"The pros are a lot different from the amateurs. In the amateurs, it's all about points, so you just gotta make sure you are throwing a lot of punches, but in the pro ranks, you gotta sit down, pick your shots, and don't waste punches like you can get away with in the amateurs...I'm just trying to change on the switch up from the amateurs, learn how to sit down on my shots, and just the basics; polishing things up," stated 3-0 prospect Rashidi Ellis, who talked about his background in the amateur ranks, his transition to the pros, and much more. Check it out!
PC: Rashidi, you had an outstanding amateur career and now you are 3-0 as a professional with 2 knockouts. Tell us about your amateur career
RE: I was ranked #1 in the USA and I did a lot of good things as an amateur at the 152-pound weight class.
PC: Who looked over you when you were in the amateurs?
RE: I gotta say my brother. I have an older brother who won the National Golden Gloves in 2010. His name is Ronald Ellis and he always supported me and helped me out.
PC: Did you guys come up in the gym together and train together coming up?
RE: Yeah, most definitely. I come from a fighting family. I have a little sister that fights too. So yeah man, we have a fighting house.
PC: Tell us about your transition into the pros my man.
RE: It's a whole turnaround. The pros are a lot different from the amateurs. In the amateurs, it's all about points, so you just gotta make sure you are throwing a lot of punches, but in the pro ranks, you gotta sit down, pick your shots, and don't waste punches like you can get away with in the amateurs.
PC: How do you feel about your first three performances?
RE: I did good, but there is always room for improvement and more stuff to work on. But overall, I think I did good.
PC: Where do you fight out of?
RE: I'm fighting out of Lynn, Massachusetts and my trainer is Alex Rivera. We put in some real good work together.
PC: What can fans expect from you when they watch you fight? What do you feel you bring to the table?
RE: A lot of speed. Nobody can keep up with my speed from my right-handed stance.
PC: Who influenced you to get into boxing? What fighters did you watch coming up?
RE: Roy Jones and of course Floyd Mayweather, but I liked and watched Roy Jones a lot!
PC: What are some of the things you feel you need to work on the most to become a complete fighter at this level?
RE: I'm just trying to change on the switch up from the amateurs, learn how to sit down on my shots, and just the basics; polishing things up.
PC: How active would you like to be in 2014?
RE: I'm trying to get between 8-10 fights next year. It's whatever with me; as many as I can get. I'm always in the gym, so I'm always ready to go.
PC: Are you a welterweight?
RE: Yeah, I'm at 47 right now, but I plan on going to 140. But if I can't make it, I'll just stay at 147. I can't go wrong in either division; they are both hot. The weight don't matter. They had a lot of good fights this year in boxing at both weight classes and in general; a lot of good shows this year. I think a lot of people are interested in boxing again.
PC: It was good talking to you. I wish you the best of luck and keep me posted on your next fight. Is there anything you want to say before I let you go?
RE: I just want to show the world who I am and I plan on doing that. And everyone can follow me on Twitter and Instagram, @RashidiEllis, and stay tuned. They will see me in the future.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]