Tag Archives: Joey Veazey

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Baltimore Pro Boxing Returns January 13

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Baltimore, MD (December 15, 2016) – Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing makes their long awaited return to Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD for “A Scary Night at the Fights” Friday, January 13.
 
Tickets to “A Scary Night at the Fights” are on sale now by going to Baltimoreboxing.com/events or calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 and the opening bell will sound at 8:15.
 
Headlining the event is Baltimore super middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow. Known as one of the physically toughest fighters in the 160 and 168 pound weight classes, Nicklow has a solid 25-8-3 record with 8 wins by knockout. The 29-year-old fought many top fighters including former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, Olympic Gold Medalist Ryota Murata, top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Fernando Guerrero among others.
 
Nicklow, who is unbeaten in 26 fights in his home state, faces an opponent to be named in an eight round contest.
“I’m excited to be back running pro shows in the Baltimore area,” said Smith, a former boxer who has been a successful promoter for more than 20 years. “We’ve had incredible support from the crowd and our sponsors for amateur shows but people were always asking when we’d run another pro card. It’s my pleasure to present “A Scary Night at the Fights” and the plan is to continue providing quality entertainment for our ticketholders.”
 
In the co-main event, 18-year-old boxing prodigy Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey of Baltimore meets an opponent to be named in a four round junior middleweight contest. Veazey, a multi-time champion in the amateurs, turned pro in October with a unanimous decision victory and has a large fan base.
“Dangerous” Donald Wallace, 1-0 (1 KO), is slated to return in a four round middleweight bout. A newcomer to the sport, the Baltimore resident made a name for himself as an amateur, going from novice to Olympic Trials participant in a short period of time. Wallace, who scored a first round knockout in his pro debut, faces a foe to be named.
 
Rugged 46 fight veteran Michael “The Amazing” Gbenga of Baltimore by way of Accra, Ghana will appear on the card in a light heavyweight contest. 
 
Additional fights will be announced shortly.
 
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

Veazey to Conor McGregor: I’ll fight you now

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Baltimore, MD (December 6, 2016) – There was much talk throughout the boxing world last week when UFC superstar Conor McGregor received a boxing license from the California State Athletic Commission.

McGregor, widely considered the best mixed martial artist in the world, has been clamoring for a superfight with Floyd Mayweather. The bout would be a traditional boxing match. Talk surrounding Mayweather-McGregor received heavy criticism and it’s highly unlikely an athletic commission would sanction a five division world champion with a 49-0 record against an opponent making his debut.

Typically, debuting boxers face opponents that only have a few professional bouts.

Enter Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey.

Living and fighting out of Maryland, the 18-year-old had a successful amateur career and turned pro with a four round decision victory in October. A big ticket seller in his home state, Veazey is an honor student focused on being a star in and out of the ring. While many other young professional boxers would wait for a high profile fight, Veazey is ready to show McGregor he should stick to his own sport.

“The whole boxing world already knows Conor McGregor doesn’t belong in the same ring as Mayweather. I just had my pro debut and he recently got licensed so on paper, that’s an approvable fight by the athletic commission. If he does face me however, I’d prove to the world that he’s not a boxer and end the hype he’s started. He thinks he can just walk into this sport and face the best? That’s not how it works. If you really want to get in the boxing ring, I’d gladly expose you right now because boxing is no joke!”

Veazey’s next fight is scheduled for January 13 in Maryland and his promoter Jake Smith of Baltimore Boxing has already discussed licensing McGregor with Maryland State Athletic Commission executives.

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Baltimore Boxing Presents “Rumble Young Man Rumble” August 4

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Baltimore, MD (July 13, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions will pay tribute to legendary Muhammad Ali with “Rumble Young Man Rumble” Thursday, August 4 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
During Baltimore Boxing’s June 16 card, Smith, who had his first amateur fight as part of a charity event hosted by Ali, honored “The Greatest” with a speech and honorary ten count. He also announced that his next card would be named after Ali.
Tickets are on sale now by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight starts at 8.
Headlining is a heavyweight slugfest between Dallas Butts and Drew Ryan. In their first meeting, Butts won a controversial decision that upset the pro-Ryan crowd and immediately set the tone for a rematch. Ryan is confident he’ll leave no doubt as to whom the better fighter is and Butts believes he’ll win without question this time around.
Baltimore Boxing standout Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey returns for his final amateur fight against Rashad Kirkpatrick. He was scheduled to finish his amateur career by competing in the Ringside Tournament but instead opted to fight locally. Veazey, who is turning pro later this year, won various titles during his decorated amateur career and has a large fan base.
Wildly popular Clayton Frazier will face an opponent to be named. A multi-sport star, Frazier is amongst the hungriest local fighters and is coming off a victory June 16.
Justin “Psycho” Sykes and Ashton “The Goon” Sykes will appear in separate bouts and other fighters will be added shortly.
“Michael’s Eighth has been a great home for Baltimore Boxing and we’re expecting another solid crowd,” said Smith. “This will be our second consecutive card paying homage to the great Muhammad Ali. “Rumble Young Man Rumble” will feature all competitive fights and boxers giving everything they have to entertain the crowd. We’ve got a great local following and the exposure the fighters are getting is only growing. If you’re in the area, please make sure to
come out and support not just the fighters but local boxing.”
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.
boxing

Straight Rights and Straight A’s: The Joey Veazey Story

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Joey Veazey champion.jpg
For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (May 3, 2016) – In the movie Coach Carter, Samuel L. Jackson famously quipped to his team of academically struggling players “you are student athletes, student comes first.”
Unfortunately, some standout athletes believe their talents supersede performing in the classroom. This has led to high schools and colleges warning or suspending players if their grades didn’t improve.
On the contrary, there are those who take great pride in starring as an athlete and student; such as 17-year-old Joey Veazey.
Known by his moniker of “Bazooka Joe” Veazey is multi-time amateur champion and was ranked internationally. On Thursdayevening, Veazey fights Chris Perkins for the East Coast junior middleweight championship at Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD as a featured fighter on a card promoted by Baltimore Boxing.
The card serves as a tribute to Murray “Bushwacker” Smith Sr., father of Baltimore Boxing’s Jake Smith. 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.
Slated to compete in his 100th match, Veazy is a big ticket seller in the Baltimore area and regularly draws large crowds when he enters the squared circle. To Veazey however, he is most proud of his accomplishments outside of the ring, where he’s an honor student finishing up his senior year at Northeast High School.
In August, Veazey will enroll in college locally and major in either mechanical engineering or computer science. At the same time, he’ll prepare for his professional debut while still working as a trainer at the Baltimore Boxing Club. Most see being a fighter or student as a full time responsibility, but Veazey believes his work ethic and focus will help him continue to excel in and out of the ring.
“You have to be disciplined in the ring and classroom,” said Veazey. “I know there’s a lot on my plate but I thrive on excelling as a boxer, student and a trainer at the Baltimore Boxing Club. Focusing and paying attention to the task at hand helps keep me dialed in with whatever it is I’m doing at that time. Ultimately, my goal is to continue excelling with my academics and win a world title. I believe both are reachable and can become a reality with continued hard work.”
Smith, who has literally watched Veazey grow as a person and fighter during the last decade, has trained hundreds of fighters and considers Bazooka Joe one of his most special.
“Joey could’ve told himself boxing will be his everything because of how successful he’s been but he’s extremely humble and intelligent far beyond his years,” said Smith. “He literally goes from one task to another and excels at each of them. Whether he’s a world champion boxer, engineer, computer scientist or all of the above, Joey Veazey epitomizes what it means to be a well-rounded person and I’m very proud of him.”
In the co-feature, Upton Boxing’s Tyrell Boyd and 2016 Golden Gloves champion Aston Sykes will do battle for the Maryland State Middleweight title. Boyd is a former East Coast Middleweight titlist and looks for his second belt while Sykes is riding a wave of confidence having won the Golden Gloves in one of America’s toughest regions.
Popular Clayton Frazier faces Elvin Rodriguez in a battle between boxers from the Baltimore Boxing Gym. Frazier, who has only two fights, is a crowd favorite and hopes to claim local bragging rights in what Smith calls the “Battle of Baltimore Boxing.”
Former basketball star Stefon “Showtime” McRay and future pro standout Donald Wallace will also appear on the card in separae bouts.
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com
boxing

Baltimore Boxing Returns May 5

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Baltimore Boxing Club Logo.jpg
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.
boxing

Baltimore Boxing Presents “Madness at Michael’s” March 10!

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Madness at Michaels.jpg

Baltimore, MD (February 24, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD for “Madness at Michaels” Thursday, March 10.

The card is topped by two title bouts and features some of the area’s notable rising fighters.

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.

In the main event, fans will be treated to a heavyweight title bout when “Dangerous” Dallas Butts challenges Drew Ryan for the East Coast Super Heavyweight crown. Butts is making a quick return to the ring, having fought January 28.

Renowned Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey of the Baltimore Boxing Club will do battle with Travis Roberts for the East Coast Junior Middleweight belt. The wildly popular Veazey, who has been ranked both nationally and internationally, has his sights set on turning pro in the near future.

Fast rising light heavyweight Donald Wallace meets Genc Pllana. Wallace, who fights out of the Baltimore Boxing Club, was amongst the biggest surprises during the 2016 Olympic Trials and went from being virtually unknown to one of the most discussed fighters on the local scene.

In other action, Clayton Frazier challenges Joe Nolan while former basketball star Stefon McCray, Tyrell Boyd and Ernest Hall all face opponents to be announced.

“Michael’s Eighth Avenue has been great for Baltimore Boxing,” said Jake Smith. “The crowd loves coming out to Michael’s and we’re going to reward them with two title fights and a special attraction bout featuring a future star in Donald Wallace. The community’s interest in Baltimore Boxing’s events has been strong and it’s important to me that we give them a great event.”

For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

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World Champion Gary Russell Jr, Antonio Russell & former champion Vincent Pettway to attend “Road to the Worlds!”

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Baltimore, MD (July 14, 2015) – WBC featherweight champion Gary “Mr.” Russell Jr., undefeated prospect Antonio Russell and former welterweight titlist Vincent Pettway will all be in attendance for Baltimore Boxing’s “Road to the Worlds” Thursday evening at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Individual tickets starting at $25, reserve tables of 10 for $350 and VIP tables of 10 for $500 are on sale via the web at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 and the first fight takes place at 8.

More than eight Olympic style bouts are scheduled for “Road to the Worlds” including fighters from various weight classes. Competing Thursday evening will be popular knockout king Sam Crossed, 2009 Ringside World champion Joey Veazey, fast rising Donald Wallace, Ernie Hall, Rick Foxwell and Sean Veazey amongst others.

With the Ringside World Championships scheduled August 5-8 in Missouri, Baltimore Boxing is donating 100% of the proceeds from “Road to the Worlds” to help the fighters pay for the tournament and various expenses that come with attending. This includes but is not limited to flights, ground transportation, lodging and food. To further assist with the fundraising efforts, a 50/50 raffle will take place during the evening.

An elite talent who many consider to have the fastest hands in boxing, Russell Jr. captured the WBC featherweight title following a career best performance where he knocked out Jhonny Gonzalez in the fourth round. The Washington, DC native won countless national amateur championships prior to turning pro and was a favorite to capture gold during the 2008 Olympics. Unfortunately, he passed out trying to make weight and never got to compete. At 26-1 with 15 knockouts, Russell Jr. looks to be a force for years to come and is a face that fans will become accustomed to seeing on TV.

Like his older brother, Antonio Russell came into the pro ranks following an impressive amateur career. The winner of the 2013 National Golden Gloves, Russell won medals three of the five years he competed in the nationals, capturing silver in 2010 and 2014. As a professional, Russell fights in the bantamweight division and is 3-0 with 2 wins by knockout.

The fighting pride of Charm City, Pettway stopped Gianfranco Rossi in 1994 to become the IBF junior middleweight champion. His next match however earned Pettway permanent fame in the boxing community. On April 29, 1995, Pettway scored a dynamic one punch knockout of Simon Brown. When Brown crashed to the canvas, the force of Pettway’s punch discombobulated him to the point that he literally threw punches at the air. The knockout has been viewed millions of times on the internet and remains one of the best in boxing history.

“I’m really looking forward to having the Russell Brothers and Vincent at my show,” said Smith. “Gary fought on my show when he was an amateur and I literally had goose bumps watching him fight. He was the most talented amateur I’ve ever seen and his brother was a heck of a fighter too. Their father has been a friend of mine for years and it’s amazing how many talented fighters came from that household. Vincent’s been a great supporter of Baltimore Boxing and the city as long as I could remember. Having him on fight night is always a pleasure and the fans show him a lot of love. Between the fighters on hand, boxers scheduled to compete and cause this card is supporting, Thursday will be a great all around evening.”

The Russell Brothers and Pettway will be available to meet with all ticketholders.

Baltimore Boxing kindly ask those who can’t attend to donate by going to http://www.gofundme.com/x4cyjqc.

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com

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Baltimore Boxing’s “Road to the Worlds” set for July 16!

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Baltimore, MD (June 21, 2015) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing presents “Road to the Worlds”Thursday, July 16 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

 

With the Ringside World Championships scheduled August 5-8 in Missouri, “Road to the Worlds” will be a fundraiser to help local boxers pay for the various expenses of attending the tournament.

 

Advance tickets starting at $25, reserve tables of 10 for $350 and VIP tables of 10 for $500 are available by going to Baltimoreboxing.com or calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 and the action begins at 8.

 

The fighters scheduled to compete include heavyweight knockout artist Sam Crossed, 2009 Ringside World champion Joey Veazey, Donald Wallace, Ernie Hall, Rick Foxwell and Sean Veazey. With a number of talented boxers slated to swap leather on the 16th, ticketholders will have the opportunity to watch these rising stars on their road to the championships.

 

“The buildup to the national and international tournaments is always exciting,” said Smith, who trains many of the boxers at his Baltimore Boxing Gym. “There are so many fighters that won major tournaments from this area that it’s almost an expectation somebody takes home a championship every time we send a representative. Unfortunately, the cost of flights, lodging, transportation, food and other expenses can be overwhelming. My goal with this event is to raise enough money to help send every eligible fighter onto Missouri.”

 

Baltimore Boxing kindly asks all to donate by going tohttp://www.gofundme.com/x4cyjqc.

 

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com

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Hall of Famer Mark Johnson, rising star Dusty Harrison and former champion Vincent Pettway to attend “Snap, Crackle and Pop”!

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Baltimore, MD (March 18, 2015) – Boxing legend Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, undefeated Dusty Harrison and former welterweight champion Vincent Pettway will attend Baltimore Boxing’s “Snap, Crackle and Pop” Saturday, March 27.

 

The card takes place at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the first bell scheduled for 8. Tickets are on sale now by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets start at $25 and VIP tables of 10 are available for $500. All VIP ticketholders can enjoy free hors d’oeurves from 7-8 pm and the best seats in the house.

 

One of the greatest little men in boxing history, Johnson captured the IBF flyweight title in 1996 by knocking out Francisco Trejedor in the first round. The Washington, DC native went on to defend his championship seven times before moving up and winning the IBF super flyweight crown.  After a pair of setbacks to future hall of famer Rafael Marquez, Johnson became the first man to beat future star Fernando Montiel in 2003 before retiring three years later with an outstanding 44-5 record. With a legendary career in the books, Johnson was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

 

A well-known rising star, Harrison turned pro at the ripe age of 16. Having been in the limelight from day one,Harrison’s in-ring success has supported the hype and he continues to improve every time he enters the squared circle. In his most recent bout, the DC based Harrison improved to 25-0 and captured the WBC Continental Americas Welterweight crown by besting Tommy Rainone over ten rounds at Madison Square Garden.

 

Fighting out of the Baltimore, Pettway became a world champion in 1994, stopping underrated Gianfranco Rossi to win the IBF super welterweight belt. In his next match, Pettway scored one of the most memorable knockouts in boxing history, viciously putting away Simon Brown in the sixth round to retain his title. After Brown hit the canvas, he literally threw punches at the air. The replay has been shown countless times and is a favorite of boxing fans.

 

Pettway retired in 2001 with a record of 43-7-1 with 32 wins by knockout. Last August, he received the Murray Smith “School of Hard Knocks” award for his lifelong commitment to the City of Baltimore.

 

“Any time you can have two boxing greats and one of the best young fighters in one place at one time is something special,” said Jake Smith of Baltimore Boxing Promotions. “Vincent has been a great friend and supporter of Baltimore Boxing as is Mark. I’ve known Dusty since he’s a kid and I have no doubt that he’ll be a world champion in the near future.”

 

Johnson, Harrison, and Pettway will be available to chat with VIP ticketholders, sign autographs and take photos. Five time champion Vinny Paz is also attending and will be discussing his upcoming movie, wine company and spending time with VIP ticketholders.

 

This exciting evening of boxing will have four title fights including junior middleweight Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey and heavyweight Sam “Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed in matches for their division’s East Coast crown. The undercard will feature Allen “The Hampton Hammer” Burris, Courtney Hartlove, 2015 Golden Gloves Champion Tommy Coe Jr. and former college basketball star Stefon McCray in separate bouts.

 

In association with this solid evening of fights, Baltimore Boxing is hosting a special 50/50 raffle for the Brooke and Nathan Fenush Scholarship Fund. The fund was created to assist Baltimore County Fire Department Lieutenant Paul Fenush, whose wife recently passed away.

 

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com