Jeremiah Artacho | TBL Writer

The Las Vegas Hustle, the Atlanta Attack and the San Antonio Snipers had a great week 13. Las Vegas fought and dominated despite being down early on during the launch rounds. Atlanta put an end to its losing streak — adding another tally in the win column for the first time since week two, when it was defeated by the Nashville Smash by a landslide, 27-12. 

As the closer for the week, the San Antonio Snipers hosted the Dallas Enforcers, and had no trouble securing the victory. Head coach AC Bryant had help from Obed Bartee El, who made an appearance for the first time since the Snipers’ matchup against the Hustle on Saturday, April 25. Bartee went swinging for the fences with a three-punch jab combo that sat Dallas’ Teon Taylor on the ground in the corner of the ring. 

But what did we learn? 

Las Vegas Hustle Proves its Place in the Top 3 

Head coach Dewey Cooper is surely proud of his group. The Hustle have quietly been one of the best teams in the league — backed by a 6-1 record — with its only loss to no one other than the Philadelphia Smoke, who’s fighting for a perfect 8-0 record on Sunday, July 12 against the Snipers. 

Hustle, is led by the likes of heavyweights Kye Brooks and Herich Ruiz, welterweights Renier Salgado and Darian Castro plus light heavyweight Yojanler Martinez and lightweight Osvel Calballero. Castro and Martinez have nine wins a piece — a combined +15 in net points and only five losses. 

Against the LA Elite, a 22-9 triumph, included two two-point outings from Ardreal Holmes Jr. during rounds 13 and 18. Natalia Castaneda (two points in round 17) and Herich Ruiz (four points in round 24) brought in extra goodies for the final score. Hustle trailed 6-3 after the launch rounds but responded with a major 8-1 score during the middle rounds and an 11-2 money round segment. 

Las Vegas has the Phoenix Fury on Sunday, June 28 in Long Beach, California to conclude their season and enter prep mode for the playoffs that begin on Saturday, August 1. 

Atlanta Attack says Goodbye to its Losing Streak, Jeremy Hill Scores Four 

Jeremy Hill was the exclamation point in a much-needed win for the Atlanta Attack against the Phoenix. Hill, who had four wins going into the night — found a way to send Marcos Forestal to the canvas in round 11 during the final moments. Those four points were crucial and continued to propel head coach Sam Arnold’s team in the right direction. Hill had another bout in round 22 against Kevin Quintero but lost via a two-point knockdown. 

Hill has losses against the Miami Assassins’ Yosdiel Napoles, Smoke’s Francisco Rodriguez, Hustle’s Osvel Caballero. But Hill, who stands at a 22-4-1 pro record outside of TBL seems to have figured out the method to the madness that this new format of boxing entails. 

Atlanta is led by super lightweight Ariele Davis, holding an 11-0 record and a +14 in net points, but is followed by light heavyweight/cruiserweight Money Powell, super welterweight Amin Mitchell featherweight/bantamweight. Though an improved Hill with the Dallas Enforcers on Saturday, July 11 left on schedule, a third win can help pad Atlanta’s odds of making it into the playoff field. 

Attack is behind Nashville, the Boston Butchers and Elite in the standings, but things can change. 

Obed Bartee El Returns to the San Antonio Snipers

Hello, familiar face. 

Before Bartee’s absence this season — “Radar” was undefeated with a 3-0 record — beating the Houston Hitmen’s Marquis Taylor and LA Elite’s Raul Salamon twice. However, when Bartee stepped into the ring with the Dallas Enforcers’ Teon Taylor, it felt like he didn’t miss a beat.

The combos were effortless. 

The power was evident.

Bryant having one of the better fighters for San Antonio back on the roster comes at an important part of the season. The Snipers’ had a draw with Houston and lost by nearly double digits to the NYC Attitude during Bartee’s three match absence. 

Featherweight Azariah Cottrell (12-1) and cruiserweight Adrian Taylor (10-1) are the top two fighters for San Antonio, followed by middleweight Tracey McGruder, heavyweight Travorus Vigne and welterweight Charles Garner. Jewry Rodriguez in the bantamweight division is 6-0, respectfully. 

San Antonio has clinched a playoff spot already, but needs to build momentum moving forward. 

The three teams ahead of them are quite good (to say the least, obviously).

What’s Next?

Week 14 takes place in Florida and concludes in California for the two weekend fights. I’m looking forward to watching the Las Vegas Hustle and the Phoenix Fury square off — wonder if Hustle’s Ardreal Holmes Jr. can continue having success in the ring and if Fury’s Raiko Santana can build upon an impressive season. 

Las Vegas has 11 fighters with six wins or more. That’s a stat hard to beat, not just on paper. 

Okay, TBL fans. Take care. I’ll be back.