Zanesville boxers sign pro contracts
COLUMBUS – Boxing has taken another leap forward in Zanesville with several local amateur stars moving to the ranks of the professional arena.
On April 25, Travis Jerig made his pro debut in Parkersburg, W. Va., defeating Anthony Dave of Canton. His solid performance earned a unanimous decision and launched his career into the sport with promoters taking notice.
This week, Zakery Rollins and Brandon Alexander joined Jerig in negotiations with Columbus-based Speakman Promotions making offers. As a result, the three signed multi-year contracts and will begin building their professional boxing careers.
Speakman is known for producing fighters and shows, including the Arnold Sports Festivals in Columbus and work with major worldwide promoters like Goldenboy and Top Rank
Jerig, Rollins and Alexander will be featured in a pro boxing show, promoted by Speakman, on July 25 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. They also announced plans to bring a professional boxing show to Zanesville in late summer as the beginning of a four-event series.
Professional boxing has not been seen in the Zanesville area for decades, but long ago names like Tommy Russell, Sam Jones, John Bauer and the Agin brothers were well-known stars.
The Police Athletic League in Zanesville was started in 1997 featuring amateur youth boxing at the forefront of their programs and activities. Amateur national champions began being produced on a regular basis through Golden Gloves, National PAL and USA Boxing. The local non-profit organization is located at 804 Pine Street and is open evenings except Saturdays.
Jerig, Rollins and Alexander all began boxing at the Zanesville PAL and built their skills, along with the dedication, discipline and hard work required to be champions.
PAL's next home amateur event will be June 27 in the B.O.S.S. (Best Of Summer Series) amateur boxing tournament and show. The show will be at the PAL facility located at 804 Pine Street.
T.J. Hart Boxing, L.L.C. currently trains professionals in the Zanesville area, including Jerig, Rollins and Alexander. Chief Trainer Tim Hartmeyer began training with Sam Jones in Glouster and continued with USA Boxing at the Olympic Training Centers at Colorado Springs and Marquette, Michigan.
He has also coached U.S. national teams in camps at the Olympic Training Centers and at international events. He began working with professional boxers in addition to his amateurs at PAL in 2001. He retired from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office in 2006 as a crime scene investigator and evidence technician.