by James Slater – Unbeaten 24-year-old heavyweight up-and-comer Travis Kauffman, who has been using Muhammad Ali’s legendary Deer Lake training camp recently, is a 6’3,” approx 225-pounder out of Reading, Pennsylvania. Currently 18-0(15) as a pro, “The GW Hope” is beginning to get a fair amount of ink devoted to him. Is the man who made his paid debut back in January of 2006 a fighter to get excited about?
A decent amateur, who fought in the 2001 Junior Olympics and the 2003 National Golden Gloves, Kauffman dedicated himself to boxing after the sad passing of his mother in 2001. As with the great Oscar De La Hoya before him, Kauffman promised to win the (Junior) Olympics in honour of his mother; unfortunately, Travis was placed third in the 2001 tournament. Nevertheless, the young fighter had his inspiration and, feeling the pro game suited his style better, Kauffman has so far done his job well.
Having fought on the under-card of a number of high profile bouts, the 24-year-old puncher has begun to get himself some good publicity. Able to switch from orthodox to southpaw and efficient at counter punching, Kauffman is more than just a gutsy brawler. Yet to be tested at anything approaching world class level, Kauffman knows he has time on his side.
Still, though he has met no big names as of yet, the heavyweight hopeful has met and defeated some decent fighters; Kauffman has not exactly been babied. In amongst usual suspects like Dan Whetzel, Travis Fulton and Cliff Couser (Whetzel out-pointed, Fulton and Couser taken out quickly) are wins over Malachy Farrell (TKO 3) and Livin Castillo (TKO 3). Okay, neither of these two fighters are world beaters, but Farrell was a decent enough young and never stopped prospect at the time, and Castillo is an experienced guy who has been in with everyone from Oleg Maskaev to Eddie Chambers. A lot of young heavies have fought much worse on the way up.
Next up for Kauffman is 28-year-old Tony Grano, a fighter with a 15-1-1(12) pro record. Not too much is known about Grano, but, at a lower level, he has proved he can punch some. Fans will get the chance to see this fight, as it will be televised live on ShowBox: The Next Generation. Promoted by Gary Shaw, the September 18th fight will be Kauffman’s first T.V headlining opportunity.
Fans will be able to make their own minds up; is Kauffman a fighter to get excited about? Both young and determined, Kauffman is also a puncher with pretty fast hands. Things look good for him right now. Let’s see if he can keep winning and improving.