California Prospect Kurt Scoby Making Waves at Junior Welterweight
Many fighters transition into boxing from another sport with aspirations of winning a world title. The latest example is unbeaten prospect Kurt Scoby (12-0, 10 KOs), who is starting to gain some attention in the junior welterweight division.
FROM THE GRIDIRON TO THE RING
Scoby is a standout athlete. Born and raised in Duarte, California, he starred on the football field as a kid, eventually playing collegiate football for Fresno State and Azusa Pacific.
The California native decided to put down the football cleats and made his foray into The Sweet Science. After an amateur career that included winning the California Golden Gloves, Scoby felt he was ready for the pros. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the ex-football player moved from California to New York and began training at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn under the guidance of his current trainer, Don Saxby.
Scoby made his professional debut in September 2020 and has impressed. He’s gained confidence and valuable experience through sparring fighters such as Jose Zepeda, former junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia, and reigning WBC junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis. Just this past February, he attracted some eyes by battering John Mannu en route to a second-round stoppage.
A criticism of Scoby from some insiders had been his lack of opposition. But he may have changed that perception with his most recent outing – a second-round destruction of former world title challenger “Hammerin” Hank Lundy on June 29. After buckling Lundy with a right hand in the second, Scoby unloaded with combinations of power shots to finish him off. Following the win, the Californian spoke to RingTV and said he’s open to anything that comes his way.
“I’m ready for anything that’s given to me. I like my plate to be big; I like to eat. Send me some Scooby snacks; let’s go eat them up.”
Due to his football background, Scoby’s athleticism and physical strength are evident when you see him in the ring. His promoter is Lou DiBella, who has disclosed that the next fight for Scoby will be against Narcisco Carmona on August 18 on DAZN.
