Slated as a “top prospect” for 2012, undefeated J’Leon Love (9-0, 6KOs) will face his first test of the New Year when he squares off with Elie Augustama (5-3-3KOs) in Key West, Florida on January 6th. Love, from the “Motor City,” got off to a fast start, fighting nine times in two years. The 24 year-old has yet to face an opponent with a winning record.
Augustama, one of three hard hitting brothers who came up through the amateur ranks and qualified for the National Golden Gloves in 2008, also got off to a fast start winning his first 5 bouts, 3 by knockout. Augustama then like most young fighters abandoned his management team. His next three fights were against stronger opponents Reggie Pena, Lamar Russ and Chad Trahan, all resulting in losses by decision.
Now 26, and looking to revitalize his career, 6’2” Elie has turned to cardio-fitness guru Danny Hawk of the World Famous Normandy Gym in Miami Beach to get back into fighting shape. (Normandy Gym is where Bernard Hopkins trained for his victories against Kelly Pavlik and Roy Jones Jr.).
Hawk says, “Elie is a power puncher and we will be increasing that power by adding stamina to his game, as well as further developing his quick jab and inside fighting”. The last six weeks have been brutally hot at Normandy Gym, (BHOP once described Hawk’s gym as “Hell on Earth”) and Augustama has weathered Hawk’s intense regimen of “Hammer and Tire”, “Heavy Rope Undulation”, “Beach Sandhill Run”, and hour-long pad work to the point where Augustama will be ready for anything Love has to offer.
“I’m not leaving this one up for decision, I do my talking in the ring” Elie remarks, “the sparring you get at Normandy Gym is second to none”.
Love will have his hands full in Key West.
