PG Talk: Divante Jones
Professional Lightweight Boxer, 9-0
Profile: Divante "The Dominator" Jones | Age: 24 | From: Augusta, Georgia
Instagram: @DivanteEnigma | Twitter: @DivanteEnigma | Facebook: Divante Jones
When did you first start boxing and did you play any other sports growing up?
I started boxing at the age of 7. I played other sports before that, like baseball and basketball, but boxing stood out and it was special to me.
Who were your favorite athlete(s) and favorite sports teams growing up?
I would say my favorite athletes growing would be Ali, Tyson and Sugar Ray. They stood out from the rest. My favorite sports teams are the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks.
When did you know you were going to be a professional boxer?
I knew I wanted to be a professional boxer when I was 15. I became the 3rd ranked boxer in the country for my weight class. Through hard work and faith, I thought that I can go very far in this endeavor.
Boxing is a dangerous sport, what motivates you to fight?
What motivates me is simple, I want to be the best. If I'm not in your top 5 favorite fighters then I'm not doing my job. I am motivated to learn as much as I can in this sport so I can say I did everything I could to reach my best before retirement.
What is it like to have your father as your trainer?
It’s amazing. I'm very blessed to have my father as my trainer. Not only is he someone who pushes me to be the best in the world, but also because he is someone who has the zeal to learn just as much as me. No one has more faith in me than him.
What kind of training do you before a fight and where?
It’s an intense training schedule. During training I am not only getting better physically, but also mentally to learn what to do in every situation in the ring. It takes a high IQ and lots of concentration to reach your best.
How does it feel to be fighting for the New England lightweight championship in only your second professional fight in the region?
It means a lot! I want to thank CES Boxing for the opportunity. It’s been a long time coming. I knew my time would eventually come, so I didn't get ready, I stayed ready! The New England championship is just the start to many more championships to come.
Which fight(s) was your most memorable one?
I really don't have one yet. Whether I won by knockout or decision, I take something from each fight to get better and to help prepare myself for the next one.
What separates you from every other fighter in your division?
What separates me from every other fighter is my desire to win and get better at any cause. It takes a lot of self-sacrifices if you want to succeed on the highest level in this sport and I'm willing to do that.
What are your goals that you want to reach as a professional boxer?
To be the most successful pound for pound boxer of all-time. I also strive to be a good role model and a positive influence in the lives of others.
Any advice for younger guys looking to get into boxing?
If you want to box make sure put God first. Secondly, you have to put your all into a sport like boxing. Uncommon people do uncommon things to be the best.
If you could have set a dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
I really don’t have one. There are so many great fighters thought out boxing, but it would be great to meet the best and listen to their advice.
Is boxing your full time job?
Yes it is. This is my 9 to 5. The difference is I love to work overtime! This is all I know, there is no plan b for me
What do you like to do in your free time/offseason?
Spending time with my family traveling and also dedicating my time to speak to the youth to help spread positivity in their lives are things I like to do in my free time.
Which fight(s) was your most memorable one?
I really don't have one yet. Whether I won by knockout or decision, I take something from each fight to get better and to help prepare myself for the next one.
What separates you from every other fighter in your division?
What separates me from every other fighter is my desire to win and get better at any cause. It takes a lot of self-sacrifices if you want to succeed on the highest level in this sport and I'm willing to do that.
What are your goals that you want to reach as a professional boxer?
To be the most successful pound for pound boxer of all-time. I also strive to be a good role model and a positive influence in the lives of others.
Any advice for younger guys looking to get into boxing?
If you want to box make sure put God first. Secondly, you have to put your all into a sport like boxing. Uncommon people do uncommon things to be the best.
If you could have set a dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
I really don’t have one. There are so many great fighters thought out boxing, but it would be great to meet the best and listen to their advice.
Is boxing your full time job?
Yes it is. This is my 9 to 5. The difference is I love to work overtime! This is all I know, there is no plan b for me
What do you like to do in your free time/offseason?
Spending time with my family traveling and also dedicating my time to speak to the youth to help spread positivity in their lives are things I like to do in my free time.