Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals

April 02, 2016, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD.

 

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Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry

NOVICE

The Golden Gloves kicked off its Championship Finals with a action packed night of boxing. Adrien Broner fresh of his vicious beating of Ashley Theophane, took in the festivities.  In the first bout, Marcus Johnson (LIMLITE) defeated Joshua Woodard (Headbangers Gym) for the 123lbs Championship.  In the 132lbs Championship, Blaze Fidler (Hillcrest Gym) defeated Ahmad Jones (UMAR Gym).

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IMG_3176In an entertaining bout, Leroy Payne (Headbangers Gym) and Tariq Harris (1st Class Gym) warred in the ring; with Payne pulling off the victory for the 141lbs Championship.

 

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Mike Crain (Dog Pound) defeated Kalonni Daily (Sugar Ray Gym) for the 151lbs Championship.  Ashton Sykes (Switch Hitters) won the 165lbs Championship with a win over Antonio Haywood (Hillcrest Gym). The bout was called after Haywood could not continue due to a shoulder injury.

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Leonard Poe (Hillcrest Gym) stopped Francis Poulos II (Sugar Ray Gym) in the 1st Round to win the 178lbs Championship.

The 201+ division saw two Championship fights. In the first, Thomas Mottinger (Main Street Gym) defeated Jordon Scott (Woodland Tigers) for the 201lbs Championship. Post fight, Mottinger spoke about how boxing has made him understand true sacrifice. The up and comer works hard, makes time for family, trains constantly all while attending college. Mottinger doesn’t stop there, he gives reverence to his spiritually saying, ” I hope God continues blessing me.

The 2nd bout featured  Jimmy Speros (Olympia Boxing Center) who defeated Aaron Blackwell (D-Block). 

Walkover:

Davonte Lee (Hillcrest Gym) Donte Lovelace (Headbangers Gym), and Rasheed Wright (Headbangers Gym) all won by walkover.

Open Division:

Malik Jackson (Limelite) won the 114lbs Championship over Paul Jerry (Fighting for the Future). Hector Soto (Downunder Gym) defeated Christopher Glen (Hagerstown Boxing) for the 123lbs Championship. In the 132lbs Championship,  Tommy Avelar (Sugar Ray Gym) defeated Ebrima Jawara (Laurel Boxing Club). Avelar,  was surrounded by family and friends and was just over the top excited about the next step in his burgeoning  career; “Im looking forward to the regional Championship then Nation -wide BABY!”

 

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Tyrek Irby (Headbangers Gym) defeated Joshua Lee (Umar Gym) for the 141lbs Championship after the Referee call the fight when Lee could not continue due to an arm injury. Young Mr. Irby has aspirations to win the Nationals, after which, become pro.

Mailwak Da’Goot (Hillcrest Gym) defeated Mansabory Conde (Odenton Fitness) for the 152lbs Championship.  Tavon Body (Headbangers Gym) would go on to win the Jordon Payne (Woodland Tigers) for the 165lbs Championship.

Mark Duncan (Headbangers Gym) would loose the 178lbs Championship to Genc Pllana (Bowerhouse Boxing Club) The 201lb Championship was settled between  Jonathan Surratt (Tony Gym) and Shak Williams (Nomis Youth Network). The Super Heavyweights closed out the night with Cortez Duncan (Umar Gym) defeating Nathaniel Copeland Jr. (D-Block)

 

BoxHerNews would like to spotlight one of the people who make the Golden Gloves possible. This guy is typically one of the first ones in and last one out. He is a multi-tasker who doesn’t mind giving a helping hand, where ever its needed. Bobby White; Doorman/Bouncer/all around caretaker or all put together, Chairman of the board. And By the way, did we tell you he is “Fresh -To-Def”

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Golden Gloves 141lb Novice Champion Kierra “Kelola” Kerry

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One boxer stood out for more than owning the ring. In a brilliant performance of self-will and determination, the one time street brawler turned to boxing as a means of living ones dream. Kierra “Kelola” Kerry has been fighting her whole life.  She adopted the nickname Kelola which means Victorious to signify her struggle. The one focus this Maryland made contender whose blood line has bore a lineage of boxers is more on being a great parent to two little girls.

What do you tell your girls after coming home after a fight?

Stay strong and you can do anything as long as you stay focused, dedicated, and motivated. Faith is the number one key. You have to have faith in yourself and everything you do.

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Photo Courtesy Minnie Larry

What made you get into boxing?

I asked God about it, I always been a fighter. I always have been upright. In life you have to be physically and mentally there, it’s my strength. Always love strong. Sportsmanship, and being around the other people socially; I love being sociable and boxing is just it. You will always see a lot of people and boxing is it.

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Photo Courtesy of Minnie Larry

Where does God fit in all of this?

He is the number one reason I’m here. When I was younger I always had boxing gloves. My family has boxers. People like Lala Ali, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali are the boxers I looked up to. Also, I admire Rhonda Rousey.

What would you tell your girls ten years from now?

Never change always; be yourself; the world may change but always be yourself.

 

Author: Minnie Larry