Henry Mayes is helping to put Baltimore in the boxing spotlight.
Mayes (5-1, 4 KO?s) will enter the ring Friday at the Pikesville Armory, and he will face Jerrel Jackson (5-4-1, 1KO) in the 168-pound main event.
Julius Kennedy, also a native of Baltimore, will make his pro debut and face Jason Champion (1-1) at 154 pounds.
“It feels just great to be fighting in my hometown,” said Mayes, 33, who made the transition from amateur to professional in October 2004.
“To gain some exposure, and keep my boxing skills fresh, is really important to me right now. I want to keep on winning and try to get a shot at a world title in the near future,” he added.
Mayes, who grew up on Maryland?s Eastern Shore, was a boxer on occasion as a student at Salisbury University from 1995-1998. He also played football for the Seagulls, and watched numerous televised fights of his favorite boxer: Bernard Hopkins.
“I have always loved Bernard?s technique, and I just love to stay involved in a variety of sports to stay in shape,” Mayes said. “Bernard [Hopkins] and I started boxing late in our careers, and maybe one day I can be as good as he is.”
Mayes trains at the Baltimore Boxing Club several days a week with a regular sparing partner. He jumps rope for hours at a time to improve his conditioning and leg strength.
“The professional level has a ton of boxers who are physically gifted and much faster than the amateurs,” said Mayes, who has lived in Baltimore for the past seven years. “So I must practice for long hours to have a chance at this level.”
Other fights include: Willie Williams (1-0) vs. Derric Sierra (1-4-3) at 175 pounds, Jessie Nicklow (3-0) vs. Don Shrock (2-4) at 175 pounds, and Matt Hill vs. Richard Heath at 154 pounds.
Mayes will stay in the area for his next event, as he prepares for a fight at the Pikesville Armory in late June.
LOCAL RUMBLE
» Fight fans who have Internet access can get more information on Friday?s event at www.baltimoreboxing.com. Ticket prices and information are available by phone at 410-375-9175.
