Michael Hunter jr?

[Karlof]

I read a couple of months ago that he was planning to turn pro when he didn't reached the Olympics, but I haven't heard anything more about it since. So, is there anyone who got some new info about Hunter jr?

[Dennis]

I think Mike may have stuck around to help the rest of the guys until August. He probably is getting ready to turn pro. Mike is only 20 year old so he has plenty of time and there is no need to rush.

[JMac]

I think Mike may have stuck around to help the rest of the guys until August. He probably is getting ready to turn pro. Mike is only 20 year old so he has plenty of time and there is no need to rush.

Actually, USAB is talking to Mike to stay amateur until 2012 Olympics. He is not really getting any offers for the pros. With the new AIBA world league, he could start his pro career and still box in the next Olympics and make some good money doing it and if he medals, he'll make even more money when he signs with a promoter. If the world league goes as planned and that is a big IF, it would be good for promoters because it will allow AIBA to pay for new pro to get establised and experience and then the promoters can come in and sign them when they have a good base down as a pro.

[Dennis]

My point exactly. No need to rush and turn Mike pro. He is barely 20 years old and that is very young for the HW/SHW's.

[skinnyman]

Where is everyone getting their info on the pro league? I only hear about it here. There is nothing on USA Boxing's website. Also, I'm glad Mike will stay amateur. He is so young and didn't have that much experience before making the Olympic team so I'm sure he will improve significantly by 2012.

[boxmel]

Where is everyone getting their info on the pro league?

There has been some info on the AIBA web site (nothing concrete) and lots of speculation/guessing here.

[squarering]

I spoke with Mike a couple days ago. Like so many others from the class of 08 he is confused about what to do, where to go and who to go there with. The big buck are not talking like in years past which might not be such a bad thing. If there is no big signing bonus to have to think about, then you are forced to think harder about the more important things like,Who will keep you busy and get you the right fights. Who can get you where you want to go and who can make things happen after you get there. These are some issues that have been overlooked at times when a big bonus was waved in your face. Mike does not appear to have that one person looking out for him and guiding him. Sometimes a kid that is only 20 needs someone he can trust, really trust to bounce stuff off and lay everything out for them, both good and bad. Just one fact of how well his body will hold up is a key factor to making a decision.

[boxmel]

I know he's really close with his mom, but whether or not she has the contacts or the savvy will remain to be seen.

[ctill]

I also spoke with Mike recently and I shared my thoughts with him. He should stay amateur for at least 2 more years or try to make the next Olympic team. As you all see there is not a huge market for the Olympians from this past Olympics as only a few have signed. The pro game is almost a different sport and if the younger guys dont have the right people directing their career they will find out sooner that later.

[Dennis]

If he isn't moved properly and doesn't get the right sparring, he won't develop as much in the pro ranks as he would staying amateur for another year or two or even longer.

[Karlof]

Thanks for your input!
I think Hunter is one of the most talented american super heavies Ive seen in a long time, so I'm rather surprised that he's not getting any offers for the pros. Maybe you're right that he should stay as an amateur a little longer. But I'm not sure if he should focus so much on the Olympics 2012. He got alot of bad luck during the qualifications to Beijing and alot can happen in four years.

[Dennis]

If I was close to Mike (I am not, but I have talked to him a few times), I would suggest that he develop the skills and strength that he will need to be a pro HW. If he is serious about turning pro at some point, he should be focusing his training and boxing on that goal. That might mean that he will lose some bouts in the amateurs. So what. Lose them now and not later as a pro. Also he will focus more on the style that will win in the pros and not what will win with the ESS. Going to the Olympics is no longer a guarantee for making big money as a pro so I'm not sure that he should plan on sticking around for 2012. Just remember what happened to Mike Wilson. I do think Mike Hunter needs to wait a year or two before turning pro unless his personal life dictates that he has to do it sooner.

[squarering]

Mike has a very slick style for a super. He is not a big punchert and would probably fall into a categories of Chris Byrd. or Mike's Dad. still no one is beating down doors to work with heavyweights that aren't know for power. In contrast Seth Mitchell was sought out by some people and he had virtually no am back ground and his skills could not compare to Mikes. I do agree Mike should get somewhere that can help take that knock away. Although he is still young the clock does not stop ticking and inactivity can have you playing catch up. I don't know anything about this Pro AIBA thing but I would guess that matches might be tougher that the pros in the beginning.

[Karlof]

Mike has a very slick style for a super. He is not a big punchert and would probably fall into a categories of Chris Byrd. or Mike's Dad. still no one is beating down doors to work with heavyweights that aren't know for power.

And that's pretty sad I think, I guess Im one of the few heavyholics who prefer the matator to the bull.

[Dennis]

As I said Mike needs to develop the skills and strength necessary to be a good pro HW. Part of that is changing his style to hit harder. It wasn't necessary to be successful in the amateur ranks, but it will be in the pros.

[Karlof]

Just read that he "listened" to your advice.

http://teamusa.org/news/article/7327

[Dennis]

Good for Mike. Three years isn't really long enough to learn all you can in the amateur ranks. Some guys can't wait because of age or finances, but if you are relatively inexperienced and only 20 it is a good idea to stay amateur a little longer.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Great decision IMO. I hope that by the time the London Games roll around, he has received much more international experience and that this decision pays off with medals for Michael.

[Dennis]

Great decision IMO. I hope that by the time the London Games roll around, he has received much more international experience and that this decision pays off with medals for Michael.

He only needs the gold in the Olympics. I guess a World Championships gold in 2011 would be nice.

[JMac]

Mike will be the only US boxer at the upcoming "World Cup" in Moscow.
It used to be 8 teams boxing each other in duals with the top 2 teams meeting in the finals kind of like the soccer world cup which was different for boxing and a neat concept. Now it is supposed to be the top 8 boxers from the Olympics. With most of the US boxers turning pro, there would be no US boxers in the world cup and AIBA always wants US representation so they let Hunter in. I would love to see him win it.
I guess the top 8 in 51 kg are coming which would leave Rau'shee Warren out.

[zojo]

I guess Im one of the few heavyholics who prefer the matator to the bull.

Just wanted to point out that that is one of the best quotes I have come across on boxrec.

[JMac]

Is this the Michael Hunter who got beaten by Tyson Fury froim Engalnd?

Yes it is. Speaking of Fury, I see he is already 2-0 with 2 KO's.

[squarering]

Please use the word beat loosely when referring to Tyson and Hunter's bout. The only place that Hunter lost that bout was on the paper at each judges table. In fact Mike beat his body so badly he could not compete in the second part of the duel. The only thing I could figure was that they were not scoring body shots at all.

[Dennis]

Please use the word beat loosely when referring to Tyson and Hunter's bout. The only place that Hunter lost that bout was on the paper at each judges table. In fact Mike beat his body so badly he could not compete in the second part of the duel. The only thing I could figure was that they were not scoring body shots at all.

I am not sure that happened :S
I thought Tyson and Hunter didnt take part in the second duel was because Tyson stopped Hunter on the outclass rule... if im not mistaken

Being stopped by RSC-OS does not prevent a boxer from competing as soon as the next day. Even if Hunter lost bad, which I doubt he did, he has improved a lot since then. That was in November 2006, more than 2 years ago.

[squarering]

Were you able to see the fight.