I had the opportunity to take in my first professional boxing card at Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack last weekend.

The wife and I were ringside for the six-bout Fight Night XIX card, staged by West Virginia Sports Promotions guru Jerry Thomas.

Although there was only one local fighter involved, the Ballroom was jam-packed with boxing enthusiasts.

The local fighter, Bellaire’s Ralph “Raising Hell” Heller was holding his own, that was until the latter stages of the third round of his scheduled four-round bout.

Heller, who came into the ring with a 1-1 mark, was ahead on my card (which WAS NOT official) until he was knocked through the ropes and almost into our laps. He never recovered and lost on a TKO to Pennsboro’s “The Jawbreaker” John Colvin, a two-time Toughman champion.

In the main event, Cory “The Train” Tipple came into the match undefeated in four pro bouts. His opponent was journeyman “Rockin'” Randy Dobbs, of Cincinnati, who checked in with a sub-par 6-23 record.

However, when the punches were landed and the final bell sounded, it was Dobbs who captured the unanimous decision in the Jr. Welterweight fight.

Other winners were Shane Gierke, of Kent, OH.; Jason “Hurricane” Carter, of Pittsburgh; and Rod Salka, of Bynola, PA.

There was one other fight in which Pittsburgh’s Jesse Lubash, who had a large, vocal following, ran his mark to 5-0 with a TKO of Abdul Blackburn, of Columbus, who entered the fight with a 8-42-2 mark. However, one of Blackburn’s wins came three years ago on the Island when he shocked Steubenville’s “Lightning” Manard Reed, who entered the fight 26-2 log.

In addition to the action in the ring, Ohio Valley baseball legend Phil Niekro was ringside with long-time compadre Gordie Longshaw. When Niekro was introduced, he entered the ring and threw a couple of “shadow” punches to the delight of the crowd. Also sitting at ringside, and next to yours truly, was Monte Meza-Clay. He is the No. 4 ranked Featherweight in the world with a mark of 27-1 with 18 knockouts.

Fight Night XX is scheduled for June 14 on the Island.

Davis Released

Jose Davis’ dream of playing professional football in his home state was short-lived.

The Bellaire High School alum was released by the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League late last week.

The move came as somewhat of a surprise as Davis had started a game in New Orleans recently. He completed 6-of-10 passes for 115 yards with two TDs and two INTs.

He saw action in all four Gladiator games, mostly holding on extra-points and field goals.

One day after sending Davis packing, the Gladiators signed QB Rohan Davey, a former LSU standout and draft pick of the NFL’s New England Patriots.

Davey will backup starter Raymond Philyaw.

He started the season with the New York Dragons and actually played in the season opener against the very same Gladiators in the season-opener. He passed for 249 yards and five TDs on 21-of-30 after replacing injured starter Aaron Garcia.

Phone calls a Must!

All local high school baseball and softball coaches are reminded to either call in, e-mail or fax your results to The Times Leader.

The sports staff is in the office nightly from 8-11 p.m. to take phone calls.

Calls can be made to (740) 633-1131, ext. 171, 180 or 181. E-mails can be directed to sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com or knorth@timesleaderonline.com. Our fax number is (740) 633-1122 and our toll-free number is 1-800-244-5671.

North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com