Despite some unfortunate delays, Reading, Pennsylvania, heavyweight Travis Kauffman (20-1, 16 KOs) continues his hard work in the gym, determined to become the next American-born heavyweight champion.
“I was supposed to fight November 27 against Julius Long, but it’s been pushed back to December 17 in Pittsburgh,” explained the 25-year-old. “My promoter, The Empire, have lined up fights for me, but one time I got injured, another time my opponent did..”
Kauffman says the time off (his last fight was a TKO 2 over Chris Koval in May) has given him time to become an even more complete fighter. “I’m training 2-3 times a day, really working on using my jab a lot more. I get away from my jab during fights and that’s key in boxing. A jab sets everything up. I like to be a counterpuncher and I get away from what I do best, which is box. A busy, educated jab will help me become a more established boxer.”
A former number-one ranked amateur heavyweight, Kauffman seemed to be on the fast track to stardom until suffering a surprise loss to Tony Grano in September of 2009. “Before my loss, I was talked about as the next American heavyweight. I was taking my kids and looking at houses in the suburbs because I was guaranteed a hundred thousand dollars for my next fight and it would have been on HBO.”
Instead what he got was some important lessons for the future. “First, I have learned to keep my hands up. I’ve also learned to keep my cool. I lost my cool and wanted to hurt him. I was getting carried away and loading up and it cost me my stamina. I was running on fumes. No excuses though, he beat me.”
That was then and this is now. One of the advantages of youth is the ability bounce back from setbacks quickly. “I’m back now. 2011 will be my year. I’m still young. I’m 25 and most heavyweights don’t fully mature until 27 or 28. I’m calling Antonio Tarver and Chris Arreola out. They’re American heavyweights and I’m hoping to fight one of them. I want to fight any heavyweight ranked higher than I am.”
Kauffman claims he respects Arreola a great deal, but instinct tells him he may be ready to be taken out. “I believe Chris is one of the toughest SOBs I’ve ever sparred, but in his recent fights, I don’t know if he doesn’t have the desire anymore, but as a fighter you see that and want to jump on the opportunity.”
Well-rested and eager to return to battle, Travis Kauffman says he knows what he must do to reach his full potential. “I have to work hard. Nothing in life comes easy. The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Without work, there is no success. So I’m putting in the work I need to, to become a champion.”