Following a boyhood dream and a father’s promise, Mullins native Kenneth Gerald begins a quest to become a world champion boxer.
Kenny “KG” Gerald, 29, will be making his professional boxing debut in a junior welterweight fight at the Greensboro Sportsplex in Greensboro, N.C.
The event is scheduled Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. Gerald will be taking on Eric Stokes in a debut for both fighters.
The youngest of seven children, Gerald said he knew at a young age he was destined to become a boxing champ, mainly because of his father the late O’Neil Gerald’s encouragement.
Always dedicated to conditioning, Gerald said he remembers his father timing his runs down the long road toward his grandmother’s house, adding his father would respond, “I have to get you ready son.”
Although decisions made in the past took him off course, Gerald said his life’s journey has prepared him for a path he now takes with the support of family and that’s to earn a title.
Gerald joins the junior welterweight ranks, which a fighter’s weight is a limit of 140lbs. He holds camp at Fit 24 at Raleigh NC and is managed by Greg Kessler. His trainer Rick Taylor with his wife Kwan Gerald serving as consultant.
“Taylor has been great to me, showing me different angles and how to defend myself,” Gerald said, adding that from the start of a six-month training camp he’s been a big help.
“I found out I’m willing to fight with heart, aggressiveness and a hard puncher,” Gerald said, adding he as all the good qualities a fighter should have.
“My jab is really strong and sets up everything,” Gerald said of his strongest attribute.
Gerald said he’s looking forward to the fight and many more to come.
A number of professional boxers influence his game such as welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather and heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali.
“They’re both great fighters with movement and able to get out of the way of trouble,” Gerald said of what he called great motivators.
“I’m very aware of South Carolina boxing champion Paul Williams and he’s another great fighter to follow,” Gerald said.
The boxer’s everyday routine includes hours in the gym, starting as early as dawn until sundown.
Although it’s a lot of hard work, Gerald said the transition into becoming a professional boxer was natural.
“I really think this is what I was born to do and by keeping faith in God, everything will work out,” Gerald said.
“My wife has been tremendous with her support and she believed in me from the beginning,” Gerald said, adding that he wants to have a positive influence on the youth in introducing a new sport.
The Greensboro Sportsplex is located on 2400 16th Street in Greensboro N.C.
Tickets are on sale now.
For ticket information call (843)453-8477, (843)260-1977, (836)703-8398 or visit www.binatko.com
Kenny "KG" Gerald makes his debut entrance in the boxing ring, taking on Eric Stokes in a junior welterweight bout.
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