USVI Boxer Deion Pruitt. Photo Credit: JULIUS JACKSON/FACEBOOK
Virgin Island Boxer Deion Pruitt recorded his third professional knockout victory in as many professional fights in the first round on Saturday night during the “All or Nothing 4” T&K Boxing Promotions event in Clearwater, Florida.
In a phone interview with the Consortium, Mr. Pruitt said his opponent, James Horne, was rushing at him and he threw a quick uppercut to Mr. Horne's body, and “he didn't get up from it.” Mr. Pruitt said this happened approximately a minute and 20 seconds into the first round.
When asked how it felt to be 3-0 as a professional fighter, Mr. Pruitt responded, “It’s good. Just waiting for the next one.”
Virgin Islands boxing fans won’t have to wait long to watch Mr. Pruitt get back into the ring, as his next fight will take place on Sept. 18 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, Ga.
His major takeaway from the quick fight was, “just go in there and enjoy yourself. Don't wait for anything, don't hold back — can’t hold back any punches.”
Mr. Pruitt said the arena was “packed” and that when the knockdown took place, “it got loud.” He said the reaction from the crowd was a little delayed because “when I hit him, not everyone knew why he went to his knee.” Mr. Pruitt said the only punches his opponent landed were on his shoulders and gloves.
This was the shortest fight of Mr. Pruitt's professional career, as his previous two knockout victories happened in the second round.
Mr. Pruitt trains locally at the boxing gym in Pearson Gardens on St. Thomas. In an interview with the Consortium before the fight, he thanked his coaches Julian Jackson, Randy Williams, Joey Vialet and Melvin Donavon along with his sparring partners Julius Jackson, Clayton Laurent and Abdul Smith for helping him prepare for the bout.
