Tag Archives: Arkansas

The Comeback of Heavyweight Contender JD Chapman Continues

July 28, 2021, Fort Smith, Arkansas—American Heavyweight Contender JD “The Natural” Chapman (30-0, 26 KO’s) continues his surprise comeback on July 31, 2021 when he takes on veteran gatekeeper Terrell Jamal Woods (24-49-9) at home, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 


Woods recently had a draw with Russian heavyweight contender Alexander Ustinov (36-4) and is renown for testing top fighters, having taken to the distance former world champion Dominick Quinn, and top prospects such as Michael Hunter (21-1) any Nicholas Musterek (9-0). 


JD “The Natural” Chapman (30-0), returned to Boxing on June 5, 2021, after a thirteen year layoff. At the time of his retirement, Chapman was ranked by just about every rating organizing and was considered one of America’s best chance at reclaiming the Heavyweight title. With his return, Chapman immediately became one of the most talked about heavyweight contenders. 


Asked whether it is not too soon to fight such a dangerous opponent as Terrell Jamal Woods so early in his comeback, Chapman said with his usual humility, “Jamal Woods is tough and will be a good test for me as I’m rusty and nowhere close to where I used to be. However, if I can’t go through guys like Jamal, I might as well hang up my gloves and retire for good this time.”


Says his promoter Edward Mendy, “JD Chapman is the ‘Next Great American Hope.’ No offense to Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz, but no American heavyweight today has a better shot at the world title than Chapman Period. JD has the size, the power, the skills and the experience to take on any of the top five heavyweights today. I’m so pleased with his progress, I would gladly to put him up against any other top ten heavyweight today. But first, he has to pass the Wood test.”


Chapman’s next fight, July 31, 2021 fight Terrell Jamal Woods, will take place at the River Valley Combat Academy in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 


About JD Chapman
Born John David Chapman in March of 1983, JD Chapman did not fight as an amateur. Instead, he started fighting in Toughman Contest competitions before he turned pro in 2002. Chapman chose the name “The Natural” as he hails from Arkansas, “The Natural State”. 


After fighting mostly guys with losing records his first fourteen fights, JD Chapman stepped it up and never fought another opponent with a losing record. In the process he has accumulated 30 wins with 26 of the wins by way of knockout (knockout ratio greater than 90%).  Also, Chapman has beaten several known contenders and gatekeepers. His most notable opponents were Chicago-based Edward Gutierrez who was 15-0-1 coming into the bout, New York veteran John Carlo who then possessed a 14-1 record, and fellow undefeated Mid-West prospect Matt Hicks then 7-0. 


Chapman further captured several regional heavyweight titles including the IBF Southern Regional title, the North American Boxing Council title, the WBC Latino title and the Arkansas State title. Just when it seemed that Chapman was at the cusp of stardom, he hung it all up and rode into the sunset.

At the time of his retirement in 2008, Chapman was considered a major heavyweight contender and was the darling of the boxing press. He received tremendous coverage and exposure in the boxing press and was featured repeatedly on television. More importantly, Chapman was rated Top Ten by every major sanctioning body except the WBC, which gave him a World Rating of 14.


He is being trained by former MMA Champion Brian Foster. Chapman’s return is being guided by Edward Mendy of Lion Heart Boxing Productions. 

Warriors Signs Undefeated Middleweight Kalvin Henderson to a Promotional Contract

Warriors Boxing proudly announces the signing of Arkansas-based middleweight Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson to a promotional contract.
With brains to back up the brawn, 26-year-old Henderson (6-0, 3 KOs) holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion. Despite having had just 60 fights as an amateur boxer, Henderson rose to #4 in the country, fighting in elite national tournaments and winning four Arkansas Golden Gloves Championships, among many other distinctions.
But the unpaid ranks were never Henderson’s ultimate aspiration. “My goal was always to turn professional,” he explained. “I was just getting my pedigree in the amateurs. Amateur boxing is very political and if I’m going to get things like cuts from headbutts, I might as well get paid for it.”
And so, Henderson turned professional in April 2016 and has torn through his first six opponents.
“This is my dream job. Ever since I stated boxing at age 15, I’ve been hanging up pics of Roy Jones Jr., and Oscar De La Hoya, while dreaming of being a pro fighter. Signing with Warriors is a big blessing and a huge step towards my goal. I can’t say how happy inside I am to be able to showcase my talents and make things happen.”
Henderson trains at Straightright Boxing & Fitness in Springdale, Arkansas, with trainer Kevin Lightburn, a man he calls his second father. “I met him in 2012 and he has helped me so much, not just in boxing, but in life as well. We’re so close, he was in my wedding party.”
A boxer who can punch, Henderson cites his education as a major factor in his ring success. “I have a great jab, but it’s my boxing IQ that is my strongest asset. I am very smart in there. Boxing is a chess match. Opponents are quick or strong or sometimes both, but they can’t think like I do in the ring. I break them down mentally.”
“I am beyond thrilled to have Kalvin sign with Warrior’s Boxing,” said Henderson’s manager, Shane Shapiro. “Kalvin has a large following in his area. He is a hard worker with rare talent and I believe with Leon’s guidance he will become world champion.”

Henderson says signing with Warriors is not only good for his boxing career, but also a road to a better place for he and wife Danielle and their kids.
“My main goal is to take care of my family. I’m going to use my skills and talent to make sure they are financially ok. With that, of course I want to win numerous belts. I would like to thank God, my team, and my family for this amazing opportunity. It allows me to continue to showcase my talents and skillsets in the ring, and also the chance to continue on track on the path to my first world title with the help of Warriors.”

“Kalvin is a promising fighter with tremendous popularity in his area,” said Warriors President, Leon Margules. “We believe he has the tools and ability to become champion. I’m happy he decided to sign with us and look forward to helping him reach his goals.”

About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.