AS the Garner vs Bellotti ‘Pier Pressure’ press conference rolled along, an unlikely guest was present on the stage. A rising prospect in Tony ‘Lightning’ Curtis Jr took his seat on the stand, accompanied by none other than former world champion Roy Jones Jr.
Unlike many Brits turning pro, Curtis, from Woolwich, London, has taken an unusual route to launch his career. Now 19, Curtis turned over at the age of 16, making his pro debut in Mexico. He skipped the amateur accolades in turn to get a head start on his professional journey.
“I had a pro style at a very young age and Roy [Jones Jr.] said it’s not smart to try to change an amateur style, so I said we’ll give it a go in Mexico,” explained Curtis.
Explaining how they met from his point of view, Jones Jr said, “I was in Dubai, went to a boxing gym and saw a kid working out who looked like he had a lot of talent. He asked me how to throw the left hook, so I showed him.
“He asked for my number, so I gave it to him, and I thought it would be the last time I heard from him, but around six months later, I got a text asking if he could train with me.”
Curtis portrays a boastful, confident personality in and out of the ring, including talking to opponents during his fights. It was his confidence that led to this connection in the first place.
Jones believes Curtis is a prospect that can go all the way and that audiences should definitely tune in.
“He has the heart, the will and the desire to become world champion and I see him becoming a multi-weight champion,” said the man who knows a thing or two about doing precisely that.
