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04/16/2006 Archived Entry: "Up and Coming Heavyweight J.D. 'The Natural' Chapman Stays Active"
Up and Coming Heavyweight J.D. 'The Natural' Chapman Stays Active
By Laz Izada
Photo courtesy of
heavyweightboxingpromotions.com
That’s right, boxing fans, undefeated power punching young heavyweight prospect J.D. “The Natural” Chapman, 21-0 (19KO’s), from Mansfield, AR is one of the most active winning heavyweights in the division today. Last year he had seven bouts, winning six by knockout, with one unanimous decision. This year he has had two overpowering knockout victories: one in February against Tommy Connelly 15-7 in the fourth round; and his latest, March 18, against Marvin Hill, 19-9, in the second round.
His next match up April 26th is a sixth rounder against former Arena Football and Dallas Cowboy quarterback Matt “Hurricane” Hicks, 7-0, at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma. ESPN 2 will be televising the event; if any of the top two bouts finish early there’s a chance his bout with Hicks will be shown. After that match up takes place Chapman is tentatively scheduled as the main event against an opponent to be named in Stacy Goodson’s “All Heavyweight Slug Out 3” on July 22nd at the Convention Center in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. That would be his fourth bout of the year with five months remaining.
J.D., 23 years of age, stands at a towering 6’ 6” and weights roughly around 250 lbs. He was a toughmen competitor, making him ineligible for amateur boxing and, thus, he had to turn pro. Chapman was discovered by boxing promoter and manager Stacy “GoodNight” Goodson from Arkansas. Goodson referred him to Scott Hirsch of World Class Boxing Management Inc. from Florida. He has been with Hirsch since last July.
J.D., the Arkansas State Heavyweight Champion, USBA South Regional Heavyweight Champion, and the NABC Heavyweight Champion states that the busy schedule “is tough and keeps [him] busy and motivated.” After his main event bout July 22nd back home in Arkansas at Stacy Goodson’s “All Heavyweight Slug Out 3,” he would like to take some time off to visit family in Arkansas (he trains in Florida) and do some fishing, which he enjoys.
On his match up on ESPN 2 on April 26 against former Pro Quarterback Hicks, said that he has sparred with him in Arkansas before coming to Florida. Chapman said that Hicks “is a strong guy with power.” Hicks is undefeated like Chapman, so it should make for an exciting bout. J.D. said that although he could box or bang, he prefers to “put on a show and have fun” while doing his profession and come out victorious.
All boxing fans should keep an eye on Chapman as he keeps learning, gaining experience, and winning. He should be a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division in the near future.
