Competition Results

***UPDATED 1/28/08***

Michael Gibbons scores 3rd round TKO in second Pro Fight

Michael "The Godfather" Gibbons scored a 3rd round TKO in his second professional fight this past Saturday (January 26th) in Birmingham. The bout, even though it was unsanctioned, was part of a MMA Card that drew a nice crowd to the Birmingham Race Course. Gibbons original opponent pulled out that day and a quick substitute was found. Gibbons, 140, clearly out-classed the Tennessee fighter, working the head and body while displaying a quick jab and fancy footwork. Gibbons finished his opponent off with a volley of shots that put the fighter down for the fourth time in the bout......C. South.

Boxing Competition News

Michael "The Godfather" Gibbons wins unanimous decision over hometown fighter in pro debut!

Michael Gibbons, our first boxer to turn professional from our amateur stable, won a unanimous decision over Corey Frizzell in Columbia, Tennessee (Frizzell's hometown). Gibbons won 40-35 unanimous decision over Frizzell who was also making his pro debut. Frizzell, a former Georgia Games Champion and Iowa Golden Glove champion, fought hard but had a hard time dealing with the southpaw Gibbons. Gibbons, whose ring name is "The Godfather", showed unbelievable ring generalship and coolness as he dominated the bout. Gibbons handle Frizzell, also 135, a standing 8-count in round 2. The Slick Gibbons had the crowd turned to his corner as the fight came to a close. While Michael and Trainer/Coach Curt McCune were making their way back to the dressing room, the crowd applauded and many of them came out of the crowd to shake Michael and Curt's hand. "I am so proud of Michael's performance in his first pro fight. Several people commented to me that Michael looked like a veteran in there", Curt said. The Champions Boxing Pro Team of Coach Curt McCune and Asst. Head Coach Jake Guercio had a tough time finding Michael a bout. "We had several bouts that were cancelled the day before and even went to Mississippi to fight only to have the opponent come in overweight" said Guercio, who also doubles as Michael's manager. Curt has spoken to Richard Steele about getting Michael some fights on the west coach. "I'm sure when I send Richard the tape of the fight, he will see that Michael is the real deal and can only get better", Curt added. Stay tuned for news on Michael second pro fight, wherever that may be.........C.South.

TWO BOXERS GIVE IT ALL AT '07 GOLDEN GLOVES

KENNY MOORE WINS SECOND GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPIONSHIP. TATE ROBERTS WINS FIRST NIGHT BUT COMES SHORT IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT, AT THE 2007 ALABAMA GOLDEN GLOVES TOURNAMENT!

Kenny Moore and Tate Roberts represented Champions Boxing with fantastic performances at the 2007 Alabama Golden Gloves Tournament. Moore, a 6'1" 152 lb. boxer, won by decision both nights. Tate Roberts, who has been absent from the gym for a year, stopped his opponent in round three on the first night but lost a close and disputed decision on the second night. Tate had only been back for a month and fatigue set in but he performed well and gave it his all. We are very proud of both of these outstanding young men who represent what amateur boxing is all about.

TEAM COMPETES AT TWO SHOWS IN GEORGIA

Two of our boxers, Al Casey and Kenny Moore competed in an outdoor show in Athens, Ga. in October of 2006. Al lost a close decision, while Kenny won by decision. Al's bout was one of the best bouts of the night as he and his opponent went toe to toe. Michael Gibbons took the two boxers to Georgia because Coach Curt McCune had to work adn could not get off. Michael did a good job working the croners of these two boxers.

Back row: Coach Curt McCune; middle row: Kenny Moore, Corey Harrris, Bobby Ortiz and Lynn Pride. Front row: Daniel McCune, Jon Pride, Matthew McCune, Tommy Powell and Al Casey.

Kenny Moore, Matthew McCune and Corey Harris all won their bouts at a November show in Columbus, Georgia. Tommy Powell, Jon Pride (both age 8) and Al Casey lost decisions. Al boxed the same boxer that he had fought in Athens and it was an exciting back and forth match. Al's record does not reflect his skill level, as he boxes like a boxer with much more experience. Kenny Moore stopped his opponent in the first round; while Matthew McCune's opponent retired after the first round. Corey Harris won his first bout by decision, while Tommy Powell lost his first bout but fought hard the whole bout.

Al Casey and Bobby Ortiz box in Brookwood, Alabama

Al Casey and Bobby Ortiz boxed at a small show called the "Brookwood Brawl" in June. Casey, 155 lbs., lost a close split decision to a Tuscaloosa boxer. Bobby won his first bout stopping a younger boxer from Mississippi in round two. Al Casey is now 1-3 but performs like he has had 15 bouts. Al was robbed in two previous bouts but is working hard and looking good in preparation for the next show. Ortiz, 144 lbs. used quick combinations to stop the boxer from Mississippi, who had quit a few Junior Olympic bouts. We are proud of both of these boxers as it takes a lot of preparation to get ready for competition.

2006 ALABAMA GOLDEN GLOVES

Al Casey warms up with Curt as Coach Jake Guercio looks on.

Gibbons, Moore and Ginn win titles at the Alabama Golden Gloves

by C. South

Curt McCune waves a towel to fire the crowd up after Kenny Moore stopped his opponent in round two.

Michael Gibbons, Brad Ginn and Kenny Moore won state titles at the 2006 Alabama Golden Gloves, during the March 31st to April 1st tournament. Gibbons, 132, fought in his first open class tournament and soundly beat Adam Davis of the Round One Boxing for Health Club. Ginn, 194, won the open class 201 lb. division in a three round brawl, against Deontay Wilder (6'8") and the current 2008 Olympic Team member at 201 lbs. from Sky Boxing out of Tuscaloosa. Kenny Moore knocked out another Round One boxer in the second round of title his bout

The three other boxers in the tournament didn't fair so well. Todd Chappell lost a decision to Deontay Wilder on Friday. Todd had a hard time handling the tall powerful boxer. Bobby Ortiz gave up about six inches and lost a close decision in his second bout. Al Casey, 152, fought Jason Hicks from the Round One club on Friday. Hicks, a veteran of over 18 bouts was clearly confused and out punched by the southpaw Casey, but the split decision went to Hicks. Many people booed the decision. Even Hicks told Casey "you were robbed".

All of our boxers fought their heart out and looked like boxers. We are proud of them and will keep boxing in and out of the state of Alabama.

Tate Roberts, right, took his opponent out in round one.

FOUR BOXERS WIN REGIONAL SUB NOVICE AND NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE SOUTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

by C. South

Michael Gibbons 141 lb. division, Tate Roberts 165 lb. division, Todd Chappell 201 lb. division and Bobby Ortiz 152 lb. division all won their respective weight divisions at the 2006 USA Boxing Southeastern Regional Senior Tournament. All boxers won by decision except Bobby Ortiz who won by walk-over. Gibbons looked very sharp by decision a hometown (Covington, Tenn.) boxer. Tate hit his opponent so many times he spit his mouthpiece out and quit in the first round. Todd Chappell boxed a Memphis PAL boxer in a tough fought bout. We were unable to math Bobby Ortiz up because there was no sub-novice boxer. Many coaches and fans commented how well the guys looked in their bouts. The team is now getting ready for a show in Tuscaloosa, Al. on March 4th and the state Golden Gloves tournament on march 31st and April 1st.

Team competes in Columbus, Georgia on December 10th, 2005

and goes 3-2

Matthew McCune, Curt's son, before the opening bell.

Five of our USA registered boxers competed at a show in Columbus, Georgia honoring Coach Rick Carrillo's son who was tragically murdered. Curt has known Coach Rick for several years and was honored to bring five boxers to compete at the show. Tow JO Boxers, John Pride and Curt's son Matthew McCune, boxed first and fifth respectively to get the show off. Both JO Boxers won by decision. John is now 1-0 and Matt is now 1-1. Tate Roberts improved his record to 1-1 by stopping his opponent in round two. Tate looked great and showed great defensive skills, as he was only hit with one or two punches. Michael Gibbons got back into the ring after a 1-year lay off. Michael lost a very disputed decision to an opponent with the same bouts as he (seven) but weighing 8 pounds more than Michael. Michael is now 4-3. Truman McCollum, a super heavy weight, lost a decision in his first bout. Truman had missed two weeks of training because his girlfriend had returned from military duty in Iraq. He talked with Curt and still said he wanted to box. Coach Rick told Curt after the show that if one more of his guys had win their bout, Champions Boxing would have won the team trophy. We are proud of all these young boxers and the hard wok they put in to get in the competition ring. Go to our competition photos page for more pictures of the boxers in action.

Michael Gibbons, white trunks, in action in Columbus, Ga.

Brad Ginn, right, slips a jab.

(MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS SHOW ON COMPETITION PHOTO PAGE)

THREE SENIOR BOXERS FIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI

Three members of our competition team withstood the unbearable Mississippi heat as they stepped into the competition ring. Tate Roberts, 157 lbs, lost a very close decision in his first bout. Tate knocked his opponent down in the first round but tired in round three and lost the decision. Tate looked much more skilled than his wild opponent but got tired and probably lots the bout by only one or two points.

Todd Chappell, 194 lbs, took on a much taller opponent who made the mistake of trying to get inside on Todd. Todd is a ferocious inside boxer and landed a hard uppercut to his opponents body before dropping him with a short overhand right. When the bout continued Todd put his man down with a hard right at 1:20 of round one. Brad Ginn, 194 lbs and our only Open Class boxer, showed what makes him so dangerous as he KO'ed the more experienced 180 lb boxer with 18 bouts. Brad began to score effective punches as the bell for round one ended. Brad handed his opponent a standing eight quickly in round two, then took Curt's advice and threw a short left uppercut to drop the Harrisburg, Mississippi boxer like a sack of bricks. We are so proud of all these boxers and what they did to prepare themselves for battle. They all have the heart of a warrior.

Matthew McCune, Toby Henderson and Ray Henderson after the July 2nd show in Columbus, Georgia.

THREE BOXERS COMPETE IN GEORGIA: CURT'S SON MATTHEW, AGE 8, HAS FIRST BOUT

by C. South

The hardest thing for any coach to do is to put their son in the ring for the first time. Well, Curt did that on July 2nd in Columbus, Georgia as his oldest son Matthew stepped in the ring for the first time. Brothers Toby and Ray Henderson also had their second bout each. Toby won by decision and Ray won by RSC in round three. Toby fought a tough kid from a local club and they went at it non-stop for three rounds. Ray fought a much shorter but heavier opponent and landed several hard shots, causing a bloody nose to his opponent. The referee soon stopped the bout as Ray's opponent didn't want to continue. Matt boxed against a kid with two bouts. The kid was very good but Matt kept throwing nice straight punches but lacked the defensive skill to stay in the bout. Matt's opponent was phenomenal for an 8-year old as Matt kept his hands high but the kid picked put his punches and landed them in the right place. Curt said, after the bout, "I'm glad Matt got a bout because he wanted one so bad but he was going against a kid who was 2-0 and very skilled. I wish he could have boxed a kid with less experience but this will help Matt the next time he steps in the ring. I am very proud of him". Soon after the bout Matthew told his father that he wanted to do it again "But against a kid with one or no bouts". We are very proud of these kids and the hard work it took to get them there. They are all "champs" in our eyes. Curt also took Al Casey, 1-0, but was unable to get AL a match after his opponent failed to show up.

FOUR BOXERS COMPETE IN MISSISSIPPI SHOW

AL CASEY STOPS OPPONENT IN 2ND ROUND !!!!

Front row kneeling: Coaches Rob Barnett and Bill Summers. Back row standing: Al Casey, Ray Henderson, Coach Curt McCune, Lynn Pride and Toby Henderson (in front of Lynn).

We attended a one night show hosted by the TNT Boxing Club in Meridian, Mississippi on May 28, 2005. Coaches Curt McCune, Bill Summers and Rob "Chubbie" Barnett took boxers Ray Henderson, Toby Henderson, and Al Casey to box in their first competitive match. Lynn Pride also went to get bout number two under her belt. Toby, 88 lbs. won by decision against an aggressive opponent. Ray, a strong 127 lbs., got over matched against a 1-3 boxer who was two years older than Ray. The coach said this guy was not any good so we took the bout. Needless to say, he really wanted a win for his more mature and aggressive boxer. Ray lost by RSC in round one. Al Casey, a southpaw, looked unbelievably calm in his first match and scored several solid punches, causing two standing eight counts. Al, a 16 year old high school junior, looked like a seasoned vet as he put it all together winning by RSC in round two. Lynn Pride, 208 lbs., lost a close decision to a much younger opponent. Lynn, age 30, was never hurt and stayed in the bout. We are very proud of all these boxers for showing extraordinary determination and the heart to step in the ring.

3 BOXERS WIN STATE GOLDEN GLOVES TITLES

Brad Ginn (201 lb. Open Division), Derrick Colley (210 lb. plus Novice Division) and Todd Chappell (201 lb. Novice Division) won state championships at the Alabama Golden Gloves Tournament held on April 1st and 2nd, 2005. Lynn Pride lost a close decision, to become the "Women's 189 lb. plus division Runner up", in her first bout.

2005 Southeastern Senior championships

(Boxers unexpectedly put in Open division)

Coach Curt McCune and boxers Brad Ginn and Michael Hall made the long trip to Johnson City, Tennessee on January 21st to compete in the 2005 USA Boxing Senior Tournament. The team was accompanied by Coach Jeff Teague and open class boxer Jamal Lewis from the Huntsville Boxing Club. Champions Boxing and the Huntsville Boxing Club had been sparring and working together to prepare for this tournament. Brad Ginn was put in the Heavy weight Open Division and took the bout without hesitation. 124 pound boxer Michael decided that he was not ready for the open class with only thee bouts. His first opponent had been ranked nationally as a Junior Olympic boxer and he Michael beat him he would have boxed against a current top ten nationally ranked boxer. Brad lost a close decision against Joel Godfrey from Knoxville, Tennessee. Joel has 22 bouts to Brad's 9 but Brad performed well, knocking Joel down once in the bout. Jamal, out of Huntsville, lost a decision to Chris Rudd from Covington, Tennessee. Jamal had not fought in over a year and had to loose 11 pounds in one week to be in the 141 lb. division.

Team goes 3-1 at Phantoms Boxing Gym show

We made the long trip to the Phantoms Boxing Gym in Thomasville, Georgia on November 6th and went 3-1 on the night. It was very cold night in south Georgia but the boxers got warmed up and performed well under the outdoor tent. Jennifer Bang, 110 pounds, had her first amateur bout and performed extremely well, but lost when the close bout was stopped by the ringside doctor in the third round. Jennifer's nose began to bleed after the second round. Every time Curt wiped the blood and applied pressure, the blood would continue to flow. The bout was called to a halt when Jennifer's nose would not stop bleeding. Jennifer displayed extreme calmness when the punches began to fly. She also showed great "controlled aggression" during the bout. She didn't want the bout to end but the doctor decided that her nose bleed was too severe. Jennifer was disappointed but said she was ready to do it again.

Jennifer Bang, right, goes after her opponent.

Michael Hall, 120 lbs, needed a win bad and got it when he stopped his opponent in the second round. Michael had been slightly over matched in his first two bouts but he knew that those two bouts would help him when he went up against someone with equal bouts. This was the time as he faced a Florida boxer, also with two bouts. It has been hard to get Michael an even bout on experience and he was ready to step up to the plate. Michael's opponent, a game and ready Hispanic boxer, out of Florida tried to bang with Michael but found out quickly how strong Michael is. Michael forced two standing eights before the boxer went to a knee after taking three hard punches from Michael in round two.

Michael Hall, right, mixes it up in close.

Michael Gibbons improved to 4-2 as he won a clear unanimous decision over a more muscular Atlanta area boxer who weighed at least 10 pounds heavier than Michael. Michael, a southpaw, used his speed and elusiveness to clearly beat his heavier opponent. Michael has won his last two bouts against boxers at least 10 pounds more than Michael. Michael clearly landed the more effective blows during the bout and showed that he can handle heavier boxers with his southpaw style. Michael threw and landed several three and four punch combinations that had the bigger boxer backing up most of the bout.

Michael Gibbons, right, looks to land a shot.

Brad Ginn, the 2004 Ringside International tournament runner -up, won a decision over a Florida boxer with nine bouts. This was the most skillful boxer Brad has fought yet as they went toe to toe in the most action packed bout of the evening. Brad used his mental toughness to stay calm as he was hit more in this bout than in several of his last bouts combined. Brad fought hard and stayed in the bout to win a 3-0 decision.

Brad Ginn, right, throws the right hook in his toughest bout yet.

Coaches Curt McCune and Bill Summers worked the corners during the nights bouts. We are very proud of all the boxers as they all looked good and each gained valuable experience that will help them in their boxing careers.

Coach Bill Summers, Jennifer and gym member Chris brown before the show. It was a very cold night under the outdoor tent.

Michael Gibbons and Robert Rodda win big in Georgia

Curt traveled five hours to Thomasville, Georgia with boxers Michael Gibbons (141 lb. division) and Robert Rodda (201 lb. division) to the "Salute to America" show in Thomasville, Georgia. Brad Ginn, nursing a sore elbow, did not compete but went as the second corner man and spread his winning attitude to the boxers. Michael Gibbons, who weighed in at 137 lbs., boxed Kyle Miner, a 146 lb. boxer from the Capital City Boxing Club in Montgomery, Al. Gibbons ditched his "Sweet Pea" style for a much more aggressive style as he stayed in close range and stepped in with hard combinations. Michael scored a standing eight then dropped Miner with a hard three punch combination as the bell for the first round ended. When reviewing the tape it appeared that Miner was knocked out by the hook and woke when he hit the floor hard. He got up and fell into the ropes. Surprisingly the referee let the bout continue. Michael continued his attack in the second round and was clearly ahead going into the final round. Michael coasted for one minute then took the cue from Brad Ginn as Brad yelled "Let 'em go Michael" and Gibbons poured it on the last minute winning a very convincible points decision. Michael showed great head movement as he avoided many of his opponent's punches. Michael attacked the body and threw many hard right hooks to the more muscled boxer's chin. Gibbons improved his record to 3-2.

Robert Rodda, who weighed in at 184 lbs. boxed against Dennis Hudgins from Savannah, Georgia. Hudgins record was 1-0 and he weighed in at 196 lbs. When the bell rang it was Rodda who looked the more experienced of the two as he counted punched and used some great head movement to keep his opponent guessing. Rodda, a former college baseball player, suddenly exploded with a vicious attack forcing referee Joe Sierra to administer a standing eight count. Rodda jumped back on Hudgins and scored another eight count just before the round ended. Rodda pounced on Hudgins when round two began and corned Hudgins and threw four hard body shots and finished with a hard overhand right. A bloodied Hudgins

was given another standing eight then referee Sierra decided he had taken enough punishment and stopped the contest about 45 seconds into round two.

Both of these young men stepped up to the plate and performed well. Gibbons needed a good win after the ringside Tournament loss and Rodda needed a win to start his amateur career. The trip was about 5 hours but well worth it as our competition boxers continue to impress officials and judges wherever they compete. Curt was asked by and official when the guys were turning professional. Several other coaches complimented the boxers on how good their skills were. As Curt says, "Let's get back in the gym and get ready for the next one".

***Robert Rodda "retired" from boxing two weeks after the bout. We were very disappointed in his decision but wish him well.

Champions Boxers attend Ringside International Tournament

Head Coach Curt McCune and boxers Brad Ginn (201 lbs.), Michael Gibbons (141 lbs.) and Michael Hall (125 lbs.) attended the Ringside International Boxing Championships in Kansas City, Missouri, from August 17th to the 21st. Even though no one won any titles the team did well and showed that boxers from Alabama have skill. Michael Hall and Michael Gibbons lost their opening round bouts on the first day. Hall, 121 lbs. lost a close decision to eventual 125 lb. winner Andre Wilson, who boxed out of St. Louis Missouri. Michael had only one bout and Wilson had 10 heading into their bout. Michael looked good against a more experienced boxer. Michael Gibbons boxed against Brandon Huff from Cleveland, Ohio in his opening match. before the bout the referee got on Michael for not being clean shaven and obviously did not like Michael from this point on; as he stopped the bout in round three after Michael spoke to the referee. Michael was behind but was attempting to get back in the bout, as he scored several clean combinations using his southpaw style. Brad Ginn boxed in the afternoon session and stopped Brad Scala from Mount Kisco, NY in round one. Thursday Ginn boxed Matthew Bystrzak from West Seneca, NY. Bystrzak had an unusual style that kept Brad guessing. Brad won a decision after handing Bystrzak a standing eight count in round one. Brad was boxing under less than perfect circumstances, as he and Michael Gibbons had come down with a bad "travel cold". Curt had Brad rest all day Friday to prepare for his opponent, David Carey, from Anchorage, AK. Carey boxes out of Tacoma, Washington for former US Olympic team coach Tom Mustin. Brad boxed well against the skillful Carey, hurting his several times but lost a close and disputed decision. Brad handled the loss with class as Carey went on to win the division. The team learned a great deal from this trip and that they can "hang" with boxers from large gyms in major cities across the country. Curt was told by several coaches how well his boxer looked.

The guys with John Brown, owner of Ringside, in the store at the Ringside venue. Mr. Brown remembered Curt from last year and told Curt how impressed he was with Brad Ginn after watching Brad's opening night bout.

FORMER WORLD RANKED HEAVYWEIGHT ALEX GARCIA VISITS GYM !!!

Alex Garcia , back row on right in dark blue shirt, came by Champions Boxing on 6/7/04 to check out the gym and watch some training. Garcia is in town on business and Curt came to know this through a mutual friend who knows Garcia's Birmingham friend. Alex watched the guys train and was very supportive of what we are doing at the gym. He is interested in training with us while he is in town. Alex was very nice and visited with Curt, Coach Bill summers and all the guys at the gym. He was a very polite and down to earth guy. We will keep the site updated if Alex does train at the gym while he is in Birmingham.

2004 SOUTHERN GOLDEN GLOVES

Brad Ginn, in only his fifth bout, stops boxer with 18 bouts!!!!!

Even though we didn't have any open class boxers we did match three boxers up for non tournament bouts at the Southern Golden Gloves. Michael Gibbons stopped game Brad Gould, his opponent in the Golden Gloves finals two weeks ago, in round one. Michael displayed toughness and tenacity as he forced two standing eight counts before the referee halted the action in round one. Frank Monachelli lost in his second bout as he tired in round two and took some punishment which forced the referee to stop the bout. Frank was doing well in round one when he got hit with a couple of hard shots which took a lot out of him. He was a much better boxer than his overly aggressive opponent but got tired early due to the hard punches he took.

Brad Ginn stepped up to the plate for the gym in his fifth bout against a boxer with 18 bouts. Brad was not in the tournament, as he isn't open class yet, but we were able to get him a non tournament bout. We matched him up against 6'6" 198 pound Lester Stewart, a boxer from Tennessee with 18 bouts. Brad proved that "open class" just means the number of bouts you have and does not mean you are an elite boxer. Brad was very patient as he listened to Curt's advice for round one. He then struck when the opportunity was right in round two. The slow starting Stewart could only back up under Brad's barrage of punches. Brad backed the tall boxer up to the ropes with quick hard shots then landed a hard right hook followed by a crushing right uppercut when Stewart got to the ropes. Stewart signaled he was hurt and took an eight count then decided he didn't want to continue. Brad was very classy in his win as he congratulated Stewart after the bout. Stewart told Curt that Brad hits really, really hard. Curt replied, "I know, I used to spar with him".

Brad and Curt before Brad's bout at the Southern Golden Gloves.

We are proud of all the boxers for their hard work at the Southern Golden Gloves.

We are especially proud of Brad who showed what hard work, dedication and toughness will do for a boxer. He will rose to the occasion.

Brad and Curt after Brad's fifth bout and enormous victory over an open class boxer with 19 bouts.

2004 GOLDEN GLOVES RESULTS

Brad Ginn, left, the 2004 Alabama Golden Gloves State Champion at 201 lbs.

BRAD GINN LEADS TEAM TO "5" GOLDEN GLOVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Heavyweight Brad Ginn remained undefeated with a devastating stoppage of his opponent at the Alabama State Golden Glove Championships held in Birmingham on April 3rd and 4th. Michael Gibbons and Israel Santana captured co-championships at 141 pounds. Michael Hall won unopposed at 119 lbs. and Derrick Colley won unopposed in the 201+ super heavy weight division.

Brad Ginn, 185 pounds, from Madison, Alabama showed his trademark power with both hands as he pounded his muscular opponent, from Round One Boxing for Health in Birmingham, into submission in the third round. Brad has proven, as Curt says, that size doesn't matter as he easily dispatched his second "beefy boxer" this year. Brad showed that the ring is his home as he maneuvered his way around the ring and landed counter punches at will. His uppercut and hook proved to be too strong for his opponents chin, as he also bloodied the stocky boxer's nose. The opposing coach would not let any of his heavy weights box against Brad on Sunday. He said Brad was just too strong and skilled for his guys. This was a huge compliment from another coach about Brad's ability.

Israel Santana, boxing in his first match at 141 lbs., got off the canvas in round one and won a split decision over a Round One boxer. Israel, a southpaw, showed great heart as he easily won rounds two and three. He knew that he had to win and stayed busy in the last two rounds to seal the victory.

Michael Gibbons, 141 lbs. from Birmingham, was knocked to the canvas with a surprising shot in round one. Michael got off the canvas to finish the round with some good punches. Michael boxed well in rounds two and three to take the unanimous decision over Brag Gould from Round One. Curt applied some "Teddy Atlas" tough love to Michael between rounds two and three, which Michael stated helped lift him to victory. Michael scored three standing eight count over his opponent with the last round going about 25 seconds past the 2-minute mark

Michael Gibbons, left, jabbing his way to victory.

Michael Hall, the 119 lbs., won by walkover but wanted to get some real ring time after not being able to get matched at the last three shows. Michael agreed to box against Kenyan Lowe, 123 lbs., from Selma, Alabama. Lowe has almost 80 bouts and has been nationally ranked. Michael did not hesitate to get in the ring with his more experience opponent. Michael performed unbelievably well in round one and probably won the round. He stayed busy in round two but the referee stopped the action prematurely in round three as Michael was obviously tired but not hurt. Michael will learn so much from this bout as any opponent he faces for a long time will not be as skilled as Kenyan Lowe. Lowe stated after the bout that Michael was a hard puncher and he couldn't believe it was Hall's first bout. He stated that Michael stunned him a couple of times during the bout.

Michael Hall prepares to do battle.

Brad Ginn goes to 3-0.

TEAM ATTENDS SHOW IN ATHENS, GEORGIA AND GOES 2-2

We took five member of our competition team to a show hosted by Gladiator's Boxing Club in Athens, GA. on March 13th. We were unable to match up 120 pound Michael Hall as his opponent didn't show up. Four boxers did get a bout with three of the boxers stepping into the ring for the first time. Michael Gibbons, 136, boxed in his first bout against a boxer with 3 bouts. Michael boxed very well, even stunning his more muscular opponent, but lost a close and very disputed decision. Brandon Baird lost a decision to a boxer in his third bout. Brandon showed good power backing the much more experience boxer up several times. Brad Ginn won a decision over a boxer with 4 bouts. Brad showed his awesome power knocking his opponent down twice and getting a standing eight count on his opponent. Derrick Colley showed his power in his first bout against a boxer with 1 bout. Derrick scored a victory when the referee stopped the bout due to a broken nose with extreme bleeding in round one. Derrick showed a powerful jab and good ring generalship in his first bout. We are proud of these guys for the hard work they put in for this bout. We are now getting ready for the Alabama Golden Gloves in April.

Champions Boxer's attend pro fight card in Birmingham

Curt and several of the guys attended a pro fight card in Birmingham held at the Boutwell Auditorium on January 16, 2004. Larry Holmes headlined the card with a four round exhibition. Curt and the guys met Larry and trainer Don Turner who has trained many world champions including Evander Holyfield. Curt also saw many of his friends from the Birmingham and Alabama boxing community.

Boxers Michael Hall and Michael with Don Turner.

Craig Dawson with the legendary Flynn Gerald. Flynn is a legend in the Alabama boxing world. A former fighter himself, he is a professional referee at most of the pro cards in Alabama. Flynn also refereed Curt's last amateur bout.

New boxer Richard Thomas and Southeastern Association 2004 Heavy Weight Champion Brad Ginn with Larry Holmes.

Brad Ginn, right, stalks his opponent.

1st Annual Middle Georgia Boxing Jamboree

We took four boxers: Brad Ginn, Frank Monachelli, Michael Hall and Larry Kilgore to the 1st annual Middle Georgia Boxing Jamboree. The event was held in Macon Georgia on November 27. Frank Monachelli, who started boxing for fitness, decided to step in the ring for his first bout. Frank lost a split decision to a boxer with two bouts and weighing 12 pounds more. Frank won the first round clearly; lost the second and the third was close. We thought Frank won but it was a very competitive bout. Brad Ginn,184,boxed against a very skilled boxer weighing 198 pounds. The bout was even at first and brad started to land the lead left and several hard three punch combinations after about 1-minute into the bout. The boxer from Georgia was throwing his jab and moving around well. But he made the mistake of standing in the southpaw zone. Brad dropped him near the end of the first round with a vicious counter right hook over the Georgia boxer's left jab. The boxer dropped to the canvas and the doctor was immediately called into the ring. It was scary for a moment because he fell like he had been shot. Luckily he recovered and was helped to his feet after being knocked unconscious by a punch he never saw. Michael Hall's opponent didn't show up so we were unable to get Michael a bout. Larry Kilgore was stopped in round two after being hit behind the head twice. It was a tough bout with both boxers throwing hard shots throughout the bout. We are very proud of all these boxers for training hard and having the courage to step in the ring.

Brad's opponent is down and out as the doctor rushes into the ring Luckily he was okay.

Larry Kilgore in action in Macon, Georgia.

Brad Ginn and Curt after Brad's victory.

Brad Ginn wins 2004 Southeastern Association Heavyweight Championship

Brad Ginn, from Huntsville, won the sub-novice heavyweight championship Saturday night at the USA Boxing Southeastern Association Championship. Brad, a dedicated boxer who drives to Birmingham from Huntsville three days a week, won a three round unanimous decision in a tough bout. Brad used his boxing skill to out box his stocky opponent, Jason Lewis, from the Round One Boxing for Health Club, also in Birmingham. Brad bloodied his opponents nose and gave the stocky boxer a standing eight count during their exciting bout. We are proud of Brad's dedication and the hard work he put into getting prepared for this bout. Brad is the first boxer from Champions Boxing's to win a title in a championship bout.