By Terence Dooley
Frank Warren will unveil Britain’s youngest professional boxer on February the 13th when George Michael Carmen appears on the undercard of Kevin Mitchell’s WBO Inter-Continental showdown with Ignacio Mendoza. Carmen, who is 18-years-old, is following in the footsteps of his father, former professional boxer ‘Gypsy’ George Carmen, who amassed a 17-21-1 (1) slate.
Carmen senior, who twice challenged for the Southern Area cruiserweight title, had only one thing to say when asked why his son had turned over so early. “He wants to be the youngest world champion – it is as simple as that,” he declared.
“He’s boxed at the top level as an amateur but is more suited to the professional game. George has been fighting since he was eight years old. He’s signed with Frank Warren and is making his pro debut on the Wembley bill. Hopefully we can get him five fights in the first year, the same in the second year, and then we’re not bothered about who he fights.
“He can punch with both hands and he’s got a big heart. He did well as an amateur and people always said he fights like a pro. I’ve trained many pros in my gym and he’s already got the skills.”
Carmen junior shares his father’s enthusiasm and belief; he told BoxingScene that he is itching to get his pro career underway. “I’m looking forward to it,” stated Carmen when asked about his pro debut. “I boxed at the top class as an amateur and have been around pro gyms all my life.”
Carmen will face quite a culture shock when he turns over, the boxer, however, believes that his amateur experience will stand him in good stead. “I got a bronze at the Europeans, a gold at the Four Nations, I’ve boxed for England versus Ireland and won twice, boxed in the Golden Gloves championships and got to the finals of the ABAs.
“My dad is my trainer and I was training in the same gym as guys like Michael Sprott when I was younger. My dad knows the mistakes he made so it will be better for me as he’s been there and done it. I’ve got all the right backing behind me.”
Carmen will initially campaign in the welterweight division, although he is likely to grow rapidly over the next few years. However, the fighter draws his inspiration from the heavyweight and super-middleweight divisions.
“I’m very excited as I’ve always wanted to box on a big show. To have my first professional fight on one is a big thing. I grew up watching Lennox Lewis but I take a lot of inspiration from Joe Calzaghe as I think his style of boxing is very similar to mine – knowing that Joe got there and did it all with that style is very exciting for me. My style is not exactly the same but hopefully it can get me all the way,” enthused Carmen, who also stated that, for him, age is nothing but a number.
“No, stuff like that [his young age] doesn’t bother me and I try not to think about it that much. It is better for me that I’m the youngest pro in Britain as I’ve got a lot of time to learn,” declared Carmen.
Tickets for the Night of the Champions priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150, are available from:
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
www.seetickets.com
Wembley Arena
0844 815 0815
www.wembleyarena.co.uk
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