16.04.07 – By Robert Jones: On Saturday Night, at the sold out Hughes Center in Russellville, Arkansas, JD “The Natural” Chapman defended his Arkansas State Heavyweight Title for the third time. He stopped a very game but overmatched Jason Curry in five one sided rounds. Chapman floored Curry six times in five rounds including three knockdowns in the fifth. The bout was mercifully stopped at 2:25 of round five. The 6’5½” inch Chapman weighed in at a solid and impressive looking 249 pounds, dwarfing his 6’2”, 211 pound opponent.. Chapman seems to be improving with each performance and is showing the potential to be a real prospect in today’s wide open heavyweight division. He’s a little rough around the edges, but some upcoming training under the legendary Emmanuel Steward might just smooth those rough spots out.
The card was attended by World Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins who was in town to scout Chapman for Golden Boy Promotions. “No doubt JD has the talent but he needs training and experience,” said the current Light-Heavyweight Champion Hopkins.
With Jermain Taylor moving on to bigger venues outside the state, Chapman is fast becoming the most popular fighter in Arkansas. Last September Chapman sold out the nearly two thousand seat Fort Smith Convention center while knocking out Ray Lunsford in two.
Also in attendance, representing the young Chapman, was Scott Hirsch, Boxing Manager of the Year nominee and manager of the WBO World Heavyweight Champion Shannon Briggs.
On the under-card “Baby” Joe Mesi of Buffalo, New York knocked out blown up junior middleweight, Ron Johnson in 1:45 of the first round. Johnson did land a couple solid blows but the five foot seven inch Johnson was no match for Mesi. Ron Johnson was a last minute sub when original opponent Marvin “Skip” Hill pulled out due to illness. The card was promoted by Slugout.com Promotions.