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by John DiSanto |
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20-year old Damon Allen Jr., one of Philadelphia's top amateur boxers, will make his professional debut Friday in a 4-round lightweight bout against Joseph Ahaamid, who will also be fighting for the first time as a pro. The fight will be part of the Joey Eye Boxing show at Harrah's Casino & Racetrack in Chester, PA.
"I made it to the semi-finals," Allen said of his very last amateur tournament. "Bronze Medal. I lost by a point in the semis, 29 to 30. I don't take losses easy. I take everything to heart, but it's just on to the next move - Friday night, Harrah's Casino." In all, Allen compiled a record of 151-11 as an amateur, but has always dreamed of turning professional. "I've been waiting for this day," Allen said of his upcoming pro debut. "I had a lot of amateur fights. The amateurs got me prepared for this. I'm just anxious to get in there."
"Baby Dame" comes from a Philadelphia boxing family. Both his great grandfather, Mitchell Allen, and his father, Damon Allen Sr., are former fighters and current boxing trainers. Allen is trained by his father. As a pro, Allen will be managed by D&D Management (Doc Nowicki and Dave Price), who represent one of the hottest boxing stables these days. Allen is a great addition to the excellent roster which includes Jesse Hart, Mike Jones, Teon Kennedy, Naim Nelson, Emanuel Taylor, Todd Unthank-May, Decarlo Perez, Javontae Starks, Mark Rideout, and Wahid Raheem. The switch-hitting Damon Allen is arguably the most talented boxer of the bunch, and his entry into the pro ranks is an exciting proposition. With a little time, some very big things could come his way. Allen joins fellow Philly amateur standouts Miguel Cartagena (6-0), Jesse Hart (6-0), and Anthony Burgin (3-0), who also recently turned professional. The 21 year old Burgin and the 23 year old Hart debuted last year, while Cartagena, 20, turned pro in 2011. These four guys are the likely heirs to Philly's boxing future. Philly Boxing History will be at Harrah's on Friday to cover Allen's debut.
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Allen's bulging amateur
resume boasts numerous championships and honors throughout the
years. Allen has won national competitions, the Ringside
world championships, and medaled in the Junior Olympics. Most
recently, he took home a Bronze Medal at the 2013 USA
Championships. 
Allen
only has one more day to wait. 