By Mike Coppinger
As a boxing publicist, Kevin Rooney Jr. -- the son of the former Mike Tyson trainer -- sends out press releases and handles credential requests for the many fights each year for DiBella Entertainment.
But unlike other publicists, Rooney Jr. fights on the very same cards he works.
On one such night this year, July 15 in New York, Rooney fought his second professional bout, then changed into civvies moments after, back at work at his other job.
“It’s a little tough, but, I didn’t get to take a shower, but I got changed, so, that’s all,” said Rooney Jr. (2-0, 1 KO).”
Rooney Jr. stopped his foe, Elmer Vera, with a crushing right hand in the waning moments of the bout.
“He was wide open and I hit him hard and I kinda rocked him and I knew it was only a matter of time until I could catch him with something big and end it,” said Rooney Jr, reflecting on his fourth round KO victory. “It was a good show and I waited until the last second of the round.”
Prior to working for Lou DiBella, Rooney Jr. was the PR person for Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, as he fought his last two bouts under the star boxing promotional banner. And Rooney Jr. wants to stay active, as he plies his craft and increases his fan base in the New York area.
“I want to be busy, I want to stay active, I want to try once a month,” said Rooney Jr., 27. “I have great fan support and it’s going to continue to grow. I’m in the gym every day, I work hard, we’ll see how far we can go with it.”
In keeping true to his statement, Rooney is schedule for two upcoming fights – on September 23 against TBA and October 22 against Carlos Perez (making his pro debut, as he continues his unique dual-job of fighter and boxing publicist.
Mike Coppinger is a regular boxing freelancer for USA TODAY and Ring Magazine. He’s a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, the Ring Ratings Advisory Panel and the Yahoo! Sports Boxing Panel. Follow him on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger.