Beltway Boxing 2009 -- The Year of the Prospect

October 18, 10:19 PMDC Boxing ExaminerGary Williams

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As we enter the fall session of Beltway Boxing 2009, one trend seems evident:  There is truly more than one way to build a prospect on the way to a possible championship future.  Currently, there are four undefeated propsects who have less than two years pro experience and each are taking diverse paths to try and reach title gold.  .

All four boxers are currently undefeated , three of the four have already won regional championships, two have signed with major promotional groups and one has sparred with two former light heavyweight champions.  This article will analyze their journeys and predict which way they should go in the future.

Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell, heavyweight, Brandywine, MD (13-0-1, eight KO's)

The former Michigan State football player took a quick road to success, signing early with Golden Boy Promotions.  The move gave Mitchell instant notoriety, but Golden Boy has not done a great job in moving him along.  Mitchell has not completely stayed still, but he has not fought the competition that could move him towards a regional or world title shot.  Mitchell's next bout is slated to be on Saturday, October 24 against 43-year old former world title contender, Bert Cooper.

Only five of Mitchell's 14 opponents had a winning record when Mitchell faced him.  On the plus side, Mitchell has been a willing pupil and has shown improvement with every contest.  The year 2010 will be a year where his gym work must translate into wins against better competition.

James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (12-0, 10 KO's)

Virtually unknown two years ago, many Beltway Boxing fans say Stevenson might be the best prospect in the area.  Yes, Stevenson has only fought four opponents that have a five hundred or better record, but Stevenson is fortunate to be in a division with some tough journeyman that give rising prospects good work.  Stevenson has won three minor regional titles this year and put in a great performance in his last outing, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over one of the toughest journeymen available, Martinus Clay on October 16 in Baltimore.

The bout against Clay was a nice step-up in competition at the right time.  Stevenson, who knocked out his first eight opponents, is now proving to be a solid distance boxer as well.  His future looks very bright.

Mark "TNT" Tucker, light heavyweight,  Eldersburg, MD (12-0, seven KO's)

Tucker has taken a very quick road to success, winning a regional title in just his 12th pro bout at the age of 22.  Tucker's success on his path has been remarkable, having fought six of his 12 bouts against winning competition and against boxers who have been title contenders.  Tucker has learned from former world champions Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver as well has three-time champion Paul Williams as Tucker has served as a sparring partner for all three.

Tucker has also become a franchise boxer in the area as he has put Carroll County, MD on the Boxing map.  Tucker's last four bouts have been at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD and Tucker won his NABO Light Heavyweight title on September 25 in front of a standing-room only crowd of 3,000.  His path may be the most interesting of all.

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight, Salisbury, MD (16-0, 13 KO's)

The most notable prospect on this list.  After a stellar amateur career, Guerrero quickly signed with Prize Fight Promotions and made a home in the southern part of the United States.  Guerrero has faced nine straight opponents with even or winning records, and now has turned Salisbury into another franchise town.  Guerrero has drawn an average of 5,000 people to his four bouts in Salisbury, including winning the interim NABO Middleweight title in front of 6,000 in an outdoor venue.

Guerrero also benefits from being around a stable that includes former amateur rivals Dominic Wade and Shawn Porter and Anthony and Lamont Peterson.  All five boxers are undefeated and work around the same trainers.  That breeds a culture of success. 

Beltway Boxing fans have a lot to look forward to with these four prospects and many others in the area in 2009.