Q: How did you make your way into the boxing gym? How old were you when you had your first sanctioned bout?
A: I grew up in Brighton Beach, and boxing was just always around. My dad took me to the gym when I was a little kid because I had too much energy and needed some discipline. Once I put the gloves on, I never wanted to take them off. I had my first sanctioned fight when I was around 10 years old, and from that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.
Q: You had over 130 amateur fights and captured the New York Golden Gloves in the 152 lb. open division. You turned professional at 17 instead of fighting in the Olympics. Did you feel like you were better suited for professional boxing?
A: Yeah, definitely. The amateurs were great for experience, but my style was always more suited for the professional ranks. I like to sit down on my punches, go to the body, break guys down. In the amateurs, you can outpoint people and move around, but I always wanted to hurt guys and put on a show. Turning pro at 19 just felt like the right move for me.
Q: As just a young kid, you were sparring with the likes of fellow Brooklynite and former middleweight champion Danny Jacobs. Any other notable names you’ve shared the ring with while sparring or fought in the amateurs?
A: Sparring with Danny Jacobs was huge for me early on. That’s a world champion and a great dude who gave me some serious work. I’ve also shared rounds with a lot of top guys coming up through New York gyms, pros, and amateurs. When you’re in the Brooklyn gym scene, you’re always around killers, so every sparring session feels like a real fight.
Q: Brooklyn amateur standouts you fought alongside — like WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and IBF super lightweight champ Richardson Hitchins — are grabbing headlines nowadays. How frustrating has it been sitting on the sidelines while you watch your neighbors grab title belts?
A: Look, of course, you want to be in that spotlight too. Those are my guys, and I’m proud of them, but at the same time, I know I belong right there with them. Boxing is a crazy business, and sometimes things outside the ring slow you down. But trust me, the hunger only gets stronger watching everybody else shine. My time is coming.
Q: For those who haven’t seen you fight, who would you compare or liken your style to from any past or present boxers?
A: I think I bring a little old-school flavor. I love body punching like the greats used to do. Some people say I remind them of Roy Jones Jr. with the way I attack the body, and I’ll take that as a big compliment. But honestly, I’m just trying to create my own style — that “White Chocolate” style.
Q: You seem to have a genuine love for the sport of boxing despite boxing your own shadow for over two decades. Would “No Boxing, No Life” be an accurate description of how you feel about the sport?
A: That’s exactly how I feel. Boxing gave me everything — discipline, purpose, and a way to express myself. When I’m not training, I’m thinking about training. When I’m not fighting, I’m thinking about fighting. For me, it’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.
Q: Have you ever worked a regular job, or has boxing been your only occupation?
A: Boxing has always been my main focus. Since I was a kid, it’s been gym, school, gym again. When you start fighting young and chasing big dreams, you structure your whole life around it. I’ve always treated it like a full-time job.
Q: What do you do with your time outside the ring?
A: I like to keep things simple. Spend time with family, hang out with friends, maybe watch fights, and study the game. I’m big on recovery too — stretching, sauna, things like that. And of course, I like being around the ocean when I’m down in Florida.
Q: What’s in heavy rotation on your music playlist right now when you train in the gym?
A: It’s a mix. I’d say it’s mostly hip-hop and house music.
Q: You are leaving snowy Brooklyn for the sunny confines of South Florida to train at BOXR Gym, where light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will be training for his fight against Zurdo Ramirez. How do you like life in the 305?
A: I’m loving it. The weather is amazing, the vibe is different, and there are a lot of serious fighters down there. Being around guys like David Benavidez and other hungry champions at BOXR Gym pushes you to another level. It’s all about leveling up.
Q: A video recently surfaced of you dropping a hard-fought decision to a very good Russian fighter named Yuri Osipov. I initially thought it was a professional bout because there was no headgear, but it was actually a five-round exhibition. What happened that night, and what did you learn from that fight?
A: This fight remains one of the most challenging experiences of my career. I didn’t have to take it, since it was only an exhibition match, but I agreed to it under difficult circumstances. I arrived in Russia four days before the fight on short notice and became seriously ill. Even my coach, Andre Rozier, who traveled with me, passed out in front of everyone during the weigh-ins due to the same stressful conditions.
Because of my illness and the weight cut required to make the fight, I couldn’t hydrate properly, take medication, or maintain adequate nutrition. Despite my team advising me to withdraw, I chose to compete because of the financial incentive. Looking back, that decision was unwise.
Although the match doesn’t count on my professional record, it was a valuable learning experience. If I ever take an exhibition again, I’ll make sure I’m properly prepared and put my health first.
Q: Recently, you started training at BOXR Gym with legendary New York trainer Milton LaCroix. Any new wrinkles to your game that you’ve been working on with Milton?
A: Milton is a mastermind. We’ve been working on tightening everything up — defense, angles, setting up my body shots even better. The power has always been there, but now it’s about being smarter and more complete in the ring.
Q: Nowadays, it seems that a lot of fighters are content with engaging in a snoozefest to get a safe victory and a paycheck, losing sight of the fact that this is an entertainment business. When you fight, it seems that being an entertainer is part of the “White Chocolate” experience. How important is it for you to put on a show for the fans rather than get an easy W?
A: It’s huge. Fans spend their hard-earned money to watch us fight. They deserve excitement. I want people on the edge of their seats every time I step in the ring. Knockouts and body shots — that’s what boxing is about. When you watch White Chocolate, you know you’re getting a show.
Q: You have a big following among the Russian fans in Brighton Beach. What does it mean to you to represent your hometown when you step in the ring?
A: It means everything. Brighton Beach raised me. That community supported me from the beginning. When I fight, I feel like I’m carrying all of Brooklyn and all those fans with me. That pride pushes me to perform at my best.
Q: Even though you are migrating south to train in Florida, Brooklyn is where your heart is. Anything you want to say to Brooklyn fans — or anyone in particular you want to call out to throw hands with?
A: Brooklyn, I appreciate all the love. Don’t worry, I’m working, and I’m coming back stronger than ever. And to anybody in the middleweight division who thinks they’re safe… keep my name in mind. White Chocolate is coming, and when I get my shot, I’m taking the belt back to Brooklyn!
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