IBO Boxing Honesty and Integrity
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WBO Light Heavyweight champion. Record is 28-3 (22 KOs).
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 175
DOB: September 20, 1989 In: Long Island, NY
Record: 23-1 (19 KOs).
First Boxing Memory: “I guess walking into the gym at thirteen. My father brought me down there. I sparred. I got into the ring and boxed the first week I was there, and I did good. And I’ve loved it since.”
Boxing Inspirations: “I never really had any, to be honest with you. I mean, I enjoyed watching knockout reels. There were some good ones – Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hop, Mike Tyson. Those guys were inspirations.”
First Famous Boxer You Met Or Encountered: “Iran Barkley. Fundraiser in my hometown. It was pretty cool.”
Nicknames: The Irish Bomber, The Beast.
Current Car: “I drive a Jeep Gran Cherokee. And I just upgraded. I just got a Hellcat. Been workin’ hard for it. I figured I’d get myself something [smiles].”
Greatest Moment of Career (so far): “Winning a title, against (Fonfara). And then the fight after that, of course, against Hopkins, was right there with it.”
Most Painful Moment: “When I lost. When I had my jaw broken (vs Eddie Caminero in 2010). I was winning the fight but I just couldn’t continue. That was pretty bad but I came back from that and I had a lot of great fights. And I’m looking forward to continuing that and winning the world title.”
Funny Boxing Memory: “Made me laugh… just the times after, celebrations after all my victories. And traveling with my team. It was always a great time.”
Favorite Sport Outside Boxing: “I don’t know. I like all sports. I would say baseball and football.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Mint chocolate chip [laughs].”
Pre-Fight Feeling: “Nothing except for that guy is trying to destroy my life. That’s it.”
Which Fight Were You At Your Very Best: “Every fight I’m in a little better shape and more focused.”
Why Do You Love Boxing: “Why do I love it? It’s my way out [laughs].”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Good people. People who don’t judge others. People that are outgoing, fun people I guess.”
