TalkingBoxing with JASON GAVERN
"I need a manager...If I get the pieces together, it will happen fast"
by
Jason Peck
3/21 -
Jason Gavern had a steady job as a police officer with a wife and two kids. The family’s the same, but the job just got a whole lot different. After a remarkable amateur career, Gavern found himself ranked #3 in the super-heavyweight division and a contract with Gossen-Tutor as soon as he made his pro debut.
Gavern took him up on the offer, and amassed a 7-1 professional record before making his next commitment: boxing full-time. Gavern is now taking on two difficult tasks; moving the family to Pennsylvania and looking for a good manager to get his career on track. Even so, he managed to spare a moment with TalkingBoxing.com.
For the talented young heavyweight, it starts with a manager, which he doesn't have at the moment.
"I need a manager to say ‘let’s see what Gavern can do," said the 27-year old from Harrisonburg, VA. "I don’t know anyone, I don’t have any connections. I have a trainer Harold Knight, he was Lennox Lewis’ second trainer, an assistant to Emmanuel Stewart. I have that, but I need a manager. If I get the pieces together, it will happen fast."
April 2nd looks to be a showcase that could just land Jason a quality manager that this quality fighter deserves.
JASON GAVERN
Jason Peck Tell us a little about yourself.
Jason Gavern: I started fighting at 20, I was a full-time police officer and wanted something else. I started fighting as an amateur, I lost my first seven amateur fights so people were talking to me like “what are you doing,” but then I became ranked number 3 in the super heavyweight division. I’m light on my feet and like to box, like Ali, very classic. I like to box, I’m not a big brawler, I like to have more finesse than go toe-to-toe.
Jason Peck So what are your plans as of now?
Jason Gavern: I’m in the process of quitting the police department to box full-time. I have a fight April 2nd, it’s not set in stone but it’s in the works with Gossen-Tutor. Right now my main focus is finding a manager; I need money to supplement what I’ve lost. I’ve got a wife in Florida, and I’m in Pennsylvania right now. I haven’t seen her in months, but that’s a sacrifice.
Jason Peck How long have you been married?
Jason Gavern: I’ve been married eight years, I was married when I was 19. I have two kids. If she [my wife] wasn’t behind me 100% I wouldn’t be able to do this.
"If my wife wasn’t behind me 100% I wouldn’t be able to do this"
Jason Peck And you’re how old?
Jason Gavern: I’m looking for a couple of years yet. I’m 27, 28 in April. I’m older, I started off late but that might be a benefit. I’m still real fresh, I had over 100 fights, I’m young and have the fire.
Jason Peck How would you describe the state of the heavyweight division.
Jason Gavern: I love [IBF heavyweight champion] Chris Byrd because of my style, it’s like his. His fight with McCline was just awesome. McCline is like 6’6, you think he’s going to kill Byrd, and then he gets up from a knockdown and outboxes him.
Jason Peck Are you saying that Vitali Klitschko is not the real heavyweight champion of the world?
Jason Gavern: He’s big, don’t get me wrong, but he doesn’t show anything. I don’t know, he’s just big.
Jason Peck What is it like to break into the business?
Jason Gavern: I have a contract with Goosen-Tutor, I signed when I went pro. I think I’m spoiled because I signed early, most guys only make $100 a round and I make a little more than that. But there’s a difference between amateurs and professionals, you have to eat, sleep and crap boxing. The only way to do it is full-time. Now it’s just so much more business. Turn your head and your career can be over.
Jason Peck You have one loss on your record, which is still respectable. What does a loss teach you at this point in your career?
"I lost on paper, but a lot of people were surprised to see me come back like that in the later rounds"
Jason Gavern: I had only fought 4 rounds until that point. Goosen called me for 8 rounds with Malcolm Tann. So I blew my load in the first four rounds, I couldn’t pace myself. It taught me how to pace myself more. I lost on paper, but a lot of people were surprised to see me come back like that in the later rounds. A lot of people know I’m coming in 100%.
Jason Peck So what is your training regiment looking like nowadays?
Jason Gavern: I’m off two days a week, I use my vacations to go to camp. There are so many distractions you have to be in like six days a week. I don’t really have a set routine yet.
Jason Peck So how has the boxing business been working for you?
Jason Gavern: You have the promoters, they get you the fights, they pay for the hotel and travel.You get the right manager, he pays you, he watches out for you. Right now I manage myself. It’s no good because I don’t want to worry about those details. When I first came into the boxing game, I had no idea of the business end. I didn’t have a lawyer look at the contract, I didn’t do a lot of the things I should have. I signed a five-year deal and I feel like I made the right decision.
Jason Peck What do you need to take care of for the future?
Jason Gavern: I need a manager to say ‘let’s see what Gavern can do.” I don’t know anyone, I don’t have any connections. I have a trainer Harold Knight, he was Lennox Lewis’ second trainer, an assistant to Emmanuel Stewart. I have that, but I need a manager. If I get the pieces together, it will happen fast.
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