The Police Athletic League in Hockessin, Delaware, came alive on August 24th, 2024, as fans gathered for an electrifying night of boxing. Hosted by Strict Biz Promotions, this event marked another successful chapter in their growing legacy. The evening was a testament to the resilience and passion that permeates the local boxing scene. From the roar of the crowd to the intensity in the ring, it was clear that this was more than just a night of fights—it was a celebration of the sport’s rich tradition.
Strict Biz Promotions, led by the dynamic duo of Rashad Brown and Greg Pritchett, has quickly made a name for itself within the boxing community. With strong roots in the Philadelphia boxing circuit, their vision for bringing the excitement of the sport to Delaware has been nothing short of remarkable. This event was their fourth in the state, following three previous successes that have steadily built a dedicated following. Strict Biz’s commitment to fostering local talent and providing a platform for up-and-coming fighters has earned them respect and admiration from both fans and fighters alike.
As the crowd eagerly awaited the first bell, the atmosphere was electric. Despite a brief delay, which only served to heighten the anticipation, the audience was more than ready for the action to begin. The night promised a mix of thrilling knockouts, skillful displays of technique, and the kind of drama that only boxing can deliver. Fans were particularly excited to see some of their favorite fighters, many of whom have become local heroes thanks to the platform provided by Strict Biz. Among them was David Hardy Jr., known to his fans as “Hot Sauce,” whose popularity was evident in the sea of fluorescent green shirts worn by supporters throughout the arena.
Action-Packed Fights: A Night of Knockouts and Drama
The fights themselves did not disappoint. Each bout brought its own flavor to the evening, showcasing a range of styles and skill levels. The night opened with a clash between John Hawks (2-1-1, 1 KO) and Elias Ajuwa (0-5-1), a fighter hailing from Nigeria. Ajuwa came out strong, even scoring a questionable knockdown early on. However, Hawks quickly turned the tide, landing a powerful hook that sent Ajuwa to the canvas. Ajuwa was able to quickly rise to his feet but in hindsight maybe he should have stayed down until his head was clear. Rushing back to his feet, Ajuwa looked unsteady and the referee had no choice but to call the fight, giving Hawks a decisive victory.
The action continued with a highly anticipated bout featuring Zak Kelly (4-1-0, 3 KOs) from Lancaster, who squared off against Josh Diop (1-5-0, 0 KOs). The crowd was hot for Kelly as he made his ringwalk. The first round was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. But in the second round, Kelly found his rhythm, delivering a knockout punch that ended the fight in dramatic fashion. The crowd erupted in cheers as Kelly’s hand was raised in victory.
Next up was the charismatic Tyler Vanorden (2-0-0, 2 KOs) from Elizabeth, NJ, who faced off against Nathan “Razzle Dazzle” Vantassle (0-1-0, 0 KOs), the man with the best name of the night. After a closely contested first round, Vanorden caught Vantassle with a devastating punch that resulted in the knockout of the night. The crowd’s roared and rose to their feet as Vantassle hit the mat. Vanorden had secured the knockout of the event.
The night also featured a commanding performance by Adonis Wilkins (4-0-0, 4 KOs), who extended his undefeated record with a second-round knockout of Elijah Harris (0-1-0, 0 KOs) in Harris’ professional debut. Wilkins, a super welterweight with a reputation for power, showcased his ability to control the distance early in the fight. Utilizing feints to keep Harris off balance, Wilkins patiently waited for his opportunity to strike. When the moment came, he landed a precise right cross that opened up his opponent, setting the stage for the finishing blow. A devastating right hook to the body followed, sending Harris to the canvas and ending the fight
Showcasing New Talent: Harris and Langer Make Their Mark
The event also featured two highly anticipated professional debuts, with Michael Harris (1-0-0, 0 KOs) and Tyler Langer (1-0-0, 1 KO) stepping into the ring for the first time under the bright lights of Strict Biz Promotions.
Michael Harris faced off against Daniel Van Fossen (0-3-0, 0 KOs) in a super lightweight bout. The fight lived up to the excitement of a classic super lightweight contest. Harris demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess. His ability to control the pace of the fight, combined with precise combinations, allowed him to secure a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the bout 40-36 in his favor.
Van Fossen, despite his winless record, proved to be a game opponent. He pushed Harris throughout the fight, making it an entertaining contest for the fans. Harris’ smooth victory, however, did not overshadow the toughness and determination shown by Van Fossen, highlighting that records alone do not always tell the full story of a fighter’s abilities.
Following Harris’ debut, Tyler Langer took to the ring against Daniel Fry (0-4-0). Langer’s performance was nothing short of impressive, as he displayed skills beyond what one might expect from a fighter making his professional debut. Fry, the taller and longer fighter, attempted to use his reach advantage, but Langer effectively closed the distance, landing powerful hooks to both the body and head. Langer’s relentless pressure paid off in the second round when he sent Fry to the canvas. Although Fry managed to get back on his feet, Langer quickly capitalized, delivering another crushing blow that ended the fight.
Langer’s debut showcased his potential as a future contender, with his power and precision standing out as key elements of his fighting style. His ability to adjust and dominate his opponent in his first professional bout suggests that Langer is a fighter to watch in the coming years.
Rising Stars and Veteran Fighters: The Faces of Strict Biz
The night in Hockessin featured several standout performances that have set the stage for the future of Strict Biz Promotions. Among the rising stars, David Hardy Jr. (2-0-0, 2 KOs) delivered a commanding performance against Semaj Fletcher (0-2-0, 0 KOs). From the opening bell, Hardy exhibited a level of skill and power that belied his young career. His intelligent combination punching to the head and body quickly overwhelmed Fletcher, who found himself on the defensive early in the fight. Hardy’s punches landed with a force that seemed out of proportion for a fighter of his experience, showcasing his natural power and refined technique.
Fletcher, clearly outmatched, began turning his back to avoid the relentless onslaught. Recognizing Fletcher’s inability to defend himself, the referee wisely stepped in to stop the bout, sparing Fletcher further punishment. It was a performance that solidified Hardy’s reputation as a fighter to watch, one who combines power with precision in a way that is rare for a young prospect.
After the fight, Hardy reflected on his victory with a mix of confidence and humility. “I feel like it was like, easy,” he admitted, acknowledging the relative ease with which he dispatched his opponent. However, Hardy was quick to express his respect for Fletcher’s willingness to travel from Texas to take the fight. “I appreciate him taking the fight all the way from Texas though … no fighter wanna fight me.” His words reveal a young fighter who is aware of his growing reputation and the challenges that come with it. Hardy is set to headline the next Strict Biz event on November 29th, and he is clearly excited about the opportunity to continue his rise through the ranks. With his talent and determination, Hardy is positioning himself as one of the top fighters in the Strict Biz stable.
Rasheed Johnson With the Upset of the Night
The night also marked the return of veteran fighter Rasheed Johnson (10-5-0, 3 KOs), who took on LaQuan Evans (5-3-0, 2 KOs) in what turned out to be a thrilling contest. Johnson, who had been out of the ring for two years, showed no signs of rust as he expertly controlled the fight from the outside. His jab was sharp, and his counters were precise, allowing him to dictate the pace of the fight. Evans, however, was no pushover. He managed to hurt Johnson in the second and fifth rounds, but each time, Johnson demonstrated his experience and resilience, recovering quickly and resuming control of the fight.
The bout was a reminder of Johnson’s skill and the danger he poses in the ring, regardless of how long he’s been away. After securing a well-deserved split decision victory, Johnson spoke candidly about his future in the sport. “I feel great at 154, I can make 147 honestly… but 154 I think would be my golden ticket,” he said, hinting at his flexibility and readiness to compete in multiple weight classes. Johnson’s performance was a testament to his dedication to the sport, and he is expected to feature prominently in the next Strict Biz event in November.
Jalique Holden Move to Advance his Career
The main event of the evening featured Wilmington’s own Jalique Holden (7-0-0, 6 KOs) against Gorwar Karyah (2-4-1, 2 KOs). Holden, who is quickly making a name for himself in the Delaware Valley, put on a clinical display of boxing. From the outset, Holden established his jab, keeping Karyah off balance and unable to mount any effective offense. As the fight progressed, Holden’s ability to change levels and mix his attacks proved too much for Karyah, who found himself on the receiving end of a punishing body shot in the second round. The body shot landed and Karyah was unable to recover, giving Holden yet another knockout victory to add to his growing record.
Holden’s post-fight comments provided insight into the hard work and dedication that have fueled his success. “It’s been the hardest camp so far,” Holden revealed, underscoring the challenges he faced in preparing for this fight. Despite these challenges, Holden remains focused on his goals, confident in the support of his team. “We’re going to keep doing the same thing, my team is going to make all the adjustments for me, they’ve already been there.” With a perfect record and a reputation for delivering exciting fights, Holden is poised to transition from prospect to contender. His performances are beginning to attract attention beyond the local scene, and it’s only a matter of time before he steps up to face even tougher competition.
Building a Legacy: Strict Biz Promotions’ Growing Impact
Strict Biz Promotions has become synonymous with exciting boxing events in Delaware. Brown and Pritchett’s vision extends beyond just organizing fights; they are building a community. By nurturing talent and putting on high-quality shows, they are creating a space where both fighters and fans feel connected to the sport. Brown’s journey from the Philly boxing scene to establishing a thriving promotion in Delaware is a story of determination and passion. His move to the city’s outskirts has allowed him to tap into a new market, bringing the excitement of live boxing to areas that had been underserved in this regard.
The event had a blend of the gritty, authentic feel of Philly boxing with the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a smaller, community-centered event. The result is a unique experience that appeals to die-hard boxing fans and casual spectators alike. Strict Biz has successfully bridged the gap between these two worlds, offering a platform that is as much about the fighters as it is about the fans. Their events are more than just fights; they are celebrations of the sport, its culture, and its impact on the community.
The night in Hockessin was a perfect example of this approach. From the moment the first bell rang, the audience was treated to a series of bouts that showcased the diverse talents of Strict Biz’s roster. The event’s success was not just measured by the quality of the fights, but by the energy and excitement that filled the arena. As each bout concluded, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for what was to come, a testament to Strict Biz’s ability to craft an event that keeps fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The Future of Strict Biz Promotions: Building a Boxing Legacy
The leadership demonstrated by Rashaad Brown and Greg Pritchett at Strict Biz Promotions, despite early challenges, underscores why this company is quickly gaining momentum. Running a successful boxing promotion is no small feat, especially in a region that is still establishing its identity in the sport. From matchmaking to securing venues, managing athletic commissions, and coordinating concessions, the tasks involved are daunting. Yet, Brown and Pritchett, along with their team, have managed to handle these responsibilities with remarkable efficiency, making the complex process of organizing an event seem almost routine.
One of the key challenges in promoting is ensuring that fighters are matched appropriately, especially when dealing with different weight classes. Jalique Holden, one of Strict Biz’s rising stars, highlighted this issue when discussing his recent bout. “I actually got a chance to fight at 126,” Holden shared, emphasizing the difficulties in finding opponents willing to fight him at that weight. He was quick to express his appreciation for his opponent’s willingness to take the fight. “Shout out to my opponent for even doing that,” Holden said, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes struggles that promotions face in bringing together competitive matchups.
Despite Challenges Strict Biz Pushes Forward
These challenges, however, have not deterred the ambitions of Brown and Pritchett. In a conversation with Brown, the future of Strict Biz Promotions was a central topic. “We’re looking at doing our next show at 2300,” Brown revealed, referencing the renowned 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia—a venue with a rich history in the boxing world. This move signals the promotion’s intent to expand its reach and solidify its presence in one of the sport’s most significant markets. The 2300 Arena is known for hosting some of the most exciting and memorable events in recent boxing history, and for Strict Biz to set its sights on such a venue is a bold step forward.
The core group of fighters under the Strict Biz banner is already beginning to build their own followings, which speaks volumes about the promotion’s potential. In a pre-event announcement, Pritchett noted that David Hardy Jr. is being positioned to “be the face of Strict Biz Promotions.” Judging by the crowd’s response and the enthusiasm surrounding Hardy, it’s clear that the young fighter is well on his way to fulfilling that role. The synergy between veteran leaders like Rasheed Johnson and Zak Kelly, alongside regional stars like Jalique Holden and promising newcomers such as Hardy and Michael Harris, is creating a solid foundation for the promotion’s future.
Strict Biz Promotions is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the Delaware boxing scene and beyond. With strong leadership, a talented roster, and ambitious plans, Brown and Pritchett are laying the groundwork for something truly special. As they continue to build on their successes, there’s no doubt that Strict Biz will soon become a name synonymous with high-quality, exciting boxing events. The journey ahead is full of promise, and with each event, the promotion moves closer to realizing its full potential.