Hank Lundy.

"Hammer Hank" will be joining us on the first podcast of 2014, next Wednesday. Please post any questions you have for him in here and we'll make sure they get asked.

Amateur career

Lundy took his family’s advice and began a successful amateur boxing career in which he finished 65–5 overall and won the 2003 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves. Lundy also won a silver medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves and won the Junior Lightweight Open Division championship at the Middle Atlantic Championships and East Central Championships before his amateur career ended with a narrow loss in the 2007 Pan-Am Games.

Professional career[edit]Lundy began his professional career in 2006 under the guidance of promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and Classic Entertainment and Sports, defeating Steve Thomas by first-round knockout at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Lundy quickly rose to 10–0 within the next 16 months, including wins in Providence, Rhode Island; Lincoln, Rhode Island; and Mashantucket, Connecticut at Foxwoods Resort Casino, establishing an early reputation as one of boxing’s most promising road warriors.

On March 28, 2008, Lundy faced his toughest test to date when he traveled to Salamanca, New York to face undefeated hometown favorite Darnell Jiles Jr. at the Seneca Allegany Casino on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights. The bout ended in a draw with all three judges scoring the fight, 38–38.

Lundy returned to ESPN two months later, facing another unbeaten prospect in Esteban Almarez. This time, Lundy earned the win, narrowly beating Almarez by unanimous decision, 38–37, 38–37, 38–36 at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

A year later, Lundy earned a breakthrough victory, knocking out undefeated Jason Cintron, the younger brother of former world champion Kermit Cintron, in the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on April 24, 2009.

Lundy called out Cintron prior to the bout, questioning Cintron’s background and predicting a knockout win.

“I guarantee this fight will be over in three rounds,” Lundy said. “I hold no punches in the ring. When you look at my resume, I’m fighting people that can fight. Who has he fought? There’s a buzz going around that he’s planning to knock me out. You have, what, three knockouts on paper? Look at my knockout ratio. Look at the type of guys I’m fighting.

“He’s not on my level. He’s nowhere in the same league as me.”

Lundy breezed through his next three bouts, stopping former New England amateur standout Josh Beeman in the fifth round, knocking out Justo Sanchez in the sixth round of a scheduled 10-round bout two months later, and annihilating Aldo Valtierra in 2 minutes, 41 seconds at Mohegan Sun on October 31, 2009.

Lundy kicked off 2010 with another tough challenge, facing former Cuban amateur standout Richard Abril at The Roxy in Boston, Massachusetts on January 22. Despite getting knocked down in the sixth round on what appeared to be a slip, Lundy held on for a narrow, 98–91, 96–94, 94–95 split-decision victory to improve to 17–0–1.

With eight consecutive wins under his belt, Lundy soon issued a challenge to any and all lightweights willing to face him in the ring.

“Look at the records of the guys who I have fought,” Lundy said. “I was fighting opponents with fifty-plus fights in my sixth bout.

“I have fought many veterans, undefeated guys and now contenders. I am ready for the next level, any lightweight out there, preferably in the top 10, because I know I am very close to realizing my dream to become world champion.”

NABO championship

Undefeated lightweight Tyrese Hendrix answered Lundy’s challenge, agreeing to face Lundy on April 16, 2010 at the Omni New Daisy Theater in Memphis, Tennessee for the vacant NABO lightweight title on Friday Night Fights.

Lundy dominated, knocking down Hendrix twice in the first and again in the sixth en route to a 98–90, 100–88, 99–88 unanimous-decision victory to capture the NABO title.

First career loss

Three months after winning the title, Lundy made his first defense against John Molina Jr. in the main event of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island on July 9, 2010.

Lundy’s speed and powered overwhelmed Molina through the first half of the fight before Molina sent Lundy to the canvas in the eighth round courtesy of a hard, overhand right. Lundy made it back to his feet, but struggled down the stretch; Molina caught Lundy against the ropes in the 11th round and finished him off with a flurry, prompting referee Ricky Gonzalez to stop the bout at the 2:18 mark.

Molina improved to 21–1 while Lundy dropped to 18–1–1.

Lundy returned to the ring five weeks later, again on ESPN, with a unanimous decision win over Omri Lowther in Montreal, Quebec – a fight Lundy agreed to take on just three days’ notice.

NABF championship

Lundy earned another shot at a title on April 1, 2011 when he faced former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez for the vacant NABF lightweight championship on Friday Night Fights at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Lundy sent Lopez to the canvas in the second round and ultimately won the fight by unanimous decision, 99–91, 97–92, 95–94.

The win was Lundy’s second in a row since losing to Molina, improving his overall record to 20–1–1.

Showdown against David Diaz[edit]Four months after beating Lopez, Lundy again traveled to an opponent’s backyard, agreeing to face former world champion and fan favorite David Diaz at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, a short distance from Diaz’s hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

The fight took place August 19, 2011 on ESPN. Lundy took control early before Diaz caught him with a right hook in the fourth round, sending Lundy tumbling to the canvas. Diaz tried desperately to end the fight in the fourth, but Lundy survived and eventually cut Diaz above the eye in the fifth. Referee Gerald Scott threatened to stop the fight due to the damage over Diaz’s eye, but ultimately allowed the former world champion to continue. Lundy finished Diaz for good in the sixth with a left hand that put Diaz flat on his back 37 seconds into the round.

Second NABF title defense

After making his first title defense against Diaz, Lundy squared off against little-known power-puncher Dannie Williams of St. Louis, Missouri. Williams began the war of words in December by threatening to "hurt" Lundy if the two were to meet in the ring.

The match was scheduled as the 10-round main event of ESPN's Friday Night Fights on March 30, 2012 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino's MGM Grand Theater. After months of talk from both camps, Williams got off to a strong start, dropping Lundy with a hard right hand to the temple in the opening round. Lundy bounced back to dominant the final nine rounds in arguably his most impressive victory to date. Lundy won unanimously on all three scorecards, 97–92, 97–92, 98–91, utilizing his jab to neutralize Williams' counter-punching abilities.

Third NABF title defense

On July 27, 2012, Lundy defended his title against Mexican challenger Raymundo Beltran in the main event of ESPN's Friday Night Fights at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lundy entered the fight ranked No. 1 among lightweights in the WBC. Beltran applied pressure throughout the fight, constantly driving Lundy against the ropes. Both fighters exchanged clean blows at the end of the third round, with Lundy striking Beltran at the bell, wobbling Beltran momentarily, but Beltran escaped with the 96-94, 96-94, 95-95 majority-decision, claiming the NABF crown and handing Lundy just the second loss of his professional career.

Lundy is currently ranked No. 5 in the world among lightweights by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Did a bit of reading on Lundy mate. Apparently he was a set to be an American footballer but his aunt could only afford to send either him or his sister to college and he insisted his sister go to college. Pretty noble decision.

Started boxing when he was 18 after delivering an uppercut to a schoolyard bully and put him to sleep. His uncle told him to "get his butt to a gym" because "people don't punch people, people shoot people" it was that family advice that set him on his path

Is anyone going to help out with questions for Hank or just bicker about David Haye?

Whos the hardest puncher you have faced?

Do you ever think John Molina will risk facing you again?

Do you ever wish you had of played football instead of taking up boxing?

Whats your plans for 2014?

Did the bully you laid out ever bother you again after that uppercut you landed on him?

Who do you think is the weakest title holder at 140?

Who is your favorite current fighter?

How hard was it to come back from the Molina fight (after being well ahead on the cards)?

If you could choose to make one change in boxing, what would it be?

Which win do you consider your best? Diaz, Ojose or Abril?

Would you consider moving up to 147?

If so, which title holder would you go for first?


There Paul, just a few seeing as its a bit quiet on this thread.

You'll tend to find lot's of people have an opinion on boxers, promoters, trainers and the noble art of boxing itself....but when they get an opportunity to actually put forward some questions to people actually involved in the sport then they suddenly go very quiet and are hasty to contribute...either that or just ask stupid questions which they know won't get asked. Sadly something myself and Paul have got used to after 12 months of doing this!!

Cheers for those questions though Reborn; good to have you on board mate.

Yea I always sensed that while listening haha.

Looking forward to helping as much as I can and chattin with you's.

My close mates are footie nuts so its hard to get a sensible boxing related coversation with them. Tyson would beat anyone in the history of boxing and all that.

So in that sense it should be good to air the views.

  

On the 1st of January 2014 Billy Nelson, trainer of Ricky Burns', named who he believed to be the Top 5 lightweights in the world:

1.Burns
2.Vasquez
3.Gonzalez
4. Crawford
5. Abril

Gamboa just missing out.

Nelson also has Ray Beltran in his ranking as between 10-12.


Firstly does Hank agree with this list?

Secondly who would Hank like to fight out of these guys?

With Broner stepping up from lightweight and getting well beaten by Maidana does Hank think he will be seeing Broner fighting again at 135lbs?

What did Hank see as the main reason for Broner's defeat.

Looking at the performance Beltran put on versus Burns does it give Hank added confidence and drive to push for a world title?

Thanks for the questions Strongback, much appreciated and we will ensure we put at least two of them to him!...though perhaps all, if we have time and depending on how many people send in questions!

owen10ozzy wrote:Thanks for the questions Strongback, much appreciated and we will ensure we put at least two of them to him!...though perhaps all, if we have time and depending on how many people send in questions!

Cheers

What is your biggest strength in the ring?

What is your favourite episode of Seinfeld, and what would it be like if it were still on TV today?

Do you think a fight with Ajose would have gone differently if he hadn't been hammered by Mathysse previously?

Who is the best boxer ever, Tyson or Ali?

Who would win in a trash talking battle, you or Broner?

Have you ever met Elly Setback? If so, what is like to be in the presence of true greatness?

What time is it?

What did you think of Molina's 4 round blitzing of Dannie Williams?

You see Molina v Demarco? Thoughts?

What is your favourite brand of industrial hammer?

Are you called Hank or Henry? TELL ME

How would you describe the buzz before getting into the ring? Do the nerves change the more experienced you get?

Which style of boxer do you find the most difficult?

Is Danny Garcia your target and what do you think of your philli compatriot? He seems to be a guy who gets a lot of credit for not getting a lot of credit. Are you mates? What do you make of his dad?

Who are your inspirations? What do you think of the boxing in general, profile, drug testing, high profile "nutritionists", belts, show time v hbo, promotors, judging.

Broner?

Is being from philly harder for a fighter due to the expections or easier as you have that many heros to look up to? I.e. a burden or a curse.

Having seen how close beltran got to a world belt and how close you pushed him not too long ago is that a rematch you will be trying to force?

Which fighter from another era would you have loved to have got in the ring with?

Outside of the fights is there anyone in boxing you are close to or do you like to break away completely?

When you have taken a big shot to the head what are you thoughts? Calm and collected/survive/rage?

Football or boxing if your family hadnt had to worry about money?

Cheers guys. Although owen ease off the sweeping statements across the board. Some of us do try and ask questions for most podcasts. You guys are all doing a brilliant job. Keep it up as it is appreciated

The bigger fights are at 140, was it a conscious decision to move up with that in mind, or moving into your 30s can you not make 135 anymore? Do you feel stronger at the weight.

How has his training camps changed over the years, bigger purses must increase professionalism.

Jesse hart, Eugene's son is being tipped for big things, what is it about philli that, they keep producing great American talent, is mma impacting on gym numbers, crowd support?

We're recording this show tomorrow so if you have anymore questions can you please post them here asap.
 
Thanks

In light of the article on the BBC about depression....

Have you ever been affected by depression?
Is their enough help in the industry if you do?
How did you overcome defeat and maintain your confidence?

Cheers!