Boxley Ready to Make a Name for Himself
By Brett Mauren
1.23.09

Willshaun Boxley is just like any up and coming athlete when he says he is trying to make a name for himself, but sets himself apart with his willingness to show it, even if it means toeing the line twice in just seven days.
Saturday at the St. Paul armory Boxley put on a clinic over four rounds in an exhibition with Felix Martinez. The bout gave Boxley an opportunity to get some rounds as preparation for his bout this Saturday with Torrance Daniels(12-7).
“You’re going to see a little bit more of me not holding back, a little more power and a little more speed” Boxley said of his bout this upcoming Saturday.
It is hard to imagine Boxley pulling much more from the arsenal than he did this previous Saturday at the Armory as he wowed the crowd with well timed and well executed combinations, putting forth a near flawless display of boxing over four rounds. While most celebrated young fighters are still shaking off the hangover of an illustrious amateur career, Boxley insists that the professional game has been anything but an adjustment for him.
“The transition was easy because I’ve been training with a pro style since I started boxing, In the pro’s you can take three four of those pitter patter punches and come back with one big shot and try to knock him out…I want to get good quality in every punch even if it’s a jab”
The difference between a good boxer and a celebrity caliber boxer is the ability to self promote and Willshaun Boxley definitely has the ability to do so. Boxley stays in touch with his fans through “FaceBook” and regularly sends out e-mail reminders regarding his upcoming bouts. Another trait Boxley possesses is the boldness to target an opponent, and make it clear to the boxing community who his sights are set on.
“ I definitely want to fight Allen(Litzau) I’m not one to create controversy but if we’re going to do this let’s do it now…He’s in the position that he is in at 13-3 and he says he can’t fight me, why? It’s not like he’s too good at 13-3”
It is obvious that potential barn burning fights have been missed out on by handlers playing it too safe and opting to build up both fighter’s resume’s , Boxley however shares the fan’s train of thought in his desire to fight the best right now. A Boxley-Litzau showdown does have the potential to draw a crowd and offer Minnesota boxing a personal kick in 2009, but for now Willshaun’s priority is picking up a “w” this weekend in Hinckley.