Joseph Elegele: ‘I’m a better fighter than these guys that are getting airtime’

Joseph Elegele out in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)

J...

By Chris Robinson

It’s been well over a year since welterweight prospect Joseph Elegele’s last match.

Facing off with Javier Molina inside of The Hangar in Costa Mesa, Calif. in March of 2013, Elegele dropped a competitive unanimous decision after eight rounds of action.

Scores reading 78-72 and 77-75 twice may have told the tale of a good scrap, but the tallies did little to showcase just how disappointing of an evening that was for Elegele.

The following months have certainly been a test of the Melbourne, Fl. native’s resolve and Elegele admits that sometimes his belief has wavered.

“In this boxing business, where someone you barely know has control over your dreams, it’s easy to lose faith,” Elegele recently told HustleBoss.com during some downtime from training.

Elegele (13-2, 10 KO’s) is presently in the midst of yet another training camp out in Las Vegas, as the Mayweather Boxing Club has become his main gym while out West.

Members in the gym have embraced Elegele over the past few years and he has proven his worth with competitive sparring against a bevy of prospects, contenders, and former champions.

Elegele opened up as to why the facility is such a place of comfort for him.

“Because the connections and fighters out here,” he stated. “I can be focused out here.”

Elegele is working with trainer Ben Bautista these days and gave former junior middleweight champion Ishe Smith some work ahead of his scheduled matchup vs. Erislandy Lara before the fight was cancelled.

Now 30 years old and itching to get back into the ring to set thing straight with his career, Elegele insists that there is not a true sense of urgency despite some recent setbacks.

“Not really,” the mild-mannered southpaw stated. “I just know if I get the right fights [that] everything will work out as planned.

“I know who I am and what I’m capable of,” Elegele added.

With so much uncertainty surrounding his career, Elegele carries himself with steely determination throughout all of the ups and downs.

When asked what it is that keeps him motivated, Elegele claims that he is a level above many of the fighters today getting constant exposure.

“God,” Elegele answered. “And knowing I’m a better fighter than these guys that are getting airtime. Most of all I want a better life for my family and to put myself in position to create options and opportunities for others.”

Stay tuned for more updates on Elegele’s career.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *