Q & A with Tor Hamer

While the Heavyweight division is currently inundated with Russian’s or other countries of the now separated Soviet Union. There is hope for America as well as Eddie Chambers & Chris Arreola who appear on the cusp of a title shot. The emergence of others is another reason to cheer. One such fighter is Tor Hamer 7-0(6). Hamer 26, comes from New York and has a pretty solid amateur pedigree that he managed to squash into just 35 fights, winning all but one. Unlike many boxers he comes from a relatively affluent background with both his parents obtaining degrees. While Boxing may seem an unlikely vocation for Hamer, he has an inner desire to do well and prove himself. His marketability could be helped with his Big apple contacts and savvy relationship with promoter Lou Di Bella. Throw in his willingness to chat and sell himself and in the future years he could be quite the commodity. One thing that you can be certain of is that in the Heavyweight division the next American World champion will be hugely bankable and with Hamer’s marketability if it’s him he could go along way. Here’s what Hamer had to say including an interesting take on the amateur side of things.

Anson Wainwright - Firstly you are currently 7-0(6) having turned pro last October, how have you found the step from amateur’s to the pro’s?

Tor Hamer - The transition from amateur to professional is initially and easy step, those with amateur experience usually over train for a 4 round fight because of anxiety. My first opponent was Joseph Rabotte from Myrtle Beach, NC. While he was a game opponent his lack of amateur experience put him behind on the learning curve. Until now I have had good success in and out of the ring, but it is critical for me to continue to improve so I can compete at the higher levels of the sport

Anson Wainwright - Do you know when you will be back in action next?

Tor Hamer - August 26 at BB kings Times Square

Anson Wainwright - You won the 2008 Golden Gloves at Super Heavyweight. What can you tell us about your amateur career?
Tor Hamer - ranked #1 in U.S by USA Boxing 2008 ,2001- 2007-2008 NY Golden Gloves Champion,2008 National Golden Gloves Champion,2008 silver Medallist U.S championships, 2007 Nickel City Invitational Champion,2007 Empire State NY Champion,2007 New York Metropolitan & Northeast Champion, Regional Champion, 2007-2008 Mid-Atlantic Amateur Boxing Champion, 16 national martial arts championships.

Fortunately, I haven’t had to face any of the same competition I faced in the amateur’s. I say fortunately because many of the opposition during my time in the amateurs are talented, dedicated and all around fierce competitors. Some clearly standout more than others. Kimbo Bethel form Buffalo ,New York Olympic alternate for Michael Hunter. Is a standout fighter who will make a competitive professional. Lenroy Thompson my only loss in my 34-1 amateur boxing career. I avenged the defeat but on that night in Colorado Springs Lenory fought tooth and nail against a guy who is 5 years his senior plus the night before took 3 teeth from a top 10 ranked amateur Andrew Shepard representing the Army team. In the end the score was 12-12 ( Olympic scoring) and the judges liked him better.

Anson Wainwright - What happened to prevent you fighting at last years Olympics?

Tor Hamer - Regarding my own personal Olympic story. I faced Kimbo bethel twice and found success both times. When I arrived at the U.S championships I stopped my first 3 opponents in decisive fashion. Until Lenroy, which I in turn defeated in decisive fashion by knocking him down in the first round on the third day of the 2008 national golden gloves. During this time I was in direct contact with Dan Campbell who promised me an opportunity in a dual meet in Alabama against Puerto Rico which never materialized. So here I am walking around with the 2008 #1 headband ( a record of 30-1) without an invitation back to the Olympic training center for at least some sparring. To make matters more confusing the 18-year-old Michael Hunter who couldn’t seem to finish a tournament, win competitive dual meet or show up national competitions continues to represent our country. Any coach in any other sport would have benched that player.

Anson Wainwright - What are you feelings in general towards the amateur set up in America and how they are geared towards the last Olympics?

Tor Hamer - My Olympic experience is convoluted and filled with empty promises as well as disappointments. I place the majority of the responsibility on Dan Campbell the former head coach of USA boxing team. In short he made poor decisions regarding roster selection, roster retention and training methods. This is not an attack on the athletes themselves who some of which I know personally as for others whom I am destined to meet on the job. To be specific his macro plan of sequestering young boxers in a year long camp away from the primary coaches wasn’t appropriate for American athletes. Maybe eastern European but not American. His micro strategies weren’t appropriate either pushing Michael Hunter to participate in all three qualifiers when you have a very capable alternate in Kimbo Bethel, was not decisive leadership. Especially, when alternates have a history of success ( Joe Frazier). This inability to adjust showed itself again with Gary Russell Jr. who failed to make weight. I don’t blame Gary (he virtually killed himself) I blame the management who over the year didn’t realize two important and basic points 1: this kid will grow 2: if he can’t make weight an hour before the weigh-in , he’s not gonna make it. To take one more step Shawn Estrada while he won the Olympic trials fair and square was not the best possible representation of our country at Middleweight. Daniel Jacobs is the most accomplished American Amateur since Mark Breland. An alternate or even an ad-hoc position should have been created for him based on his abilities and achievements.

Anson Wainwright - How did you get into Boxing? I believe you have an interesting story as you don’t come from the stereotypical hard up bringing many boxers do with both of your parents being professional people.

Tor Hamer - My story is not typical but the key ingredients for the recipe of a fighter are there. Both my parents have advanced degrees in their respective fields. By all accounts they are scholars. They certainly did not anticipate their first and only born in this line of work. But they have come to terms with my decision ( for the most part). My mother stills gets freaked before fights. I predict on that inevitable day when I have a hard day in the ring meaning, getting hit by some 250 lbs eastern European, she will go into full mom mode. Truthfully, I more worried for the event staff then I am about the lecture I will get. They are the ones who have to keep the hen from her chick.

Anson Wainwright - What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Tor Hamer - I enjoy life. I value my long time friends that I have had since high school. I find that despite the activity good company is the key to happiness.

Anson Wainwright - Have you sparred with any of the current Top Heavyweight if so who & how did it go? What fighters do you look up to?

Tor Hamer - Eddie Chambers. This is a bad man who is my age with three times the experience and 10 lbs lighter. Who fights giants like Povenkin and Dimitrenko, I call him the dragon slayer. To combine questions, when I work with Eddie I am constantly learning. His defensive abilities are exceptional as is his commitment to his craft. I see the near future of American heavyweights on his shoulders.

Anson Wainwright - Finally do you have a message for America about your status in the Heavyweight division?

Tor Hamer - American Heavyweight boxing is not dead it has just shifted to where the competitors are most successful. The Russian aren’t coming they are here! It is our job to reclaim our former Gory as the best fighters on the planet. We must follow Eddie’s example of not letting one defeat stand in the way of ultimate victory!

Thanks for your time Tor.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com