Minnesota Boxing News: Robert Kamya

"Will Juarez be old memories for Litzau?"
Byline RAY KILGORE: Minnesotaboxing.com writer
March 30th, 2010

On April 3, 2010 Jason "The American Boy" Litzau (26-2, 21 KOs) will challenge Rocky Juarez (28-5-1 20 KOs) on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins vs. Roy Jones Jr. in Las Vegas.

The fight is double jeopardy for Litzau. First, he faces a fighter in Juarez whose skills have been crafted fighting the best. Second, Litzau must restrain the warrior stance which cost him in the past.

Litzau, born in St. Paul MN, struggled with satisfying fans while risking his well-being in the process.

It wasn't uncommon to hear, "I rather die in the ring," this from a man only 26-years-old.

Shortly after Litzau's 2005 fight against John Nolasco (18-4-4 8 KOs) on ESPN 2, he said, "I think TV likes me because they know there's going to be excitement…"

The Nolasco contest was reportedly the most-watched telecast in ESPN's history then. Litzau won a split decision but was knocked down for the first time in his professional career.

The fight was later re-aired on ESPN classic channel and this confirmed for Litzau, that acceptance was achieved through excitement.

Eventually, Litzau's offensive-minded style cost him against Jose Hernandez (22-5 14 KOs) in 2006. Outside of losing the first round from a flash knockdown, Litzau controlled all seven rounds.

Then, one blow knocked him senseless in round eight.

In 2007, Bob Van Syckle, Litzau's trainer, told MN boxing, "In the past he publicly and privately said 'I am here to knock you out and give you your money's worth. If I get knocked out oh well.' "

Litzau rebounded from the Hernandez defeat, seemingly transformed from his tough guy persona, and won three straight matches using skills and ring intelligence.

"Just watch my defense. I am going to be setting sh*t up…," he told MN boxing in 2007 before his fight with Aldo Valtierra (25-12 13 KOs) at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul MN.

Litzau didn't fall prey to the disapproval of fans as he out boxed Valtierra winning a unanimous decision. Finally, the thrill-seeking fighter in him was old news.

But, shortly after that, his terminator mind-set resurfaced in February 2008 when he challenged Robert Guerrero for the IBF title. Guerrero won by TKO in round eight.

It was then Litzau learned contracts, media, and some fans weren't loyal. Main Events, his promoter, released him from his promotional contract and Litzau went into sabbatical for over a year.

During his hiatus, rumors flourished that after 135 amateur bouts and ring wars, his physical health suffered. "They say I am punchy but that's not true. I feel good. I look good…I am no dumb fighter," he told MN boxing in April 2009.

Once again Litzau won three straight and this time he captured the NABF title against Verquan Kimbrough (27-3-3 7 KOs) in August 2009 by a third-round TKO.

Saturday night should give fans an indication of if Litzau's ready for primetime. Litzau enjoys a height and reach advantage over the 29-year old Juarez.

Litzau, the father of three, must develop thick-skin as it isn't his job to carry the evening even if fans paid $49.95 for the pay-preview and $700.00 for ringside seats. Litzau can't afford to be fooled by his heart telling his brain the opportunity exists to upstage the main event.

And Litzau must remember that fans are forgiving but there's a time when it stops. It's great to provide action but it doesn't help if big fights are lost without reasons.

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