In Sir Walter Scott’s Classic novel, “Ivanhoe,”
a mysterious, masked knight fights and defeats some of the best
lances to be declared the jousting champion of the day. Much
like the mysterious, masked champion, who called himself “Desdichado,”
Ivanhoe, NC native Donnell Holmes has anonymously fought his
way to a professional record of 32-0-2. Along the way, he has
won two titles (WBF and WBC Continental).
Donnell Holmes grew up in the tiny North Carolina town of Ivanhoe
(Population 300). Since he was four, he would tell anyone listening
he wanted to be a boxer. Unable to afford a pair of boxing gloves,
he made his first pair out of socks and pillow stuffing. When
he wasn’t working in the tobacco fields, he would walk
the neighborhood in search of a two fisted challenge. It wasn't
until the ripe age of twenty that he found his way into a gym.
Ten years later he would turn pro. While boxing is his first
love, it is not what defines him. He is a GOD fearing, truck
driver, avid fisherman, and the proud father to his seven year
old son. He is humble, loves to share his experiences, has a
positive attitude, and once he is on a roll, he has comedic
material Chris Rock would pay big money to acquire (Hilarious).
In the ring, Holmes is a give and take killer with absolute
power or as he calls it, “Sharp
Puncher.” He got into boxing “
to see what I can do – how I measure up.”
Holmes did not get into the ring to count titles or keep undefeated
records. He is a fighter who wants tangible results, “I
loved fighting as an amateur, because all I had to do was work
hard and win and nobody could dodge you. You win and you get
to fight the best.” And win he did, compiling an
amateur record of 73-13 (64 KO’s). Holmes wrestled with
the idea of turning professional for a long time. He fought
ten years as an amateur, and a National Golden Glove championship
fight with BJ Flores gave him a taste of what he could expect
in the pro ranks.
Holmes faced Flores for the 178 pound championship on ESPN,
and for 3 rounds, he handed Flores a pillar to post whipping.
Al Bernstein, who was announcing the fight for ESPN, said before
the official decision, “Holmes and
his team have earned their 1st National championship."
Once the decision is read, Bernstein can be heard saying, “Wow…Wow…he
was robbed!...I have a lot of respect for BJ Flores. Good athlete,
but he did not win tonight. I feel sad for Holmes and his team!”
Fast forward a few years, and Holmes continues his winning
ways in spectacular fashion. Blasting through the Heavyweight
division KO after KO. Holmes stock was on the rise and promoters
were like sharks smelling the blood.
First, Don King came calling. Holmes continued his winning
ways under King, and he won the WBC Continental championship
TKO’ing Stacy Frazier in round 8 of a give and take slugfest
. He left King for Gary Shaw, and he kept winning. He would
eventually leave Shaw, and is now with Charlotte based promoter
Rick Lazes.
Holmes continues to win, and hopefully Lazes can get him the
stability he needs and a big fight.
In September, Holmes lost the most stable person in his boxing
life (Trainer Sherriedale Morgan).
One can only hope Donnell Holmes can live out the goals he
and his late trainer set out to achieve: “Nobody
gave me nothing. I just want the opportunity to have a meaningful
fight to see what I can do. I’ll face Arreola, Povetkin,
Peters.. Any of the Heavyweights. Just get me in and make sure
my pay matches my opponent!”
For his fans, they hope he will finally be put into a professional
fight with one of his equals and prove he has what it takes.
We can only hope Holmes, like Scott’s character, will
ultimately be unmasked and declared a champion.
For more info on Donnell Holmes, visit his
website: http://ivanhoeboxer.com/
by staff writer Chris Williams
ChrisWilliams@cboxinginfo.com
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