17.08.07 – In front of a packed house at the Inwood Boxing Academy in New York City, former smoker circuit king Ronnie “The Rottweiler” Kerner was presented with a special championship belt which represents him as the five boroughs champion of New York City’s smoker circuit boxing. The belt was presented by former IBA Cruiserweight champion and WBO Title challenger Bobby Gunn, who is a former, unsanctioned fighting legend himself.
“I would say that the unsanctioned fights I had were more dangerous then any licensed fight due to the fact there is no commission or medical staff to intervene” said Gunn. “The unlicensed fights are strictly to entertain. The referees pick the fighters up off the canvas to continue instead of counting them out. The unsanctioned fights were brutal and dangerous but a great experience”.
The Rottweiler was thrilled. “It was an honor to receive the belt from a well noted unsanctioned smoker fighter” said Kerner. “I am looking forward to following Bobby in his footsteps in conquering the sanctioned boxing world as well”. Ronnie then said, “People have to understand that both sanctioned & unsanctioned boxing are both professional boxing”.
Gunn also gave a donation to Iran “The Blade” Barkley who was on hand to honor Ronnie “The Rottweiler” Kerner. “I was happy to see my old friend Iran Barkley. I am elated that I was able to help out a legend who gave so much to me. When I was 17, I was his sparring partner to help him prepare for his World Title fight against Darrin Van Horn. At time, Iran was so big and intimidating he kept me on my toes but was very kind hearted. During the camp, my mother was dying from a severe illness and I was trying to save money to go back home to visit her. Iran found out about my mother’s sickness and helped me get home much quicker.
Gunn will be fighting August 25th in Springfield, Virginia. Kerner is currently training for his sanctioned debut; the date of the fight will be announced shortly.