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TEXAS WELCOMES
THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING LEAGUE
Friday 24 May 2002
The International Boxing League's North American selection trials stopped in on the Lone Star State this week, with Houston's Reliant Park Pavilion playing host as another group of talented boxers were unearthed.
IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran was particulary impressed by an 18 year-old Lightweight from New Orleans named Joe Brown, who dazzled those in attendance with his rapid fire combinations.
Standing 5'7", the lanky youngster had spoken of how he grew up in poverty and that he was working in a grocery store when he heard that the IBL would be coming to Houston. Having always had aspirations to be a successful, famous sportsman, Brown started training immediately and during these past five days he's shown a hunger and determination that no one else at these trials has been able to equal.
"That kid has just got passion running through his veins," said Moran. "I don't think I've met anyone so hungry to succeed. He's just worked his backside off to impress us this week and he's more than done that."
Amongst the number of others to have turned heads were another Lightweight from Dallas named Rocky Lockridge and a Fort Worth-born Welterweight named Donald Curry. Blessed with a killer left hook, Lockridge displayed solid all round skills. Although his defense was shown to be somewhat suspect, this was countered by some serious punching power. By contrast, Curry appears to be a defensive master, leaving many opponents swinging at thin air during his trial bouts. But he's also the possessor of a dangerous offensive arsenal, with an excellent jab and a punishing left hook. Curry will definitely be one to watch in the Welterweight division.
"We are making fantastic progress," said Moran. "With each passing week of these trials we are simply unveiling more excellent talent. Even at this early stage I have to say that our inaugural World Champions will have really earned their titles when all is said and done."
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