Atif Oberlton appears to be like to proceed his undefeated document in opposition to Artem Brusov on ShoBox: the Subsequent Era on Friday night time.
ShoBox: The Subsequent Era returns to Bethlehem, Pa., as they kick off the brand new 12 months with a tripleheader stuffed with undefeated fighters. The best way ShoBox units up its playing cards is why it’s one of many extra fashionable exhibits to look at amongst the purist of the candy science. Within the co-main, 24-year-old undefeated gentle heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton (7-0) faces Artem Brusov (12-0) in a scheduled eight-round combat.
Oberlton, who grew up in West Philadelphia, P.A., has an intriguing story as he isn’t solely a fighter but additionally has goals of being closely concerned within the vogue world. It doesn’t cease there as his coach, Shar’ron Baker, is the primary feminine boxing coach in Philly, and she or he desires to turn out to be the primary feminine to guide a fighter to a world title as a head coach. Collectively they kind this inspiring workforce that appears to strike gold sooner or later.
Whenever you communicate to Oberlton, the primary response is that he’s years extra mature than his age on BoxRec. Rising up wasn’t precisely straightforward, and when you ask him, he’s been molded all through his life to turn out to be the particular person he’s at the moment.
Oberlton instructed FanSided, “Rising up in West Philly was like a tricky inner-city factor, however I at all times stood out as a child as a result of my mother and father have been totally different. My mom labored two jobs to place my sister via school, so I began to maneuver with my dad. At first, I used to be in between homes, then I moved with my father, and he just about raised me the entire time till I used to be a younger man. I’d nonetheless see my mom, and she or he would at all times assist put cash for tournaments or anytime we wanted her financially; she was at all times there to assist.”
Atif Oberlton vs. Artem Brusov will stream stay, this Friday on the Showtime App.
Oberlton continued, “I used to be mature for my age as a result of I frolicked with older individuals and listened to them discuss. When it got here to individuals in my age group, I spotted they nonetheless had a infantile mindset. I saved a small circle of pals, so I didn’t get into an excessive amount of hassle. The smaller your circle, the higher, and nobody can come and infiltrate that. I just about did my very own factor in an enormous metropolis the place you will get into plenty of hassle.”
Whereas a younger boy, Oberlton noticed a pair of boxing gloves that his uncle had mendacity round and saved asking his mom to field, however she wouldn’t have any of that. As a substitute, his mother and father began to search for one thing he may do, like basketball or soccer. They’d take him to follow and signal him up for various sports activities, however he would by no means return. Oberlton was enjoying soccer, and someday, one other participant pushed him right down to the bottom, and Oberlton began to swing at him.
Oberlton instructed FanSided, “Afterwards, my dad stated, ‘you wish to try this? They’ve a basement proper right here’. He took me to the basement on the recreation middle, and since then, my love for boxing started. That was after I was round eight or 9 as I used to be out and in of the fitness center for months, and I lastly stayed on the age of fourteen and by no means left.”
When having a dialogue with an up-and-coming fighter, it’s at all times attention-grabbing to listen to about their first combat and if that they had any moments that they chuckle at when wanting again at it. When requested about it, Oberlton stated, “After I hit him, he was screaming ‘owwww’ (laughs).” It was a humorous remark, however he additionally realized he had come a great distance since that first combat. Now he’s on a ShoBox card and going through an undefeated fighter for the second consecutive time.
Oberlton, with excessive confidence, stated, “Them having no losses but is sweet for them. I’ve been challenged my entire life, each out and in of the ring, so I embrace these issues. I’m not afraid of sizzling water.”
His opponent Brusov has shared the ring with some embellished opponents, so that is in no way a stroll within the park for Oberlton.
“I take no fighter with no consideration. I at all times pay shut consideration and guarantee my coach is on level and I keep in form. I’m one hundred pc ready for this combat. I cannot take no for a solution and can win this combat,” stated the southpaw prospect from West Philly. With that, he had a short however assured message for these tuning in.
Oberlton instructed FanSided, “It’s going to be enjoyable, and watch the man that’s going to save lots of boxing. You may name me a superhero.”
