Tuesday, December 19, 2000
Olympian Craig sets pro boxing debut
By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
U.S. Olympic boxer Dante Craig has signed a professional contract with veteran manager/trainer Lou Duva and leaves the day after Christmas for Palm Springs, Calif., to begin training at Mike Tyson's camp.
“I've been watching boxing all my life and have always seen Mr. Duva's name working with the great stars,” Craig said. “This is a dream come true for me.”
His pro debut is Jan. 27 at Madison Square Garden, against an opponent to be named. Craig will be on the same card as his friend, Olympic silver medalist Ricardo Williams Jr., also a Cincinnati native. There will be four other 2000 Olympians on that card. It will be telecast on HBO. Craig is 147 pounds; Williams 135.
Duva and Tommy Brooks will co-manage and co-train Craig, 22. Also in Craig's corner: Roy Dale, his longtime trainer.
“That's one reason I went with Mr. Duva is because he wanted Roy to keep on training me,” Craig said. “Mr. Duva said, "He's been with you your whole life. He's a guy you trust.' I'll train in town until about a month before my fights, then train at Mike Tyson's camp. Roy will fly in for my fights.”
Craig said he will have a minimum of five bouts a year, and possibly as many as seven. It depends how quickly his right hand heals. He had surgery on it (bone chip, torn ligaments) last April. He said it has not slowed him down too much in training; he wears a big sparring glove over it.
“If it comes down to needing a cortisone shot, I'll do it,” he said.
He said it will probably take a year for his hand to fully heal.
He said his second pro bout may be in Cincinnati in February. It's possible he could join Williams on a card here in April, he said.
Craig will have a news conference at noon today at the Findlay Street Neighborhood House.
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