Joshua “City” Brewer: From Serving His Country To Serving The Boxing Community

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Exclusive Interview by Alden “Fair But Firm” Chodash

“I’m for the people because I am the people.” – Joshua “City” Brewer

Joshua “City” Brewer is not only Ringside Report’s Lead Writer, he’s a man who’s dedicated his life towards serving his country and the boxing community. A former Marine, Brewer joined RSR in December of 2016 to pursue a writing passion which stems all the way back to his teenage years. Less than a year later, Brewer was promoted to the position of Lead Writer for the “Heart of Boxing & Entertainment” writing staff.

Apart from writing, Brewer has dedicated himself to amateur boxing officiating for the Potomac Valley Association (PVA), where he was recently promoted to a Level 2 USA Boxing official. Brewer serves as both a referee and a judge for the PVA, but has also been a great mentor to upcoming amateur officials in the area such as myself.

Joshua “City” is a great addition to the sport of boxing in many capacities, but more than that he is a truly genuine, humble, and passionate fan of the sport who is a true pleasure to talk to when it comes to the sweet science.

AC: When did you first get into boxing and what was it that attracted you to the sport?

I would say that I probably started filling the sport a tad closely during the late 90’s. I recall always being aware of what was taking place at the elite level as far as the top fights that took place in the premium cable networks and PPV, though I couldn’t watch them. I have mad respect for ESPN as they were pretty much my main avenue for fights coming up. This was special as it allowed for me to see a lot of guys as they were coming up and they often had good fights. I was fan of guys like Julian Letterlough, who wasn’t always supremely skilled, but brought it every night.

AC: What drew you to officiate for the Potomac Valley Association (PVA)?

Actually, I had been thinking of getting into officiating for a few years but hadn’t taken an official step towards doing such. My spouse and I went to Verona, NY, to attend the Ruslan Provodnikov Vs Lucas Matthysse fight in 2015. The next day we stumbled upon the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY. It was literally a stumble because I was exiting to get gas and we just so happened to see the facility to our right. Of course, we went in and toured the facility. While inside we happened to run into a retired official, Joe Cusano. The conversation led to officiating and my spouse brought up the fact that I was looking to get into refereeing. We exchanged info and he shot me a bunch of details on how to get started. Being in Washington, D.C., PVA was my local representation. The rest is history being written. I have to give a shoutout to Latasha Washington, a fellow official, because she spent a good deal of her time working with me early on, teaching me the ropes. Also, Jamie Harris and the entire team over at Headbangers Gym, I was able to grow through a ton of valuable sparring sessions and that helped to get me ready to step in the ring for official fights. PVA, sending my love!

AC: How long have you been writing for? Have you always been a boxing writer or did you also cover other events?

I’ve been a writer since probably my early teenage years. It started with music, then screenplays, comedy, and eventually evolved to me starting a couple of blogs. I just enjoyed to write but I never solely focused on boxing, as a matter of fact, I rarely wrote about boxing. Eventually I found myself rarely wrong at all. My personal travel blog went a full year with no postings and I was essentially, unknowingly, looking for a new avenue to spark my writing interest. As fate would have it, I saw a “Bad” Brad Berkwitt video on YouTube and he spoke of seeking new writers for Ringside Report. For me it was like a Godsend at the time and after speaking it over with my spouse, she encouraged me to apply. When I accepted I just kept pumping out articles and eventually was promoted to Lead Writer. The rest is history being written, or at least I think it is.

AC: Can you tell us about your experience as a Service Member?

Yes, all fun times (sarcasm). I was in the Marine Corps, where they eat crayons. In all seriousness, I learned a lot. The discipline that’s instilled in you leads towards great resolve. Looking back it’s like the time went by fast, but I definitely remember and cherish the memories of serving with my fellow brothers in arms. The thing about the military and war, the majority of the troops are under 21 years old and have a major task on their hands when they’re in whatever environment. I celebrated my 20th birthday in an underground bunker in Iraq. That’s a memory that never leaves me and I want to send my love and regards to all in service to this country.

AC: What is the best fight you’ve ever been privileged to witness (pro or amateur)?

Whew. There is so much boxing. I could mention a ton of pro fights and people will have seen them and could recollect. That said, I must honestly say the best and most intense fight I’ve ever seen took place at the amateur level. A lot of it had to do with implications of gym rivalries and such in the DMV area. This particular event was ‘Friday Night Fights at the Howard Theater’ in Washington, D.C., on June 2nd, 2017. This was the first sporting event in the Howard Theater. The final fight of the night was Maximus Garland Vs Stacey Selby. Maximus trains out of the Headbangers Gym and Selby out of Baltimore, but he had previously been with NoXcuse Boxing. This was a super intense matchup and everyone in the facility was on edge. It was a razor close fight for the majority and Selby actually dropped Garland in the third and final round. I can’t spoil everything for you all but just know that video is out there. One of the most intense fights I’ve witnessed in boxing, in general. Look it up!

AC: What is the best fight you’ve ever officiated?

Of course, every fight is different. I can’t say that there is one I’d pick over another as far as best fight. I do know that there have been some fights where I wish I had a do-over. Anyway, I’ve officiated great fights during local and regional tournaments. I’ve officiated great fights during the Brigade Finals at the Naval Academy. I’ve also unofficially officiated some great sparring sessions. I respect all of the fighters for doing what they do.

AC: What advice would you have for any aspiring referees and judges out there?

Advice that was given to me by one of the best in the business, Brent Bovell. Take the good that you see from all referees. Continue to work on ironing out your skills. There is definitely an emphasis on sparring. Try to attend and work as many sparring sessions as you can at your local clubs. Nothing gets an official more prepared for officiating a real fight like sparring. And overall, what covers both the officiating and judging aspect, take pride in what you do. The fighters are going out there and putting in work on a daily basis to get themselves best prepared, so there is no reason they shouldn’t expect the best from the officials.

AC: What is the most satisfying aspect of being a boxing official and writer?

I have a genuine love for the sport and there is nothing greater than being involved on a daily basis. Additionally, the people involved at all levels are overwhelmingly some of the best human beings I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

AC: What do you want the fans to know about your new boxing podcast, “A Boxing Life”?

I don’t claim to be a boxing savant. I’ll likely never know more about the sport compared to the likes of the late Bert Sugar or Larry Merchant. I’m just a single voice in this great sport and I’m sharing my opinions. Anything else is the truth as we know it. I do take the time to study the history of the sport and try my damndest to catch as much boxing as possible on a weekly basis. Check me out on all of the podcast spots and we can engage in friendly debate. I’m for the people because I am the people.

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