Interview with Baltimore Banger James "Keep'em Sleepin" Stevenson

Interview with Baltimore Banger James "Keep'em Sleepin" Stevenson

By Ken Hissner (Sept 17, 2010) Doghouse Boxing

Though he only has had one fight this year James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson has won thirteen straight since turning professional in September of 2008. His manager/trainer James Hogan and Stevenson made up the nickname prior to his pro debut and agreed when he stops five opponents they will start using it. Well, three months and five consecutive knockouts later Stevenson got his nick name “Keep’em Sleepin” in December of 2008 in Jacksonville, FL, stopping Kenneth Meeks in three rounds.

Stevenson turned pro at home in Baltimore stopping Dontre King in three. George Rivera was in the main event. Little did Stevenson know he would meet Rivera in March of this year winning a decision over ten round’s. Then he went down to North Carolina and within a month scored two first round knockouts. He scored five stoppages in three months. He opened 2009 stopping Darrett Crockett, a veteran of twenty-seven fights in two rounds. Crockett hasn’t fought since. DuBurns Arena in Baltimore and Martin’s West, in Woodlawn, MD, became home for Stevenson.

“I fought Fernando Guerrero (now 19-0) in the amateurs while compiling a 20-4 record,” said Stevenson. He is 5:11 and usually fights welterweight though he went up to 154 in his last bout. “I spar with Manny Taylor (9-0) quite a bit,” said Stevenson. He won his first eight fights by knockout before running into spoiler Manuel Guzman, 6-6-1, in May of 2009, winning an eight round decision. “Guzman was my toughest fight. I had my nose broke,” said Stevenson.

Next Stevenson had a rematch with Ken Dunham, 6-8, whom he had stopped. “He kept mouthing off he wanted a rematch,” said Stevenson. Watch what you ask for? This time Dunham got to the third round instead of the second before getting stopped. At stake was the Vacant NABC and World Boxing Foundation US welterweight title’s. A month later he scored a knockout and then met veteran Martinus Clay, 13-21-4, who was known for pulling off an upset or two. He had defeated Matt Strode 10-0 and Matt Vanda 34-1. He drew with Harry Yorgey 18-0 and Tim Coleman 14-0. Stevenson won seven of the eight rounds.

In March of this year Stevenson met Rivera, 11-4, in his first ten rounder. He won by scores of 98-93, 96-94 and 99-92. Rivera had defeated Jesse Nicklow 19-0-1. “I felt I should have stopped both Rivera and Clay,” said Stevenson. I asked why he only had one fight this year? “My dad passed away this year and it has been difficult,” said Stevenson.

Stevenson was scheduled to fight September 17th, at DuBurns Arena, in Baltimore but it fell through per his publicist Matt Yanofsky who set up this interview. “James Hogan is my manager and trainer. I am not signed with a promoter at this time,” said Stevenson. Most of his fights have been with Jake “The Snake” Smith of Baltimore Pro Boxing. “I’m hoping to get a main event October 27th possibly on TV,” said Stevenson. Only problem when all (ten) your knockouts don’t last three rounds and they call you “Keep’em Sleepin” it leaves too much air time!

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