Joseph Spencer

Joey Spencer, known as “Small Town Soldier,” is an American professional boxer born on March 24, 2000, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Competing in the super welterweight division, he stands at 5’10”. In 2019, he was honored as the Premier Boxing Champions’ Prospect of the Year. Raised in Linden, Michigan, Spencer was introduced to boxing at a young age, inspired by his father, Jason, a former amateur boxer who also became his trainer. He began sparring at the age of 7 and was home-schooled from his sophomore year of high school to accommodate his rigorous training schedule. Joey's family also adopted his younger brother, Mickel, from Flint, Michigan, fostering a close-knit environment.

Spencer enjoyed a distinguished amateur career, with an impressive record of 90 wins and 10 losses, securing nine national titles. Notably, he was ranked No. 1 in the United States in two different weight classes at the same time. This amateur success laid a strong foundation for his transition to professional boxing.

He turned professional in April 2018 at the age of 18 and quickly made an impact on the scene. Spencer maintained an undefeated streak through his first 15 fights, earning recognition as a rising star in the division. In April 2025, he faced Tim Tszyu for the WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight Title in Newcastle, Australia. Despite a valiant effort, he suffered a fourth-round TKO loss, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Outside the ring, Spencer is known for his strong family values and commitment to personal growth. He admires boxing legend Andre Ward, with whom he trained at Virgil Hunter’s gym in California. Spencer's journey reflects a blend of talent, dedication, and the support of his close-knit family, all contributing to his ongoing pursuit of excellence in boxing.

Joey Spencer combines blue-collar strength with elegant finesse. Although he is not traditionally of Mexican heritage, he often adopts a high guard and a pressure-fighting style reminiscent of Mexican boxing. His relentless forward motion, coupled with a shimmying rhythm, feels almost like a dance, echoing St. Louis’s unique fighting culture and its swagger, reminiscent of hometown legends and hip-hop icons like Nelly. His jab is sharp and purposeful, serving both as a rangefinder and a means to set traps for his opponents.

Built with undeniable farmboy strength, Spencer’s power is rooted in grounded mechanics and an old-school work ethic—traits deeply embedded in small-town American culture, where technique is polished by necessity rather than flash. He approaches the ring like a country spider: seemingly awkward at first glance but patient and dangerous when closing in. While his footwork may not appear flashy, it is practical and deliberate, allowing him to weave in angles while maintaining balance and control. Like Israel Adesanya at his peak, Spencer employs feints and subtle shifts to confuse and ensnare his opponents.

At close range, his combinations are delivered with speed and volume. He is known for pursuing with direct pressure while integrating unique patterns, blending brawler instincts with technical bursts. His upper-body movement can be subtle but effectively disguises his shots and creates openings during his attacks. Joey Spencer’s tactics focus on wearing down opponents both mentally and physically, using pressure not simply as an advantage but as a challenge: how long can you endure in the ring?

Philosophically, Spencer embodies the values that small-town gyms prioritize—repetition, character, and the principle that little efforts can lead to significant results. He trains and fights with the belief that major achievements often stem from simple, honest techniques honed over thousands of repetitions. Ben Whittaker Ben Whittaker, born on June 6, 1997, in West Bromwich, England, is a professional light-heavyweight boxer known for his dynamic style and charismatic presence in the ring. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he has earned the nickname "The Surgeon." Whittaker's early life was shaped by a diverse cultural background; his father, Tony, is Jamaican, while his mother, Karen, is of English and Austrian descent.

During his amateur career, Whittaker represented England in several prestigious competitions, including the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His standout performance came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where he won a silver medal in the light-heavyweight division. Despite this achievement, Whittaker expressed disappointment at not securing the gold medal, stating, "You don’t win silver, you lose gold." His passion and commitment to excellence were evident throughout his amateur career, which concluded with a record of 53 wins and 13 losses.

Transitioning to the professional ranks in 2022, Whittaker signed with Boxxer and began training under renowned coach SugarHill Steward. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his skill and showmanship in the ring. In 2024, he captured the IBF International light-heavyweight title by defeating the previously unbeaten Ezra Arenyeka via unanimous decision. Later that year, he faced Liam Cameron in a title defense that ended in a technical draw due to an accidental injury.

Outside the ring, Whittaker is known for his flamboyant personality, drawing comparisons to boxing legends like Prince Naseem Hamed. His showboating and dance-like movements during fights have garnered both praise and criticism, but they undeniably contribute to his growing popularity. Whittaker’s unique approach aims to bring excitement to the sport and attract a broader audience.