Noted Trainer Eric Kelly On Tank Davis Training At His Gym: “I’m A Fan”

By: Sean Crose

Coach Eric Kelly is aware of his manner across the sport of boxing. “If Kelly appears acquainted,” I wrote again in 2020, “it’s as a result of he has been noticed all over the place, from Vice Sports activities (the place he’s been a broadcaster), to commercials (he was in a Powerade advert) to the UFC (the place he’s labored as a boxing coach and cornerman). Kelly’s residence, although, is Southbox, the place he gives steering – and typically pizza – to these need or want it, regardless age, background, or pedigree.” Southbox is Kelly’s New York Metropolis gymnasium. Famous for offering kids together with his charitable “Pizza Field” program, the gymnasium is also called a spot for critical struggle coaching. Simply ask Gervonta Davis.

“He was coaching at my gymnasium,” Kelly tells me the day after Davis’ thunderous win over Rolando Romero Saturday evening on the Barclay’s Heart. “He was there for a couple of days.” Not that Kelly and Davis had been full strangers. “I met Tank earlier than,” he tells me. I do know his coaches nicely.” Based on Kelly, what stands out about Davis is basically what stands out for all nice fighters – exhausting work and dedication to craft. “The man’s an clever boxer and a tough employee,” says Kelly after watching Davis put together for Romero in his gymnasium. “I’m a fan”

Evidently, Kelly was impressed – as most had been – with Davis’ spectacular efficiency Saturday evening in Brooklyn. “He let Rolly (Romero) knock himself out,” Kelly says of Davis. “He’s exhibiting he’s a nicely versed fighter.” Kelly was additionally impressed with how Davis was capable of flip his struggle with Romero right into a should see occasion. “His dwell gate was wonderful,” says Kelly. “When was the final time you noticed Madonna on the fights?” If Kelly sounds keen about boxing it’s as a result of he lives and breathes it. A high ranked novice, the person was a fighter to look out for earlier than a pool cue accident broken his eye.

Nonetheless, good as he was, it actually appears as if Kelly is an individual referred to as to assist others. His Pizza Field program helps a variety of youngsters get off the streets and into an surroundings the place they’ll do one thing really productive with their lives. “You’re the place you’re speculated to be,” Kelly says of younger individuals who enter his gymnasium as a way to interact in free coaching. “In the future you’ll be ready the place you can provide again.” A person who is aware of his enterprise – each out and in of the ring.