In a now well publicized open letter to USA Boxing, Mike Tyson praised the success of Washington, D.C., welterweight phenom Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (17-0, 10 KOs) as an example of accomplishment for young boxers, stating he is an “inspiration to young amateurs looking to turn pro.”
Hernandez-Harrison, 19 years of age and ranked No. 19 by the NABF and No. 40 by the WBC, is preparing for his first World Championship opportunity when he faces Josh Torres (12-2, 5 KOs) for the WBC Youth World Welterweight Championship on November 2, 2013 at Madison Square Garden Theater as a featured undercard bout of the HBO televised middleweight championship between Gennady Golovkin and Curtis Stevens.
Hernandez-Harrison turned professional at the age of 17, and has garnered National attention with 17 straight wins while carrying himself with the poise and confidence of an athlete well beyond his years.
“Dusty is honored by the compliment given to him by one of the most exciting and dynamic Heavyweight Champions in history,” said Hernandez-Harrison’s promoter Jeff Fried of All-In Entertainment. “Dusty continues to maintain the focus, work ethic and sacrifice that is necessary to succeed to the highest level in any sport, and certainly in boxing. Dusty is passionate about learning and continuing to develop as a professional boxer.”
“There is great respect for the history and tradition of USA Boxing,” Fried added. “When you walk through the Colorado Springs complex it is surreal viewing photos of some of the greatest Champions in the history of boxing and who likewise represented our country in the Olympics.”
In addition to being a professional boxer, the Southeast Washington, D.C., native is continuing his education at the University of the District of Columbia while taking Spanish lessons from a tutor. Hernandez-Harrison is an active member in his community, regularly speaking at area schools and recreation centers about the importance of hard work and education.
“Each situation is different for these young boxers. Jeff and I place as much focus on Dusty’s development outside the ring as we do in furthering his career as a professional boxer,” said Buddy Harrison, the welterweight’s father and trainer. “We have a team around Dusty that is not only guiding his career, but really cares about what happens for my son after his boxing career is over.”
Not only is Dusty’s talent continuing to develop, but so is his popularity. Through the joint effort of Hernandez-Harrison, All In Entertainment and his many supporters in the Washington, D.C., region, a fleet of buses has been arranged to transport fans to New York for the November 2 Championship matchup. Over the past year Hernandez-Harrison’s supporters have come out in groves to support the young fighter up and down the East Coast: a testament to this young man’s humbleness, Family values and a desire to perform his craft on a Champion class level.
