Lawrence Clay-Bey (014748)

...

[CONN CHRIS]

Lawrence Clay-Bey

21(16)-2-0 (through October, 2004)
Born: Bloomfield, Connecticut
Resides: Hartford, Connecticut

Height: 6'3"
Reach: 75"

Trainer: John "The Iceman" Scully (Former New England Middleweight Champ and South Windsor CT Native)
Manager: Steve Nelson


Lawrence Clay-Bey grew up in Bloomfield, CT. Although his father had been involved in the Hartford boxing scene of the fifties, Lawrence did not take up boxing until later in life. As an overweight corrections office in his late twenties, Clay-Bey began boxing at Hartford's San Juan Center to get in shape. The results have been nothing short of spectacular.

In four short years, Clay-Bey went from out-of-shape corrections officer to captain of the 1996 U.S. Boxing squad where he won a bronze medal. As an amature he won the United States title and fought well at the World Championships prior to the '96 games earning a bronze. His main amature nemesis was Alexi Lezin to whom he lost in the World Championships. Later he avenged that loss by outpointing the Russian at the World Championships Challenge. Following his Olympic medal as a super heavyweight, Clay-Bey decided to turn pro feeling that he could better provide for his family as a professional boxer than as a $40,000 a year prison guard.

As a pro, Lawrence won his first 12 fights before dropping a unanimous decision to Clifford Etienne. Along the way, he has scored wins over decent competition such as Nate Tubbs, Mike Williams and Charles Shufford. With a few more quality wins, Clay-Bey may be able to move into the upper echelon of current heavyweights before time runs out on this late bloomer.