Brick City Boxing

By: Bradley Marchetti

New York Cruiserweight prospect Shaun George 12-1-2 (5) will be fighting this Thursday night for Broadway Boxing at The Grand Ballroom in Manhattan. Shaun is a highly touted prospect who had a prolific amateur career compiling a record of 51-7 winning the NY Golden Gloves twice. Shaun has an excellent team around him with trainer Tommy Brooks and manager Lou Duva. Having lost for the first time in his career 7 months ago, George is now more focused than ever on the sport he loves. I had a chance to interview Shaun and ask him about his future in the sport.

BM: Shaun, at age 27 and in your prime, what can we expect to see from you in this fight and for 2007?

SG: Well I wanted to end this year with a bang, that’s why I took this fight. I’m trying to stay active and avoid layoffs so I can stay sharp. I just want to inflict pain on my opponents. I’m not concerning myself with the critics or the media any longer. I’m letting my team do their job and I’m going to do my job which is to just go out and fight. The loss I had actually did me some good. It was a learning experience.

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BM: Since boxing from age 10 you have grown up around the fight game. Some critics point out that at this stage of your career you should be farther along than you are. What obstacles have slowed your progress?

SG: The politics of boxing. I have always said that I only want to fight the best. Before I had lost nobody was willing to step up. Now that I lost, a lot of guys that ducked me want to fight all of a sudden. I was going to fight Felix Cora on Shobox, but he turned me down to fight for less money against someone else. I called out Wayne Braithwaite and Steve Cunnigham but their handlers felt I was too dangerous an opponent for them at the time. A lot of these guys are being babied in their careers but I just want to fight the best.

BM: You have the total package of speed, boxing skills, slick defense and some good pop in both hands. What things have you been working on in the gym to become even better?

SG: Been doing lots of sparring. I’ve been sparring Heavyweights through Middleweights. Fighters with all different styles. Been working on my balance, body attack and combination punching. I’ve been working hard at throwing more punches and not fighting in spots.

BM: How often do you train?

SG: I never stop training. I also do more than just boxing training, I do a lot of total body conditioning with weights and other methods. I do lots of roadwork, which I think is most important. I’ve learned how to train smarter and make sure not to leave my fight in the gym. I realize that sometimes your body needs to rest. Since I’ve been doing so much sparring, boxing is becoming easier to me. I feel more relaxed in the ring now than ever.

BM: What would you consider your money punch?

SG: Whatever works. I can throw it all really. I’m really loving my left uppercut to the body right now. I also like my Chavez punch (after Julio Cesar Chavez) the left hook to the liver. My lead right. I can really adapt to any style and whatever the fight calls for I can use different punches. Truly though, my left jab is my best punch. I can stop you dead in your tracks with it.

BM: Being a Showman and a crowd pleasing fighter, who are your favorite fighters?

SG: Sugar Ray Leonard. I grew up around Boxing, but when I saw Leonard fight Hagler I wanted to be a Boxer. Pernell Whitaker, who’s power I feel was always undderated. Roy Jones jr. who I still think is a good fighter. Terry Norris, who really never got his due credit. J.C. Chavez. Even if I see a good fighter do something I like in the gym I’ll use it in my own game. I’m a student of the game who watches tons of fight tapes new and old. But Sugar Ray was my favorite of all time.