WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

Local female boxer fights for vacant title on same night as son’s pro debut

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY

THE CHRONICLE

The rematch between Carlette “The Truth” Ewell and Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey for the vacant World Boxing Council Silver Heavyweight Championship on June 18 will be a historic day in the world of boxing.

The fight will mark the first time a mother and son will fight on the same card, with the mother serving as the promoter as well.

The fight will take place at the Benton Convention Center and the doors open at 7 p.m., with bell time at 8 p.m.

Ewell was born and raised in Winston-Salem and graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School.  She has been a world champion in three separate weight classes and is the current Universal Boxing Council and Universal National Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion.

She met her boxing trainer Eddie Gregg in 1999 while she was working in a supermarket.  With Gregg being a former champion, he invited Ewell to come to the gym and work out. Ewell showed immediate potential and soon began to compete and win Toughwoman competitions the following year.

“What I first saw in her was she was eager to learn and she was probably a tough girl,” said Gregg. “My style of training is hard and tough, and I asked her was she tough enough and she said ‘Yes.’  I just wanted to instill some of my boxing values into her, and so far she has pretty much passed the test.” And when asked what his prediction for the fight was, Gregg said, “She should beat her, but I would like for her to stop her, so we will work on a few things such as throwing more punches and more movement.”

Ewell made her pro debut on April 20, 2002. She won the fight with Denise Grant by a second round TKO and knew this was the sport for her.  She earned her nickname from boxing legend Carl “The Truth” Williams, who saw her fight and said she could use the name.  Her current record is 16 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw with 9 victories coming by way of KO. Her last victory was against Ramsey.

Ewell first defeated Ramsey on May 23, 2015, by a unanimous decision, and according to Ewell, the decision was somewhat disputed by Ramsey, so this time she wants to leave no doubt. Ramsey is from Lakeland, Florida, and currently lives and trains out of Orlando, where she has recently opened a gym.  Ramsey currently holds a record of 10 wins and 6 losses with 5 KOs.

Edward “E.J.” Hood, Ewell’s son, will be competing in his first professional bout against Albert Wade of Wilson, N.C., later on the night of June 18.  Hood attended North Forsyth High School, where he played football under head coach Pete Gilcrest and was a standout wrestler.  He was introduced to boxing at the tender age of 5 by his mother and held an amateur record of 8-1-1 with one disqualification.

Hood stated that he likes the discipline aspect of boxing most of all.  When asked about his nerves before his bout, he said, “If you’re not nervous beforehand, you shouldn’t play, and as long as your heart is in it, you should be good.”

Trainer Danny Akers said,  “I heard a lot about her and seen her fight a couple times and she really had talent and she needed to take that extra step. With me and Eddie working with her, she can do it.

“We fought this girl once before in High Point, and Carlette pulled out a very good victory. This time, she will knock her out. I’m predicting that.”

The fight card will be a mix of male and female boxers spanning all weight classes.

According to Ewell, she carries a lot of responsibility of being promoter and boxer in the same event. She will also work the corner of her son’s heavyweight bout that night as well.  She stated that she was forced into this role because of the lack of promoters willing to work with her. She decided to take matters into her own hands.

“I have a lioness roaring inside that I’m doing everything to contain, so on that night, I promise you it’s all going to come out,” said Ewell.

She will also be inducted into the Boxing Legends Hall of Fame on fight night but will not be able to attend the ceremony in Myrtle Beach, S.C.