American Heavyweight Dominic Breazeale (0-0) is just hours away from making his professional debut, so with that in mind it seemed a perfect time to look at yet another American Heavyweight.
The 27 year old Breazeale from California is, like Seth Mitchell, a boxer who came from an American Football background, having played for the University of Northern Colorado team. Despite his background however, Breazeale is arguably already better known for his boxing exploits than his football exploits due to the fact he quickly rose through the US rankings.
Despite not coming to the sport until relatively old for a fighter Breazeale made a quick impact and made the 2010 PAL Quarter finals in the Super Heavyweight division before losing to eventual runner up Roberto Morban. This was just the start for Breazeale who would quickly improve.
In 2011 Breazeale's talent really started to mature and although he failed somewhat in the Golden Gloves, he proved his skill at the US National Championships where he came 3rd beating the well regarded Brett Rather along the way. Sadly for Breazeale however he ran in to eventual winner Jonathan Hamm in the Semi final who had a little bit too for the likable Californian.
Having really started to find his groove in 2011 Breazeale climbed to the top of the mountain in 2012 as he got revenge over Jonathan Hamm and went on to claim the 2012 US National Championships. This championship victory was a major point in Breazeale's amateur career and helped him become the USA's #1 in the Super Heavyweight division. It had come as an excellent achievement just weeks after Breazeale had come the runner up in the American Olympic Qualifier to Ecuadorian Italo Perea.
Whilst Breazeale did fail to medal at the 2012 Olympics, coming unstuck against Russian Magomed Omarov his appearance at the Games did bring him some widespread attention and he'll look to ride that attention into his debut later tonight!
Showing posts with label American Heavyweight Prospect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Heavyweight Prospect. Show all posts
Friday, 9 November 2012
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Jordan Shimmell
There is a wide spread belief that American Heavyweight boxing is dead. I have to admit, that whilst it's not amazing, it's still a live and no, it's not on life support. A quick look at the emerging prospects America currently has should actually fill fight fans with a sense of relief, they have guys like Joe Hanks, Seth Mitchell, Deontay Wilder, Bryant Jennings and Alexander Flores, in all honesty not a bad pack.
Another fighter that perhaps also needs a mention is former amateur stand out Jordan Shimmell (4-0, 4) who has been over-looked so far despite having bucket loads of talent and a very solid amateur background both nationally and internationally.
At 24 years old, the 6'4" Shimmell has well over a decade of boxing experience having picked up the sport when he was just 8 years old. Despite the fact he's inexperienced as a professional with just 4 bouts, it needs to be noted just how much amateur experience he has, in fact going through his amateur achievements is a bit of a task it's self.
As a kid, Shimmell won numerous Michigan state titles including Silver Gloves and Junior Olympic titles. His talent was obvious from a very early age and as he grew, his talent become more telling as he claimed various medals at the national level as a junior.
Despite his junior success Shimmell is best known for what he did as a young senior, winning the 2009 Golden Gloves in the Heavyweight division. The same year that he won the Golden Gloves, he also won the National amateur title, affirming his position as the #1 guy in his division domestically. Sadly however Shimmell couldn't repeat the success the following year, falling at the final hurdle in the 2010 Golden Gloves to Steve Geffrard and the Quarter finals of the Nationals also to Geffrard.
In 2011 Shimmell fought internationally at both the Panamerican Games Qualifier in Panama and in Russia as he took part in the World Cup of Petroleum Countries. Despite failing to impress in either of those tournaments the international experience will have been invaluable. The year however wasn't a write off as he claimed a second national title.
Shimmell attempted to gain an Olympic birth for the London 2012 Games however he fell to eventual winner of the US Olympic Trials Michael Hunter. Instead of waiting for 2016 and trying again, Shimmell decided to turn professional and at the end of June made his professional debut, stopping Kolmarge Harris in 2 rounds.
Since stopping Harris in 2 rounds, Shimmell has continued his professional journey and scored 3 more stoppage wins taking out Mario Huffman in 2 rounds, Robert Feirick in just 51 seconds and the experienced Joe Stofle in 2 rounds. He is now looking for win #5 as he faces the hard hitting and much more experienced Travis Fulton (18-30, 18). As long as Shimmell is cautious over the first 2 rounds he should manage to remain unbeaten and stop Fulton as he continues his swift rise through the professional ranks.
If Shimmell continues on his current rise for a year or two, I wouldn't be shocked to see the television companies begging for him. He's a good looking kid, he's talented, he's got great amateur experience, he's young, he's tall and he's a solid hitter everything a fan wants to see in a Heavyweight prospect. At the moment though he is perhaps a year or two away from filling into his body and could probably still make Cruiserweight if he wished, he is still however a baby in terms of being a Heavyweight and will continue to develop his body for a while.
Another fighter that perhaps also needs a mention is former amateur stand out Jordan Shimmell (4-0, 4) who has been over-looked so far despite having bucket loads of talent and a very solid amateur background both nationally and internationally.
At 24 years old, the 6'4" Shimmell has well over a decade of boxing experience having picked up the sport when he was just 8 years old. Despite the fact he's inexperienced as a professional with just 4 bouts, it needs to be noted just how much amateur experience he has, in fact going through his amateur achievements is a bit of a task it's self.
As a kid, Shimmell won numerous Michigan state titles including Silver Gloves and Junior Olympic titles. His talent was obvious from a very early age and as he grew, his talent become more telling as he claimed various medals at the national level as a junior.
Despite his junior success Shimmell is best known for what he did as a young senior, winning the 2009 Golden Gloves in the Heavyweight division. The same year that he won the Golden Gloves, he also won the National amateur title, affirming his position as the #1 guy in his division domestically. Sadly however Shimmell couldn't repeat the success the following year, falling at the final hurdle in the 2010 Golden Gloves to Steve Geffrard and the Quarter finals of the Nationals also to Geffrard.
In 2011 Shimmell fought internationally at both the Panamerican Games Qualifier in Panama and in Russia as he took part in the World Cup of Petroleum Countries. Despite failing to impress in either of those tournaments the international experience will have been invaluable. The year however wasn't a write off as he claimed a second national title.
Shimmell attempted to gain an Olympic birth for the London 2012 Games however he fell to eventual winner of the US Olympic Trials Michael Hunter. Instead of waiting for 2016 and trying again, Shimmell decided to turn professional and at the end of June made his professional debut, stopping Kolmarge Harris in 2 rounds.
Since stopping Harris in 2 rounds, Shimmell has continued his professional journey and scored 3 more stoppage wins taking out Mario Huffman in 2 rounds, Robert Feirick in just 51 seconds and the experienced Joe Stofle in 2 rounds. He is now looking for win #5 as he faces the hard hitting and much more experienced Travis Fulton (18-30, 18). As long as Shimmell is cautious over the first 2 rounds he should manage to remain unbeaten and stop Fulton as he continues his swift rise through the professional ranks.
If Shimmell continues on his current rise for a year or two, I wouldn't be shocked to see the television companies begging for him. He's a good looking kid, he's talented, he's got great amateur experience, he's young, he's tall and he's a solid hitter everything a fan wants to see in a Heavyweight prospect. At the moment though he is perhaps a year or two away from filling into his body and could probably still make Cruiserweight if he wished, he is still however a baby in terms of being a Heavyweight and will continue to develop his body for a while.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Bryant Jennings
We keep hearing time and time again that America has no Heavyweight hopefuls and that division has no interest at all in the US. I find this quite funny personally as the division does seem to have a lot of interest, especially stateside and especially this coming weekend.
Whilst in Russia we will see Vitali Klitschko defend his WBC Heavyweight title against Manuel in the USA we will see Tomasz Adamek v Travis Walker (hugely promising match between veterans), Steve Cunningham v Jason Gavern, Deontay Wilder v Damon McCreary and then we have Bryant Jennings v Chris Koval. With this in mind it seemed a perfect time to take a look at Jennings.
The unbeaten Jennings (14-0, 6) is a Philadelphia native who many are tipping to be the best amongst the current batch of US heavyweights (which also includes Tor Hamer, Alexander Flores, Seth Mitchell and Joe Hanks). At 27 years old he is starting to reach his physical prime though it's the combination of his opposition and his physical features that makes Jennings such a highly rated fighter.
Despite only having a short amateur career, consisting of 17 fights (13-4) Jennings was hugely impressive reaching two finals (2009 PAL Nationals and the 2009 National Golden Gloves) though sadly came up short to Lenroy Thompson both times. Despite only having a short time in the amateurs Jennings was a natural athlete who seemed to fit comfortably into any sport he tried his hand at.
In 2010 Jennings made his professional debut by defeating fellow Philadelphian by decision over 4 rounds Zeferino Albino. By the end of the year Jennings had moves his record to 5-0 (3) including stopping Albino in the opening round of a rematch. The following year saw Jennings adding 6 more victories to his ledger with 2 of those by T/KO as he moved to 11-0 (5).
Despite looking solid in his early bouts Jennings hadn't really been tested, he was beating low level competition and finding his feet in the sport without being pushed too hard too soon. It didn't take long however for Jennings to be stepped up as he faced the then unbeaten Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, 9) at the start of 2012. This bout, put together at a weeks notices, was aired on NBC Sports after Eddie Chambers suffered an injury and saw both fighters putting their records on the line. In a thoroughly competitive bout Jennings did just enough to take the unanimous decision over the 10 round distance.
The victory over Byarm not only gave Jennings his first major television exposure, but also his first 10 round bout and perhaps more importantly his first title as he won the Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title. It didn't take long for Jennings to prove he wasn't just a 1-hit wonder as he completely dominated former WBO Heavyweight Siarhei Liakhovich before forcing a 9th round stoppage again on NBC.
Most recently Jennings claimed his second professional title, the USBA Heavyweight, by dominating and out pointing Steve Collins over the 10 round distance. This bout, like the previous two for Jennings, was aired on NBC with Jennings almost becoming an "NBC Fighter". Despite coming in at a career heaviest 225lbs Jennings was in fantastic shape against Collins.
After scoring 3 impressive wins, Jennings will now face veteran Chris Koval (25-9, 18) in what should again be a notable victory for Jennings (if he wins, as expected). Whilst this is another solid move in the right direction Koval has only won 2 of his last 7 and has been stopped 5 times in his last 9 bouts, so isn't likely to be hugely testing or particularly confident going in to this bout.
Whilst a lot is made of Jennings' athleticism and record (having faced solid tests already) it's also worth noting his unusual physical features. Despite "only" being around 6'2" Jennings has freakishly long arms which has allowed him to be very effective at range and whilst he may not always use his reach properly he has also got excellent hand speed up close.
Sadly despite a number of appearances on NBC Jennings still seems to have been repeatedly overlooked by boxing fans who really should sit up and take notice of this talented youngster who is willing to take risks, something it seems compatriot Deontay Wilder refuses to do.
Video below is thanks to BERLINKERNEYSTUDIOS
Whilst in Russia we will see Vitali Klitschko defend his WBC Heavyweight title against Manuel in the USA we will see Tomasz Adamek v Travis Walker (hugely promising match between veterans), Steve Cunningham v Jason Gavern, Deontay Wilder v Damon McCreary and then we have Bryant Jennings v Chris Koval. With this in mind it seemed a perfect time to take a look at Jennings.
The unbeaten Jennings (14-0, 6) is a Philadelphia native who many are tipping to be the best amongst the current batch of US heavyweights (which also includes Tor Hamer, Alexander Flores, Seth Mitchell and Joe Hanks). At 27 years old he is starting to reach his physical prime though it's the combination of his opposition and his physical features that makes Jennings such a highly rated fighter.
Despite only having a short amateur career, consisting of 17 fights (13-4) Jennings was hugely impressive reaching two finals (2009 PAL Nationals and the 2009 National Golden Gloves) though sadly came up short to Lenroy Thompson both times. Despite only having a short time in the amateurs Jennings was a natural athlete who seemed to fit comfortably into any sport he tried his hand at.
In 2010 Jennings made his professional debut by defeating fellow Philadelphian by decision over 4 rounds Zeferino Albino. By the end of the year Jennings had moves his record to 5-0 (3) including stopping Albino in the opening round of a rematch. The following year saw Jennings adding 6 more victories to his ledger with 2 of those by T/KO as he moved to 11-0 (5).
Despite looking solid in his early bouts Jennings hadn't really been tested, he was beating low level competition and finding his feet in the sport without being pushed too hard too soon. It didn't take long however for Jennings to be stepped up as he faced the then unbeaten Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, 9) at the start of 2012. This bout, put together at a weeks notices, was aired on NBC Sports after Eddie Chambers suffered an injury and saw both fighters putting their records on the line. In a thoroughly competitive bout Jennings did just enough to take the unanimous decision over the 10 round distance.
The victory over Byarm not only gave Jennings his first major television exposure, but also his first 10 round bout and perhaps more importantly his first title as he won the Pennsylvania Heavyweight Title. It didn't take long for Jennings to prove he wasn't just a 1-hit wonder as he completely dominated former WBO Heavyweight Siarhei Liakhovich before forcing a 9th round stoppage again on NBC.
Most recently Jennings claimed his second professional title, the USBA Heavyweight, by dominating and out pointing Steve Collins over the 10 round distance. This bout, like the previous two for Jennings, was aired on NBC with Jennings almost becoming an "NBC Fighter". Despite coming in at a career heaviest 225lbs Jennings was in fantastic shape against Collins.
After scoring 3 impressive wins, Jennings will now face veteran Chris Koval (25-9, 18) in what should again be a notable victory for Jennings (if he wins, as expected). Whilst this is another solid move in the right direction Koval has only won 2 of his last 7 and has been stopped 5 times in his last 9 bouts, so isn't likely to be hugely testing or particularly confident going in to this bout.
Whilst a lot is made of Jennings' athleticism and record (having faced solid tests already) it's also worth noting his unusual physical features. Despite "only" being around 6'2" Jennings has freakishly long arms which has allowed him to be very effective at range and whilst he may not always use his reach properly he has also got excellent hand speed up close.
Sadly despite a number of appearances on NBC Jennings still seems to have been repeatedly overlooked by boxing fans who really should sit up and take notice of this talented youngster who is willing to take risks, something it seems compatriot Deontay Wilder refuses to do.
Video below is thanks to BERLINKERNEYSTUDIOS
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Alexander Flores
The USA may not be the home of the Heavyweight division any more though that doesn't mean the US can't have it's own emerging Heavyweight prospects. With this in mind it seems a fitting time to look at young American Heavyweight Alexander Flores (9-0, 7).
The good looking 22 year old Flores from California first came to the sport as a chubby kid looking to lose weight though swiftly made an impact in the local amateur scene as claimed the Southern California Golden Gloves title.
Following his amateur success, and short career in the unpaid ranks (where he went 14-2) Flores turned professional and debuted in March 2010. On debut Flores managed to stop Antonio Robertson (also making debut) in the 2nd round. Just months after his debut Flores was again in the ring, this time with Richard Hale. Hale, like Robertson, managed to make his way into the second round but was stopped before the end of the round. Flores would end the year 3-0 (2) after adding Cornell Davis to his record and securing his first decision victory.
After a successful 2010, Flores continued to improve and scored 4 more wins the following year, including out pointing the once promising Quadtrine Hill and stopping Ukrainian Serhiy Karpenko, two very good tests for a novice like Flores. By the end of 2011 Flores was starting to receive some hype and whilst it was only a whispers of his potential some hard started to take attention to the tall (6'4"), well conditioned and good looking fighter who had not only the skills to go a long way but also the looks that boxing promoters kill for. The boxing world was waking up to Flores and as a result he was able to spar with a number of highly rated opponents, including former world title contender Chris Arreola.
So far in 2012 Flores has managed to again takes steps in the right direction and claimed his first title, the WBC Youth Heavyweight title as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joey Montoya. In his next fight Flores will face the much more experienced Henry Namauu (10-4, 5), an opponent who's last stoppage loss came in 2008 to the hard hitting Seth Mitchell.
If Flores can continue to improve under the radar there really is no limit to just how far the youngster can go. He may well become one of America's top hopes for a Heavyweight world champion in a post Klitschko era.
The good looking 22 year old Flores from California first came to the sport as a chubby kid looking to lose weight though swiftly made an impact in the local amateur scene as claimed the Southern California Golden Gloves title.
Following his amateur success, and short career in the unpaid ranks (where he went 14-2) Flores turned professional and debuted in March 2010. On debut Flores managed to stop Antonio Robertson (also making debut) in the 2nd round. Just months after his debut Flores was again in the ring, this time with Richard Hale. Hale, like Robertson, managed to make his way into the second round but was stopped before the end of the round. Flores would end the year 3-0 (2) after adding Cornell Davis to his record and securing his first decision victory.
After a successful 2010, Flores continued to improve and scored 4 more wins the following year, including out pointing the once promising Quadtrine Hill and stopping Ukrainian Serhiy Karpenko, two very good tests for a novice like Flores. By the end of 2011 Flores was starting to receive some hype and whilst it was only a whispers of his potential some hard started to take attention to the tall (6'4"), well conditioned and good looking fighter who had not only the skills to go a long way but also the looks that boxing promoters kill for. The boxing world was waking up to Flores and as a result he was able to spar with a number of highly rated opponents, including former world title contender Chris Arreola.
So far in 2012 Flores has managed to again takes steps in the right direction and claimed his first title, the WBC Youth Heavyweight title as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joey Montoya. In his next fight Flores will face the much more experienced Henry Namauu (10-4, 5), an opponent who's last stoppage loss came in 2008 to the hard hitting Seth Mitchell.
If Flores can continue to improve under the radar there really is no limit to just how far the youngster can go. He may well become one of America's top hopes for a Heavyweight world champion in a post Klitschko era.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Dillian White
Heavyweight boxing might be dominated by two very skilled super heavyweights who use skills, size and their intelligence to control fights, though lets be honest we often prefer to just watch a wild tear-up with two men slugging it out. Yes sure brawls can be ungainly and relatively ugly affairs but they can also be really good fun as both men throw everything they have at each other and make up for a lack of finesse with pure drive and determination, it's this determination that makes British heavyweight prospect Dillian "The Villain" White (4-0, 1) so fun to watch.
White has come to boxing without a great amateur background though has been involved in other fighting sports and is a genuinely tough man who comes to the ring with a fighters mentality. As a result of his background White isn't a well rounded boxer, he doesn't have the piston like jab of the Klitschko's or the intelligent ability to out think opponents though what he does have is the mind of a fighter and the mind to adapt as well as the fact that he's not thinking too far ahead. White knows he's currently a fighter in training and with just 4 fights he isn't yet looking even at British titles though he is slowly but surely making himself a more rounded fighter who is using his experience to mold himself into a better boxer.
Based in London and under the tutelage of former Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion Chris Okoh the 26 year old White made his debut in May 2011 when he out pointed tough Bulgarian Tayar Mehmed. After defeating Mehmed over 4 rounds White was given a hard time in the gym and managed to improve his fitness before returning to take on journeyman Remigijus Ziausys. White would again be forced to go the distance with Ziausys who managed to steal a share of a single round. While White wasn't blowing opponents away he was learning a lot in the ring with 2 crafty and tough European journeymen who would almost certainly have helped White advance his skills more than confidence building blow outs over people there merely to collect a pay check.
To end 2011 White scored his stoppage win as he defeated Toni Visic in the 3rd round of a scheduled 4 round affair. Although it was a stoppage victory it didn't little in all honesty to forward White's career against a relative novice who did little to test the promising Brit. It wasn't long however until White would be given another solid work out, this time against British based Zimbabwe born veteran Hastings Rasani. Rasani against forced White to go the full schedule of 4 rounds and whilst White was generally impressive with bullish strength and determination he was shown to still have a number of technical flaws that hopefully will be smoothed off over his coming few fights.
This weekend White is penciled in to face Kristian Kirilov (2-0-1), on paper this is a bout that White should win with out too many issues and hopefully by stoppage just to instill more confidence in the emerging British fighter who adds his name to the growing list of Heavyweight Hopefuls from the UK.
White has come to boxing without a great amateur background though has been involved in other fighting sports and is a genuinely tough man who comes to the ring with a fighters mentality. As a result of his background White isn't a well rounded boxer, he doesn't have the piston like jab of the Klitschko's or the intelligent ability to out think opponents though what he does have is the mind of a fighter and the mind to adapt as well as the fact that he's not thinking too far ahead. White knows he's currently a fighter in training and with just 4 fights he isn't yet looking even at British titles though he is slowly but surely making himself a more rounded fighter who is using his experience to mold himself into a better boxer.
Based in London and under the tutelage of former Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion Chris Okoh the 26 year old White made his debut in May 2011 when he out pointed tough Bulgarian Tayar Mehmed. After defeating Mehmed over 4 rounds White was given a hard time in the gym and managed to improve his fitness before returning to take on journeyman Remigijus Ziausys. White would again be forced to go the distance with Ziausys who managed to steal a share of a single round. While White wasn't blowing opponents away he was learning a lot in the ring with 2 crafty and tough European journeymen who would almost certainly have helped White advance his skills more than confidence building blow outs over people there merely to collect a pay check.
To end 2011 White scored his stoppage win as he defeated Toni Visic in the 3rd round of a scheduled 4 round affair. Although it was a stoppage victory it didn't little in all honesty to forward White's career against a relative novice who did little to test the promising Brit. It wasn't long however until White would be given another solid work out, this time against British based Zimbabwe born veteran Hastings Rasani. Rasani against forced White to go the full schedule of 4 rounds and whilst White was generally impressive with bullish strength and determination he was shown to still have a number of technical flaws that hopefully will be smoothed off over his coming few fights.
This weekend White is penciled in to face Kristian Kirilov (2-0-1), on paper this is a bout that White should win with out too many issues and hopefully by stoppage just to instill more confidence in the emerging British fighter who adds his name to the growing list of Heavyweight Hopefuls from the UK.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Deontay Wilder
Since this blog was started I've had to pick and choose which heavyweights to write about and I've also had to use some form of "editors discretion" over who to write about and who to "ignore", with unbeaten American heavyweight Deontay Wilder (20-0, 20) being one that I've chosen to ignore so far. Though it's now time to give "The Bronze Bomber" his dues and admit that he is slowly but surely heading in the right direction after 20 fights and over 3 years treading water as a professional.
Wilder burst on to the amateur scene back in 2007 when he won two national titles (the 2007 US Nationals and the 2007 Golden Gloves) after having only a handful of fights behind him. The following year he made a name for himself winning a bronze medal at the Olympic games losing to experienced Italian Clemente Russo. Wilder seemed like a natural and with his impressive size (6'7" and 84" wingspan) he seemed to be perfect for the growing trend of super tall athletic heavyweights (much like the Klitschko's and David Price).
Following his amateur success Wilder signed a professional deal with American promotional outfit Golden Boy Promotions and it seemed as if he would be the big USA heavyweight hopeful. Despite the high expectations many had for Wilder, he progressed slowly with his management team taking an ultra cautious approach to his career. After debuting with a 2nd round KO over Ethan Cox in November 2008 Wilder would run up 8 straight opening round victories over novices their for a pay day as opposed to winning real fights.
Through Wilder's first 10 fights his opponents combined records stood at a measly 30-37-10 (as they entered against him) averaging a little over 7.5 fights a piece (with opponent Charles Brown accounting for 22 of the 77 combined fights). Some boxing fans we're being incredibly patient with Wilder, though many had become tired of him, the over-protective matchmaking had annoyed many to the point of not caring about him and blanking him from their mind. Just a few fights later boxing fans then wrote Wilder off completely as he was decked and seemed out on his feet against Harold Sconiers before stopping Sconiers in the 4th round.
Sconiers had scared the living daylights out of Wilder's team and they decided to take their fighter back down a level as Wilder faced Cruiserweight journeyman Dan Sheehan (who had been stopped in 4 of his previous 5). Wilder stopped Sheehan impressively inside a round though doubts about Wilder's chin were still being asked following the Sconiers fight and he was now 14 fights into his career with out facing anyone expected to put up much of a fight.
Though a busy 2011 Wilder fought 6 times and took significant steps up in opponents facing the likes of former world title challenger Damon Reed (who Wilder stopped inside 2 rounds) and 39 year old David Long (who Wilder stopped inside a round). Though neither Reed or Long are great opponents they both represented a step up in class and now with a record of 20-0 (20) Wilder will be looking to build towards a world ranking come the end of 2012. To start the new year Wilder will be facing the hard punching Chris Koval (25-8, 18). Sadly Koval is another step backwards for Wilder and has been stopped in 5 of his last 8 contests, though if Wilder steps up through out the year he may well begin to live up to the promise his short but impressive amateur career suggested he had.
Wilder burst on to the amateur scene back in 2007 when he won two national titles (the 2007 US Nationals and the 2007 Golden Gloves) after having only a handful of fights behind him. The following year he made a name for himself winning a bronze medal at the Olympic games losing to experienced Italian Clemente Russo. Wilder seemed like a natural and with his impressive size (6'7" and 84" wingspan) he seemed to be perfect for the growing trend of super tall athletic heavyweights (much like the Klitschko's and David Price).
Following his amateur success Wilder signed a professional deal with American promotional outfit Golden Boy Promotions and it seemed as if he would be the big USA heavyweight hopeful. Despite the high expectations many had for Wilder, he progressed slowly with his management team taking an ultra cautious approach to his career. After debuting with a 2nd round KO over Ethan Cox in November 2008 Wilder would run up 8 straight opening round victories over novices their for a pay day as opposed to winning real fights.
Through Wilder's first 10 fights his opponents combined records stood at a measly 30-37-10 (as they entered against him) averaging a little over 7.5 fights a piece (with opponent Charles Brown accounting for 22 of the 77 combined fights). Some boxing fans we're being incredibly patient with Wilder, though many had become tired of him, the over-protective matchmaking had annoyed many to the point of not caring about him and blanking him from their mind. Just a few fights later boxing fans then wrote Wilder off completely as he was decked and seemed out on his feet against Harold Sconiers before stopping Sconiers in the 4th round.
Sconiers had scared the living daylights out of Wilder's team and they decided to take their fighter back down a level as Wilder faced Cruiserweight journeyman Dan Sheehan (who had been stopped in 4 of his previous 5). Wilder stopped Sheehan impressively inside a round though doubts about Wilder's chin were still being asked following the Sconiers fight and he was now 14 fights into his career with out facing anyone expected to put up much of a fight.
Though a busy 2011 Wilder fought 6 times and took significant steps up in opponents facing the likes of former world title challenger Damon Reed (who Wilder stopped inside 2 rounds) and 39 year old David Long (who Wilder stopped inside a round). Though neither Reed or Long are great opponents they both represented a step up in class and now with a record of 20-0 (20) Wilder will be looking to build towards a world ranking come the end of 2012. To start the new year Wilder will be facing the hard punching Chris Koval (25-8, 18). Sadly Koval is another step backwards for Wilder and has been stopped in 5 of his last 8 contests, though if Wilder steps up through out the year he may well begin to live up to the promise his short but impressive amateur career suggested he had.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Joe Hanks
I've often found it really hard to find many worth while American Heavyweight Prospects to talk about on this blog and as a result it often seems I've spent more time talking about rising European fighters, however in Joe Hanks (18-0, 12) the USA does have a promising fighter.
Hanks, from New Jersey, was a solid amateur who often seemed to be described as having a style that better suited the professional game than the amateur side of the sport and in 2007 he put those comments to the test as he turned over. In his debut in December 2007 he stopped the huge 280lbs Joseph Rabotte in 2 rounds and then took 4 months to hone his craft somewhat before returning to the ring and beating Corey Winfield in a clear 4 round decision. Hanks would later add 2 more wins (both by stoppage) during 2008 before starting 2009 with a 4-0 (3) record, though he had yet to fight anyone who was really worthy of talking about, in fact it wasn't until August 2009 that Hanks faced his first real test.
After running up a perfect record of 8-0 (6) Hanks would face fellow unbeaten fighter Ashanti Jordan who was 10-0 (7). This was the first real test either man had faced though Jordan was favoured to win having been signed to Golden Boy Promotions and having had a very strong amateur background. Hanks hadn't read the script and clearly beat Jordan just dropping a single round on 1 of the 3 score cards. Jordan's hopes had been shattered and at the time of writing he hasn't returned to the ring (and is unlikely to ever do so).
6 months after beating Jordan we would see Hanks in his second test as he faced experienced journeyman Cliff Couser. Whilst Couser took an unflattering record of 26-20-2 to the ring he had once been a very good fighter and held wins over the likes of James "Quick" Tillis and Monte Barrett, and certainly knew his way around the ring. It took the still green Hanks just 142 seconds to dispatch his veteran opponent in what was a genuinely impressive result.
After picking up 2 more easy wins to take Hanks' record to 13-0 (8) he would face Johnnie White (who was 22-2, 18 himself). White was around the same age and size as Hanks and certainly still had belief in himself having only lost to Dominick Guinn and Seth Mitchell the difference however was that Hanks was simply to good. White's power was neutralised by the ability Hanks had and Hanks would take a wide decision.
Since beating White we haven't really seen Hanks step up a great deal, in fact his best win since facing White was against Alfredo Escalera Jr, a fighter who spent vast swathes of his career fighting as a Cruiserweight. Hanks did however pick up the IBA Americas heavyweight title a title that he defends this coming weekend against Cuban Rafael Pedro (21-9-1, 15). Whilst hanks is expected to deal with the veteran Cuban with out too many problems, it would be nice to see Hanks taking a step up in class again soon. Maybe facing a former champion (such as Hasim Rahman) would be a step too far but someone like Nicolai Firtha, Tye Fields or even Ray Austin could be good scalps to try and get, just to help Hanks get his name out there a bit more.
The video below is thanks to defymagonline
Hanks, from New Jersey, was a solid amateur who often seemed to be described as having a style that better suited the professional game than the amateur side of the sport and in 2007 he put those comments to the test as he turned over. In his debut in December 2007 he stopped the huge 280lbs Joseph Rabotte in 2 rounds and then took 4 months to hone his craft somewhat before returning to the ring and beating Corey Winfield in a clear 4 round decision. Hanks would later add 2 more wins (both by stoppage) during 2008 before starting 2009 with a 4-0 (3) record, though he had yet to fight anyone who was really worthy of talking about, in fact it wasn't until August 2009 that Hanks faced his first real test.
After running up a perfect record of 8-0 (6) Hanks would face fellow unbeaten fighter Ashanti Jordan who was 10-0 (7). This was the first real test either man had faced though Jordan was favoured to win having been signed to Golden Boy Promotions and having had a very strong amateur background. Hanks hadn't read the script and clearly beat Jordan just dropping a single round on 1 of the 3 score cards. Jordan's hopes had been shattered and at the time of writing he hasn't returned to the ring (and is unlikely to ever do so).
6 months after beating Jordan we would see Hanks in his second test as he faced experienced journeyman Cliff Couser. Whilst Couser took an unflattering record of 26-20-2 to the ring he had once been a very good fighter and held wins over the likes of James "Quick" Tillis and Monte Barrett, and certainly knew his way around the ring. It took the still green Hanks just 142 seconds to dispatch his veteran opponent in what was a genuinely impressive result.
After picking up 2 more easy wins to take Hanks' record to 13-0 (8) he would face Johnnie White (who was 22-2, 18 himself). White was around the same age and size as Hanks and certainly still had belief in himself having only lost to Dominick Guinn and Seth Mitchell the difference however was that Hanks was simply to good. White's power was neutralised by the ability Hanks had and Hanks would take a wide decision.
Since beating White we haven't really seen Hanks step up a great deal, in fact his best win since facing White was against Alfredo Escalera Jr, a fighter who spent vast swathes of his career fighting as a Cruiserweight. Hanks did however pick up the IBA Americas heavyweight title a title that he defends this coming weekend against Cuban Rafael Pedro (21-9-1, 15). Whilst hanks is expected to deal with the veteran Cuban with out too many problems, it would be nice to see Hanks taking a step up in class again soon. Maybe facing a former champion (such as Hasim Rahman) would be a step too far but someone like Nicolai Firtha, Tye Fields or even Ray Austin could be good scalps to try and get, just to help Hanks get his name out there a bit more.
The video below is thanks to defymagonline
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