PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Not one, but two local Department of Defense engineers from Naval Air Station Patuxent River won their respective amateur boxing debuts at the Southern Maryland Smoke 16 live event held at Truth Bible Church on June 28.
Gabriel Guy and Nate “Blood Hound” Colon, both engineers working at NAVAIR, train at Knowledge Boxing Center — the sanction holder for the amateur boxing event — and they have put the boxing community on notice. They showed out and came to win, both defeating worthy opponents in 165-pound matchups.
Guy fulfilled a childhood dream by defeating Hugo Rodriguez of Kaizen MMA, and Colon, a Rutgers graduate, took care of John Lopez of Annapolis Boxing.
Daryl Hinmon, owner and head coach of Knowledge Boxing Center on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, said he believes this is one for the history books.
“Sometimes when you have a novice fighter, especially in their first fight, you may not know what you’re going to get,” Coach Hinmon said. “But myself and Coach John [Richardson] felt very confident that our guys would deliver and perform. They are all smart, hardworking, handsome and determined young men that we enjoy teaching. We’re very proud of all of them.”
Guy, known for his love of contact sports, started training just a few months ago in February. As for his family, they don’t yet know that he’s fighting.
“The most important thing I’ve learned from my coaches is that this sport is like most things in life — a mental battle,” Guy said. “Two quotes that I think epitomize this are, ‘Control your thoughts,’ and ‘If you think it, it shall be.’”
He said boxing helps break up the monotony of the 9-to-5 daily grind. Ahead of his next matchup, he’s focusing on cardio.
“The hardest round for me was definitely the third,” Guy said. “I felt the fatigue try to sneak in, but in my mind, I would not allow it. I will definitely do more cardio to make sure not even the thought of fatigue tries to enter my mind or body again. There is more work to do.”
Colon moved to the area last year from New Jersey to work at NAS Patuxent River. He grew up in Paterson and earned his degree in computer science and cognitive science from Rutgers University.
“Shortly after, I pursued a career in software engineering and was drawn to the opportunity at Sabre Systems to start my career and build the projects the Navy has for the future,” Colon said.
Colon has a background in Muay Thai kickboxing, although he never competed.
“I never competed but knew I loved the energy, and the courageous spirit and passion embedded in the art of fighting,” he said. “After settling in Lexington Park and hearing about Knowledge Boxing from people on base, in my company and around the community, I decided to visit around the fall.”
Colon said he knew the first round could be dangerous.
“Coach D and Coach John always say the first round is when your opponent is most dangerous — energy levels are soaring high and anyone can land a devastating blow,” he said. “I sensed my opponent had power early. If I was reckless and didn’t exercise discipline and skills, I could get caught. But after breathing and letting the fight slow down, I began to methodically break down my opponent by applying constant pressure, which gave me the advantage.”
Colon said boxing has taught him that success is a matter of mental control.
“Boxing requires you to ask, ‘Can I go further?’” he said. “Every time you ask that question and dare to push beyond your perceived limits, it’s another piece of your potential unlocked — another source of power.”
He added that boxing isn’t meant to be comfortable.
“This repeated process takes mental will to push past our natural inclination to be comfortable — and to overcome the thoughts revolving around doubt, fear and pain to be successful,” he said. “That applies inside and outside of the ring.”
Coach Richardson added that Knowledge Boxing is already looking ahead.
“We, along with the entire KBC staff, will continue to support these fighters — not only as athletes, but as young men and women discovering purpose, strength and pride in the ring and in life,” he said. “We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, fans and supporters who helped make Southern Maryland Smoke 16 such a success.”
Upcoming Events
- Smoke 17: Aug. 23 at Truth Bible Church; doors open at 2 p.m.
- Smoke 18: Oct. 4 at The Rex in Leonardtown
- Smoke 19: Nov. 22 at The Rex
Follow Knowledge Boxing Center on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.knowledgeboxingcenter.com.
Two-Time World Champion Shows Support
“It’s all about reaching the community and supporting the next generation,” said two-time WBC Middleweight Champion of the World Keith Holmes during intermission.
Holmes said he didn’t have a support network like this coming up.
“I’m thankful Daryl Hinmon thought of me to invite me here today,” Holmes said. “This is something special. I’m actually nervous up here to talk.”
He was struck by the young talent and the family presence, sharing that support was often lacking in his own early career. Holmes, the first known vegan diet boxer, had his book “Build a Hospital in Your Kitchen: Prevent Sickness With Nature’s Medicine Cabinet” on display.
“It became a lifestyle for me,” Holmes said. “I don’t get sick.”
He took photos with fans and signed copies of his book, stressing the importance of eating clean and maintaining health.
“His appearance wasn’t just symbolic; it served as direct motivation,” Coach Richardson said. “Watching a champion from their own region reminded everyone that greatness is possible with dedication, discipline and hard work.”
Next Professional Fight
See Coach Fuller or contact KBC for tickets.
Marine Corps veteran and Southern Maryland’s only active professional boxer, Tremaine “Teddy P” Fuller, will fight next on the Davis Boxing Promotions card at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf on July 12.
Results
- Kyrie Short (Dream Team) def. Rayvon Jenkins (S&A Boxing)
- Jeremiah Wyce (UFC Woodbridge) RSC Landon Stone (Bowerhouse MMA)
- Amir Brown (Old School Boxing) def. Joseph Adekotan (Unattached, Richmond)
- Isaiah Williams (Triple Threat Boxing) def. Franklin Romero Avalos (Big Things Boxing)
- Logan Mills (Practical MMA) def. Noah Cathlin (Champions Boxing)
- Jaylen Williams (Knowledge Boxing) def. Keith Green (Champions)
- Chris Purdie (Dream Team) def. David Martinez (Unattached)
- Gabriel Guy (Knowledge Boxing) def. Hugo Rodriguez (Kaizen MMA)
- Nate Colon (Knowledge Boxing) def. John Lopez (Annapolis Boxing)
- Vincent Cheng (Annapolis Boxing) def. Harrison Mann (Kaizen MMA)
- Edward Randolph (Dream Team) def. Ethan Kim (Kaizen MMA)
- Raycol Brewster (Old School Boxing) def. Dylan Rodriguez (Knowledge Boxing)
- Steve Remetz (Knowledge Boxing) def. Liam Haley (Annapolis Boxing)
- Ivan Guzman (Dream Team) def. Mark Q. Hoyos (Big Things Boxing)
Special Thanks
- Knowledge Boxing Center, sanction holder
- Truth Bible Church
- USA Boxing officials
- Jamal Brown, head official
- Dr. John Wills, ringside physician
- DJ Keys from Philly
- Dan Cook, photographer
- KBC Beauties
- Many generous sponsors
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
