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PHILLY BOXING'S
UNBEATEN SWEET SIXTEEN
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By Ken Hissner
The next generation of Philadelphia boxing newsmakers are
poised to take the fight world by storm. Sixteen
up-and-comers - spanning from bantamweight to heavyweight -
have yet to taste defeat and are ready to take their next
step toward the top of the sport. Leading the pack is
Philly's hottest and most touted prospect Mike Jones.
But Jones isn't the only unbeaten standout.
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 MIKE JONES
NICKNAME: "MACHINE GUN"
WELTERWEIGHT
25-0 (19 KO)
Jones is the highest ranked contender in Philly. He holds
the #1 spot in the WBO, under champion Manny Pacquiao, and
is also ranked #2 by the WBA, #3 by the IBF and #4 by the
WBC. This top 147-pounder has already appeared on HBO
broadcasts a few times and will get his next shot December 3
at Madison Square Garden when he opens the HBO PPV broadcast featuring Pacquiao-Marquez III. His opponent will be Sebastian Lujan
of Argentina, the #4 IBF contender. The winner of the fight
will earn the IBF's #1 spot and become a mandatory challenger
for IBF champ Andre Berto. Jones is promoted by Peltz Boxing
& Top Rank, managed by Doc Nowicki & Jim Williams, and
trained by Vaughn Jackson. Jones trains out of the Joe Hand
Gym. Combined record of opposition: 367-165-29.
STRENGTHS: Size, punching
power, careful development.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Targeting IBF champ Andre Berto
and putting off monster showdown's with Pacquiao and Mayweather
until he has more championship seasoning and more earning
potential, is Jones' ideal trek to a belt, but this guy has
options galore.
NEXT FIGHT: December 3 vs.
Sebastian Lujan (12 rounds)
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 DANNY GARCIA
NICKNAME: "SWIFT"
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
22-0 (14 KO)
Of all the Philly fighters to come out of the amateurs as
highly touted shoe-ins for professional success, Garcia may
take the cake. He was signed by Oscar De La Hoya's
promotional company right off the bat, branding him as
Philly's own Golden Boy. The 23-year old is a good-looking,
fast, skilled boxer who has become a real attraction. His
spot on Bernard Hopkins' homecoming fight card in 2009
stole the show and sent the message that he was a future
champ himself. From that moment, Garcia hasn't looked back.
He defeated two former world champions (Nate Campbell &
Kendall Holt) in his last two bouts. The win over Holt
earned Garcia the #1 WBC ranking and the #2 IBF spot. He's
also ranked in the top 10 by the WBA and WBO. Garcia is
managed by Al Haymon and trained by his father Angel Garcia
at the Harrowgate Boxing Club.
Combined record of opposition: 341-139-22.
STRENGTHS: Hand speed,
combination punching, powerhouse team, star power.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Options abound
with high ranking in all the major bodies, but something
says a guard-changing, mandatory shot at WBC champ Erik
Morales is on the horizon, and will make Garcia Philly's
first Latino champ.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 RAYMOND SERRANO
NICKNAME: "TITO"
WELTERWEIGHT
17-0 (8 KO)
This 22 year old 147-pounder fights for Joe DeGuardia’s
Star Boxing. Can punch better than his official knockout
percentage (47%) indicates. Rumor has it that his sparring
sessions with Danny Garcia light up the neighborhood. Has
also been tapped for sparring by Manny Pacquiao. Tito
has already fought a main event in Philly and has had
regular exposure on Spanish-language TV. He just won his
first 10-rounder (vs. Angel Rios in Atlantic City). His
father Ray Serrano, a former Philly fighter himself, and
recent addition Felix Pintor train
Tito. His home gym is at the Rivera Rec Center on 5th & Allegheny,
but also spends time training in Puerto Rico.
Combined record of opposition: 145-163-18.
STRENGTHS: Well connected and
carefully handled.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Has looked good
against the limited opposition he's faced (combined record
145-163-18), but must begin to step up his level of
competition to progress to the next level.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 DENNIS HASSON
NICKNAME: "THE ASSASSIN"
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT
11-0 (3 KO)
Hasson is a 27 year old 168-pounder who fought at
Northern Michigan University under Philly’s Al Mitchell for
4 years, and was a Ringside amateur champion. His boxing
pedigree runs in the family - he's a grand nephew of former
light heavyweight champion Tommy Loughran, possibly the
greatest Philly fighter of all time. Hasson is a popular
boxer locally who has struggled to break out of a style that
seems better suited for the amateur ranks. His career has
been stalled by managerial problems and physical injuries
since its start in 2008. Showed some progress in 2010, but
remained inactive in 2011. Hasson is back in the gym,
determined to put old issues behind him and make 2012 his
breakout year. Combined record of opposition: 50-58-7.
STRENGTHS: Intelligence, amateur
experience.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Get settled
with the correct manager and trainer and get to work. At age
27, Hasson's time is now to get his career on track.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 BRYANT JENNINGS
NICKNAME: "BYE-BYE"
HEAVYWEIGHT
10-0 (4 KO)
Jennings is a 27-year old football player-turned boxer
who is still learning on the job under trainer Fred Jenkins
at the ABC Rec Center in North Philly. With a limited
amateur background, Jennings is working to overcome his ring
inexperience. But he is a physical specimen who is not only
smart but also marketing savvy. Has won 10 fights in his 18
months as a pro. Has shown some signs of growth but has also
frustratingly hovered at other times. Jennings is promoted by
Peltz Boxing. Combined record of opposition: 41-56-7.
STRENGTHS: Intelligence,
determination, athleticism, size.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Activity. Too early in the game to predict his future, but an active
schedule against solid foes is the key to his graduation to
the next level.
NEXT FIGHT: November 19
vs. Kevin Franklin (8 rounds)
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 KARL DARGAN
NICKNAME: "THE DYNAMITE"
LIGHTWEIGHT
10-0 (5 KO)
Gifted and accomplished as an amateur, Dargan has
stalled as a pro with only 10 bouts in almost four years.
Seemed to transform methodical style into a more exciting
boxer-puncher approach his last time out (TKO6 Juan Suazzo). Still just an 8-round fighter at age 26, Dargan
could use more fights and less careful handling by trainer /
uncle Nazim Richardson and promoter, Golden Boy Promotions. A former Pan Am amateur champion (2007), he trains
out of the Shuler Gym in West Philly. Combined record of
opposition: 43-38-8.
STRENGTHS: Amateur
experience, trainer.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Activity.
His periods of inactivity have been deadly to his progress.
He has to fight regularly to reach his potential, which was highly
touted at one time.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 COY EVANS
NICKNAME: "PRETTY BOY"
FEATHERWEIGHT
10-0-1 (2 KO)
Speedy boxer always looks good in the ring, but has not
yet faced tough opposition (69-121-20 combined record).
After a slow start beginning in 2004, Evans hit a nice
stride in 2010, fighting four times that year. However, he's
only made one start in 2011 - back in January. A few
cancellations explain this year's inactivity, but still must
stay busier than he has if he wants to be relevant,
especially at age 27. Trained by Bozy Ennis, one of
the best in Philly, at the Muhammad Ali Gym in Germantown.
Looks like a winner and may be the sleeper of Bozy's stable,
but has to develop and show his stuff soon. Managed by Moz
Gonzalez and Eddie Woods. Combined record of opposition:
69-121-20.
STRENGTHS: Speed, boxing
skills.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Activity,
challenging competition and exposure.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD.
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 JULIAN WILLIAMS
NICKNAME: "J-ROCK"
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT
8-0-1 (4 KO)
Already turning heads at just 21 years of age, and just
18 months as a pro, Williams looks like he may really make
some noise in the sport. Had a good amateur run, posting a
75-10 record, and winning numerous tournaments. He
turned professional after a controversial decision at the
state level kept him out of national Golden Gloves
competition. Has stayed busy since, with 4 fights in 2010 and
5 in 2011. Signed with Gary Shaw Productions and has fought
throughout the country, including two hometown starts - his
debut and his most recent bout. Williams is trained by Kenny
Mason, Steve "Bread Man" Edwards at the Shuler Boxing Gym in
West Philly. Edwards is also his manager. This writer
watched Williams spar with Mike Jones on several occasions
and must say that Julian gave Jones more fight than many of
Mike's opponents. Williams has great potential if brought
along properly. Combined record of opposition: 51-80-4.
STRENGTHS: Confidence,
boxing basics, speed, power.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Time.
More fights with the right opponents will have Williams at
the door of a title shot in about two years.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 FRANK TRADER
NICKNAME: "NITTY"
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT
8-0 (2 KO)
Trader is a 25 year old 130-pounder who has only fought
once in his home town, a majority decision win over Luis
Esquilin at the Blue Horizon. It was his first majority
decision and showed that the fights in Philly - especially
against a fellow Philly fighter - are tougher than most of those out
of town. Most of his fights have been in New England, and he
needs to be tested more to develop into a real prospect.
Trader has had two 10 month
periods of inactivity, so he needs to be more active (a
recurring theme among most of the Sweet 16). He is trained
by Aaron Ford at the Shuler Boxing Gym, managed by Rich Cappiello, and promoted by CES. Combined record of
opposition: 18-41-6.
STRENGTHS: Can fight, but
hasn't been tested enough to tell how well.
TICKET TO THE TOP: More
activity and better opposition (has never fought someone
with a winning record). Only fought once last year and once
this year so far. A schedule like that will get him nowhere.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 ANGEL OCASIO
LIGHTWEIGHT
6-0 (1 KO)
This 22 year old 135-pounder appears to have the goods
but has been over protected at this early stage of his
career. All his fights have been local (Philadelphia and
Chester), allowing him to begin to build a fan base with his
pleasing style and classy demeanor. Expectations were high
when he turned pro but injuries and inactivity have cooled
his progression. Still looks like a fighter with real
potential if he can get on track. At 22, Ocasio is still young but must be
pushed to achieve his potential. Look great in his most
recent bout (W6 Rasool Shakoor). Ocasio is trained by Angel
"Papo" Ocasio and Rob Quinonez at the Front Street Gym, and
managed by MAK Boxing Management (Manny Rivera, Kurt
Wolfheimer & Angel himself). Combined record of opposition:
5-19-1.
STRENGTHS: Boxing ability,
speed, intelligence.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Activity,
better conditioning, better competition and improved killer
instinct.
NEXT FIGHT: January 13 at
the Armory vs. TBA (6 rounds).
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 RASHAD BROWN
MIDDLEWEIGHT
5-0 (2 KO)
Brown is a 22 year old middleweight
who has not lost a round in his three decision wins. He
often looks green, but has also shown potential at times.
Brown has good size and reach and a jab that can take him a
long way. But lapses in focus during his fights make him
look more ordinary. Could pass for a relative of Joe Louis.
Brown is currently enrolled at the Police Academy and will
not fight again until next year. Trained by Rory Bussey at
the Upper Darby PAL, and managed by Doc Nowicki and Jim
Williams. In his “younger” days he served as a Bat Boy for
the Philadelphia Phillies. Combined record of opposition:
9-9-3.
STRENGTHS: Size, excellent
jab, personality.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Far too
early to tell, but better focus and more development are
the keys.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 JOEY DAWEJKO
NICKNAME: "POLISH THUNDER"
HEAVYWEIGHT
5-0 (2 KO)
This 21 year old
heavyweight is probably his own worse enemy. Often
undertrained and overweight, Dawejko has shown a lust for
sparring but and aversion to training. Some say he's too
small to be a heavyweight and feel he could be a force to be
reckoned with at cruiserweight. But Dawejko, a natural
fighter who likes the challenge of facing bigger opponents
wants to fight as a heavyweight. Amazing amateur
success has produced a confident fighter who might take too
much for granted as a pro. Came in at the lowest weight of
his career and looked good in his last outing, stopping a
6-0 John Lennox in round one. It was easily his best
performance as a pro. He has continued to trim his weight,
perhaps showing a new direction and dedication. Determined to stay active,
but proposed monthly bouts through the end of the year
are not materializing. Trained by Danny Davis at the Joe
Hand Gym. Combined record of opposition: 11-16-3.
STRENGTHS: Amateur
experience, wicked left hook to the body, confidence,
natural ability, youth.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Better
conditioning, dedication, maturity, more activity and
careful handling and the proper exposure once he's in the
groove could help him become a contender. Rumor has it that
he is about to sign a big contract with a major promoter.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 KEENAN SMITH
NICKNAME: "KILLA"
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT
4-0 (1 KO)
Southpaw Smith is just 21 years old. He won the National
Golden Gloves in 2008 as a featherweight. As a pro he has a
speedy, aggressive style that has allowed him to sail
through his first four carefully matched fights. 2011 has
been a slow year for Smith with just one fight so far. He'll
reboot his career beginning January 13 in a four rounder.
Smith is trained by Lemar Smith at Bozy Ennis' Muhammad Ali
Gym in Germantown, and is managed by Moz Gonzalez and Eddie
Woods.
Combined record of
opposition: 2-3-1.
STRENGTHS: Amateur
experience, speed.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Smith can
fight and has the potential to be a good one, but he's been
affected by outside distractions in the past and needs to be
more focused and dedicated in 2012. He also needs an
experienced corner man to help bring the best in him.
NEXT FIGHT: January 13 at
the Armory vs. TBA (4 rounds)
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 FRED JENKINS JR
MIDDLEWEIGHT
4-0 (2 KO)
24 year old Jenkins strikes you as an adult when you
meet him. He's poised and serious and stands out from many
other boxers his age. He grew up in his father's ABC Rec
Center, so boxing is in his blood and has a constant part of
his world. A talented gym fighter for years, Jenkins
promised his father/trainer he'd take off 100 pounds in one year
if he could turn professional. Now a middleweight, Jenkins
fought four times in his first year in the game and
displayed solid basic boxing skills that could take him a
long way. Combined record of opposition: 4-12-2.
STRENGTHS: Maturity,
dedication, boxing knowledge, corner, combination punching.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Showed
great dedication in losing enough weight to get his career
started. He’s off to a quick start and could be a real
surprise down the line. But he must stay active and
continue to condition his body.
NEXT FIGHT: TBD
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 MIGUEL CARTAGENA
NICKNAME: "NO FEAR"
BANTAMWEIGHT
3-0 (2 KO)
Cartagena is a 19 year old kid that has faced more
top-flight boxers than most pros twice his age. His
impressive amateur career provided him with a ton of
national and international experience. A professional for
just 8 months, Miguel has shown his skills against limited
opposition, but this fighter has the goods. If his last
fight (TKO2 Christian Cruz) is any indication, he could be a
contender in two years. But he must stay focused and avoid
any missteps - because everyone is watching him. He has
already appeared on two Top Rank shows in Atlantic City
(while they scout his touted ability), but no deal has been
offered yet. Cartagena was
developed by trainer Javier Varela (at the Philly Rumblers
Gym). Varela co-trains the professional Cartagena with Bozy
Ennis. The fighter splits his time between two gyms. Moz
Gonzalez and Eddie Woods are his co-managers. Combined
record of opposition: 5-8.
STRENGTHS: Amateur
experience, overall ability, personality.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Time.
This kid is a natural with a bright future, but he must stay
focused while he transitions into the pros. A big contract
with a major promoter is surely on its way, but he has to
impress them to land it. He needs to devour his competition
to show that he can be as good in the pros as he was in the
amateurs.
NEXT FIGHT: January 13 vs.
TBA (6 rounds)
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 NAIM NELSON
NICKNAME: "THE DREAM"
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT
2-0 (O KO)
Nelson is a 21 year old light
welterweight who began his career with back-to-back wins in
June and July before an injury to his right hand shelved him
for a few months. He missed a proposed September start, but
is back in the gym and ready to fight again. He gets his
chance later this month in Atlantic City. Nelson has looked
good at this early stage and seems to really enjoy being in
the ring.
He is trained by Rory Bussey at the Upper Darby PAL Gym and is
managed by Doc Nowicki and Jim Williams. Combined record of
opposition: 2-7.
STRENGTHS: Attitude,
Management team.
TICKET TO THE TOP: Too early
to know for sure, but with the proper discipline and
experience time will tell on this prospect.
NEXT FIGHT: November 19
vs. Deroy Beaton (1-2) (4 rounds). |
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Ken Hissner - November 07, 2011
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