JAMES "BOOGIE" FREEMAN; Texas Middleweight Champion

During the 1932 World Series, Babe Ruth stepped into the batter's box, pointed towards center field and launched the very next pitch to the bleachers in that same direction.  To date, it's the most famous called shot in sports history.  James "Boogie" Freeman has been calling a shot of his own for the last few months, and on July 17th that shot landed, capturing the Texas State middleweight title for Freeman and his loyal supporters in Vernon and Wichita Falls.

 Since dropping a decision to Larry "Slomoshun" Smith in February of this year, "Boogie" has told anyone within earshot that Smith wasn't on his level and wouldn't hear the final bell in a rematch.  Minutes after that loss, Freeman was even in Smith's dressing room, relaying that same message to Smith, his trainer, promoter and matchmaker, before driving back to Vernon to regroup.

Realizing that he wasn't in proper shape (not to mention injuring his hand early in that first fight), "Boogie" re-dedicated himself to the sport of boxing. 

He knew that Larry Smith would be fighting for the vacant Texas middleweight title on July 17th, but had a fight of his own to deal with nine days prior.  Nonetheless, the supremely confident "Boogie" called the matchmaker of the title bout and said, "I fight on July 8th, but I'm gonna knock that guy out early enough so that I can get my rematch with Slomoshun Smith!"  Bear in mind, Freeman's opponent was the respected Terrence Jones, a fighter that had won three of his last four bouts and hadn't been stopped in nearly three years.  Without question, this was supposed to be a legitimate test for Freeman and many openly expressed their concern for him, heading into that contest.

27 seconds later, it was apparent just how deadly serious "Boogie" was about getting Larry Smith back in the ring.  He blitzed the normally durable Jones and before wiping the sweat off of his body and changing back into street clothes, Freeman was already on the phone with the matchmaker of the Larry Smith title fight, demanding a second chance.  When he offered to fight for a mere $1, "Boogie" was penciled in, had his wish granted and signed a contract the following day.

By July 17th, all of North Texas was anxious to see this rematch.  Phones were blowing up from Dallas to Ft. Worth, all the way up 287 to Wichita Falls and Vernon, discussing this fight.  Freeman's always been a crowd pleaser and carried a loyal fanbase, but this evening would be special.  More than 100 faithful supporters made the 3 1/2 hour trek to Rockwall, TX., to be there when Vernon's and Wichita Falls' finest fought for the title.

And they wouldn't be disappointed! 

Accompanied by a song that was specifically made for him, "Boogie" strutted to the ring like a gamecock, reciting the lyrics.  Smith showed no lack of bravado himself and the two mean mugged and trash talked each other during the introductions and staredown.  

Freeman was all business when the opening bell rang, coming out aggressively, but Smith used his speed and footwork to jab and move.  Towards the end of the round, Smith caught "Boogie" in a corner and fired with both hands.  As the bell ended the 1st, Smith's trainers yelled "You're hurting him, Slomo!", and this was repeated in round 2.  But even as the action was carrying on, Freeman defiantly responded to Smith's corner with, "Ain't nobody hurtin' me!"  

Smith's jab brought a bit of blood from "Boogie's" nose, but practically everybody ringside could feel the momentum shifting.  By round 3, Smith was much more flat-footed and getting hit more than would've liked.  In the 4th, Freeman backed Smith to the ropes, but didn't go in for the kill as he customarily does.  Instead, Freeman dropped both of his hands by his sides and dared Smith to throw his own right hand.  Smith wouldn't fire, so the man known as "Boogie" whipped out a dance move, shaking his ass (not only did the crowd roar with laughter, but many of Freeman's supporters began shaking their asses as well).  Just when it seemed that things couldn't get any more amplified, "Boogie" took it to a higher level by firing a straight right hand of his own, which landed flush, exploding off of Smith's face. 

Smith was knocked back into the ropes, fell to the canvas in "Slomoshun" and layed on his left side, looking dazed and confused.  Bravely, he barely beat the count of 10, but his legs were very wobbly and the referee wisely stopped the fight.

Just as Babe Ruth had done nearly 80 years ago, James "Boogie" Freeman had successfully called his own shot.  He said Larry Smith couldn't last the distance with him and that proved to be the case.  As a wise man once said, "It ain't braggin' if you back it up."