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HAYNES AND RAY STEP IN THE RING
AGAINST EACH OTHER IN JAPAN
Monday 24 June 2002
Boxing fans in Yokohama were today treated to the fascinating sight of cousins and Florida Alliance members Terone Haynes and Elmer Ray going head-to-head in a sparring session.
Both men are preparing for upcoming bouts, with Haynes set to tackle the Australian Allan Horace on Thursday night at the Yokohama Arena and Ray to face Connecticut's Nathan Mann in Australia eight days later. However, they've never before been seen sparring against each other in public and although it was by no means a heavy session, the allure of these two stars of the HBF trading punches drew a healthy crowd.
The cousins have been in Japan for close to a week now, helping to promote the upcoming fifth series fight card of the South-East Asian Boxing League, being held at the same venue where Ray made his professional debut back in January.
"That's where it all begin, y'all," he said, smiling. "'s where all the notoriety kick in, man. Feel like I grown up some even in the short time since, but it make me smile thinkin' on it."
The 17 year-old spoke of his cousin James Ray, who will be attending the International Boxing League's Miami selection trials at the American Airlines Arena, which start today.
"He jus' so hyped up 'bout it, y'all," said Elmer. "We both talk to Jimmy on Thursday, when they put the date back. He just jumpin' out o' his skin for it to start."
James Ray will be trialing as a Welterweight in Miami, with Elmer not afraid to say that he's probably the most talented of the three cousins.
"Jimmy's got a lot more polish," said Elmer. "He a more complete fighter, at leas' compared to me and T. We jus' can't wait to see him in action."
The upcoming bouts for Haynes and Ray are by no means must-win affairs. Haynes and his opponent have already secured passage to the tournament semi-finals and their bout will simply determine who goes in as the winner of their group. As for Ray, a defeat at the hands of Nathan Mann won't change the fact that he must overcome Floyd Patterson in series seven to progress to the second stage of the World Championship tournament. Even so, neither man is contemplating an easy night.
"Said it before, man," said Haynes. "My goal is to stay perfect as long as possible. I goin' out there to beat the dude, to destroy him. He has to be ready for that reality, y'all."
"Feel like if I can't take out Nathan, I don't deserve stage two," said Ray. "I got aspirations for the Championship but if I get beat by a dude with one win, where that leave me, y'all? I aimin' for 6-1, man. 6-1."
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