Connect with us

Articles of 2008

Korean-Born Fighter Learns About MSG

Published

on

Featherweight Jae-Sung Lee of Hanam City, Korea, a suburb of Seoul, looks more like a university engineering student than a boxer. But don’t let the 24-year-old Lee’s boyish appearance fool you.

He was respected enough as a boxer in Korea to be brought over to Queens, New York, to progress his career to the next level. On Saturday, March 15th, as part of the internationally flavored “A Fistful of Shamrocks” show at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu Theater, he will put his 8-1 (5 KOS) record on the line against undefeated Jules Blackwell, 7-0-1 (2 KOS), of Philadelphia.

Headlining the card, which is being promoted by Celtic Gloves Promotions, will be the hottest junior middleweight in New York.

James Moore, 14-0 (10 KOS), is a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, who fights out of Queens. A veteran of 314 amateur fights, he is the former captain of the Irish national amateur team that included John Duddy and Andy Lee.

He will square off against the seasoned veteran J.C. Candelo, 27-9-4 (18 KOS), of Colombia in the 10 round main event.

Candelo has only been stopped once, by Kassim Ouma, and has gone the distance with such champions and top contenders as Winky Wright, Verno Philips and Alex Bunema.

In the co-feature, the hard-punching and always aggressive junior middleweight Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak, 19-0 (13 KOS), will take on Dupre “Total Package” Strickland, 18-2-1 (7 KOS), of Shreveport, Louisiana.

In Strickland’s last fight, in May 2007, he went the 10 round distance with John Duddy.

Lee views fighting at MSG as just another step in the right direction for the unconventional career he has chosen.

“I started boxing as a hobby, because I was so skinny,” said Lee through his interpreter and host, Pearl Kim, the proprietor of the K2 Boxing Club, which is located in the shadows of Shea Stadium in Corona, Queens.

“Once I got into it, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

Lee, who served two years of duty in the Korean army, has no amateur experience to speak of. However, once he turned pro, in January 2004, he says he just “kept winning and winning.”

In fact he didn’t lose until February 2008, when he dropped a four-round decision to veteran Jesus Salvador Perez, who was 24-17-3 (14 KOS), in Dover, Delaware. Up until then, all of his fights had taken place in either Korea or the Philippines.

Kim said that the loss to the much more experienced Perez was an aberration, and says that she and Lee’s sponsors are anticipating an exceptional performance from him against Blackwell.

“All he thinks about is fighting right now,” said Kim. “Jae knows how important this fight is. He is training very hard, for at least five hours a day.”

In the past few weeks Lee has sparred with seasoned professionals Harrison Cuello and Jose Reyes, and trainers Rene Pellot and Oscar Suarez have liked what they have seen.

“Jae has shown the potential that he did in Korea, when he won eight professional fights without a loss,” said Kim. “He doesn’t feel any pressure or fear about being here in the United States. He is very calm in the ring. None of the pressure affects him.”

When asked directly if he was aware of the historical significance related to fighting at MSG, Lee said he was not. Until recently he had no idea that MSG was even known as the Mecca of Boxing.

His only frame of reference to the storied venue was the fact that Rain, a popular Korean musical band, had once performed there.

That he was fighting an undefeated opponent in the most popular venue on the planet in the city that is universally viewed as the Capital of the World, was lost on him until reporters started bringing it up in the past few weeks. He is still unaffected by all of the hoopla.

“All I think about is the fight, and then becoming a champion,” said Lee, whose parents operate a small karaoke business in Seoul. “My mind is totally on boxing right now.”

He is aware of Korean boxers Duk Koo Kim, who died from injuries sustained in a 1982 bout with WBA lightweight champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, and flyweight Choi Yo-sam, who died in January 2008 of ring injuries sustained a few days earlier in a WBO Intercontinental title winning effort against Indonesia’s Heri Amol.

As tragic as those deaths were, however, Lee said they had no impact on his decision to become or stay a boxer even though other career options have been available to him.

“Everybody knows about them,” said Lee. “They chose to do with their lives the same thing I have chosen to do with my life. We all know the danger when we choose such a dangerous job. Their deaths did not affect my choice, and I train hard to lessen the danger of me getting hurt.”

Whether or not Lee will remain in America once he stops fighting is yet to be decided. But one thing is certain. Like scores of immigrants and visitors before him, he is determined to leave an indelible impression on all whom he comes in contract with for as long as he is here.

“He is young and passionate, and he now realizes it is honorable to fight at MSG,” said Kim. “The preparation is going very well. Jae wants to prove something in America, to himself and to others.”

“A Fistful of Shamrocks” will also feature popular lightweight Oisin Fagan, 20-5 (15 KOS), of Oklahoma City via Dublin; super middleweight Simon “Slick Fighting Irish” O’Donnell, 5-1 (2 KOS) of County Galway, Ireland; London junior welterweight Steve O’Meara, who will be making his pro debut; bantamweight Khabir Suleymanov, 2-0 (1 KO), of Ukraine; featherweight Joe Rosa, 1-2-1, of Puerto Rico; welterweight Luis Ruiz, 2-0, of Puebla, Mexico; welterweight Martin Wright, 4-0-1, of Brooklyn; and middleweight Bryant Pappas, 5-0 (5 KOS), a hard-punching Yonkers, New York, police officer.

A junior middleweight female bout will match the popular Cristy “Code Red” Nickel, 7-5 (4 KOS), of New York, vs. Oliva Fonseca, 1-1-2 (1 KO) of Philadelphia.

Nickel, who counts Katie Couric among her A-list of clients, was recently named one of the top personal trainers in New York by Allure magazine.

In addition to boxing, live Irish music will be performed by the band “Big Girl’s Blouse.”

Door open at 6:30 P.M. and the fights will begin at 7:00 P.M. Tickets, which range from $400 to $50, can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 866-448-7849 or by calling Celtic Gloves at 917-559-8467 or Gleason’s Gym at 718-797-2872.

For sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact Mike O’Sullivan at 516-242-0428

Check out Celtic Gloves Promotions on the web at: www.celticgloves.com

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles15 hours ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles3 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles4 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles6 days ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles1 week ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles1 week ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending