Over the weekend Jamaican boxing legend Glen Johnson’s new promotional company Road Warrior Promotions had a knockout debut with an exciting South Florida fight card from the vintage feeling open-air arena at the Miramar Amphitheater. The first installment of Johnson’s fight series “Boxing at the AMP” featured a host of hungry South Florida prospects slugging it out in front of an aesthetically pleasing and rowdy Magic City crowd. Towering 6’8″ 251 Lb. former University of Miami basketball and football player Raphael Akpejiori, 9-0, 9 KO’s continued his impressive knockout streak by annihilating West Coast tough guy Joshua Tuani, 2-3, 1 KO via 1st round KO. The 40-year old Tuani, 232 3/4, gave it the old gunslinger’s try with his .22 derringer but was sent through the ropes by a shotgun blast right hand to the temple for Akpejiori’s 9th straight stoppage in two rounds or less. More impressive than Akpejiori’s paralyzing power is the native Nigerian’s humility as a person. When asked what his life is like outside the ring the 30-year-old former UM defensive end responded, “A lot of people don’t know I work a full-time job, regardless of how I feel if I’m sleepy or hungry I still have to go train. After I go to work, I go back to the gym and train again.” Akpejiori’s pilot Glen Johnson was much the same climbing the ranks working a full-time construction job before making “real money” knocking out Roy Jones Jr. Impressive stuff from both men. Follow Raphael Akpejiori on Instagram @raphael_akpejiori and Glen Johnson @glenjohnsonboxr
Undercard Results
Malik Lewis UD4 Trey Anderson (Jr. Lightweight)
“The Road Warrior” Johnson’s 130 Lb. protege Malik “The Surgeon” Lewis, 3-0, 2 KO’s, dropped Florida journeyman Trey Anderson, 0-5, but was unable to get the stoppage in a decision win. The final scores read 40-35 all for Lewis. The 26-year-old Jamaican/American Lewis owns a sneaky left hook and patented Johnson-styled hands high airtight defense. Lewis has nice upside and was a solid amateur winning a Florida State PAL title as a featherweight. Follow Lewis @hands4hire_
Alvin Davie UD6 Aaron John Valentine (Heavyweights)
6’4″ 203 1/2 Lb. Miami-based heavyweight Alvin Davie, 4-2, 3 KO’s, hit New Orleans veteran Aaron John Valentine, 1-5, 1 KO, with everything but the kitchen sink but the tough New Orleans native McKinley, 208, proved his resiliency losing 60-54 on all cards without hitting the deck. The 34-year-old Davie is a quick-fisted big man that was 3-time National Golden Gloves champion. Follow Davie @alvindavie
Ermal Haddribeaj KO3 Larry Smith (Welterweights)
Undefeated Albanian southpaw Ermal Haddribeaj, 7-0-1, 3 KO’s, took care of business via 3rd round stoppage against 42-year-old trail horse Larry Smith, 12-45-2, 8 KO’s, in a scheduled 8-rounder. “The Sniper” Hadribeaj is a well-conditioned counterpuncher with a stiff and accurate right jab. The former MMA fighter Hadribeaj, 27, is a throwback that would fight in a back alley if enough cash were involved.” The Sniper” should get better in his transition from MMA to boxing under the tutelage of former pro fighter and trainer Donato De Martiis from the World-Famous 5th street gym on Miami Beach. Follow Haddribeaj @thesniperhadribeaj and De Martiis @donatobox
Marlon Kelly KO1 Zachariah Kelly (Super Middleweight)
2020 Olympic Trials Participant Marlon “Magic Man” Kelly, 2-0, 2 KO’s, blasted out 35-year-old opponent Zachariah Kelley, 5-30-1, 5 KO’s, via 1st round stoppage in a scheduled 4-rounder. The 6’0″ Miami native Kelly, 28, is heavy-handed with good reach and leverage. Follow Kelley @marlon.kelly
Delvin McKinley MD4 Irvin Perez (Bantamweight)
24-year-old New Orleans banger Delvin McKinley, 4-1-1, 4 KO’s, earned a majority draw with game Mexican rookie, Irvin Perez, 0-0-1. This humble journalist had the stocky 5th ward brawler McKinley clearly winning the decision over Perez, 26, with his cleaner boxing skills and booming right hand. Follow McKinley @dagator504
Big thanks to everyone involved in a fun Road Warrior Promotions debut despite all the obstacles during the pandemic. Stay tuned for Glen Johnson’s “Boxing at the AMP 2” coming soon!
