He is known as “Silky”. It’s written all over his trunk.<\/p>\n
But New Orleans boxer Sean Hemphill is having a less-than-stellar year.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it was a little tough,\u201d said Hemphill.<\/p>\n
a bit?<\/p>\n
How about having to cancel your debut on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation twice because you were injured just a week before each of your scheduled fights in February and October?<\/p>\n
When an undefeated fighter (14-0, 8 KOs) is on the verge of making his first national debut, 54 weeks between fights seems like an eternity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was frustrating because my career was delayed by a year,\u201d said Hemphill, 27. “But it’s only been a year and we have to keep going.<\/p>\n
“I thought the chance would come again.”<\/p>\n
When he faces undefeated super middleweight David Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs) in the main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday at 8pm at Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA. , Hemphill’s fortitude is shattered.<\/p>\n
Stevens was scheduled to be Hemphill’s opponent on October 21 in Atlantic City. Another obstacle.<\/p>\n
“I have to push the action and show my skill so that even if I can’t finish him off, I can show who is the better fighter,” Hemphill said. said, “You have to keep that in mind when fighting in someone else’s home territory.”<\/p>\n
Hemphill is ready for all eight rounds, as he showed in his last fight, which was a unanimous decision against Jason Minda in New Orleans last January.<\/p>\n
Under the guidance of former kickboxing world champion Steve “Spider” Hemphill’s father and Hall of Fame boxer\/trainer Buddy McGirt, Sean Hemphill uses his jab and reach to set up combinations and score points. I grew up to be a pure boxer who wins. He gets bonus stops more than his goal.<\/p>\n
Stevens’ nickname is ‘Dynamite’, apt for his outspoken and aggressive style. The 22-year-old Stevens has a Hall of Fame trainer in Ronnie Shields’ corner and has won four of his last five bouts by knockout, the most recent being in Dallas in July. Luis is his second round TKO of Barberio.<\/p>\n
“He trains harder and loves to fight more than anyone I’ve ever worked with,” Shields, who trained the likes of Mike Tyson, said of Stevens. He loves it and I have to kick him out of the gym.”<\/p>\n
And for ShoBox Executive Producer Gordon Hall, it’s this different style that makes the fight so compelling.<\/p>\n
“These two are at a point in their careers where a fight like this is more of a learning experience than a potential setback,” he said.<\/p>\n
Hemphill certainly isn’t overlooking a good opponent like Stevens, but he and his handlers have ambitions for three or four more fights in 2023. .<\/p>\n
“We’ve seen what ShoBox has done for fighters,” said Hemphill. \u201cWinning this battle will open more doors and opportunities, including promotional deals and television appearances.<\/p>\n
“I’m sorry I got hurt twice, but I’m staying fit in the gym. I’m ready to get my career back where it belongs.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n