In perhaps the most adorable yet intense fight of the evening, competing for the belt as the main event in the Pee Wee 9–10 Male Novice (55 lbs), De’maury Mixon of Pine Bluff’s Azeez Boxing Club emerged victorious against Zachery Maxwell of Pine Bluff’s Guns Not Gloves Boxing Club, showing that even the youngest contenders have heart and hustle during Stuttgart’s Showdown In Sugatown Boxing Tournament.
The Stuttgart Jr. High School gym was transformed into an atmosphere of raw energy and fierce determination Saturday afternoon, as young boxing warriors stepped into the ring. Hosted by the Stuttgart Gloves Not Guns Boxing Club and sanctioned by USA Boxing Inc., the event featured 10 thrilling bouts showcasing the future of amateur boxing.
From the very first bell at 3:30 p.m., the crowd was treated to a barrage of heart-pounding action, technical skill, and explosive power.
In the Junior Male division (125 lbs), Alexander Martinez (Major Moves) outboxed Gersain Santana (Morrison) with sharp counters and relentless pressure, earning the win in a strong start for Major Moves.
William Welspom (Central Arkansas) delivered precise punches and clean footwork to defeat Xavier Kincade (Morrison), igniting cheers from the crowd in the Senior Male Novice division (143 lbs).
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Another Senior Male Novice division (187 lbs), Phoenix Randle (Stuttgart GNG) turned up the hometown heat, overpowering Anthony Wood (Morrison) with a mix of speed and strength.
In the Bantam Male division (101 lbs), Taa’riq Henderson (Stuttgart GNG) showed elite-level movement, outpointing Kenneth Oglesby, III (Azeez) for the win.
The Intermediate Male division (85 lbs) showcased Braylen Doyle (Major Moves) defeating Amere Oliver (Azeez) in a bout that had the crowd on its feet.
Joseph Muhammad (Major Moves) put on a boxing clinic, defeating Ryan Maxwell (Pine Bluff GNG) with pinpoint accuracy and foot control in the Intermediate Male division (145 lbs).
For the Intermediate Male Novice (119 lbs), this match was a walkover (W/O) awarded to Aden Cobb (BOOYAH).
Emmanuel Johnson (Gillespie) went toe-to-toe with Graham Genis (West Monroe) in a gritty three-round war during the Elite Male division (165 lbs). Johnson’s toughness and stamina pushed him to victory.
In a battle of strength and strategy, Jaiden Strange (Stuttgart GNG) edged out Kweisi Sims (West Monroe), energizing local fans with a homegrown win in the Senior Male Novice division (165 lbs).
Gunner Wade (West Monroe) turned up the intensity in a fast-paced bout, defeating Ryon Graydon (Pine Bluff GNG) with slick combinations in the Junior Male Novice (165 lbs), while Julian Smith won by walkover (W/O) in the Intermediate Male division (138 lbs).
“As part of the mission of the Stuttgart Gloves Not Guns initiative, these bouts proved how boxing can serve as a transformative outlet for youth, channeling aggression into excellence and giving them a platform to shine,” said a spokesperson for Stuttgart GNG.
“The future of boxing is bright,” said a coach from Azeez’s Boxing Club. “These kids gave everything tonight. Every single one of them.”
