New Interview With the Native American Warrior
George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah isn’t exactly a household name in the sport of boxing. But Tahdooahnippah (pronounced Ta-da-ni-pah) believes he can make his name known outside of Lawton, Oklahoma where he is a huge fan favorite in this Southern Plains region. And the Comanche and Choctaw prizefighter has big plans for 2012–and in his goal of continuing to make a big splash on the canvas.
I caught up with the Native American warrior (28-0-1, 21 KOs) at the WBC Convention in Las Vegas where the Comanche Boy was there to accept a 2011 Goodwill Ambassador Award from the WBC organization, Jose Sulaiman, Mauricio Sulaiman, and WBC Cares’ Jill Diamond. During this month’s 49th annual World Convention, Tahdooahnippah also accompanied Jill Diamond and a league of champs to visit a Boy & Girls Club in Vegas.
As a WBC Cares Ambassador, George has helped to bring more awareness and prevention of diabetes in reaching out to both his people and everyone else that could be affected by the disease. As an unbeaten WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Champion, he told me he is honored to be able to spread the word and help others outside of the ring.
Inside of the ring, this power puncher says he’s undefeated–AND undiscovered–and has his eye on making the New Year a banner one.
“I’m a fighter; I’m a warrior,” he comments during an exclusive chat captured in the video interview below. “I’m destined to come out there an be discovered–for my people and for my race.”
One of his objectives is to fight on HBO, which is not always easy to do even for top local favorites like Tahdooahnippah, who promotes himself. Until now, the majority of his fights took place in his home state; all but a couple of his pro bouts have been fought outside of Oklahoma. But inside state lines, it’s a real Comanche Nation.
And come February, the Comanche native plans to return to the ring after healing from an injury in his July bout.
This is one fighter who is ready for more.
A former Toughman competitor and wrestler who has sparred with another Lawton slugger in Grady Brewer, George has set his sights on bringing more recognition to his tribe and to his own career. He’s already been the star of online series about his journey in prizefighting and he’s poised to make a name for himself on the worldwide stage. As a proud warrior, other tribes around the world have also given this fighter his due respect as a role model in the ring.
Speaking with the boxer during a kickoff gathering for the WBC convention at the Mandalay Bay, Comanche Boy was surrounded by many of his boyhood heroes. As we took in the scene, I couldn’t help noticing that the reception area was filled wall-to-wall with champions past and present.
While George was excited to meet all of the legends in the room including fellow champs Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and more, he also fit right in amongst these elite boxers.
The fighter and devoted family man is known for bringing the pain–and making it rain bombs upon his opponents. During our interview, he described his famous walkouts that include beating drums, live rap performances, native war dances and more.
Once Comanche Boy steps into the squared circle, he unleashes fire and fury against his foes. And he doesn’t need a “Dream Catcher” to realize his goals. His hard work, determination, fancy footwork and passion for the fight game are leading him on a war path toward a brighter glory.
With a mindset to conquer and destroy, George told me his dream opponents would be Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Sergio Martinez and really wants 2012 to be his year.
The New Year is fast approaching.
Look for this Comanche gladiator to make his mark in boxing–and raise recognition in making Tahdooahnippah a household name.
Photo by Mary Ann Owen/ Photo courtesy of Comanche Nation