Tag Archives: Jake Smith

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Baltimore Boxing to honor late Scott Wagner March 22

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Baltimore, MD (March 12, 2018) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue March 22 for a special tribute event to the late Scott Wagner.
Prior to Smith hosting his cards at Michael’s Eighth, Scott Wagner’s Ballroom Boxing ran more than 70 successful shows over a 15 year period. His series was a major hit and he featured many fighters that went onto become world champions such as Terence Crawford, Hasim Rahman, Kermit Cintron, Orlin Norris and Al Cole. A longtime friend of Smith, Wagner stopped promoting in 2009 and graciously offered the family-owned Michael’s Eighth to Baltimore Boxing Promotions.
On February 16, Wagner passed away at age 49.
“Scott was one of my closest friends and I was devastated by his untimely passing,” said Smith, who co-promoted with Wagner and also fought for him in 1996. “He ran one of the most successful promotions for more than a decade and did right by the fighters.
Scott Wagner the person was even better than the promoter. He always helped other people and his experience assisted me in expanding Baltimore Boxing Promotions. I am forever thankful and will always have a place in my heart for Scott Wagner.”
Headlining this Olympic style boxing event is a grudge match between Deshawn “Soulsnatcher” Chase and Ocean City, MD’s Omar Serrano for the East Coast Middleweight title. One of Baltimore Boxing’s top prospects, Chase looks for redemption against the only man to defeat him.
In the co-featured bout of the evening, Baltimore Boxing’s Tyrell Boyd meets Tyler Langer. Boyd is a multi-time champion but is faced with a tough foe that fights out of the highly respected Mack Lewis Gym.
Other bouts will be announced shortly.
Along with honoring Wagner, Baltimore Boxing is hosting a fundraiser for Brenda Davis. The wife of legendary trainer Adrian Davis, Brenda’s battled health complications that have severely impacted her. All proceeds from the fundraiser will help cover Davis’ healthcare costs.
Tickets and tables are available by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com.
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Baltimore Pro Boxing Returns July 13 with Tribute Card

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For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (June 23, 2017) – Baltimore Pro Boxing will pay tribute to the late Murray “Bushwacker” Smith Sr. when they return to Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD Thursday, July 13th for an exciting pro-am fight card.
$45 general admission, $65 ringside, $100 individual VIP seats and a limited number of $1,000 VIP tables of 10 are on sale now at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175. All VIP ticketholders can enjoy food and drinks prior to the first fight. Doors open at 6:30 and the opening bell will sound at 8:30.
The father of Baltimore Boxing Owner Jake Smith, Murray Smith Sr. was a lifelong fixture in Baltimore and promoted various events. He passed away in 2013 after battling melanoma. Baltimore Boxing will honor him during the evening.
Headlining will be Jesse “The Beast” Nicklow against Sherman Artis in an eight round super middleweight contest.
Living and fighting out of Baltimore, Nicklow has an outstanding 26-8-3 record with 8 wins by knockout and is unbeaten in his home state of Maryland. He’s also traveled to face many of the world’s best including former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Ryota Murata and top ranked Sergiy Derevyanchenko among others. In January, Nicklow impressively outpointed previously unbeaten Chauncey Fields.
A Severn, MD native, Artis enters the bout riding a wave of confidence. On March 30, Artis knocked down previously unbeaten local favorite Steve Wheeler en route to a unanimous decision victory. Artis’ team is confident their fighter will defeat Nicklow then move onto bigger and better things.
Fast rising middleweight “Dangerous” Donald Wallace looks to rebound from a controversial draw in May but will have another tough task at hand when he meets Statesville, NC’s Shane Peterson. Wallace, 2-0-1 (1 KO), has received great praise locally for his development and Baltimore Boxing has high hopes for the 23-year-old. Peterson, 2-1 (2 KO’s), is fresh off a vicious first round stoppage of 4-0 Stephon Morris June 17 in Baltimore.
Wallace-Peterson is scheduled for four rounds.
Bantamweight standout Alexandru Marin is slated to see action in an eight round affair. Originally from Iasi, Romania and residing in Bethesda, MD, Marin is 13-0 with 9 KO’s. In June 2016, Marin scored a career best victory, knocking out once-beaten Johnny Determan in three rounds to capture the IBO International title.
Glenarden, MD junior welterweight Dravontay Speed Rawls, 8-0-1 (6 KO’s) will appear in a six round bout against iron-chinned fight veteran Matt Murphy of St. Louis, MO.
Baltimore Junior lightweight Ernest Hall, 2-0 (1 KO) is stepping up to his first six rounder and will do so against an opponent to be named.
The card will also have amateur bouts including local standouts Brian “Bam Bam” Haenschlager, Clayton Frazier and Deshawn “Soulsnatcher” Chase. For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
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Baltimore Boxing returns to Michael’s Eighth March 30

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Baltimore, MD (March 9, 2017) – Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions is back in action Thursday, March 30 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD with an exciting pro-am card stacked with local standouts.
Ticket are on sale by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Doors open at6:30 and the first bell will sound at 8.
Headlining the card is NABA champion “Slick” Nick Kisner against Lamont “The Problem” Singleton. Living and fighting out of Baltimore, Kisner has a solid 18-3 professional ledger with six wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, Kisner outboxed hometown favorite Brian Holstein to capture the aforementioned NABA belt. Prior to his pro career, Kisner was one of the best amateurs in the country, winning various championships.
Hailing from Dover, Delaware, Singleton owns an impressive 8-1 record and has six knockouts. Fresh off a first round knockout in February, Singleton is confident he’ll earn his biggest victory to date against Kisner.
The non-title bout is scheduled for 8 rounds.
Middleweight prospect “Dangerous” Donald Wallace looks to raise his record to 3-0 when he squares off with Barry Trotter in four round all-Maryland showdown. Wallace of Baltimore is fresh off an exciting six round decision victory over previously unbeaten Tahir Thomas in September. Fighting out of Columbia, Trotter’s 2-2 and has a win over 3-0 Tracey Brewer.
Welterweight phenom Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey of Baltimore meets durable Washington DC Lamont White in a four rounder. The popular Veazey, who called out UFC star and boxing hopeful Conor McGregor, turned pro last October with a decision win. A seven fight veteran, White’s faced 5 unbeaten opponents and has never been stopped.
Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler returns to the squared circle for the first time in 6 ½ years to face an opponent to be named in a four round cruiserweight contest. Wheeler, 6-0 (5 KO’s), is a massive ticket draw and looks to continue where he left off.
The amateur portion of the card will feature former East Coast heavyweight titlist Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager of the Baltimore Boxing Gym. Haenschlager, a heavy handed fighter, is expected to turn pro in the near future.
“Michaels Eighth has been a magical place for Baltimore Boxing,” said Jake Smith. “We have the best and most loyal fan base in the region. The best way to show them our appreciation is by putting on quality fighters. The main event is a ShoBox type fight between two boxers who have plans of fighting bigger bouts in the near future. We’ve packed the house so make sure to get your tickets early.”
For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com.
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Baltimore Boxing to help raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Baltimore, MD (December 29, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing will assist with fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in association with their “Scary Night at the Fights” card Friday, January 13 at Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD.

A nonprofit headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949 and is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.

Baltimore Boxing is providing a helping hand to Dulaney High School junior Erin Hill’s fundraising efforts for LLS by running a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Hill, who lost her uncle Gene from Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2010, is also a nominee for Student of the Year.

“Jake Smith is an amazing person for supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Hill. “He has a great heart and I know he’s always doing things to help others in association with his boxing events. Jake is a very important member in the Baltimore community.”

Headlining “Scary Night at the Fights” is an eight round super middleweight contest between rugged Baltimorean Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow and unbeaten Virginia native Chauncey “Grimm” Fields.

Nicklow has a solid 25-8-3 record with 8 knockouts and is a fan favorite in Maryland. He looks to rebound from recent defeats against world class opposition and has never lost in his home state. With only four fights under his belt, Fields is taking a significant step up in competition. Rather than continue the standard record building process, Fields’ team is confident their fighter has much more to gain by defeating the established Nicklow.

Somebody’s 0 must go in the six round co-feature when super middleweights “Dangerous” Donald Wallace and Tahir Thomas square off. Baltimore’s Wallace is 1-0 with a first round knockout and exceeded expectations during his time in the amateurs. Fighting out of Salisbury, MD, Thomas has a solid 4-0-1 ledger with 3 wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, Thomas drew with 10-0 Antowyan Aikens.

Veteran Michael “The Amazing” Gbenga looks for his 22nd victory when he faces an opponent to be named at light heavyweight.

All ticketholders will also have the opportunity to watch the amateur portion of the card including a heavyweight title rematch between Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager and Dallas Butts.

Other pro and amateur bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets from $50 are on sale at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175.

boxing, charity

Giving back: Baltimore Boxing raises $10,000 to help locals combat medical bills

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Baltimore, MD (November 15, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions is proud to announce they’ve raised $10,000 for two area residents with large medical bills associated with extended hospital stays.

To ensure funds were raised through multiple channels, Smith donated a large number of tickets (which the families resold and kept 100% of the money) while running a 50/50 raffle and silent auction on fight night at Michael’s Eighth Avenue.

On September 15, Baltimore Boxing’s “Fight for Vince” card raised funds for Vincent Veazey, a longtime trainer and mentor at the Baltimore Boxing Club. Veazey, who was already fighting Parkinson’s disease, suffered a heart attack earlier this year that required triple bypass surgery. Vince and his family were left with massive medical bills following his hospitalization and still needed enough money for day to day expenses.

Thursday, November 10’s card assisted the family of Nicholas Tasker, an 8-year-old Arbutus, MD resident battling a rare form of abdomen cancer. Tasker is still hospitalized but made it to Michael’s Eighth to receive the “Mike Dietrich American Dream Award” during an emotional ceremony for his courageous fight against cancer.

“I’ve been in boxing for most of my life as a fighter, trainer, promoter and gym owner and these last few events were the most emotional for me,” said Jake Smith. “The community and our fans have been incredible in purchasing tickets while participating in the silent auctions and 50/50 raffles to help those in need. As a lifelong Baltimore resident, it is my duty to give back to the community. Seeing firsthand what the sport of boxing can do to help others in need is a feeling no other.”

Baltimore Boxing’s next card is scheduled for December 8 and more information will be available shortly.

Residents, groups and organizations of the Baltimore area interested in receiving assistance through Baltimore Boxing fight cards are encouraged to email Bmoreboxing@aol.com with detailed information.

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Baltimore Boxing shares Muhammad Ali story; plans ceremonial 10 count June 16

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For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (June 6, 2016) – In 1977, long before becoming a pro boxer, trainer, gym owner, successful promoter and member of the Maryland and Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fames, Jake Smith was scheduled for his first amateur fight in Maryland.
The 12-year-old Smith was excited to fight in front of a crowd for the first time after spending a significant amount of time training in a local gym. The fight was on a card as part of a special charity event; an event hosted by legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Prior to the fight, Smith got to meet Ali. Inspired by the once in a lifetime encounter, Smith remembers every detail to this day and considers it one of the highlights of his life.
“Muhammad was a giant compared to me at that time,” Smith said of his interaction with the legendary Ali. “He told me good luck and to go out there and put on a show. It was my first fight but it was one of my best performances amateur or pro. I really beat the crap out of the kid I faced that night.”
Later that evening, Ali participated in an exhibition against three different men as part of the evening’s fundraising efforts.
“Ali was a champion not just of the boxing world but of the people. He came out to Maryland when he was the most recognizable athlete in the world with the most coveted crown in sports, the heavyweight championship. A lot of guys wouldn’t do that and his willingness to help raise money truly showed me the kind of human being Muhammad Ali was.”
On June 16, Smith’s company Baltimore Boxing is hosting their next card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD. The card is headlined by a heavyweight title fight featuring rising star Stefon “Showtime” McCray against Milton Williams.
During the evening, Smith and Baltimore Boxing will pay respects to Ali with a ceremonial ten count and their upcoming show in August will be dubbed “Rumble Young Man Rumble” in his honor.
“Ali is more than a once in a lifetime figure. He’s somebody that will never be replicated at any time in the rest of history. It’s only fitting that we honor him with a ceremonial ten count. It’s unlikely that Ali remembered me but knowing that the greatest of all time was watching me in the ring that night is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
 
Tickets and more information on the card are available by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175.
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Stefon McCray Headlines June 16 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue

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Baltimore, MD (June 1, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen, Burnie MD for another action packed card Thursday, June 16.
Tickets purchased in advance start at $25, reserved seats are available for $35, reserved tables for ten are $350, $50 VIP seats and $500 VIP tables for 10 are on sale now by calling 410-375-9175 or logging onto Baltimoreboxing.com. Doors open at 6:30 pmand the first fight starts at 8. All ticket holders 21 years and older are invited to the official after party at Ferndale Tavern at 7215 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd in Glen
Burnie.
In association with this exciting evening of action, Baltimore Boxing is teaming up with Baltimore-based nonprofit Unified Efforts. Founded by former Baltimore detective Debbie Ramsey four years ago, Unified Efforts is a full-service bullying prevention organization. On the 16th, Unified Efforts will speak to the crowd about anti bullying, pass out pamphlets and run a special 50/50 raffle. Their mascot, “Humble the Bee”, will also be on hand to promote the cause.
“Unified Efforts is looking forward to another great event with Baltimore Boxing,” said Ramsey. “We’re going to continue to bring awareness about bullying prevention and alternatives to violence for Baltimore’s youth. Baltimore Boxing is a leader in organized youth athletic programs that showcases how proper training, discipline and a focus on respect for others will help young men and women reach their fullest potential academically and socially. Together, we can end bullying!”
In the main event of the evening, rising prospect Stefon “Showtime” McCray of the Baltimore Boxing Gym faces 2016 Golden Gloves titlist TJ Mottinger. A standout basketball player in high school and college, McCray is already making a name for himself inside the squared circle. Mottinger, the current East Coast Champion, looks to avenge a prior loss to McCray.
The McCray-Mottinger bout is for the Maryland State Heavyweight Title and East Coast Championship.
Baltimore Boxing’s Clayton Frazier meets Elvis Banegas in a rematch. Frazier is one of the biggest ticket sellers in the area and brings a great crowd every time he fights but Banegas has plans to silence his loyal followers.
Tyrell Boyd, Justin “Psycho” Sykes, Ashton “The Goon” Sykes, Destiny Day Owens, Allen “The Hampden Hammer” Burris and young phenom Tommy Coe Jr. will all appear in separate bouts against opponents to be named.
“The 16th is guaranteed to bring excitement,” said Jake Smith. “We’ve got two highly anticipated rematches and many other quality fighters on the card. Tyrell Boyd is one of this area’s best kept secrets and Tommy Coe Jr. is one of the best young fighters around. It’s also great to be working with Deborah and Unified Efforts. They’re a great organization and it’s my pleasure to assist however I can with anti-bullying. Kids in schools across the country are being bullied and it needs to stop immediately. Everybody who comes out on the 16thare not just supporting the fighters, they’re helping the anti-bullying movement that can literally save lives.”
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
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Baltimore Boxing’s Donald Wallace to make pro debut Saturday in Virginia

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Baltimore, MD (May 18, 2016) – Baltimore Boxing middleweight prospect “Dangerous” Donald Wallace is slated to make his pro debut against fellow newcomer Brian Straus in a four round match up Saturday evening at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

In the last year, Wallace went from a virtual unknown to a respected up and comer in the notoriously tough Baltimore-Maryland-DC region. A participant in the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers, Wallace exceeded expectations but ultimately came up short after dropping a debatable decision to well-regarded Sharif Rahman.

Since the defeat to Rahman, Wallace has been fighting with a chip on his shoulder and the kind of hunger necessary to make it in a sport brutal as boxing. Now that his brief but successful amateur career is behind him, Wallace is focused on his future in the paid ranks.

“I’m excited and have been working on getting my weight down,” said Wallace. “My last few amateur fights I fought too heavy but that’s no longer an issue. I’ve already had experience boxing without the headgear during the Olympic Qualifiers so I’m not worried about that aspect. I actually like that the gloves are smaller in the pros because I’m looking for a knockout or stoppage in the first round to enter the pros in style!”

Jake Smith, Wallace’s manager and trainer, has been involved in the fight game for more than three decades and is a firm believer in him.

“Donald came to me with no experience but the desire to learn and improve. He is an incredibly hard worker and has come very far in a short period of time. I believe his work ethic alone will take him places in this sport and I’m looking forward to Saturday night.”

Tickets are available by calling 410-375-9175.

Fans can interact with Donald on Twitter @Wallytbe and for more information on Baltimore Boxing, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

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Baltimore Boxing Returns May 5

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For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (April 6, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions will once again take over Michael’s Eighth AvenueThursday, May 5 in Glen Burnie, MD.
The card will serve as a tribute to Murray “Bushwacker” Smith Sr., the father of Baltimore Boxing’s Jake Smith. Smith Sr., a well-known figure in the Baltimore area for decades, was a longtime event promoter who lost his battle with Melanoma in 2013.
Tickets purchased in advance start at $25, reserved seats are $35, reserved tables for ten are $350, $50 VIP seats and $500 VIP tables of 10 can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the fights begin at 8.
Topping the card will be a showdown between local star Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey and Andre Harris of Pasadena, MD. Fighting out of the Baltimore Boxing Club, Veazy won numerous titles since his earliest days in the sport and is one of the top prospects in the talent-rich DC-Maryland-Virginia area. A big ticket seller, a legion of “Bazooka Joe” supporters come out every time he fights.
Veazy and Harris meet for the East Coast 154 pound championship in what will be Veazy’s final amateur bout.
Tyrell Boyd of the Upton Boxing Club meets Genc Pllana for the East Coast middleweight title. Boyd is a former champion and looks to recapture the crown while Pllana is fresh off an upset win over well regarded Donald Wallace.
Popular Clayton Frazier and former Stevenson University basketball standout Stefon McCray are slated to appear on the card against opponents to be announced. Additional bouts will be added shortly.
“Joey’s been representing the Baltimore Boxing Club and training there for a while now,” said Smith, who is also the owner and head trainer at Baltimore Boxing Gym. “We’ve had great success during his amateur career but I’m looking forward to turning him pro in the immediate future. On the 5th, fans will not only get to see Veazy fight for a title in his last amateur match but also a middleweight championship fight between Tyrell Boy and Genc Pllana. Pllana surprised all of us by beating Donald Wallace last time out and Boyd wants his title back. We’ve also got Clayton Frazier and Stefon McCray competing plus additional fan friendly bouts to be added.”
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
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Baltimore Boxing Club featured in Under Armour Commercial!

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Baltimore, MD (November 5, 2015) – Baltimore Boxing Club and founder Jake Smith have been featured in Under Armour’s new commercial for the Muhammad Ali Collection.

Based out of Baltimore, Under Armour is a global giant forsports clothing and accessories, making a name for themselves in the boxing world during the last few years.

Recently, Under Armour filmed fighters training at the Baltimore Boxing Gym while Smith gave instructions, followed by an intense sparring session. The commercial also features highlights from Ali’s career followed by boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez discussing what made Ali successful before showing one of Canelo’s training sessions.

“Under Armour has been a great supporter of local boxing and my gym in particular,” said Smith. “They’ve done filming here before and sponsored the recent Regional Qualifiers for the Olympic Trials here in Baltimore. Even with all of that, never in a million years did I think that the Baltimore Boxing Club would appear in a commercial featuring the great Muhammad Ali and Saul Alvarez. We appreciate the exposure and hope it creates more recognition for our fighters and the gym.”

Baltimore Boxing’s next card takes place Wednesday, November 25 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

The commercial can be seen by going to Youtube.com/watch?v=DHv7tSM2mwQ.

For more information on Baltimore Boxing or to buy tickets to their next card, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.