Brooklyn, New York’s Shaun George is ready to stake his claim in the sport, only this time at his natural weight of 175 pounds. The former NABA and IBC Americas Cruiserweight champion is moving back down to the light heavyweight division after years of giving up size and strength advantages to naturally bigger men. His opponent is knockout artist Richard “The Destroyer” Hall, 27-6 (25 KO), a dangerous former title challenger who has seen action with Roy Jones Jr., Darius Michalczewski, and Glen Johnson. The Shaun George-Richard Hall fight will take place on May 18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and will be televised on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.
After seven years in the sport, Shaun George is out of the boxing game. “I’m in the hurt business now,” says George, 13-2-2 (6 KO), “and Richard Hall’s pain is my pleasure.” George, who is trained by Tommy Brooks and Lou Duva, understands the implications of this bout. “I have to put on the best performance of my life,” George says.
The 28 year old George was best noted for his slick and technically proficient skill, but has recently adapted a more aggressive style. George credits his maniacal preparation for his newfound explosiveness. “My mind frame going into training camp is hurt, whereas before I was just relying on my natural ability.”
George’s first round knockout victory over Roosevelt Johnson on Broadway Boxing this past December attests to his improved punching prowess.
George’s last contest ended in a dubious decision loss in Russia to hometown resident Alexander Gurov. By the time the action began, Gurov was no longer the crowd’s favorite, however. After the second round, chants of “America!” rang through the arena in appreciation of George’s impressive performance. Most ringside accounts had scored the fight in favor of George by an eight rounds to four margin, but the judges somehow found a way to award Gurov with a decision victory. George left the ring with a bitter taste in his mouth, but retained the solid satisfaction of knowing he proved himself the superior fighter.
Filled with anticipation, George’s competitive fire rages at the thought of squaring up with “The Destroyer”. Says George, “I can’t wait until May 18. I can’t wait to get Richard Hall in that ring. He’s out to hurt me, I’m out to hurt him. I’d rather get to him first.”
Having been a fighter for 17 years, a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, and a former National Golden Gloves champion, Shaun George is rededicated and prepared to make an impression.
“Somewhere along the line, between the trials and tribulations that I’ve had, I lost focus. That’s why I’m coming back down to the light heavyweight division. I want to show everyone my dedication to the sport because I want to be world champion.”
“Whoever I step in the ring with, I’m going to destroy them. I’m going to break somebody’s jaw.”
On May 18, Shaun George will be fighting for more than just another win; He will be fighting for respect. “I’m back to being Shaun George now, focused and determined.”
“Everybody’s seen my worst. Now you’re going to see my best.”