By Keith Terceira
Travis Kauffman, the number one super heavy-weight in the U.S has decided to turn professional and will make his debut on January 26th in Glen Burnie, Maryland on Ballroom Boxing. The Reading Pennsylvania native who was 3-0 in international competition this year spoke exclusively to Boxingscene today to announce his decision.
“My time in the amateurs is complete and I think it is my calling to turn pro, and make some money.”
Kauffman stated “ I respect Joe Mesi but I think I will be the next great white hope and I have the boxing skills to back that up.”
Kauffman was not happy waiting around for the Olympics and thought his style had to be toned down to much for the amateurs. More in line with a pro style Travis likes to pick his shots. He has sparred with the likes of Rob Calloway, D. Guinn, Eddie Chambers and others in the top of the heavyweight scene.
“ My style adapts more to the professionals and like I have said, I have proved all I can in the amateurs already. I’m tired of bad calls and politics, maybe things will be better now, (laughing) .”
Kauffman acquitted himself well sparring with Oleg in preparation for the Sam fight that it made his choice easier.
“Out of four sparring partners in camp I was the only one Oleg didn’t drop and he came at me hard for it. I have so many different styles from pretty to dirty if needed, I have been looking forward to this for over a year now. “
Travis had been in the sights of Main Events until things broke off between the promoter and Kermit Cintron, who is trained by Marshall Kauffman, Travis’ father. Still not understanding why this back lashed over to his future dealings, Travis informed us that he is in no rush now for a promotional deal.
“I am not going to go out looking for a promoter, I want to prove some things first and have them come looking for me. We have a game plan for 10-15 fights my first year and I would like to fight for the WBC youth belt around my tenth fight. As long I stay healthy things should go as planned. I had a foot injury while I was getting ready for the World Cup which forced me to cancel and I blew up a bit but I am in shape 90 percent of the time and I will be in better shape come January 26th.
Kterceira@aol.com
