Baltimore Boxing to honor late promoter Wagner

Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue on March 22 for a tribute event to the late Scott Wagner. Before Smith hosted Wagner’s cards at Michael’s Eighth, Wagner’s Ballroom Boxing ran more than 70 shows over15 years. His series featured many fighters who went on to become world champions, such as Terence Crawford, Hasim Rahman, Kermit Cintron, Orlin Norris and Al Cole. A longtime friend of Smith’s, Wagner stopped promoting in 2009 and offered the family-owned Michael’s Eighth to Baltimore Boxing Promotions. Wagner died at age 49 on Feb. 16. “Scott was one of my closest friends and I was devastated by his untimely passing,” said Smith, who co-promoted with Wagner and also fought for him in 1996. Headlining the Olympic-style boxing event is a match between Deshawn “Soulsnatcher” Chase