Hidden away on the Amir Khan-Paulie Malignaggi undercard at New York’s famous Madison Square Garden, lies a four round contest between Jamie Kavanagh and William Ware. To most observers and spectators, this is just another one of those card fillers that stands between themselves and the main event, but those who have followed 19 year old Kavanagh’s progress through the amateur ranks know that this could be the start of something special.
Hailing from the suburb of Crumlin, on the southside of Ireland’s capital Dublin, boxing was always in Kavanagh’s blood with his Grandfathers and Uncles having stepped into the square ring before him. He first laced up a pair of gloves at the age of 9 and often sparred with boys a few years beyond his age.
When he was 11, Kavanagh moved to Malaga, Spain with his father, Gerald. It was in the southern Spanish city that he met local trainer, Sedano Ruiz, whom Kavanagh credits for his superb conditioning regime and his relentless work ethic. The only problem in the relationship was that neither trainer nor fighter knew what each other were saying due to the language barrier. The Irishman felt it was his responsibility to learn the Spanish language to break down the barriers, and now Español roles off his tongue like a native.
Kavanagh’s amateur career could be described as short and sweet, having racked up a record of 168-12, which included seven National Irish Titles and a silver medal at the 2008 World Youth Amateur Boxing Championship in Mexico. Known as “The Nuisance” due to his come forward, aggressive, powerful and stubborn style, Kavanagh’s boxing game was always considered to be more suited to the pro ranks and this is one of the reasons why the turnover has come at an early age.
The Dubliner always longed to move to America to pursue his professional career. More so having seen his good friend and compatriot, fellow light welterweight Dean “Irish Lightening” Byrne, sign with Freddie Roach at the famous Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles. It was at one of Dean Byrne’s fights in Las Vegas that Kavanagh was introduced to Steven Feder of Standing Eight Management, who along with Freddie Roach, co-manages a stable of fighters at the Wildcard including Dean Byrne. It was Feder who first invited Kavanagh to the star-studded Wildcard for an ‘audition’ as he describes it.
After working the pads with Roach and sparring some of the other prospects including Guillermo Rigondeaux, the future Hall of Fame trainer could see that there was potential in Kavanagh, and a new relationship was born with the Irishman signing a five year contract with Roach and Feder, while also signing with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.
It is now a routine in Kavanagh’s day to be sparring with the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Rashad Holloway, Amir Khan, Manny Pacquaio and of course Dean Byrne. In fact, Pacquaio used Kavanagh as one of his main sparing partners in the lead up to the Joshua Clottey fight which is testament to the Irishman’s growing potential and reputation. When Roach is unavailable, Kavanagh’s long-time trainer, Sedano Ruiz puts him through his daily workout. Having Ruiz as part of his team was very important to Kavanagh as it was the Spaniard who has helped bring him this far and the Irishman believes he owes him and this is shown in his loyalty to his old trainer.
Ten years on from when he first laced up a pair of gloves, Jamie Kavanagh’s much anticipated professional debut is just days away, and he will be out to impress in the old, history sodden walls of the “Garden”. His opponent, Tennessee native, William Ware 1-2 (1 KO) will be aware of Kavanagh’s much talked about future in the sport but he will be out to destroy the Irishman’s dream debut. Hopefully ‘Irish Eyes will be Smiling’ at the end of the New York night.
From left to right: Sedano Ruiz, Gerald Kavanagh, Golden Boy’s Robert Diaz, Jamie Kavanagh, Steven Feder
