Coming from the west side of Baltimore City isn’t an easy path in life, even for a talent as promising as boxer Glenn Dezurn Jr.
Nevertheless, Dezurn has made a name for himself not just in his community — which he often refers to as “the bottom” — but in the squared circle.
Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs), who’s been compared to Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Robinson, currently trains out of the coveted Headbangers gym southwest DC. As he grinds daily, he aims to represent the entire DMV in championship style.
“Boxing has provided me with the foundation to explore other endeavors like business and community activism,” he said. “I’m a symbol of my community, I know. Coming from where I’m from, that it’s not about being flashy, it’s about being a positive example for youth to follow in my footsteps.”
Dezurn said he is mindful of his demeanor as not only a fighter, but as a professional in and out of the ring.
“I know what it’s like to have fake people around, it disturbs the energy, that’s important to your success,” he said.
As he prepares for his upcoming match against a tough competitor in Jesse Hernandez (9-1, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, he’s focusing more on mental preparation than physical.
“Boxing is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical,” he said. “I’m a different animal, I pay close attention to mental preparation before fights.”
To recalibrate, Dezurn and his wife spend time fueling their startup business in creating boxing uniforms and participating in Paul’s Place, a youth outreach center in Baltimore.
As Dezurn forms connections with the youth in his neighborhood, he receives the extra motivation to put on for his city every chance he’s given.
“I am the community,” Dezurn says. “They see me, the people know me and acknowledge my struggle. I’m no different than them, other than I box.”
Dezurn faces Hernandez on Nov. 11, serving as the undercard for Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs against the undefeated Luis Arias in New York City.