One of boxings best kept secrets is Chicago’s top boxing prospect Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez who put his skills to the test not once but twice this month. Hollywood trains and spars with Chicago great Don “Da Bomb” George and told me what its like to spar with him.”Don is world class, its hard to get the best of him. We are best friends but we beat each other up every time we get but we turn around and act like nothing happened and go back to nothing.” Jimenez continued “I’d say maybe .5 percent out of 100 I sometimes get the best of him. Couple shots here and there but most of the time he is getting the best of me. That is what makes me better, you know, he is world class.”
For a guy nicknamed “Hollywood” he is very humble. When I asked if he thought he was ready for a title shot Jimenez replied, “Title shot? I’m still working on a lot of things. I’m getting myself better and better everyday, we are in the gym working on things I need to work on. I wouldn’t say right now, if they gave me one I’m taking it. But I’m definitely looking forward to one soon, once I get to that point.”
Jimenez wants to build his career the right way, I respect that. As i am sitting at home watching Sakio Bika fight Nikola Sjekloca, for a WBC final eliminator on HBO, I can’t help but think to myself that Jimenez would give Bika a good fight. I am certain Jimenez will be a champion soon. It’s just a matter of time. Super Middleweights everywhere take notice.
