Back in August, Kimbo Slice sounded truly excited to be training for his jump to boxing. Now, the year is almost over, and it’s sounding like the honeymoon stage is wearing off for former YouTube sensation. His promoter, Gary Shaw, talked to ESPN about postponing the boxing debut cause Kimbo can’t seem to focus on getting ready for it:
“Right now he’s vacationing in Florida. He went home for Thanksgiving. His pro debut will be put off until at least the beginning of next year. He needs more work and more sparring.”
“I had him in California sparring and in real training with Clemente and Darryl Hudson. He was given all the tools, but he continues to get offers from MMA and offers to be in movies and it’s hard to keep him focused on training camp. That’s the story more than anything else.”
Shaw finally admitted what most of us already knew – that Kimbo Slice “needs more work” because he isn’t close to being the boxer he hypes him up to be. The former disgraced Elite XC promoter knows this, but still hopes Kimbo pushes through, cause he’s a “big star” that can make him some cash:
“I’m hoping he will turn pro. People of all ages recognize him, so when you’re with him it’s like you are with a huge star, but he’s never been in a boxing ring for a real fight. It’s like with Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao — when they walk into a room, they own the room. When Kimbo walks into a room, Kimbo owns the room and it’s all about Kimbo.
“When everyone recognizes you and you believe you are a huge star, and you get all of these offers, it’s hard to go to a gym and work like you’re a rookie. But he’s coming back to California to train after the holidays. Hopefully, he means after the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Oh and Gary, Kimbo said “after the holidays.” It’s probably safe to say that he’s taking 2010 off to spend Christmas with his family.
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