Baltimore, MD - – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue March 22 for a special tribute event to the late Scott Wagner.

Prior to Smith hosting his cards at Michael’s Eighth, Scott Wagner’s Ballroom Boxing ran more than 70 successful shows over a 15 year period. His series was a major hit and he featured many fighters that went onto become world champions such as Terence Crawford, Hasim Rahman, Kermit Cintron, Orlin Norris and Al Cole. A longtime friend of Smith, Wagner stopped promoting in 2009 and graciously offered the family-owned Michael’s Eighth to Baltimore Boxing Promotions.

On February 16, Wagner passed away at age 49.

“Scott was one of my closest friends and I was devastated by his untimely passing,” said Smith, who co-promoted with Wagner and also fought for him in 1996. “He ran one of the most successful promotions for more than a decade and did right by the fighters.

Scott Wagner the person was even better than the promoter. He always helped other people and his experience assisted me in expanding Baltimore Boxing Promotions. I am forever thankful and will always have a place in my heart for Scott Wagner.”

Headlining this Olympic style boxing event is a grudge match between Deshawn “Soulsnatcher” Chase and Ocean City, MD’s Omar Serrano for the East Coast Middleweight title. One of Baltimore Boxing’s top prospects, Chase looks for redemption against the only man to defeat him.

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n the co-featured bout of the evening, Baltimore Boxing’s Tyrell Boyd meets Tyler Langer. Boyd is a multi-time champion but is faced with a tough foe that fights out of the highly respected Mack Lewis Gym.

Other bouts will be announced shortly.

Along with honoring Wagner, Baltimore Boxing is hosting a fundraiser for Brenda Davis. The wife of legendary trainer Adrian Davis, Brenda’s battled health complications that have severely impacted her. All proceeds from the fundraiser will help cover Davis’ healthcare costs.

Tickets and tables are available by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com.

Middleweight Cem Kilic remained perfect with a 2nd round stoppage over veteran Taronze Washington in Hinckley, Minnesota this past Frday.

The native of Los Angles via Frankfurt, Germany put Washington down with a hard body shot, and the bout was stopped to raise Kilic's mark to 10-0 with six knockouts.

"I am 10-0 now, and I cant ell you how excited I am to get the early knockout in front of my adopted American fans," said Kilic.  "Taronze was a tough opponent, but I trained too hard for this fight not to get the early knockout.  2018 is my year, and I am putting the middleweight division on notice.  I trust my manager to get the opportunity to showcase my talent to the entire world."

Kilic is managed by No Limit Mindset LLC, and CEO Shane Shapiro is extremely confident in the direct that his fighter is heading. 

"Friday was a big step for Cem Kilic.  He demonstrated that at age 23 against a very tought opponent, who had fought three world champions (Andre Berto, Alfredo Angulo and Austin Trout) as well as a plethora of big name contenders, that Cem was able to take him out in 2 rounds.  I am very pleased and excited to announce a MAJOR mover very shortly."

Kilic is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

PHILADELPHIA - PA State junior middleweight champion Tyrone Brunson will be honored with three Briscoe Awards for the eventful year he had in 2017.  During the year, Brunson's efforts won him three bouts, two belts, and kept his career on track for a big fight in 2018.  For these accomplishments, Brunson will take home three Briscoe Awards on March 25th - "Philly Fighter of the Year", "Philly Fight of the Year", and "Performance of the Year".  This will be the first time a fighter has won three Briscoes in a single year.

"Danny Garcia, Steve Cunningham, Bryant Jennings and Tevin Farmer have all won two before, but Brunson will be the first guy to get three on the same day," said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards.  "Tyrone had a great year in 2017, so I'm happy for him.  The voters got it right." 

In addition to the "Fighter of the Year" award, Brunson's give-and-take battle with former world champion Kermit Cintron was named the "2017 Philly Fight of the Year".  In the fight, Brunson came off the floor twice to stop Cintron in round five.  For that win, Brunson also earned the Briscoe Award for the "Performance of the Year".  Along with Brunson, Cintron will receive the Briscoe Award for his participation in the "Fight of the Year". 

A number of other fighters will also be honored in various categories like: "Amateur of the Year, "Prospect of the Year", "Knockout of the Year", Rookie of the Year", etc.

Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413. Tickets will not be sold at the door.  The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket.  The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.