When ESPN’s Friday Night Fights rolls into town next week, St. Louis’ best kept secret will finally be unveiled to boxing fans worldwide. Stephon “The Show Stopper” Young (9-0-1, 4KO) will make his television debut when he faces Vincente Alfaro (6-3-0, 1 KO) at the Ameristar Casino – St. Charles on June 27.
Young has been on the radar of St. Louis hardcore boxing heads since his days as an accomplished amateur. The former National Junior Golden Gloves Champion racked up an impressive 86-13 amateur record and only narrowly missed representing the United States in the 2012 Olympics at flyweight. The 25-year-old Young represents the next generation of talented boxers to come out of the STL. Now he’ll get the opportunity to display his skills on ESPN when his bout opens next Friday’s telecast.
Alfaro, the reigning USA Minnesota State Super Bantamweight Champion, represents a step up in competition for Young. Despite his three losses, Alfaro has a few solid wins on his resume and is likely salivating at the chance to give Young his first loss on national television. If Young wants to realize his dreams of becoming a world champion, he understands he’ll have to ace his upcoming test.
“[Alfaro] beat some names. He’s awkward but knows what he’s doing,” Young told The American. “I don’t underestimate anybody. I prepare for everybody as if I’m going against a world champion.”
Rumble Time Promotions President Steve Smith believes that his fighter has what it takes to one day become a world champion. Smith likens Young to current WBA featherweight champion Nonito Donaire due to his combination of speed, power and ring smarts. If that wasn’t enough, he has legendary and hall of fame trainer Buddy Shaw in his corner helping him to formulate and execute the perfect game plan.
“What sets Stephon apart is his ability to adjust to his opponent’s style. It’s hard to outthink him,” Smith said. “Plus, he’s always prepared, always in great shape and he can punch.”
Still, physical talent can only get you so far in the treacherous sport of boxing. For every Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao there are 100 talented fighters who never made it because they couldn’t keep it together outside the ring. Young is determined to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other fighters.
His friend Preston Freeman, another hot boxing prospect, was gunned down outside a St. Louis nightclub after an altercation last year. Freeman moved away to California to pursue his boxing dreams but was killed on a trip back home to visit his family. The news hit Young especially hard considering he was at the same club a week prior to the shooting. His friend’s death and daughter’s birth gave him a wakeup call and helped redefine his priorities.
“Going out drinking, being off in the streets is nothing you’ll see me doing. I can’t be out here fooling around,” Young said. “I’d rather stay in the house, go to work, go to the gym and be with my family. I have something else to live for.”
Smith is confident his fighter will be able to stay on the right track and describes his fighter as “a breath of fresh air” and a “fantastic role model” outside the ring but a skilled boxer who can end any fight with one punch inside the squared circle. That confidence is echoed by his young charge, who seems to be equal parts humble and confident going into the biggest fight of his young career.
“I’m excited. I’m focused. I’m ready,” Young stated. “I feel like this is my time and nobody can tell me anything to make me feel different. This is my chance.”
The television portion of the fight card will also include Ivan “The Terrible” Redkach (16-0, 13 KO) vs Sergey Gulyakevich (41-2, 17 KO) and Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (19-0, 4 KO) vs Ramsey Luna (11-1, 5 KO). Tickets for the fights start at $40 and are available at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314-662-2000. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
