Baltimore boxing promoter and trainer Jake “The Snake” Smith has a simple rationale why his boxers spend as much time in the ring as possible: It keeps them off the streets.
“I find that the more many of these guys are focusing on a fight and staying in tip-top shape, the less likely they are to get in trouble,” Smith said.
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Smith?s philosophy played a significant role in his latest fight card, which is filled with boxers from the Baltimore Boxing Club. Smith plans to include at least four boxers with local ties in Friday night?s card, which is still being finalized, at Du Burns Arena.
Light middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow (12-0-1), who last fought in June, looks to remain undefeated Friday when he takes on Vance Garvey (7-26-5), of Indianapolis. Nicklow, a Severn resident, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Martinus Clay June 22 at Du Burns.
Other Baltimore boxers scheduled to fight Friday are heavyweight Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom (4-0), cruiserweight Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall (11-0-1) and super middleweight Elais Bouloubassis (1-0-3).
“We have a lot of fighters who want to make it to the big time,” Smith said. “I want to help them do it so we can all make that jump together.”
Paschall has not fought since capturing a majority decision over New Jersey light heavyweight William Gill March 10 at the Pikesville Armory. He said personal issues impacted his focus after the fight, causing him to balloon from 179 to 196 pounds.
However, Paschall said he expects to shed the excess weight and make the 172-pound weight limit for his fight this week against Jacob Rodriguez (8-17). Paschall knocked out the Philadelphia native in the second round in their last meeting on July 21, 2005 at Martin?s West in Woodlawn.
“I lost some desire, but I?ve now regained my hunger,” Paschall said. “It hurts me to take as much time off as I did between fights. But, I watched the last card and it kept me motivated to become the best boxer I can be again.”
Baltimore Boxing Club
» What: Local professional boxing card
» When: 6:30 p.m., Friday
» Where: Du Burns Arena, 301 S. Elwood Ave.
» Cost: $35 in advance, $40 at the door (bleachers); $50 (floor seats) $75 (V.I.P. seats)
» For more information: Call (410) 675-6900 or go online to baltimoreboxing.com.
