PHOTOS: Denis Shafikov sparring Maurice Hooker in Big Bear ahead of Rances Barthelemy title bout

Denis Shafikov and Maurice Hooker in training camp in Big Bear, California (Photo: Stacey Verbeek)

By Chris Robinson

Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker may be a man of few words, but he has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

We were able to spend some quality weeks with Hooker and his trainer Vince Parra a few years back in Las Vegas and it was easy to spot the synergy between the two pugilists. Whether sparring inside of the Mayweather Boxing Club or getting ready for his ShoBox debut, you could tell that Hooker was a kid who was going to go places.

Hooker has continued to progress over the past two years, as he is presently the WBO NABO junior welterweight champion and coming off a big win over Ghislain Maduma this past October on the Gennady Golovkin vs. David Lemieux undercard inside of Madison Square Garden in New York.

Hooker and Parra are no strangers to traveling, and the duo has been spotted training the past few weeks inside of Abel Sanchez’s Summit Gym in Big Bear, Calif. Hooker is helping lightweight contender Denis Shafikov prepare for his Dec. 18 bout in Las Vegas, for the vacant IBF title, vs. Cuba’s Rances Barthelemy.

Check below for the full gallery.