Philadelphia Boxing: Stars Come Out For North Philly Block Party

© Gianluca “Rio” Di Caro

This past weekend saw an array of champions from the world of boxing, past and present, turn out to support some local fighters from The James Shuler Memorial Gym as they put on an outside exhibition at the 18th annual Susquehana block party in North Philadelphia.

Amongst those present were the current IBF Cruiserweight World Champion, Steve Cunningham, who arrived carrying his coveted title belt and half a dozen pizzas from his recently opened USS Cunningham Pizza Emporium in West Philadelphia, for the fighters and trainers.

Past heroes present included former Heavyweight World Champion ʽTerribleʼ Tim Witherspoon and IBF World Light Middleweight Champion Robert ʽBam Bamʼ Hines, who were both accompanying fighters that they now train.

Also on hand were some of Philadelphiaʼs finest young chargers, Chazz Witherspoon and Jamaal ʽDa Truthʼ Davis.

Another current champion on hand was the USBA Heavyweight title holder ʽFastʼ Eddie Chambers, who headlined the afternoon’s entertainment when he locked horns with Darrell Crone in an exciting encounter that was reduced to just two rounds when rain stopped play.

Prior to this, Tim Witherspoon Jr. took the opportunity to have an extra ʽworkoutʼ session with upcoming southpaw Jayson Sia, as Tim Jr. prepares for his 11th July encounter at the Southern Stars Promotions event at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia against Quincey Johnson.

Witherspoon Jr. had his hands full as the wily Sia was intent on impressing his new trainer Sharron Baker as well as sharpening his skills prior to his pro-debut in September.

Jacksonville, Floridaʼs first lady of Boxing, Dee ʽTigerʼ Moses, and Philadelphia amateur Laquan Evans opened up the show in great fashion. The crowd really got behind the entertaining Dee, encouraging her all the way as she took control and displayed her full arsenal of power punches.

But she didnʼt have it all her way, as the taller Laquan really showed his metal by jabbing and dancing himself out of trouble as well as the occasional counter attack.

The viewing crowd were clearly impressed by the whole show and the participating fighters were lauded for their afternoons work and as great ambassadors for their sport.