Thomas “TJ” Velasquez will be making his pro debut on the Garcia-Malignaggi undercard this Saturday. Velasquez was an amateur from Philadelphia, where Danny Garcia resides as well, that had a difficult time getting settled. However, he has found his grove and is ready to make a statement in front of the Barclays Center crowd.
Some Philadelphia boxing insiders say that Velasquez has what it takes to accomplish what Garcia has for the city. But they share some similarities that extend beyond residence.
Tony Davis is Velasquez’s strength and conditioning coach, and he also works with Danny Garcia. Davis had nothing but great things to say about TJ and he was adamant about his future in boxing when he spoke with Thaboxingvoice’s Nestor Gibbs.
This isn’t the typical stage for a young fighter making his pro debut. But TJ says he is ready, although he will be more comfortable once the bell rings.
“It’s like a dream. It’s amazing to have people up and way higher than me have my name in their mouth. I think I’ll handle it well. Before the fight, I might have butterflies, but once I get in the ring it’s all business after that,” Velasquez said.
Velasquez was always anxious to turn pro because he feels his style is geared towards creating excitement in an intelligent manner.
“I started off late. I kept moving gym to gym, and then I got a good trainer. [My style] was way more suited for the pros. I’m patient and like to take my time, and in the amateurs you just throw punches. It’s not really skills, it’s more just how many punches you can get in.”
