VERO BEACH, Florida (January 13, 2009) –
The new-look middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs) has
developed an invaluable relationship, like a younger brother, with
former world light heavyweight and current title challenger Glen Johnson
as they’ve sparred together for their upcoming fights.
McGirt’s takes on veteran Angel “Toro” Hernandez (28-7, 16 KOs) Friday
night (Jan. 16) on ESPN2 in a 10-round co-feature against from Key West,
Florida. Hernandez, who took “Winky” Wright 12 rounds in their 2003 IBF
light middleweight title fight, is a former NABF title holder. Johnson
fights Daniel Judah on February 27 at the Seminole Hard Rock in
Hollywood, Florida.
McGirt and his father/head trainer, “Buddy,” drove 2 ½ hours back and
forth from Vero Beach to Miami in order to spar with Johnson. James got
much more out of the sessions than merely great work in the ring.
“I got some great work but started a friendship,” James explained. “Glen
is an older fighter who schooled me about what it’s like to be a pro
boxer. He let me know what to do and what not to do. I really respect
him a lot for that.”
“Glen and his entire team treated us very well for the whole camp,”
Buddy McGirt added. “They offered to put James up but I wanted him to
understand the sacrifices it takes in this game. I really want to thank
Glen Johnson. He’s a great guy. He talked to my son when they sparred
and afterwards, too. He took a liking to my son and talked to him a lot.
It’s one thing when I tell James something – I’m his father and trainer
– but coming from Glen really meant a lot to James.”
James’ manager, Dennis Witherow, completely agrees with the McGirts. “In
this sports there are few men like Glen,” he commented. “He knows the
ups and downs and I am thankful that he has been willing to share that
with James. He has earned everything he’s gotten from this sport and,
hopefully, he gets his much deserved shot at another world title soon.
“In James last fight with Marcus Upshaw (10-round majority draw on Nov.
11), I let James know exactly what was coming from the crowd. We love
our fans and I want them to know we listened. We have followed the
advice of President-Elect Obama and made a CHANGE. I hope they all watch
ESPN2 on Friday so they can see for themselves what the new James McGirt
is all about.”
Mexican warrior Hernandez has defeated J.C. Candelo and Frankie Randall
and has fought, in addition to Wright, Kassim Ouma, Roshii Wells and
Raymond Joval, who McGirt defeated last year by 10-round decision
against for his most significant victory to date.
“Hernandez has been in there against a lot of good fighters,” James
remarked. “But I know that I’ve put in a lot of good work and I’m ready
for a great fight.”
Two-time world champion “Buddy” McGirt switched his son’s training
methods back to more old-school routines and he’s convinced James is
prepared to take the next step. “Hernandez is very tough,” he commented.
“I was there for his fight against Winky and I remember it very well. I
know how he fights and what he’ll try against my son. We’re prepared for
the best of Hernandez. James was great throughout training camp. I know
my son and what he has to do. I’ll take partial blame for his two bad
performances (loss to Carlos DeLeon, Jr. and draw with Upshaw). I was
lax on some things. I know how to get the best out of him and that’s
what we’ve worked so hard on in this camp. I’ve been down the road James
is going down. I’ve been there, done that, and now all I want is to see
James accomplish his goal so he can take good care of himself and his
kids. We’ve had the best work possible and done everything. Now it’s all
up to James.”
