Reality keeps Abell focussed
By Ray Kilgore
6-12-09

 

 

Actuality and boxing doesn’t mix at times; nevertheless, Joey Abell’s authenticity maintains his drive despite the odds.

Saturday night is Abell’s fifth contest this year, holding a record of 24-4-1- (23 KOs), he doesn’t project phony bravado.

The 26-year old Abell fights in an era when the heavyweight division is wide open; still, he isn’t duped into the trappings of it all.

“Guys in the top 20 won’t want to fight me. It’s a lose-lose situation for them.”

He perseveres, “If they beat me, it won’t do much for their careers; if they lose to me-which is a good chance I hit them with something-it sets them back.”

Abell’s size of 6’5” 245 pounds elicits a “proceed with caution,” outlook for countless opponents.

Teke Oruh experienced this in November 2007 when Abell stepped in on short notice and spoiled then 14-0, Oruh’s plans.

By all conclusions, Abell, who holds a degree in Public Education and Recreation, has progressed since turning professional in 2005.

“He never had confidence in his jab. He always bent low when he threw [it],” says Abell’s head Coach Ron Lyke.

Lyke proclaims, “Now he’s throwing it standing up [and] what makes him more dangerous is his [newly developed] left hook.”

For most of his career, Abell tutored under Lyke but ventured out to work with former World Champion Michael Moore for a brief period.

Moore prepared Abell for his battle with former cruiserweight champion Al Cole in September 2008, but Abell discovered issues.

“For the fight, I was miserable. I stayed in a hotel for three months training away from my family. I am a homebody and I need to be with my family.”

Abell, the second oldest of five children, goes by the ring alias “Minnesota Ice,” and the former high school football star’s career moved with significance as he steamed rolled until several hiccups.

“When I was in the dressing room after my first defeat, I said, ‘I don’t know if I want this any more.”’

By the third setback, Abell adjusted. “I was never beat-up in any of my defeats and I’ve learned something from all of them.”

A lesson in his textbook is one faded gladiators flunk repeatedly: recognizing when to yank the respirator on a career that’s over.

“I am not in the sport to get pounded on. Another lost or two will end things for me. My main goal is to bring honor to the family’s name.”

Living in deep denial that compromises truths doesn’t interest Abell.

As an eight-year old amateur growing up in Winneconne, Wisconsin, he never fathomed a recurring invitation to places such as the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, PA, not to mention imagining his adopted state being behind him the way we are; but, can you think of anyone who deserve better?