What has become of professional boxing in North Texas? Just a few short years ago, professional boxing was a regular spectacle within the borders of the DFW. Now, not so much. Blame an economy that has yet to rebound to the point where people again have money to spend outside of the necessities of like. Of course, an apathetic North Texas fan base doesn’t make it any more enticing for local promoters, or national ones for that matter, to spend their hard-earned money and energy. Unlike Houston, which is a legitimate “Fight City”, Dallas is more of a “See and Be Seen City”. In other words, make it an event and North Texas will show up, but don’t expect blind loyalty to a product. Unless, of course, you are talking about the Dallas Cowboys.
Still, in light of the hurdles presented to boxing promoters, and an undeniable surge in MMA popularity, live professional boxing is still being held in North Texas. However, as local stalwarts like the Harrison Boxing Group and Galvan Promotions have gone on indefinite hiatus, Black Gloves Promotions and Paulie Ayala Productions have risen up to fill the void. Arguably, the most active of our local promoters are Dallas based Black Gloves promotions headed by Oak Cliff Boxing coach Greg Hatley and featuring rising superstar Charles “The Future” Hatley. This past Saturday, BGP held their latest installment of live professional boxing from the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in the Harbor District of Rockwall. Needless to say, the venue was spectacular, albeit a little small for a boxing promotion, but the people who braved the summer heat seemed to really enjoy the evening. All in all, it was a great night of fights, with all but the Davis-Fletcher snoozer featuring high octane excitement.
Four Questions
Q: How fun is watching Rafael Casias fight?
A: Very f*cking fun! I have been a huge fan of the Fort Worth trainer/manager/boxer since witnessing his battles with Joel Hernandez a few years back. The guy fights with his heart on his sleeve, and seriously goes out of his way to create an air of excitement. Perhaps his exemplary work with local MMA powerhouse Fitness Fight Factory (F3) and their plethora of local cagefighting superstars have instilled a sort of warrior mentality in Casias. Or, it could simply be that the guy is a ballsy fighter with heart the size of Alaska. Either way, if you tell me Casias is going to fight on a card, best believe that I am going out of my way to be in attendance.
Q: Is Charles Hatley the truth?
A: Charles Hatley and Robert Marroquin are without a doubt North Texas’s highest touted young prospects. But while Marroquin, under the guanidine of Top Rank, has shot to new height in terms of exposure and popularity, Hatley’s accolades seem to be voiced mainly by us fight junkies here locally. This is no indictment of Hatley’s abilities, which are awe-inspiring, but simply an illustration of the frustrations and politics of the sport. No doubt that Hatley’s national exposure suffers being the cornerstone of a local promotion, but a fighter of his merits should be covered by more than just us local scribes. Is Charles Hatley the truth? Damn right he is; it’s just that the rest of the world needs to witness it.
Q: How heated is the Larry Smith – James Freeman rivalry?
A: Very heated. When Freeman stopped Smith on Saturday night it was in eye opening fashion and even their series at 1-1. Not only were heated words exchanged during the lead up to the fight, but the war of words continued during the post-fight interview. There seems to be a very tangible level of disdain between the two, one that definitely warrants a rubber match. Though, I will say that I believe Fort Worth’s Corey Washington should get a crack at Freeman first with the winner taking on Smith. But that’s just me.
Q: Can Greg Hatley Jr. bounce back from his loss?
A: Absolutely, while Kentrelle Claibourne is a beast as his nickname applies Hatley Jr. clearly was suffering from a case of pro debut nerves. Fans should take solace in the fact that after suffering the first round knockdown Hatley bounced back to continue fighting. Still, Claibourne is as tough an assignment for anyone’s pro debut and Saturday night he proved that he can make some noise at light heavyweight. As for Hatley, he obviously is a gifted pug and I can guarantee that in his next fight he will truly showcase his talents.
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