By Tim Kudgis
Tonight, LIVE around the WORLD on GFL.tv, Lou DiBella's Broadway Boxing series returns with "Seasons Beating" at BB Kings in New York City.
Boyd Melson (12-1-1), a 4 time US Army Champion, will have a tough task at hand when he does battle with veteran journeyman Gundrick King (18-10). Melson, who is widely known for his accomplishments inside and outside of the ring, will once again donate his purse to JustADollarPlease.org. JustADollarPlease.org is a charity set up to raise money for spinal cord injuries and stem cell research.
Not many fighters around the world donate even a percentage to charity, but Melson donates 100% of every purse to this charity. Melson, who was a very accomplished amateur, turned pro in 2010 won his first 8 fights before dropping a very close decision to then undefeated prospect Delen Parsley (6-0). Melson & Parsley was a nominee for "2012 Fight of the Year" and was recognized as one of the best fights to every go down during the "Broadway Boxing" history, which has a long and illustrious run.
As an amateur growing up Melson looked up to the likes Winky Wright, Bernard Hopklins, Roy Jones Jr, James Toney, Shane Mosely, and Oscar De La Hoya. As his career continued in the pro ranks he grew an appreciation for different styles and started to garner inspiration from fighters such as Sergio Martinez, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacqiuao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Carl Froch, and Andre Ward. Even though that is a lot of people to look up to for their in ring work, I doubt it even comes close to the people inspired by Boyd Melson.
Melson, who just closed up camp and finished weighing in, took some time to talk to Boxingscene.com about his camp and much more.
"Like all other training camps, it was intense. A bit challenging fighting southpaw sparring partners as short as Gundrick." Melson in search linked up with Edgar Santana, who was preparing for his 1st round destruction of Michael Clark at the Dover Downs on 11/22, and some of NYC's elite amateurs to prepare for King.
Melson, a student of the game, made sure he didn't underestimate his task at hand. "He is physically very strong with a low center of gravity. He played Division 1 football so he is use to contact. Her is also a southpaw and a few inches shorter than me. Best thing I should be able to do is keeping my space with him when he tries to explode to get in" explained Melson.
Melson is fully aware that an impressive victory here over King, in front of a worldwide audience on GFL.tv, will help position him to a bigger fight in 2014. A fight like this could lead to a Nationally televised belt for a regional title which is accompanied by a high ranking, and Melson ackowledges this. "My hope is that in 2014, I get an opportunity for a nationally televised bout for the exposure. Even if it is as an opponent. Hopefully a win will help to achieve that."
Melson, who feels his biggest accomplishment in boxing so far was becoming the World Military Champion, is also a fight fan. He took some time to weigh in on big fights coming up with local talent such as Glen Tapia vs. James Kirkland as well as the all Brookly showdown between Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah.
"I am a very big Glen Tapia fan and have been so for about 2 years. That is my man for that fight. As for Paulie-Zab, I just saw Paulie today and told him I had a dream two nights ago about him winning."
With his fight with Gundrick King approaching, he wants to let boxing fans that will be in attendance or watching LIVE around the WORLD on GFL.tv one thing. "Win or Lose, for my opponent this fight will not be easy!"
Melson-King along with Luis Rosa vs Andre Wilson, the return of Craig McEwan, and a long list of Lou DiBella's rising prospects will be LIVE tonight around the WORLD on GFL.tv at 7:00 pm EST. GFL.tv will broadcast this entire event from start to finish and if you order once you will be able to re watch Lou DiBella's "Broadway Boxing: Seasons Beatings" for LIFE on GFL OnDemand. Click the link below for more info:
Also if you would like more info to Support Boyd's fight against spinal cord injuries check out JustADollarPlease.org.