Tyrell Samuel sat outside the Michael?s Eighth Avenue boxing ring, focused and quiet while managers and promoters surrounded him in the firestorm that has become Ballroom Boxing.
In less than an hour Samuel would step into the ring to challenge Mexico?s Margarito Lopez in a six-round featherweight bout. But for now, he sat quietly, waiting for his turn to fight during last Thursday?s card in Glen Burnie.
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“My training staff knows everything about the guy (Lopez),” he said. “I don?t like to know a whole lot. All I need to know is what time I?m fighting.”
Samuel, a Baltimore native, began working out at the Mr. Mack Lewis Gym four years ago, and his progress has been as quick as his right hand. Trained by former WBC and IBF light-middleweight champion Vincent Pettway, Samuel said he wants to become a champion like his famous mentor.
“He means everything to me,” Samuel said. “He?s the one who prepares me for the fights.”
But the 125-pounder has a lot more than boxing on his mind these days. Samuel, 24, and his girlfriend are expecting a baby at the end of the summer, and Pettway is advising them to get married. Pettway said marriage will cut down on Samuel?s distractions and make him an even better fighter.
Gym owner Mack Lewis, a mainstay in Baltimore boxing circles for more than 60 years and known in the gym simply as Mr. Mack, said Samuel has a bright future. “He started as a boy, and now he?s a man,” Lewis said. “It?s going to be hard for anyone to beat him.”
Lewis, who will turn 88 in November, has seen it all and said he?s concerned with all the promoters who are beginning to notice Samuel. “Look around at all these people,” Lewis said after Samuel?s second-round knockout victory over Lopez. “They?re here because he won; they won?t be when he loses.”
For now, life in the ring is good for Samuel. He is undefeated with five knockouts after seven fights, and his goal is crystal clear.
“Championship,” he said. “Undisputed.”
THE SAMUEL FILE
Hometown: Baltimore
Weight: 125
Did you know? Samuel knocked out Lopez in the second round in Glen Burnie. After Lopez taunted Samuel for a weak hit, Samuel let loose and knocked out Lopez with a combination of body shots.
