If America is the land of opportunity, Ronald Gavril has seized his big chance with both hands. Born in Bacau Romania ‘The Thrill’ is now an exciting young prospect fighting out of Las Vegas. Ronald is the epitome of hard work, determination and hope. Since turning professional in 2011 the 27 year old talent has swept aside his first five opponents with his action packed aggressive style.
However the future of the promising super middleweight was once in doubt until his management made the brave decision to relocate to Las Vegas. Ronald’s profile immediately inflated as he put his impressive fighting ability on display in the gyms of Sin City.
We caught up with Ronald to find out more about his journey from Romania to the bright lights of The MGM Grand Garden Arena.
BR. Before turning professional you had almost 10 years boxing experience in your native Romania and competed in numerous international competitions. Tell us a little about your time as an amateur?
RG. It was a great experience! I represented my country all around the world. Unfortunately I missed out qualifying for the Olympics and to fight for a medal to bring back home to Romania. Now I turned pro so I will win a World Championship Belt instead of an Olympic medal and take it back home to my country!
BR. What made you decide to turn professional and why did you choose Las Vegas as a base?
RG. I felt I have done everything possible as an amateur and I was getting older so I felt the time was right to turn pro in 2011. I moved to LA from Romania and I turned pro on Dec 1st 2011. However my career was not getting anywhere so I almost quit, luckily I hooked up with a new management group that moved me to Las Vegas in May 2012.
BR. Since turning professional less than two years ago, you have made a successful start to your career compiling a 5(4)-0 record. How do you feel you have adjusted to the paid ranks?
RG. I always felt my boxing style is made for the pro ranks so I easily adjusted as a pro fighter. I understand the hard work needed to succeed and I am willing to do all that it takes to become an accomplished pro fighter. Even though I have extensive amateur background with almost 200 fights, I am constantly learning daily from my trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, from watching also Floyd Mayweather train and all other great fighters with The Money Team.
BR. You signed with Mayweather Promotions at the start of 2013. How did that opportunity arise and how has this affected your career?
RG. Since my management decided to move me out to Las Vegas, the plan was to first get top quality training. They hooked me up with Eddie Mustafa and we hit it off immediately. Eddie is a top trainer, a World Champion himself! Once the training was taken care of, my management looked to put me in local fights so I had my Las Vegas debut in July 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Meanwhile, Eddie took me to spar at the Mayweather’s gym a few times with more experienced fighters and in January 2013 we made the move there to train full time. My work got noticed so in March 2013, Mayweather Promotions offered us a promotional contract. After almost quitting boxing less than one year before, I am now on the right track to have a successful career! I am very grateful to my management, my trainer and Mayweather Promotions for the opportunity to showcase my boxing abilities.
BR. How did it feel to box on the undercard of Mayweather-Guerrero in the MGM Grand Arena?
RG. I always dreamed to be on such a card but I admit I was slightly nervous. There was so much going on the week of the fight, at the weigh-in and then fight night. I even felt the tension going into my fight right before the PPV broadcast but I got over it and I stopped my opponent in the 3rd round, it was his first loss inside the distance.
BR. As part of The Money Team stable you are not short of talented sparring partners. Can you tell us a little about the quality of sparring you are getting in Las Vegas?
RG. It is the best sparring possible. Some sessions are better and more competitive than our official fights. We all get challenged to do well so the work is of very high quality!
BR. When are you hoping to get back in the ring and is there any chance you will feature on the Mayweather-Alvarez card in September?
RG. I am always in training so when the call is made I am ready for my next challenge. I will be thrilled and honoured to be fighting on Sept 14, so I hope Mayweather Promotions will consider me to be added to one of the best fight cards ever.
BR. You are currently ranked as the number one super middleweight in Romania. Do you see yourself headlining a boxing card back home in the future?
RG. Right now I am concentrating on making a name for myself here in USA and worldwide. I am sure in the future there will be opportunities to fight in Romania. I have tremendous support from there and fans love real pro boxing so I hope to get the chance to fight at home.
BR. What are the main goals you are aiming to achieve over the course of your career?
RG. My goal is to become World Champion and fight the best fighters of my time. I want to be in fights that fans will remember.
Thanks for taking time out to answer some questions Ronald. We look forward to seeing you back between the ropes soon.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak about my career! Boxing fans keep an eye out for me. I will not disappoint. Please follow me on twitter and Instagram at @ronthrillgavril and like and share my official facebook page: www.facebook.com/RonaldGavril
Twitter: @boxingroundup