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WHO IS SHAUN GEORGE?: THE BOXING WORLD IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT!
On the evening of Friday, May 18th, a number of people around the country found themselves flicking through television channels looking for entertainment. For those in the 'know', it was already a plan to tune in to the ESPN2 live coverage of the nationally televised matchup between Shaun George (14-2-2, 6KO's) and 'KO KING' Richard Hall (27-7, 25KO's). For those who didn't know and happened to stumble across the action accidentally, one thing for sure, they can now all confess that they walked away having witnessed the skill of a man who is well on his way to becoming a very 'household' name in the light heavyweight division.
Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Shaun George and he gave us at East Side Boxing a glimpse of not only the man, but the myth's associated with his name, as well as his intentions while he's a 'player' in the 'game'.
Vivek Wallace: For starters Shaun, tell some of our readers a little bit about Shaun George as a person.
Shaun George: Well, I'm a very laid back kinda guy. Not really much of a party guy. I'm not a homebody, but definitely not always in the public or party type environments either.
VW: At what point did you realize you wanted to box?
SG: When I was 12. My dad took me down to Bed Stuy Boxing Club and the love started from there.
VW: In the U.S. there isn't always as big of an emphasis on amateur fighting as much as you see perhaps in other countries, how do you think you're great amateur background (51-7) and being a two time Golden Glove Champ, etc., help you in your career?
SG: It was huge because it taught me different styles and how to approach them. At this point in my career, there's really no styles that I haven't seen between the amateur and professional fights I've had. That type of experience helped me tremendously even in the fight against Richard Hall, having to deal with his power.
VW: Some fighters lose fights while at the pinnacle of their career and never rebound. You took a couple losses early and have shown great promise ever since. What did those losses do to impact the Shaun George we see today?
SG: Well the losses definitely helped me because they made me that much stronger. At this point I can see things for what their worth and my approach to training and homework is that much more different and intense.
VW: After suffering your loss to Matt Godfrey skeptics began to question your ability and your chin but in your victory over Hall you answered those critics loud and clear with a "W". Was there anything 'behind the scenes' in that fight camp that altered your performance?
SG: Absolutely not. He was the better man that night and I wish him the best. Maybe in the future if we rematch and I beat him we can discuss that night again but until then I won't steal his sunshine. He was the better man. Period.
VW: How has the transition been for you in getting back down to the Light Heavyweight division from the Cruiserweight division and what brought it about?
SG: It's been great. I'm back in the ring with guys my size. When i was a 'cruiser' i was having to eat large the day before the fight just to look like I wasn't giving up too much weight. I would come in the ring at about 188lbs and the guy across from me was closer to 210 or so on fight night. Now I'm in my natural weight and things feel much more comfortable.
VW: After you become Champ, or on the road to becoming light heavyweight champ, who are some of the talents you'd like to square off against?
SG: Chad Dawson. Because he's an incredible talent. You have to respect him for what he brings. Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, basically anyone in the top 15.
VW: Before we wrap up, what words do you have for young fighters out there looking to be where you are in the world of boxing?
SG: If you really wanna be in this sport, and successful in this sport, realize up front that it takes alot of hard work and dedication.
VW: Any closing words to fight fans out there around the globe?
SG: Come out and show your support. Thanks for what you've done so far but definitely keep coming out and showing your support. Watch as the journey unfolds.
This piece shines light on the fact that Shaun George is a great boxer, and perhaps an even better man. ESB would like to take the opportunity to thank Shaun George and Ed Rosa for making this interview possible. Fight fans out there, one of your newest stars are on the rise. Remember where you heard it first. Right here on ESB.
WHO IS SHAUN GEORGE?: THE BOXING WORLD IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT!
On the evening of Friday, May 18th, a number of people around the country found themselves flicking through television channels looking for entertainment. For those in the 'know', it was already a plan to tune in to the ESPN2 live coverage of the nationally televised matchup between Shaun George (14-2-2, 6KO's) and 'KO KING' Richard Hall (27-7, 25KO's). For those who didn't know and happened to stumble across the action accidentally, one thing for sure, they can now all confess that they walked away having witnessed the skill of a man who is well on his way to becoming a very 'household' name in the light heavyweight division.
Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Shaun George and he gave us at East Side Boxing a glimpse of not only the man, but the myth's associated with his name, as well as his intentions while he's a 'player' in the 'game'.
Vivek Wallace: For starters Shaun, tell some of our readers a little bit about Shaun George as a person.
Shaun George: Well, I'm a very laid back kinda guy. Not really much of a party guy. I'm not a homebody, but definitely not always in the public or party type environments either.
VW: At what point did you realize you wanted to box?
SG: When I was 12. My dad took me down to Bed Stuy Boxing Club and the love started from there.
VW: In the U.S. there isn't always as big of an emphasis on amateur fighting as much as you see perhaps in other countries, how do you think you're great amateur background (51-7) and being a two time Golden Glove Champ, etc., help you in your career?
SG: It was huge because it taught me different styles and how to approach them. At this point in my career, there's really no styles that I haven't seen between the amateur and professional fights I've had. That type of experience helped me tremendously even in the fight against Richard Hall, having to deal with his power.
VW: Some fighters lose fights while at the pinnacle of their career and never rebound. You took a couple losses early and have shown great promise ever since. What did those losses do to impact the Shaun George we see today?
SG: Well the losses definitely helped me because they made me that much stronger. At this point I can see things for what their worth and my approach to training and homework is that much more different and intense.
VW: After suffering your loss to Matt Godfrey skeptics began to question your ability and your chin but in your victory over Hall you answered those critics loud and clear with a "W". Was there anything 'behind the scenes' in that fight camp that altered your performance?
SG: Absolutely not. He was the better man that night and I wish him the best. Maybe in the future if we rematch and I beat him we can discuss that night again but until then I won't steal his sunshine. He was the better man. Period.
VW: How has the transition been for you in getting back down to the Light Heavyweight division from the Cruiserweight division and what brought it about?
SG: It's been great. I'm back in the ring with guys my size. When i was a 'cruiser' i was having to eat large the day before the fight just to look like I wasn't giving up too much weight. I would come in the ring at about 188lbs and the guy across from me was closer to 210 or so on fight night. Now I'm in my natural weight and things feel much more comfortable.
VW: After you become Champ, or on the road to becoming light heavyweight champ, who are some of the talents you'd like to square off against?
SG: Chad Dawson. Because he's an incredible talent. You have to respect him for what he brings. Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, basically anyone in the top 15.
VW: Before we wrap up, what words do you have for young fighters out there looking to be where you are in the world of boxing?
SG: If you really wanna be in this sport, and successful in this sport, realize up front that it takes alot of hard work and dedication.
VW: Any closing words to fight fans out there around the globe?
SG: Come out and show your support. Thanks for what you've done so far but definitely keep coming out and showing your support. Watch as the journey unfolds.
This piece shines light on the fact that Shaun George is a great boxer, and perhaps an even better man. ESB would like to take the opportunity to thank Shaun George and Ed Rosa for making this interview possible. Fight fans out there, one of your newest stars are on the rise. Remember where you heard it first. Right here on ESB.
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