Don’t Hate, Participate

This is a common issue among all combat sports. Haters come in many forms, but all cause the same problem. They slow down the growth of the sport. They do harm to their own career, as well as others. That in itself makes the act of hating crazy to me. We will get into the “how” they are hurting themselves a little later on. For now, lets just start off will a simple visual example.

Which Of These Guys Are You?

Which Of These Guys Are You?

Looking at both of these pictures, right it away who would you rather be? The guy loving life, drinking champagne? Or the miserable guy eating his banana? What’s funny is, there are haters reading this as we speak, looking at the picture of the happy guy, hating on him!!

 

Hate Collage

Hate Collage

 

What if I told you, you could be the happy guy with a few things that cost you nothing! Persistence, Hard Work, Dedication, and a GOOD ATTITUDE can take you so far. The path won’t always be easy. In fact, the righteous path is almost always a constant battle. To get to that point where you can celebrate comes from the Grind to get there. Not to mention once you get to your destination, you have to maintain the Grind to hold your position. Lets be honest, when you’re hating, you don’t really hate that person. You hate that they point out your lack of dedication to achieving your goals. Seeing them work hard and get what they wants hits you hard because you’re not where you want to be. There’s no short cuts. If you truly want something bad enough, you have to fight for it. You have to prove to the universe you deserve it. Don’t let your doubts hold you back, instead of hating on the pioneers that braved the path before you, be inspired by them.

 

Ok, now that we got through the uncomfortable stuff, lets take a deep breath and start fresh right now. Remember every second on this Earth is another chance to make the right decision.

Participation is key!

 

As I said before, this pertains to all combat sports. As I’m directly involved with Muay Thai and Kickboxing, I’ll point out some ways we can help our community. First and foremost, we got the hate thing covered, that will help a lot. When you see fighters posting things, re-post them, be a supporter. Recently a female fighter named Jessica Ng from New York ran a campaign to help herself get to the IFMA World Championships in Malaysia. I don’t know Jessica, but she is a part of our community, so I donated. Nothing huge, but every little bit helps. She was able to pull it together and make her trip happen. That story will be passed around, people will hear that strangers pitched in to help this young woman achieve a dream. How powerful is that?? In my opinion this is a big part of what Martial Arts is about. The sports of Muay Thai and Kickboxing are quickly becoming more popular. It’s our duty to our community that as they do, the light shed on them shows people who we are.

Jessica Ng

Jessica Ng

Step 2 | Participation

 

Support your fighters!! Your teammates need you at their fights. At the end of the day, there is a strong business aspect to all of this. Don’t hate on that either. Every dollar spent is an investment in yourself! If your teammate has a fight, and shows up with 30 people cheering for them, they get the boost from their team. The promoter makes money and is able to continue to run shows!! When those shows continue to run, the fighters are able to make more money. As that money rises the possibility is more realistic to actually make a living as a fighter. There is a lot more to it, but thats for another blog. Simply put, your support is an investment in your future.

 

On the grand stage, we have to pull together and support Lion Fight, and Glory. Both of these organizations are working hard to push Mauy Thai and Kickboxing to the forefront of Combat Sports, but they can’t do it on their own. Lion Fight has based their shows out of Las Vegas until now. They will make their East Coast debut on May 23rd. Its absolutely vital we make sure this show sells out. For Lion Fight, and for ourselves. Glory will run its first Pay Per View on June 21st. So far they have run all their shows free on Spike TV. Initially a lot of people were “hating”. I can’t stress how important this event is. Keep in mind how many MMA organizations have come and gone. Glory has been paying these fighters big money to win their tournaments. To be able to maintain the ability to do that, and run these incredible shows they have to make money. The only way for them to do that is with our support. On the flip side, if this PPV is a success, more fighters will be able to make more money. If your dream is to one day fight for Glory, or Coach a fighter in Glory, you have to PARTICIPATE! Invest in your future. Support your sport!

lion fight

glory

 

 

 

Coach Jason Farrell

Owner Of Level Up Boxing & Fitness

Owner of Urban Ninja Clothing

 

April Upcoming Events!

The Towson Thai Boxing Fight Team Comes To Train At Level Up!

 

Some of the fighters from TTB will be visiting this Saturday April 12th at 11am to train with us. TTB produced quite a few National Champions this year, and houses some of Maryland’s best Muay Thai and Kickboxing competitors. They have been gracious to allow our fighter Patrick Rivera train with them. We are always excited to have different training partners come in to work with us. Come out and get in some high level sparring, or just come to watch! 

 

Coach Henry Smith  With Diamon & Jesse

Coach Henry Smith With Diamond & Jesse

 

April 26th Luther Returns To The Ring!

Luther will be fighting on a very exciting Pro/Am card featuring the areas Star Pro Boxers, along side the DMV’s rising Amatuer stars! We have tickets for this event for sale at the gym! Don’t miss out on another one of Luthers big finishes!

 

Don't Miss This Show!!

Don’t Miss This Show!!

 

Come Support Your Team!!

 

3 WKA Nation Titles Claimed By Level Up

This year’s WKA National Tournament was one of the largest turnouts in the History of the event. 

With over 500 registered fighters competing to be crowned one of North Americas best fighters. The event offers many different forms of Combat Sports. MMA, BJJ, Modified Rules Muay Thai, Full Rules Muay Thai, and new this year, Glory Rules Kickboxing. With the popularity of the Lion Fight Promotion Muay Thai events in Las Vegas, and the Glory World Series Kickboxing shows from all over the World, Muay Thai and Kickboxing are climbing their way to the top of Combat Sports. For a long time Strikers would have to compete in MMA to have hope of making a career of fighting. With Lion Fight and Glory getting exposure through Television, a quiet revolution has begun. With each passing day the momentum grows, the excitement increases, and the need for talented and marketable stars has been created. the WKA National tournament has been, and will remain one of the best platforms to do just that.

This year is Level Up’s first run at WKA’s. 

We would be taking Nick Rossman who would be making his Amatuer Fighting Debut in the 125lbs Glory Rules Novice Division. Jared Tipton who has been an Undefeated win streak since his first in only loss. Jared would be fighting in the 125lbs Open Glory Rules Division. Luther Smith would be competing in the 209lbs Open Glory Rules Division. Also last years 165lbs Novice K1 Champion Patrick Rivera would be making his run at the 167lbs Open Glory Rules Title.

The Team All Weighed In & Ready To Go

The Team All Weighed In & Ready To Go

 

First challenge of the tournament is the weigh ins. 

With 500 plus fighters, and 3 scales, you can imagine this is a long process. Add to the fact all these fighters have cut weight to make their respective weight classes, and you have a fight before the fight. All 4 fighters made weight and began their rehydration process.

Back Of The Line

Back Of The Line

weigh 1

Nick Rossman was faced with a 4 man bracket. 

Drawing his first opponent from the Weapons 9 gym out of New Jersey. After getting warmed up, and reporting to the ring, we would find out from the officials that Nick’s opponent had been TKO’d while competing in another division, and was forced to withdraw from their bout. Nick would advance to the finals to face a competitor from another strong gym out of Kentucky, Real Fighters. Unfortunately The Real Fighters weren’t able to stay at the tournament until its conclusion. We were bummed for Nick, he would be crowned the 125lbs Novice Glory Rules Champion by default. He put in the work and time, and showed up ready to fight. Thats all we can ask. Nick has a fight schedule on the Blaze Muay Thai show in Winchester April 19th. We are excited him to get his chance to battle.

Nick "The Boss' Rossman

Nick “The Boss’ Rossman

Patrick Rivera who stormed his way through the bracket last year would also face a 4 man bracket. 

Drawing Last years National, and World Champion in the first round, we knew this was the fight to win to get to the title. Rounds One and Two went as expected. Pat would pepper his opponent with crisp punch combinations, mixing in well placed leg kicks to put an exclamation point on his work. In the Third Round, Pat’s opponent switched tackets realizing he was losing on the scorecards. His attack would focus on the clinch. The first clinch exchange, he would use a technique known as “turning” that swung Pat into the ropes, which is illegal in Glory rules. Immediately after the turn, he landed a hard knee to Pat, that forced him to take a knee. Pat came back from the 8 count and would rock his adversary with hard shots, forcing another Clinch tie up. Pat defending his body patiently waited for the Ref to break the Clinch, which although stated in the rules as only a Five second technique would be allowed for 11 seconds. When the ref broke the action Pat was given another Standing 8 count at the protests of Patricks Coach Jason Farrell. In the end Rivera would drop a decision, which shouldn’t have been mathematical possible. It was hard to see Patrick lose this way on more of a technicality than actual loss. He will be back stronger than ever, and is schedule to fight for a title April 19th alongside his teammate Nick.

Pat Helps Coach Jared To A Title

Pat Helps Coach Jared To A Title

Luther Smith drew a 3 man Bracket to begin.

The bracket was scheduled to go off in a Round Robin format. Luther would fight Karl Roberson of Killer B CSA. The loser of their fight would fight the odd man to determine who moved on to fight in the finals. Here is the video of Luther’s first fight. This was a back and forth fight. We felt that the 8 count Luther caught in Round One should have been rules a slip, nevertheless Smith brought home the W.

Luther wouldn’t fight again til much later in the day.

During the day a 4th man was added to the bracket. We would wait to see how that fight went and to find out who Luther would face in the Final. Luther was called to the announcers table, when we got there we found out that one of the other fighters had pulled out. So only one man was left who hadn’t fought yet. We are still unsure how this guy ended up in Luther’s bracket as he weighed in at 300lbs. Where Luther was supposed to be in a 209lbs bracket. On our team if we have a chance to fight for it we always accept. Which is exactly what Luther did. Here is the video of his final fight to be crowned the 2014 209lbs Open Glory Rules Champion and earn his slot on Team USA which will head to Tuscany Italy in the Fall for the World Championship.

Jared Tipton has been on a undefeated win streak since his first fight back in 2011 where he dropped a controversial Split Decision.

Jared has a relentless style which we have dubbed as going “Full Jurt”. In typical fashion, Jared would channel his inner Ramon Dekkers, and look to overwhelm his opponents from Bell to Bell. In his first fight Jared drew a game fighter from the always talented Daddis Fight Camps.

 

Jared would draw Nathan Boisvert of Capital MMA in his final fight.

Nathan is another very active fighter from the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. These two were bound to meet eventually. What better place and time than the Finals of the 125lbs Open Glory Rules Division. Watch here to see how Jared Brought Home his New Belt and earned his position on Team USA, and his chance to bring home a World Title.

 

We are very proud of all our fighters. They all put in the hard work to get where they are, and showed up ready to fight whoever was put in front of them. We look forward to them getting back to action right away in April.

 

Level Up would also like to mention that Ben Lipov also brought home a National Title in the 154lbs Open Glory Rules Division. Coach Jason trained Ben for 6 years, before leaving to open Level Up. Ben has since begun training at another extremely talented gym, Towson Thai Boxing. TTB s run by Henry Smith who trains UFC Fighter Donald ‘Cowboy”  Cerrone, and has a stable of up and coming Kickboxing and Muay Thai stars. We were all very happy to see Ben win his title.

Coach Jason, Ben Lipov, Coach Henry

Coach Jason, Ben Lipov, Coach Henry

 

Muay Thai vs Kickboxing | What Is The Difference?

 

In this video Level Up Gym’s Head Coach Jason Farrell breaks down the difference between the two sports. Here at Level Up we compete in both Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. Many people don’t realize that these are two different sports. We have classes for both styles here. This video goes over the strikes that separate these two types of compeititon, giving you an idea of what to expect in your classes.

We are offering a 30 Day Free Trial for a limited time to try out our Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and Strength Training classes. If you’d like to particpate in any of these programs contact us today to get started on a Full Month Free!!

Call us at – 240.206.8505

Email us at – levelupboxing@gmail.com

Visit our site at – https://www.levelupgym.com

Or just stop by and take a tour of our 9000 sqaure foot facility

Level Up Gym
4891 Telsa Drive : Suite G
Bowie MD 20715

Upcoming Events | March-April 2014

As usual The Level Up Fight Team is busy as ever. Here are the net few events we have coming up through the rest of March and April.

 

Up next we have the biggest tournament of the year!! The WKA National Championship! We have 4 fighters competing. Luther Smith will be fighting in the 201lbs Open Division. Patrick Rivera who won last years Novice 165lbs division will be fighting in the 160lbs Open Division. Jared Tipton will be fighting in the 125lbs Open Division. Also we have Nick Rossman making his Amatuer debut in the 125lbs Novice Division. 

 

The Biggest Event Of The Year!!

The Biggest Event Of The Year!!

 

 

Also on the night of March 22nd there will be an all Pro Show featuring some of the U.S.’s best Kickboxers facing off against European Kickboxers. This is a can’t miss event with some of Glory’s rising stars. Also the main event will see UFC star Pat Berry making his return to Kickboxing!!

 

Don't Miss This Show!!

Don’t Miss This Show!!

 

April 19th our Kickboxers will be back in Action with the Revolution Fight Series new All Muay Thai and Glory Rules Kickboxing Format. 

 

Fighters TBD

Fighters TBD

 

April 26th Luther Smith will be back to Boxing with Jeter Promotions out in VA. Stay tuned for the address

 

jeter promotions

 

 

We are working on getting the smokers ste up in April as well. We will keep you posted on the date. Thanks for all the support!!

 

 

The 1st Winner Of Our Referral Contest

Congrats Abigail!!

Abigail & Her New Gloves

Abigail & Her New Gloves

Abigail has been training with us since December of 2013. She came in with 3 of her friends but it was clear she had a pasison for Kickboxing right away. All though her friends didn’t continue to train, Abigail was hooked!! She has been here every day possible since then. On Saturdays after class is over she stays to train for hours after most of the other students have left. Recently her training intrigued a Neighbor. Abigail convinced Trinity that she would love the classes and ever since  the two have been training together. By referring Trinity Abigail won herself a Brand New Pair of Booster Gloves. 

Handmade In Thailand

Handmade In Thailand

Check out Abigail in Action!!

 

 

Would you like to WIN a pair of FREE Gloves or Shinpads? Tell a Friend or Family Member about Level Up!! Its that easy! They come get in great shape, and enter you to win FREE GEAR!!

Tell them about our 30 Day Free Trial

 

Call us at – 240.206.8505

Email us at – levelupboxing@gmail.com

Visit our site at – https://www.levelupgym.com

Or just stop by and take a tour of our 9000 square foot facility 

Level Up Gym

4891 Telsa Drive Suite G

Bowie Maryland 20715

 

Did You Know We Reward You For Training With Us?

Earn Free Gear, Private Lessons, and even Free Tuition just by being a Member!!

 

Every gym in the world has a check in system. For the most part these check in systems are set up to assure that the Customer isn’t “getting over” on the Business. How many times have you been rushing from work to get to the gym, just to be halted at the door by the pesky front desk clerk about stopping to scan in?? If your card isn’t attached to your keychain, you get stuck fumbling through your bag to find it, or maybe you forgot it so they have to look you up?? All you want to do is workout and get rid of the days stress! Now here you are scrambling to get this card out, stressed out EVEN MORE!! Here at Level Up we decided that we don’t want to burden our Members with extra stress. This should be your sanctuary. You should look forward to coming here every chance you get. We strive to make that a reality, and even better, we reward you for it. 

 

Screen Shot Of The Level Up Home Screen

Screen Shot Of The Level Up Home Screen

 

The Bellycard system is simple. As a member Level Up you will receive a “Belly Card”. The card can be easily attached to your keychain for easy access. You’ll only need to enter your email the first time to set the card up. Then from now on, whenever you visit the gym, you stop by the office and scan your card to earn points. Lose your card? No problem, we can set you up with a new one right away. If you simply forgot to bring it, No Problem, simply type in your email address and you’re good to go! You can also download the Bellycard App on your smart phone. Having the App opens up multiple options for you. 

  • Gives you a digital version of your card that you can use to scan in at Multiple Businesses
  • Allows you to keep track of the points you have earned
  • Shows you all the other Businesses that accept Bellycard

 

Your Bellycard

Your Bellycard

 

Stay Ahead Of The Game With The Belly App

Stay Ahead Of The Game With The Belly App

 

If you are already currently a member and don’t have a Bellycard yet stop by the office on your next visit so we can get you set up right away!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Kickboxer Wins Fifth Straight Fight

Level Up would find itself back on another incredible fight card at Combat Sports Challenge 38. CSC is a long running Professional and Amatuer fight organization that runs Muay Thai, as well as Mixed Martial Arts, and has recently adopted the Glory Rules Kickboxing as its competition staple. With the popularity of Muay Thai and Kickboxing growing here in the U.S. and the fact that there are two organizations running shows here in the States that get International exposure, its only going to get bigger. With Muay Thai fighters setting their sights on Lions Fights in Las Vegas, and Kickboxers looking to compete in any of Glory’s U.S. Regional shows. The time to “Strike” is now! CSC has been running shows for the D.C. , Maryland and Virginia athletes to cut their teeth on for some time now. Producing MMA stars like UFC’s  Amir Sadallah, Mike Easton to name a few, and Glory Fighters Francois Ambang and Brian Collette. It’s an exciting time for Strikers all over the world, but especially for us here in America.

The Stage Is Set

The Stage Is Set

 

Level Up was originally slated to have 3 fighters competing on this show. Due to some unfortunate injuries Jared Tipton would be the lone warrior representing his gym. Jared who lost his first Muay Thai fight, a split decision, has gone on to win every fight since. Including a Knockout Victory over the only man to beat him. Jared has been training with Level Ups Head Coach Jason Farrell since the age of 16. In that time Jared has grown not only as a fighter, but as a man. When Jared began training with Jason, he was quiet and didn’t show a ton of natural ability. What Jared did, and still does have is heart, and determination. Two things that cannot be taught.

 

Jared Comes in 3lbs Under Weight

Jared Comes in 3lbs Under Weight

 

“Over the years I have learned a valuable lesson being a Coach. You can’t make or wish anyone to fight. There will be guys and girls that come through the doors with all the potential in the world that will never have what it takes, or will just never put in the work it takes to be ready to fight. If you spend time and energy worrying about those people you will drive yourself crazy, and what’s worse is you will let the people slip by that are willing to work for it. Jared came to me, and said I want to fight, I said ok, here is what you have to do, and he did it. For me, once they tell they want to fight, I lay out what needs to happen, and if they do it, we have entered a contract. They hold up their end, which is show up and do the work, and its my job to make sure they are ready. Jared has done everything I have asked. In these last couple years he has picked up all the things that I wanted him too. When he goes into the fight I feel like I don’t even have to call for any combinations. I still yell combinations at him during the fight. You would probably think that he just computes it super fast, and fires it off, but honestly at this point I know he just see’s what I see. It’s incredible to watch.”

Coach Jason

 

Jared & Suresh Square Off

Jared & Suresh Square Off

 

Jared fought two fights within a two week period back in August of last year. The first fight being Kickboxing at CSC 37, and the second being his Amatuer Boxing Debut at Club 1 Fitness here in Maryland. Holding a 3-1 record in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, we know that we will be facing tougher competitors every fight from here on out. This time Jared would be facing Suresh Tamang. At the time the fight was made Suresh was 4-1, he would move to 5-1 before the fight could take place winning another Muay Thai fight in Brooklyn NY. Tamang who fights out of  Seapeenong, a very solid and active gym from Lorton VA, would shape up to be Jareds toughest test to date.

Here Comes The Boom

Here Comes The Boom

Round 1

 

Jared starts off strong with a big lead hook setting the pace. Followed by a flurry of punches putting Suresh in the corner. Suresh has a stance that is being adopted by more Thai Boxers. Its not a traditional stance, but more hunched forward reminiscent of the great Saenchai. Jared again punches Suresh to the ropes and unleashes a barrage of hard shots. Tamang does his best to cover up and mixes in a few hard shots of his own. Jared resets and the two move back to the middle of the ring. Suresh lands a solid inside leg kick. Then follows with a body kick that is caught and countered with hard punches. Another big flurry from Jared that ends with a big Hook and hard Livershot. Suresh covers up and sweeps Jared at the end of his combination. Jared pops back up as Suresh is warned for sweeping which is not a legal technique under Glory Rules. Although the sweep is not legal it looks good, so Jared is anxious to answer back and does so with another flurry of big punches. They end the round exchanging combinations.

Lands High To Set Up The Body Shot

Lands High To Set Up The Body Shot

 

Jared With A Big Uppercut

Jared With A Big Uppercut

 

 

Round 2

 

Jared starts off with a speedy combination but is unable to connect. Suresh answers with a nice inside leg kick. Jared smiles and answers back with a punch to kick combination. They move around some and Jared throws a Cross, Hook that lands, and follows up with another big Cross, Hook that lands clean. They end up in the middle of the ring, Jared throws a Jab and Uppercut that land clean. Followed up by a hard Hook, Uppercut. Suresh lands a big overhand. Jared answers back with a big flurry of punches, they end up in the clinch, Jared fires a nice knee to the body. The clinch is broken up by Referee Buck Grant. The two fighters circle, Jared presses forward and lands a Flying Knee. Suresh looks for another big Overhand but is caught with a counter Uppercut. Jared follows up with an Overhand of his own and a stinging Hook that sends Suresh to the ropes. Suresh ties up, but the Ref intervenes. Jared presses Suresh back to the ropes with another flurry, doges a thunderous Overhand and answers with a hard Left Hook. The two reset the middle of the ring. Jared throws a punch kick combination that land clean and follows up with two hard Hooks. Suresh uses his footwork to stay outside. Suresh lands a big Cross, Jared smiles and waves him on. Jared walks Suresh down, takes an inside Leg Kick. Suresh angles off well but eats a hook. Jared lands a Leaping Left Hook, dodges a big Overhand, and finishes the round with a big Cross, Hook.

Make Em Miss, Make Em Pay

Make Em Miss, Make Em Pay

 

Another Big Hook

Another Big Hook

 

Round 3

 

Jared kicks things off literally with an inside Leg Kick. Suresh returns with one of his own. Jared steps back in and delivers a Cross, Hook. Suresh answers back with a big inside Leg Kick and lands an Overhand that knocks Jareds mouthpiece out. The mouthpiece is rinsed off and put back in. Once the action resumes Suresh lands another inside leg kick, but is caught on the way out with a Hook that sends him to the ropes. Jared looks to capitalize with a Hook, but misses and is swept again. They return to the center of the ring, Suresh lands a cross to the body. Jared attempts a Jumping Spin Kick but misses. Suresh returns with a kick that is checked. Jared jumps back on him with a flurry of punches, lands a big Uppercut and Hook. Jared walks Suresh to the ropes and flurries with Hooks. Suresh does a good job covering up, Jared goes underneath with two big Uppercuts. Jared covers up when Suresh fires back. They circle off, but Jared presses back to the ropes and lands a big Uppercut, Hook, Flying Knee. Suresh lands a clean Body Kick. Inside leg kick checked by Jared. Jared throws an Overhand thats blocked but follows up with a nice Uppercut. Suresh returns with an Overhand that is blocked. Jared misses with punches but follows with a Body Kick. Suresh uses footwork and his Jab to keep Jared outside. Jared walks Suresh down and fires a Cross, Hook, Knee combo that all land. They move around some, Suresh attempts a push kick that is caught. Jared leaps into a hook and immediately follows up with an Uppercut. Suresh fires back a clean Overhand, but is instantly caught with a Hook. Hard body shot from Suresh, Jared returns with a flurry of punches, slips another big Overhand. The round comes to an end with both fighters exchanging short combinations.

Coach Patrick River, Jared Tipton, & Coach Jason Farrell

Coach Patrick River, Jared Tipton, & Coach Jason Farrell

 

Group Shot

Group Shot

 

 

At the end of three action packed rounds, Jared Tipton is awarded a Unanimous Decision Victory. Suresh came to fight, we have nothing but respect for him and his Team. I wouldn’t be surprised if these two meet again one day. We at Level Up would like to thank our Sponsor Urban Ninja. Also Brian Crenshaw for putting together another amazing show and giving us a chance to get Jared closer towards his goal of becoming a Professional Fighter. Last but not least big Thank You to Steve Bauzen for the incredible photos.

Urban Ninja, The Official Apparel Sponsor of Level Up

Urban Ninja, The Official Apparel Sponsor of Level Up

 

If you weren’t able to make it to the fight live you can purchase the entire action packed event at Go Fight Live.

gfl

We have programs for everyone here at Level Up. If you want to become a fighter, or just train like one, we are the gym for you. Come take us for a Test Drive for 30 Days Free!!

 

Call Us at – 240.206.8505

 

Email Us atlevelupboxing@gmail.com

 

Visit Us athttps://www.levelupgym.com

 

Or just stop by and check out our 9000 square foot Facility.

Level Up Boxing & Fitness

4891 Telsa Drive Suite G

Bowie MD 20715

Rumble at Club 1

Once again the Level Up Boxing Fight Team would head back into the ring at Club 1 Fitness in Millersville MD. This would be the first official fight for Level Up in 2014. On the card, Luther Smith, one of the teams most active competitors, and first time fighter Willie Lovado. Luther made his boxing debut in November of 2013. It was a short trip, as Smith would finish the fight in the first round, a devastating hook floored his opponent. The fight would continue for a short time after being waived off by the Ref due to a flurry of hard hits. Luther brought home a Maryland State Championship for that bout. Luther moved on to a 1-0 record, and took home a beautiful new belt. Around the same time last year Willie took part in an in house boxing exhibition at his home gym Level Up. Willie proved himself to be tough as they come, and showed he has what it takes to begin fighting at the Amatuer level.

 

Willie and his wife Val

Willie and his wife Val

 

 

Willie & Coach Jason

Willie & Coach Jason

Willie Getting Wrapped

Willie would take on MMA fighter with a wrestling background. Having trained many wrestlers that crossed over to boxing, Coach Jason knew what to expect. There was some concern about Willie not having the fight experience his opponent had, but the team believed that if Willie stuck to the game plan he would emerge successful.  Round one Willie took his time and established his jab early on. As the round progressed Lozado begin finding a home for his right hand often. Firing from different angles, landing Right Hooks, Crosses and Uppercuts. A hard right Hook immediately followed by a big Uppercut caused Ref Tim Ryan to step in and give Willies stunned adversary a Standing Eight Count.

 

Willie came out guns blazing in the second round. Landing those big Rear Hooks, and Uppercuts again. About 1 minute into the second round Willie snuck in another big Uppercut, and followed up with a rear Hook that dislocated his shoulder. The room fell silent. His Coach Jason was worried he had broken his hand. The Doctor stepped in to see what happened and was able to pop the shoulder back into place. Willie would look the Doctor in the eyes and ask to please be allowed to continue. The Doctor complied and the fight went on. Willie was instructed to focus on using his lead hand to finish the round, which for the most part he did, but in the moment when the shot is there its hard not to take it. Lozado finished the round strong landing strong jabs and a few right handed shots to let his opposition know he was still in the fight.

 

Round three Willies opponent came out swinging. Down two rounds, his only hope of securing a win would have to come by way of Knockout. In an attempt to slow down the onslaught, Willie threw a big right hand that would once again dislocate his shoulder. Initially Ref Tim Ryan waived off the bout. Lozado would not be defeated so easily, after pleading with the Ref and the cheers of the crowd to “LET HIM FIGHT”, Willie would carry on. Sadly not long after a second dislocation, a third soon followed. This time Level Up Head Coach Jason Farrell signaled that the fight was over, Referee Ryan agreed and the bout was halted midway in the Third Round.

 

Heart is not something that can be taught. Willie Lozado has the heart of a Lion. Although the fight would be declared a loss for him, he won the crowd, and respect from his Team and everyone in attendance at Club 1. He walked over to his opponents corner and congratulated them, and shook  their hands as best as he could with his shoulder out of its socket. He even stood in the ring long enough to have his hand raised out of respect for his heart. We wish him a speedy recovery and are excited to see him continue as a fighter. Willie  has been training for less than six months and has grown so much in that time its scary. He has a bright future ahead of him.

Willie Poses With the Team

Willie Poses With the Team

Luthers return to the ring would pit him against a mountain of a man. If you have seen Luther, you know that you have to be big to make him look small. Although a tad short, possibly and inch, Smiths opposition would outweigh by roughly 30 pounds. Luther has been logging in a lot of training lately which has slimed him down to a walk around weight of 215 pounds. His opponent weighed in at 247 pounds, looking reminiscent of a young George Foreman.

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Luther, or Loot as his team mates like to call him, would call on a historic strategy involving George Foreman and the great Muhammad Ali. Before the fight began Smith informed his Coach Jason Farrell not to be worried, but that he was going to take the first round to feel his adversary out. Luther let his opponent work hard all through the round, and occasionally peppered him with a few shots. Between rounds, Coach Farrell, told Luther to turn it up bell to bell for the next two rounds. The strategy paid off as the crowd and coaches alike could see that Smiths opposition was visibly tired coming into the second round. A tired fighter of his size is still dangerous, and even though as he struggled to catch his wind looked to fire big shots. Luther fought a smart round and peppered his opponent with hard punches and fast jabs alike. Smith found himself backed into a corner late on the second round but spun out quick enough that when his adversary launched an attack and missed he fell to the canvas.

 

Round three the two men met in the middle and exchanged big shots. Luthers opponent looked to be running low on gas and tied Smith up. On the break Luther landed a flurry of hard shots that caused another tie up, this time Luther pushed himself free knocking his adversary to the canvas. Smelling a possible finish Luther turned it up another notch and let loose a barrage of hard punches that made his opposition take a knee. After a couple small exchanges Smith landed a textbook Jab, Cross, Hook that appeared to stun his opponent, followed up by a beautiful Cross, Hook. A small tie up caused a break in the action and Luther finished the round at distance peppering with his jab.

 

When the dust settled, Luther emerged as the owner of a Unanimous Decision. Moving himself to 2-0 as an Amatuer Boxer. Luther will look to stay active this year and rack up as much Ring Experience as possible with the plan of making the jump to fighting Professionally as soon as possible. With his work ethic, powerful punches, and his strong chin, Luther “Lights Out” Smith is proving to be a force to reckon with.

luther on ropes

Both Willie and Luther are products of the training and classes here at Level Up Boxing and Fitness. Both men have Families and full time jobs. They come to the gym 6 days a week, and put in everything they can. They are both a great inspiration to us all. Luther is 35 years old and has been training less than two years. Willie is 27 years old and has less than 6 months training. We have programs for everyone here at Level Up. If you want to become a fighter, or just train like one, we are the gym for you. Come take us for a Test Drive for 30 Days Free!!

Willie & Luther Celebrating Their Fights

Willie & Luther Celebrating Their Fights

 

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