Joe Frazier, Jr. and Mis Downing stands in front of the statue of his father, Joe Frazier, on Pattison Ave. in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy of Joe Frazier Jr.)
Joe Frazier, Jr. and his wife, Miss Downing Frazier, are like binary stars—in this case, a pair of human bodies, souls, and spirits orbiting each other and their dreams.
They share many desires as people, parents and philanthropists engaged in a number of outreach efforts in New Jersey, specifically Trenton, Philadelphia and parts of Delaware.
Both come from boxing families, and that commonality was factored into the creation of Joe Frazier Jr. Promotions and Miss Downing Promotions.
In fact, the pair have a joint venture 25-27. August at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City with a “Sweetest Soul of Boxing Gala” on Friday, a “The Road to Victory” full card of boxing on Saturday that includes a water park after Fest and on Sunday an ultimate cigar experience.
Downing, sister of former Trenton boxing star Sacred, has amassed a number of milestones as one of only a few African-American and female boxing promoters. She billed herself as the youngest woman to promote a professional boxing event in Atlantic City. “Boardwalk Brawls” represented a collaboration with Roy Jones Jr./Square Ring Productions. Other promotions include partnership with Evander Holyfield/Real Deal Sports and Entertainment.
Downing always had an admiration for boxing, even working several corners in his youth. Sacred had the skill and acumen to strike. Don’t Miss Downing. Her father, James, a popular and successful trainer, manager and teacher in Trenton, influenced this daughter’s path, just as he mentored many young men who wanted to learn about boxing and life.
“I remember the day my father said, ‘Miss, you’re going to be a successful boxing promoter one day.’ I didn’t know what a promoter did at the time, but now I do and I love it, Miss Downing said.
Joe Frazier, Jr. explained that he and Downing enjoy the boxing profession as ring events expand their reach and influence.
“We are more than just promoters. We think of ourselves as transformers; promoters in disguise. Everything we do is centered around helping children, helping adults, helping to change the perception of boxing. Almost everything is about changing perspectives and recognizing others who positively impact others,” explained Frazier, Jr.
The promotions of others mark the “Sweetest Soul of Boxing Gala” as the pair honor Weatta Frazier Collins, a family trailblazer involved in every aspect of the Frazier/Downing dream machine. Tracey Syphax, a Trenton entrepreneur and businessman, will be honored along with Atlantic City Mayors Marty Small, Sr., Roy Jones, Jr., and Michael Spinks.
The boxing card will take place at The Showboat Hotel and will be headlined by a 10-round bout with Derrick Webster taking on Christopher Pearson for the NBA Super Middleweight Championship.
Webster from Glassboro, New Jersey has a record of 29-4 with 14 knockouts. The 41-year-old Webster is a 14-year professional with wins over quality opponents Obodai Sai, Thomas Awimbono, Frankie Filippone and Francisco Cordero. Pearson, of Selma, Texas, is 17-3 with 12 knockouts. The 32-year-old Pearson won his first 13 matches
In the eight-round match, Shinard Bunch will face Abraham Afful in a super lightweight contest.
Bunch of Trenton, NJ has a record of 20-2-1 with 16 knockouts. The 24-year-old is a four-year professional who has wins over Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (9-1-1) and former world title challenger Hank Lundy. In his last fight, Bunch lost a split decision to Bryan Flores on April 7 in Brooks, California.
Ghana is full of Accra and is 12-5-1 with all of his wins coming via knockout. The 26-year-old is a 13-year professional and has lost two straight and hopes to find victory against Bunch.
In a six-round super bantamweight bout, Devin Gantt (4-0, 4 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ takes on Kevin Traynor (1-4, 1 KO of Denny, Scotland.
Nimal Farmer (4-0, 4 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ battles Nelson Morales (4-8,1 KOs) of Scranton, PA in a junior welterweight contest.
In matches with four rounds:
Khaalid Billings (1-0) of Queens, NY takes on Aaron Nemones (1-3) of Atlantic City in a welterweight contest.
Stanley Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Houston fights Charles Johnson (2-7, 1 KO) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland in a heavyweight bout.
Tickets are $150 for the Premium Floor, $125 for the Premium Balcony, $90 for the General Floor and $65 for the General Balcony.
Trenton’s Yolanda Robinson predicts a big weekend for Showboat contestants.
“Always expect a successful venture and excitement from Mis Downing and Joe Frazier, Jr. Promotions,” Robinson, who handles communications for the boxing event.
“Sales are good in and around Trenton. Philly fight fans are excited for an exciting weekend at the Showboat.”
For information contact Yolanda Robinson (609) 577-1173 or Liz Johnson (609) 954-3486.
Read about the love affair between Downing and Frazier in the Sunday editions of The Trentonian.
LA Parker is a Trenton columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
#Frazier #Downing #hosting #weekend #boxing #extravaganza #Showboat #Hotel