The Level Up Fight Team was back at it again this weekend. The event would see “Iron” Marc Julian make his return to the ring, and Luther Smith making his Amatuer Boxing Debut. The event, was held at Club 1 Fitness in Millersville Maryland, and run under the Jeter Promotions Banner. Jeter Promotions has a long standing reputation for putting on great Pro and Amatuer cards here in Maryland. The Amatuer shows have been a springboard for many local boxers with ambitions of fighting at a professional level. This event promised to be all action, Tony Jeter who does all the matchmaking for these events, put together 18 fights for this packed show. Each fight was a battle! There weren’t any easy wins to be had. With some of the staples of the Club 1 Events on the card, including Champion Andre Harris, Bob Breslin, and an exciting matchup between two youngers brothers up the DMV’s Rising Stars Gary Russell and Alantez Fox. Myke Fox and Gary Antuanne Russell were set to headline the event, but there would be nothing but exciting fights through out the card.
Luther Gets Wrapped
Marc Gets Wrapped
Kicking things off for Level Up for the night was Marc Julian. At 2-1 Marc appears to improve every fight. Coming off a tough decision loss that many felt he won, and then an injury that forced him out of a title fight, Marc looked forward to return to the ring. Marc would draw Cong Ngyun of Rockville for this bout. These two young fighters wasted no time. From bell to bell they would look to exchange big flurries and hard body shots. With each shot landed the crowd got louder and louder. By the end of the second round everyone was on their feet, excited to see how the fight would end. Both young warriors fought to finish the other. In the end Marc came up short on the scorecards, but we are all very proud of him. If it wasn’t the fight of the night it was tied for first. Marc always puts on an exciting display of technique and speed in the ring, we look forward to seeing him back in competition.
Luther Smith found out the night before his fight with Shawn Elam, that the two would be fighting for a vacant Maryland State Title. The 34 year old Smith has only been training for a little over a year, but show tremendous potential. With a work ethic adopted from his time in the Military, and a supportive family atmosphere at home and in the gym, Luther looks to do big things with his fight career. Although his start time is not the stereotypical life point that people begin, Luther has a determination that not many younger guys understand. What separates him from many other up and coming fighters is his excitement to fight. All fighters have a desire for competition, but only a few look forward to the fight the way Luther does. Knowing this about Luther, his Coach Jason Farrell thought about holding off to tell Luther about the Title until the day of the fight. “I wasn’t worried about it making him nervous, I was worried he’d be so excited he wouldn’t sleep!” said Farrell. Nevertheless the call was made and met with much excitement.
The day of the fight, Luther came to Level Up in the afternoon. He felt that he just needed to be in the gym, not to train, but to absorb all the energy and hard work that he puts in there. The toughest part of any fight is the waiting game. After getting wrapped up, Luther began the process of waiting his turn in the ring. He was set to go right before the headlining fight. He spoke to the DJ about playing a specific song that he wrote produced and performed to walk out too. As his song boomed through the speakers the only thing louder in the arena was Luthers Family, Friends, and Teammates. Roughly 80 people showed to support him, they all let him know they were there with him with their cheers. Once in the ring, the two big men were announced, given their instructions, and ordered to their corners to await the bell. At the sound of the bell they took to the center of the ring and got right to work. Both fighters threw heavy leather back and forth, Luther would use his footwork to move around his opponent, looking to create angles and opportunities. At roughly a minute into the fight Smith landed a short, but very accurate lead hook, that sent Elam staggering backwards and eventually to the canvas. The Ref gave him somewhere close to 30 seconds to recover, which was met with protest from Luthers Coach and Fans. Once cleared to continue Smith pounced on his opponent landing a big flurry that brought the Ref back into play to waive off the fight. Luther Smith wins his Amatuer Boxing Debut, and Maryland State Championship by Ref Stoppage in the First Round. Luther was also named Outstanding Fighter Of The Night as well! His was one of only two stoppages on the card.
Luther, Tony & Jason
Coach Jason & Luther Smith
As always Jeter Promotions put on a non-stop, high paced, action packed fight card. Level Up looks forward to being on these events and working with Tony Jeter in the future. We would like to thank all the teammates that were able to make it out and show support, as well as all of Luther’s friends and family. Your energy was felt, and gave Luther what he needed to bring home the belt. Also a special thanks to Matt Zinder of Cutman Pro for working the corner with us, Urban Ninja for the design of the walkout shirt, and Eze of Ink Generation for printing the shirts.
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Luther Smith Wins Heavyweight Title At Club 1
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