L.A. Matador Aims For 2012
With a nickname of “The Dream Catcher,” it’s only fitting that amateur heavyweight David Imoesiri continues to work toward his own dreams of competing in the Olympic Games taking place next year in London.
On Monday night at the Avalon Hollywood, the Long Beach boxer battled his way to a unanimous decision against Memphis’ tough Javonta Charles, who is a 2010 National PAL Silver Medalist, and a 2009 Golden Gloves, USA Boxing and National PAL Semifinalist.
The 22-year-old Imoesiri is a highly-decorated amateur himself as the 2010 Blue & Gold Champ, the 2010 USAB Regional Champ, 2009 Intermountain Northwest Champion, a two-time Washington State Golden Gloves Champion and a three-time Nevada Regional Golden Gloves Champion, among many other titles and championships putting him on the top of the ranks–and making him the talk of the town.
At the recent “Hollywood Fight Night” between the World Series of Boxing’s Los Angeles Matadors vs. Memphis Force, David was the hometown favorite with many fans in the crowd cheering his name. In this WSB league, the competitors are judged pro style and wear no head gear of shirts like the usual amateur pugs do. While his throngs of supporters wanted a knockout, the local heavyweight outworked his foe (who was inked with angels’ wings on his back) in the final bout of the evening. David won his bout, receiving the judges’ nod of 50-45 and 48-47 twice.
The day after his victory it was business as usual. No rest for the wicked–in the ring. The world-class athlete was back in the gym the very next day. And even though he won’t be fighting on the upcoming card on March 14 or in their final show taking place in Miami, the hardworking and deeply spiritual fighter is keeping his focus 100% on that prize of competing in the Olympics.
I had the chance to talk with Imoesiri and hear his thoughts on how his career is going thus far. Listen in as he talks about his future plans while giving a vigorous shout out to his very first boxing trainer. This is one “Dream Catcher” who hopes to make his pugilistic dreams a reality.
Michele Chong: Hi David! Congratulations on your win Monday night.
David Imoesiri: Thank you!
MC: So you have over 100 amateur bouts under your belt. Some of the other competitors had half the amount of fights behind them. Did all of your experience give you an edge in the competition?
DI: Yes, I think it did give me a huge edge! And on Monday, I felt good. Now I just want to keep the shape I have built up and stay in the game.
MC: How’s the training going in Carson? Did you get a chance to work with Evander Holyfield while he was at the gym?
DI: No, I didn’t get to spar with him or anything but we do spar with a lot of different amateurs and pros. I worked with Javier Martinez and some other guys that really help us all and give us a great work rate. California has some good boxers!
MC: What do you think of your chances in winning a spot on the 2012 Olympic team?
DI: I am ready and I think I have a really good chance–just like any of the others fighting now too. I do have one loss, but I haven’t let that deter me as I move forward in my training and the win on Monday puts me #3 in the world!
MC: When will you be fighting next?
DI: I will probably be fighting next in the individual championships, maybe in April or May and it could be international. So I’m gonna keep doin’ my thing; stay focused and stay humble. And just keep things running smoothly.
MC: What would you like to say to your fans?
DI: I want to really thank all my fans, friends and family, through Facebook and Twitter too! There are so many great people that supports me–and the Matadors. Coach Manny, Eric Fowler (“Fearless!), JaccPot Entertainment, and there are a lot of charities and foundations that I would like to mention who are doing some good things out there to help raise awareness in the community. There’s lbyouthboxing.org (a boxing club and they tutor kids), SportsRhythms and Foundation 10 with DeSean Jackson that helps those with pancreatic cancer.
And also, there’s Papa Joe, the coach who started me and raised me through the grace of God. He taught me that all things come through hard work–and I will keep working hard to make these dreams come true.
MC: “Papa Joe” meaning Coach Joe Zanders?
DI: (Laughs) Yeah, I call him Papa Joe, Coach Joe or JZ. He has sacrificed so much to work with youth and making boys become men with 30 years in CYA. He’s a great family man with honesty and integrity. And he really keeps things real. He wants to not break you down, but to build you up. It goes deep; and he “sugar coats” NOTHING. (Laughs)
MC: I have known Coach Zanders a while through amateur boxing. He’s always upbeat, always professional. And now he’s been appointed the National USA Boxing Coach who will guide the Olympic boxers next year. What would that mean if you two were part of the 2012 London games together?
DI: Oh man, that would be the ultimate payback to him. To thank him for taking me to childhood to manhood! That would be the ultimate goal for me–to be in the Olympics with the coach who started me–and really raised me–in boxing.
You know, I can’t help it but I get so passionate about telling you what this man does for others. (His voice rises with conviction) He really has helped the community in keeping kids off the streets or out of jail and always puts things in a positive light. He is a great, great man. Thank God for Coach Joe. He is the epitome of what a coach, and what a man should be. He just does so much for everybody!
MC: I know he’s really proud of you too–and you’re right, he doesn’t sugar coat anything. (Laughs) He’s also mentioned that there’s even more to come from you in the ring and that the world hasn’t even seen all that you can do yet!
DI: Yeah, he wants us all to win! Period. To win–in and out of the ring. So I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing and stay focused. I’M HERE NOW! (Chuckles)
MC: (Laughs) Yes, you are. Congrats again, David and we’ll be watching you!
DI: Thank you!
You can catch Imoesiri’s fellow L.A. Matadors in action at the next “Hollywood Fight Night” on March 14 at the famed Avalon theater. David and his World Series of Boxing compadres have really made a splash breaking into the Tinseltown scene. While the tall heavyweight and his fellow fighters may have brushed elbows with beautiful starlets like singer Nicole Scherzinger and actress Meagan Good, the amateur standout remains focus and mindful of the task at hand–and the golden opportunity of fighting for that Olympic berth.
Watch “The Dream Catcher” continue in his quest for a spot on the U.S. team. The protégé of Coach Joe Zanders and Sport Scene World Class Boxing will keep his Olympic fire burning bright.
Photos by Maria Hedrick
David is the HOmie GO team USA Go for GOld!!!
Waiting for him to claim his spot this FEburary during the RELOAD for USA BOXING 2012
Pacific NOrthwest California for David Imoesiri
David imoesiri vs Ruslan Myrstray or wat ever, that astanaarlan pulled a margarito( briicks in his gloves), david should rematch ruslan and this time take his head!!!! like cotto did!!! AStana CHEaters!!
I love david Imoesiri in his las fight against top russian heavyweight vitaly kuhzkov great fighter great action, david needs to address his strength if he is planning on stopping some of these guys hes got to much skill and talent to cut it close like he does, time to take it to the next level, I dont think hes a dirty fighter, just doesnt think all the time like he should during a round, hes so good I dont think he realizes how good he really is and that sucks, I hope some sponsors put some muscles and power behind his talent because the kid could be the next Great american Fighter to lead a new class in olympic style boxing. All in all Imoesiri got the Win but I was less impressed. Even as formidable as his opponent I still feel like he couldve knocked him out early in the Second and late in the 4th rounds but just didnt capatalize. Imoesiri needs to raise his leveloutput to compete at a high level.
Thank you all for the support and encouragement haven’t ever seen these comments until now. Great Gift of a surprise, Wow its amazing to see what great people I have rooting for me. I am always focused on being the best I can be and the wisest I can be as well.
David “The Dream Catcher” Imoesiri
I LOVED THE REMARKS HE MADE TWORDS COACH JOE HE HAS HELPED THOUSANDS YOUNG ASPIRING YOUNG MEN MAKE IT IN AMERICA AND IN BOXING
GOD BLESS IMOESIRI IN AMERICA AND IN THE BOXING WORLD GOD BLESS EVERYTHING HE DOES AND I PRAY HE CAN BRING HIS LIGHT TO SHINE OVER THE WORLD.
Aye keep repping for california bro, STAY HUNGRY YOU ON TOP NOW BUT EVERYBODY Waiting on your down FAll I praY FOR YOUR UPRISING KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
you are an example and shinning light the true example of What a lifes work MEANS, I HOPE YOU MAKER IT THER OLYMPICS EITHER WITH THE wsb OR WITH TEAM USA GOD BLESS
i REMEMBER WHEN YOU WHERE USED TO LIVE WITH ME AND MY PARENTS YOU ARE DEFINITELY GROWING UP KEEP IT UP AND STAY FOCUSED
MAN
WAY TO GO LITTLE BRO KEEP IT UP THESE OTHER GUYS ARE GUNNING FOR YOU
YOUVE MADA COMPLETE CHANGE FROM WHAT YOU USED TO BE KEEP THE HARD WORK UP KID
Great job David Stay humble and hungry these others guys are gunning for you now but what’s new god bless coach tony
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