Vero Beach Boxing Superstar ‘Classy’ Chris Gray chats with Judyth Piazza

May 22, 2011 by

Judyth Piazza chats with ‘Classy’ Chris Gray, Sweet Science Training Center, Vero Beach, Florida on The American Perspective Radio Program. (Click here to listen)

‘Classy’ Chris Gray is a spiritual warrior both figuratively and literally. A stanch family man, Chris has built a foundation of success on hard work and love for both family and God.

“My Wife is my best friend and when I am not in the ring we do everything together, I guess you could say I am more of a home body these days,” says Gray.

When asked what is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you, Gray said, “Getting married, I never thought I would ever get married. I love being married and that is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.”

Gray was also asked who he would like to meet one day and he said, “Christ without a doubt, just the amount of love that he showed for people is amazing.”

Sweet Science Training Center

Vero Beach’s #1 Workout! Our hardcore “Rocky” style workouts will get you in the best shape of your life- all experience levels are welcome!

*Boxing
*Weights
*Cardio
*Self Defense

Address
1137 21st Street,
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Phone
772 501 2744

Hours

Mon – Tues: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Wed: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm

Thurs – Fri: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Sat: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

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Jason “Big Six” Estrada Is Ready To Rumble on The American Perspective

January 28, 2011 by

Live From Vero Beach, Florida: Judyth Piazza chats with Jason “Big Six” Estrada (click here to listen to audio interview)

2004 United States Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history, rated among the world`s best super heavyweights for several years, has yet to reach his potential as a professional.

Jason`s most impressive performance as a pro arguably was six fights ago, when “Big Six” won a one-sided 10-round decision from former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs) in their April 4, 2008 ESPN2 FNF show headliner.

Providence native Estrada has fought anybody put in the ring with him, never turning down a fight, and none of his opponents has had a losing record (311-101-15 combined record of his opponents) when they fought “Big Six.”

His three losses were all on the road in the backyards of former world champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin and Travis Walker. Estrada has never been floored, never mind stopped, in his pro career.

His much-anticipated pro debut December 10, 2004 ended in a unanimous four-round decision in his favor against Joseph Kenneth at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Four months later, Jason put Jerry Simpson to sleep at 2:35 of the opening round, throwing a devastating knockout punch that resulted in Simpson being taken out of the ring on a stretcher and evaluated at a nearby hospital (he was okay).

He followed June 17 with a unanimous four-round decision against Demetrice King (7-6), in which, King`s corner tried to stop the fight by throwing in the towel. Only the referee can stop a fight in Rhode Island, however, and Demetrice managed to last the remainder of the fight.

Jason floored Earl Ladson (10-6) three times en route to a unanimous six-round decision (60-51, 60-51, 60-51) on August 26, 2005 and followed that (Nov. 23) with a six-round decision against highly respected veteran Najee Shaheed (21-10-2) in back-to-back Providence-based matches.

In February of 2006, Estrada stepped into the ring at the Dunkin` Donuts Center in Providence on “The Contender Special – East Coast Pride” card against his toughest and most experienced opponent, Yanqui Diaz (13-3), who had registered victories against previously unbeaten Juan Carlos Gomez (37-0) via a shocking first-round TKO and former world title challenger Vaughen Bean (44-4). The fight, however, was stopped in the first round due to a cut on Diaz` head from an unintentional head-butt and ruled a “no contest.”

In only his sixth pro fight, Jason went 10 rounds against veteran Robert Wiggins (20-6-1), pitching a shutout (100-90 three times) in complete domination of his cross-town Providence rival, who has beaten Derek Bryant, Courage Tshabala, Eric Kirkland and Cisse Salif, as well as been in with world heavyweight title challengers Monte Barrett and DeVarryl Williamson.

Jason extended his perfect winning rounds streak to 39 on Sept. 23, 2006, easily defeating Maurice Wheeler (10-7-1) by unanimous eight-round decision (80-72 three times) in Hartford.

On November 17, 2006, Estrada injured his arm and was unable to extend his vaunted jab, resulting in an eight-round majority loss (76-76, 75-77, 74-78) on ShoBox to Travis “Freight Train” Walker (21-0-1), who Jason has beaten three times without a loss in the amateurs.

Trimmed down to 239 pounds and in his best condition of his pro career, Jason returned to the ring March 6, 2007 at Mohegan Sun Arena, where he pitched a shutout, winning a six-round decision (60-54 three times) against upset specialist Zack Page (13-11-1), who had beaten former world champion Lou Del Valle, on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

On May 11, 2007, Estrada weighed in at a pro career low of 238 pounds, and he easily won a six round decision (60-54, 60-54, 59-56) versus former IBU heavyweight title-holder Robert Hawkins (21-7), who went on to upset Dominick Guinn.

Jason closed out 2007 with a devastating knockout of James Northey (11-1, 8 KOs), former NABC title-holder, in the fourth round of their fight in October. Estrada easily won a unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92) against former world title challenger Charles Shufford in January, 2008 at Foxwoods.

After Jason`s win by 10-round decision in April, 2008 versus Whitaker, Estrada registered a victory by seventh-round TKO against Moultrie Witherspoon (14-1) last May in Rhode Island and came back three months later to win an eight-round decision versus Texas State champion Domonic Jenkins (13-9) at Mohegan Sun.

Big Six” came within a single point on one judge`s scorecard of pitching a complete shutout November 29, 2008, winning an eight-round decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73) against Philadelphia veteran Derek Bryant (20-4-1) at Twin River.

This past April, Estrada accepted the challenge to fight No. 1 IBF contender Povetkin (16-0), who won the gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympics, in Povetkin`s German home base. Estrada and Povetkin were supposed to have fought two times in the amateurs, but they never did as Estrada won gold at the 2003 Pan-Am Games and Povetkin took top honors in the 2003 World Championships. Estrada went the full 10-round distance against Povetkin, who won a unanimous decision that was much closer than the final scoring (99-94, 98-92, 97-93).

Estrada bounced right back September 2 in Syracuse (NY), stopping veteran Zuri Lawrence (24-14-4) in the seventh round.

In his last fight (Feb. 6, 2010), Jason went into the lion`s den – Prudential Center in Newark before 10,000 Polish fans – to take on Adamek for the IBF International heavyweight title. Estrada extended Adamek the full 12 rounds and lost a 12-round decision that was much closer than the final scores indicated (115-113, 116-112, 118-110).

The 29-year-old Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition, as well as the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. The highlight of his amateur career was representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics, although physical problems hampered his training and performances.

During his extraordinary amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today`s leading professionals, including former world title challenger DaVarryl “The Touch of Sleep” Williamson (26-6, 22 KOs), unbeaten Malik Scott (32-0, 11 KOs), Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes (32-1-2, 28 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper” Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), and Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. (22-3-2, 10 KOs).

Jason Estrada, now promoted by Boxing 360, is managed and trained by his father, Dr. Roland Estrada.

JASON “Big Six” ESTRADA
Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs) 1 NC
Age: 29
Born: November 30, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Height: 6` 0″ Weight: 240 lbs.
Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs)
2004 U.S. Olympian
2003 Pan-American Games, Gold Medallist
3-time U.S. Nationals, U.S. Challenge & National PAL Champion

Photos by Emily Harney

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Music, Sports, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Judyth Piazza`s American Perspective Features Jason “Big Six” Estrada

January 27, 2011 by

Vero Beach, FL: Tomorrow, January 26th on Judyth Piazza`s American Perspective, Jason “Big Six” Estrada.

2004 United States Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history, rated among the world`s best super heavyweights for several years.

Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs) 1 NC
Age: 29
Born: November 30, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Height: 6` 0″ Weight: 240 lbs.
Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs)
2004 U.S. Olympian
2003 Pan-American Games, Gold Medallist
3-time U.S. Nationals, U.S. Challenge & National PAL Champion

The American Perspective is a cutting edge radio program that is full of inspiration and information which airs on The SOP Radio Network. It`s intended to help people succeed in life. Each week the American Perspective features celebrity guests from around the nation such as Zig Ziglar, Maya Angelou, Yolanda King, Billy D. Williams, Tony Little, Mark Victor Hansen, Dean Koontz, Dawn Well`s from Gilligan`s Island and many many more.

“It`s the next generation of Inter-tainment”

The American Perspective can also be heard at a variety of other news sites such as Vero Beach Local News www.verobeachlocalnews.com, St. Aug News, www.staugnews.com, and The Baret News Network just to name a few.
Also, check out these other great boxing features:

Judyth Piazza chats with Gus Curren, House of Champions, Vero Beach, Florida

Judyth Piazza chats with `Matt Sharp Shooter` Remillard America`s Leading American Featherweight

To be a guest on The American Perspective, contact Robert at robert@newsblaze.com.

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An Interview With Professional Boxer Dat Nguyen

November 18, 2010 by

Boxing. To some, a sweet science. To others, a barbaric punch in the face contest. Either way, one man sees the highly competitive and grueling sport as his calling.

Dat Nguyen was born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam on October 10, 1982 as the son of a Vietnamese POW, and came to the States at age eight. After coming to the States, he began boxing after watching his brother kickbox in Hawaii, and almost instantaneously began showing promise after winning a Junior Olympic Title in 1996.

After graduating high school in 2000, he got a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University as a part of their Olympic boxing program. Adding to his success, he won medals at the 2002 and 2003 National Golden Gloves event, and is the first Vietnamese-American to win a spot at the US National Championships as well. He turned professional in 2004, and has amassed an impressive record of 17 wins and one loss with six wins by way of knockout.

I recently spoke with Dat about his career, future plans and his newly opened boxing academy in Vero Beach, Florida.

JD: First off – what made you want to become a professional boxer, and who were your biggest influences?

Dat: I think what made me really want to be a professional boxer was because when I was growing up, I saw guys like Oscar De La Hoya winning gold in the Olympics and I wondered why I never saw any Vietnamese in the Olympics for boxing. So I continued in that path and tried to make the Olympics. My biggest influences would be my mother, who worked very hard and sacrificed so much of her life to give my brothers and me a better life. So I wanted to do something special to make her proud.

JD: You`ve done some great things in the ring, and your record, silver medal in Golden Gloves and bronze at the US championships – as well as being the first Vietnamese-American to be in a US men`s challenge – reflects that statement. What was your proudest moment in your career, and why?

Dat: I think the proudest moment of my amateur career was getting to the final of the National Golden Gloves. The title of Golden Gloves has been won by many great boxing champions, and I wanted to be one of them. I fought hard for five nights with five different opponents to get to the finals but the judges were never in my corner. However, I still believe that it was my greatest accomplishment for getting there and it gave me the opportunity to showcase my talents on National TV for the first time.

JD: Is boxing a pretty hot thing in Vietnam? How does training over there differ from how boxers might train here?

Dat: Vietnam doesn`t have pro boxing right now, but I think the government is considering staging some big fights there soon. Vietnam is very new to boxing but there economy is booming and the people there are showing an interest in all things Western.  They are also developing their amateur team to compete against other Southeast Asian countries and eventually will try to earn their spot into the Olympics.

JD: Who would you say was your toughest opponent?

Dat: Honestly I haven`t faced any fighters of my caliber yet but I am sure there is still someone out there that will allow me to showcase my talent.   However, I feel like I haven`t been fighting at 100%, I`ve made some fights harder than they should have been. But I`m a professional athlete and my profession dictates that I perform at 100% 100% of the time – that`s why I have changed my work ethic. I`m working harder now than ever to make the necessary adjustment.

JD: You`ve opened up a boxing academy in Vero Beach – what prompted you to open it there? What`s your favorite part about teaching what you`ve learned over the years?

Dat: What prompted me to open up the academy was – first of all – I wanted to have a quality facility for myself to train at and be able to control my own destiny. The boxing gym is essentially my office, and I want to remind myself what I need to do to get to the top. Secondly, I wanted to apply my knowledge and experience to those who wanted to learn the art of boxing and also see it in a different light (the teaching side) and perhaps remind myself of the things I`m teaching.

JD: So what sets your academy apart from other academies a prospective student would seek?

Dat: I would say what sets my academy apart from others is the location and the atmosphere. I have the beach, park and the bridges nearby for the best training. Everything is very close. The fighters will get the best possible training without any distractions. The way I set up my gym is to create that extra motivation that people need for a good workout. I want to provide a unique atmosphere that people feel when they come into the academy.

JD: You`re still pretty much in your prime, so what are your main goals for the future? What can we expect from you?

Dat: My main goals right now are to work hard and give myself a 100% chance to be the best that I can be and give it my all to try to achieve my goals. You can definitely expect me to continue to work hard to get to the top.

JD: What advice would you give to aspiring boxers that want to make it?

Dat: They have to truly believe in themselves when no one else will and that advice goes for anything that someone is trying to accomplish. They have to use that as their motivation to work hard every day and to stay focused.

JD: Finally, any upcoming fights we can expect, and if so, when and where?

Dat: Right now I no longer have a manager who looks out for my career so I`m doing self-managing. My promoter has scheduled a fight for December 18th in Houston TX.

For more information on Dat and The Boxing Academy, Vero Beach, FL visit www.miracleboxing.com.

To hear an audio interview with Dat conducted by Judyth Piazza, visit http://thesop.org/story/20101110/judyth-piazza-scores-a-knockout-with-dat-nguyen-boxing-superstar.html

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