Born to box, Joey Spencer (@joeydspencer) started as a wee little grappler at the age of five. Now, already dominating his boxing career, the teen from Linden, Michigan is somewhat of a Disney-poster child for the notion that dreams can come true. With a seamless pro record of 6-0-0, Spencer’s on a hot streak to fulfilling his destiny. Even as a middle-schooler, Spencer spent countless hours sparring and training at the local gym to become the best. So it’s really no surprise that upon his much-awaited professional debut, Spencer unleashed all his pent-up passion with a knockout performance— and a literal TKO win.
Needless to say, we’re major fans of Joey’s story. We interviewed him about his insights on chasing dreams, staying positive and living a healthy lifestyle.
Spencer’s life as a boxer is packed with surprises. Unlike most professional boxers, his training involves something quite different: his father! As a long-time amateur boxer, Spencer’s father, Jason, has mastered the art of being both parent and coach. Although this arrangement might be stressful to some, Spencer thinks it’s great. As he explains, “sometimes it's hard to find the balance between him being a father and a coach but we do the best we can and it's a good relationship. It all works out.”
"It's great to work with someone who you know 100% has your best interest in mind."
Clearly when boxing runs in your family’s blood, there’s no stopping your potential. So naturally, when Spencer ascended to the pro leagues, his first win was practically fate. Making his mark in the middleweight division, Spencer won with a second-round TKO over Mexico's Uriel Gonzalez at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This prevailing moment was a much-awaited victory for the young middleweight machine. “I had been anticipating it my whole life so that's definitely something I'll never forget”, Spencer says.
Outside the ring, Spencer’s not the wild KO tycoon we see on TV. As a devoted son and sweetheart, his heart packs a punch as fierce as his left hooks. And he’s never too shy to advertise his status as a mama’s boy, as he proudly shares in an Instagram post, “Thank you mama for never giving up on this crazy, hard headed boy of yours and seeing me through to becoming who I am today (even though I’m far from all the way there lol).”
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Family has always been the inspirational cornerstone for Spencer. Now, as a champion in the making, his main concern is for his family’s well-being. As he explains, “making sure that my family is provided for and financially set for a long time is my biggest motivator.”
The strength of Spencer’s family support system is clearly the core of his fighting fervor. Although he’s only got a few pro fights on his resume, his outstanding performances prove that his gifts are well beyond his years. According to PBC, “Spencer is still only 18 yet is a veteran in the fight game, accepted and respected by boxers with far greater credentials.” Spencer has also maintained tight bonds with world champions over the years. “He shares a close relationship with former world champion brothers Andre and Anthony Dirrell. He also trained for his professional debut alongside retired great Andre Ward and two-time 147-pound champion Andre Berto,” PBC reveals.
When it comes to Spencer’s personal care routine, he’s a simple guy. He sticks to natural skin and grooming products to maintain his clean-cut look and effortless style. As Spencer reveals, “I shower, throw on some deodorant, and swipe some RMBC pomade through my hair. It never looks crusty like my old pomades, so I don't have to be careful.” Plus, there’s another secret he doesn’t mind admitting. Openly, he confesses, “It’s the best because I don't like to sit in the mirror messing with my hair, but I look like a disaster when I don't do anything to it.”
“I shower, throw on some deodorant, and swipe some RMBC pomade through my hair. It’s the best because I don't like to sit in the mirror messing with my hair."
Most guys can relate to this styling conundrum. Both athletes and non-athletes alike, we all love simple solutions that work. Especially when you’re life is fast-paced and always on-the-go, the value of a quick personal care routine is golden. Spencer knows the struggle; his status in the spotlite demands that he appears freshly prepped, but admittedly, he’s got little patience for investing effort. He chooses RMBC products, not only because they work, but because “they’re made with all natural ingredients,” Spencer explains. “So that's a huge plus for me, being a health conscious guy.”
Overall, the future's looking bright for this gifted grappler. Leading a hot record of KOs, he expects that 2019 will be his breakout year in boxing. “I was actually just nominated by PBC to possibly be their 2018 #1 top prospect,” Spencer reveals. Quite frankly, we’re not surprised, judging by the caliber of his fighting techniques and the intensity of his drive.
In the meantime, Spencer will continue training with his father, while humbly crossing his fingers for the honor of being a top prospect. Staying positive and mentally strong, Spencer adds,“I think it would be a great way to end this year and I plan on keeping that same energy up through 2019. Fans can count on seeing me fight consistently on Fox and Fox Sports 1.”
If Spencer wins the title of #1 prospect, the status would certainly pave the way for his ultimate goal to win the belt. The odds are certainly in his favor.
