For the Seldons, boxing is a family affair.
Bruce Seldon Jr., son of Atlantic City native and former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, will make his professional boxing debut this Saturday at Boardwalk Hall.
The fight will take place on the undercard of what is being billed as Tale of Garcia.
The promotion is headed by former two division world champion and Philadelphia native Danny Garcia.
It is no surprise Garcia picked Atlantic City for his inaugural show.
“The venue has been home to many historic fights and we’re thrilled to promote our first show there,” he told Boxing Scene.
The Seldons have deep roots in the boxing community.
Bruce Jr’s older brother, Isiah, had a successful pro boxing career, capturing the NJ State Super Middleweight title.
His father made his name on the biggest stage in the sport.
Bruce Seldon defeated Tony Tucker by TKO in the seventh round to win the WBA heavyweight title in April 1995.
Later that summer, he successfully defended the belt with a 10th-round knockout over Joe Hipp, which took place on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs Peter McNeely. The fight was seen by millions worldwide, as it was Iron Mike’s first fight since being released from prison after serving a three-year sentence for rape.
The win over Hipp led to an eventual mega fight with Mike Tyson on Sept 7, 1996.
Tyson defeated Seldon via first round knockout, ending his nearly two-year championship reign. The fight is also notable because shortly after attending the event, hip-hop star Tupac Shakur was shot while traveling in a car near the Las Vegas strip. Shakur died six days later.
Known as The AC Express, Seldon was a major force in the early to mid-90s heavyweight scene. Prior to that, he won the New Jersey Golden Gloves as a super heavyweight. He finished his career with an overall record of 40-8.
Seldon Jr., 29, graduated Absegami High School in 2012.
While there, he was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, lacrosse and track.
His biggest supporter has always been his mom.
“My mom has supported me throughout my entire life," he said. "She always told me if I was going to do something, to do it the right way. For my training she is always making my fruit juices, whatever I need.”
He is managed by DKO Boxing which is run by Absecon native Jimmy Kurtz and David Dubinsky.
Kurtz’s experience navigating the tricky world of boxing politics, along with handling the pressure of competing in major events, should serve Bruce Jr. well as he attempts to climb the heavyweight ladder.
“We had a great camp, now we are just putting in the finishing touches," said his trainer, former boxer Julio Sanchez. "We only have two sparring sessions left.”
Seldon Jr. takes an old school approach, watching tapes of his father and other fighters of that famous era, in particular Larry Holmes.
“Of course Pops is my favorite fighter, but other than him, it’s Larry Holmes," the younger Seldon said. "My dad always told me how helpful Larry was to him when he was coming up. He was a great mentor for my dad.
"Plus, if I want to see my dad, all I have to do is look in the mirror. I see him every day,” he added with a chuckle.
Those close to Jr. say he is the spitting image of his old man. Like a clone, he was gifted with the same size and athleticism.
Asked for his final thoughts, Seldon said: “I am in great company, but I’m not taking anything for granted. I’m excited, I can feel that nervous energy. I’ve put in the hard work, now I’m ready to go. It’s a blessing to fight at Boardwalk Hall, so much history there.”
Seldon Jr’s quest to become a heavyweight contender begins this Saturday when he laces up the gloves for the first professional fight of his career.
When the opening bell sounds, he will be the third Seldon to call himself a professional boxer. Seldon’s opponent is Terrick Maven. The four-round bout is slated to be the second fight on the card. Doors open at 6 p.m.. First fight is at 7p.m.
