A few months ago Derrick "Pooh" Ennis, 12-1-1, with 9 KOs, was considered one of the best prospects coming out of Philadelphia. Then he got a co-feature on Shobox where he was knocked out in round two by the hard hitting Allen Conyers, 11-2 with 9 KOs.  Ennis has rebounded with two stoppage wins since then, and he will be featured this Friday night at the New Alhambra in South Philadelphia.  The Dee Lee promoted card will also showcase Jonathan Reid, 34-6 with 19 KOs, and an anticipated rematch between local Simon Carr 4-1 with 3 KOs and Andre Hemphill, 6-6-1 with 3 KOs.  

 

Derrick's father and trainer Bozie, who also trains Demetrius Hopkins and Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson, is considered one of the best trainers in Philadelphia.   The Dungeon gym in the Germantown section of Philly has produced boxers who are proficient in every aspect of the game.  Pooh's opponent this Friday night, Alphonso Williams, 9-2  with 7 KOs, will be walking into a hostile crowd and could be outmatched from the onset.   If Derrick is to prove that the Shobox loss was just a fluke and he really is one of the best prospects in the city, he must end this fight in devastating fashion or at least dominate every round.  

 

Meanwhile, Carr, a local Philadelphia favorite must handle his business against his previous and sole conqueror, Andre Hemphill.  Simon is a big name and a solid ticket seller but if the local people are to be convinced of his legitimacy as light heavyweight/ cruiserweight, Carr must come out on top over the very average Hemphill.   Simon Carr, sometimes called a spitting image of Mike Tyson is most likely fighting out of his weight class at cruiserweight.  With an already stocky build, Carr is at a disadvantage in terms of frame as most cruiserweights will have significantly more reach.   Simon is local favorite because he was involved in a very controversial trial/murder conviction that most in the city of Philadelphia question to this day.  Carr shot and killed a teenage boy who allegedly broke into his grandmother's house.  Simon was convicted of murder and served 10 years in prison.   Now, being out more than 2 years and well into his thirties, Simon must win and move quickly if he is to have a career before father time catches up to him.