CAMDEN — Camden native Mario "Heavy Hands" Moore will fight his final amateur fight in Oak Grove, Okla., on Friday.
Moore was scheduled to make his professional debut in March against Quincy Minor, but an issue with negotiations prevented it. Moore wasn't discouraged and said it was usual for negotiations to break down in boxing. In fact, Moore used the past month or so spending time with his family, training and mentoring the younger boxers at the Queen City Boxing Club.
"He changed his mind," Moore said about his opponent. "I don't think he liked the money he was going to get or something like that. I'm still positive about it all and this will be my last amateur fight before I fight professionally and soon. I will be signing a contract this summer. It just takes time and patience in this business. I kept training and everything and I'm just ready to get back in the ring."
Moore said he was unsure of the name of his opponent but said that he believes they will be equal in experience and skills.
Moore extended an invitation to the city of Camden to make the trip to Oak Grove and see him in action. The fight card for Moore's match includes professional fighters like Zack Shurtz and Jerri Seitz - which is just one of the reasons this fight could gain him more exposure.
Moore has fought as an amateur for about four years and said that he has been in over 30 fights. He has also attended tryouts to represent the United States of America in the Olympics in addition to winning several amateur awards and belts. Moore's journey to become a profession has allowed him to cross paths with Andre Ward, Tom Gray and Little Rock native Jermaine Taylor - who Moore said he has met on several occasions and is a “down to earth and regular guy.” He also met one of undefeated and retired Floyd Mayweather’s trainers.