LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — An 18-year-old fighter from Radcliff, Kentucky, will make his professional boxing debut in Louisville this weekend, with a legend of the sport right by his side.
Roy Jones Jr., a former world champion in four different weight classes, will corner for Pryce Sparrow in his fight Saturday night at the Gillespie in Louisville.
“This kid Sparrow is a really good boxer, and really mature athlete for 18 years old,” Jones said. “He has a very big upside and a very big future ahead of him.”
Sparrow, a North Hardin High School alumni, is humble accepting such high praise from Jones. The pair made several public appearances Thursday in advance of the fight, including a stop speaking with students at the West End School.
“It’s pressure, a lot of pressure,” Sparrow said. “I’m nervous, but when I get nervous in boxing it goes all to high performance. So it’s good nerves and they make me fight harder.”
In addition to Jones’ mentorship, Sparrow is also coached by his father Kelvin in a gym not far from Fort Knox. The teen will step into the ring Saturday against Gabriel Trimino, a 1-1 fighter out of Columbia, South Carolina.
“They have a very special kid here. A kid that can be something great in boxing. A kid that can definitely be a world champion,” Jones said of Sparrow.
While Saturday’s bout may be his first pro fight, Sparrow worked toward this moment for a decade. He said he started training to box at the age of 8 and won 85 fights as an amateur, including a national championship last year.
“Start first and finish last. Hit but don’t get hit. Swim without getting wet. That’s my strategy,” Sparrow explained.
Jones amassed 66 professional victories during his in ring career, 47 came by way of knockout. He was known for lightening-like speed, power and showmanship. Many considered him the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, as he won championships as a middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight in the 90s and early 2000s.
In retirement, Jones has become a trainer and promoter who pours his knowledge in the ring into the next class of boxing stars.
“(Jones) told me how to position my feet better, and told me certain places to hit that will make a fighter’s whole game plan go out the window,” Sparrow said. “There’s a lot of wisdom and gain he put in me.”
For Jones, Saturday’s fight is a full circle moment. He’s mentoring a fighter in the hometown of the boxer who inspired him to do it, Muhammad Ali. A fighter who has his own dreams of being the greatest.
“My dream and goal is to be the greatest boxer to ever put on a pair of gloves,” Sparrow said.
Sparrow is the main event in a six-fight card. The night also features 4-0 Louisville prospect Ebeneezer Griffith, the younger brother of Denver Broncos linebacker Jonas Griffith.
Belltime is at 7 p.m. at The Gillespie, located at 421 West Market Street in Louisville. Tickets are available by clicking here.
