on their way to making big moves in the boxing circuit within the next few years. These rankings are based on pro performance and potential, not solely on amateur career.
This was done as a replacement for the local top 10 list that ranked boxers competing within city limits. There was just not enough activity to compile one. Take a look and feel free to send any feedback to me via email.
Boxing returns to the Legendary Blue Horizon this Friday night but I must say – this card was very poorly constructed. Step it up Elbaum – these tickets are expensive!
Shalyte Promotions inaugural card at The Arena was a winner as they collaborated with Jimmy Burchfield and ESPN to provide a mostly competitive 9 bout card that was seen across the nation. On the local side, Jr. Middleweight Derek “Pooh” Ennis made the TV portion of the show and delivered some post 4th of July fireworks, scoring two hard knockdowns during a competitive fight against Alabama tough journeyman John Mackey en route to a 6 round unanimous decision win. After a steady start from both men, Pooh almost sealed the deal in the 2nd round when he put Mackey on the canvas with a combination upstairs. Mackey did rise and actually fought hard enough to win some of the middle rounds. It was a good fight down the stretch and Ennis was the one looking to close the show as he put Mackey down hard late in the 6th with a head shot. Mackey got up again and weathered a late flurry to end the fight on his feet. Good showing for Ennis on national TV as he makes his case to secure a more meaningful fight in the near future.
Mayfair Light Heavy Tony “Boom Boom” Ferrante found himself in the fight of his young career and dug deep down the stretch to pull out an 8 round majority decision win over the upset minded Billy Bailey of California. The fight had a steady theme, Ferrante headhunted and landed some good right hands upstairs or some well timed uppercuts while Bailey played the role of buzz saw, firing and landing hard hooks to the body. The momentum see-sawed from rounds 1 – 6. There were times where Bailey looked hurt, there were times where Ferrante’s tank seemed to have nothing but dust particles left. Throughout it all both kept on fighting. Ferrante gained a second wind when it matter most as he clearly took the final two rounds and was on the verge of a KO late in the 8th. Probably the best local fight in Philly so far this year.
