By Brian Woodman Jr., CTLatinoNews.com
UPDATE 12/13/19: “Action” Anthony Laureano defeats Angel Hernandez at the Mass Mutual Center to remain undefeated at 13-0-0.
Undefeated professional boxer “Action” Anthony Laureano (12 – 0 – 0), junior welterweight that Windsor native and area boxing authority John Scully describes as “a hot prospect,” is scheduled to fight Angel Hernandez (17 – 14 – 2) on December 13.
But Laureano, an East Hartford resident whose professional fighting record is currently 12-0 with four knockouts, said there is more to his life than boxing despite his passion for the sport.
“Anthony’s career is progressing well,” said Nate Torres, who manages him. “With every fight he gains experience and adds to his Boxing tool box.
“In terms of his development I feel he is currently at about 45 % of his development as a professional boxer. At 90% he will be a World Champion at 95-100% he defends it. He is definitely on pace to achieving his goal of becoming a World Champion.”
Nate Torres, Laureano’s Manager
Bob Rumbold reporting, WTNH-TV
Torres helps train Laureano with Angel Gonzalez at gyms such as Meriden Sports Zone and Barebones Boxing. Laureano has trained with Gonzalez since age 15.
During a conversation at the Charter Oak Boxing academy in Hartford last October, Laureano discussed the other facets of his life — his associate’s degree in criminal justice and his current day job working in special education as a para-educator in the Vernon School District. His future goals include a bachelor’s degree and he is considering social work – he noted the occasional overlap between that field and law enforcement.
“Some students need a little extra attention,” said the New England Golden Glove winner regarding his current career. But it is Boxing that currently fascinates him and he said that despite his current standing, it did not begin easily for him.
His father encouraged him to try boxing like his brother, David. He began training at 10 with Hartford-based lightweight Israel “Pito” Cardona, who knew his father.
“It gave me confidence,” said Laureano, who now fights with Joe DeGuardioa Star Boxing of White Plains, New York. “It’s what draws kids to it.”
By his own admission his amateur record was less than stellar and his parents discouraged him from pursuing it further.
Tough Start
“I’m blessed to be where I’m at,” he said, recalling how he suffered straight losses during his amateur career. But he credits his faith and work ethic with enabling him to persevere and become a professional fighter at 21.
“My losses as an amateur just motivated me more,” he said. “After each loss I would pray and regroup. My overall mission now is to tell people that if they want something they can get it. I hope to become an example. A lot of people did not encourage me to become a professional, but after a lot of work I finally did it.”
Anthony Laureano, Boxer
He started his professional career as a welterweight (147 pounds) but dropped to 140 and has competed throughout the New England area.
And Then Boxing IQ
He made his professional debut at Foxwoods Resort Casino against Philadelphia Golden Gloves champion Nahir Albright, according to information provided by Torres. Laureano won the fight by majority decision.
“He was not supposed to win that fight,” said Torres. “He was the underdog going into it. The kid he beat has not lost since.”
His following fight, a bout with Lamont White at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island ended in a no-contest. He has not lost since.
He declined to name any opponent as his most challenging, adding that “they’ve all been terrific.” He discussed his ability to adjust to different opponents through analysis, pressure and controlling the pace of his fights. He started off as more of a slugger, he said, but his trainers steered him more toward the scientific approach. Despite his interest in furthering his education, he still considers a world championship his long-term goal.
“We are working on my boxing IQ,” he said. “The smartest way is the best way.”
He expressed concern regarding early stoppages in the sport but added that despite competition from Mixed Martial arts, boxing was not going to die out. He described comparisons between the two sports as an “apples-and-oranges” proposition, adding that they appealed to different audiences.
He cites former junior welterweight Mickey Ward as one of his inspirations.
“He never gave up,” he said. “He had to deal with some serious problems but overcame them.”
