He made news when he made plans to become a professional boxer two years ago at the ripe age of 35, then officially made his pro debut earlier this year.
Now, Jersey City resident and teacher Nicoy “Zilla” Clarke will fight once again — his third pro fight – Aug. 10 at the Sugar House Casino in Philadelphia.
Clarke had his first three scheduled pro fights cancelled for some reason in 2016, but things changed dramatically when famed promoter Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions took over Clarke’s contract earlier this year.
Clarke, a heavyweight, signed a four-boat deal with Kauffman, so this will be the third of that four fight agreement.
Clarke will fight Philadelphia native Jose Nunez in a four-round bout as part of an extensive 11-bout card, highlighted by the appearance of super lightweight southpaw Tyrone Crawley of Philadelphia, who will fight highly regarded Ricardo Garcia in the marquee event of the night.
It will mark Nunez’s pro debut.
“I’ve been trying to find things about him,” Clarke said. “I heard he was strong. He’s my size [5-foot-10, 210 pounds], so that’s a blessing.”
Clarke has been vigorously training at the Renegade Boxing Club on Warner Avenue under the watchful eyes of trainer Steven Felton.
“I’m going five, maybe six days a week,” Clarke said. “I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Part of the reason why Clarke feels so good about his conditioning is because he has been working as a personal trainer at the Sensei Tori facility on Broadway in Bayonne, doing boxing training with a group called Team Hazardous.
“I just did 17 rounds of sparring the other day,” Clarke said. “After six rounds or so, I go up against guys with more experience. So that gets me ready. It shows me that I’m in the best shape of my life altogether. I’m more comfortable getting in the ring against guys with more experience. My patience and determination is definitely paying off.”
Clarke said that his third pro bout was originally scheduled for June, but Clarke felt uncomfortable with it because the school year was still underway. Clarke is an elementary math and science teacher in the Jersey City school system.
“I worried about fighting during the school year,” Clarke said. “Since it’s the summer, it’s strictly fighting business now. Boxing is my only lesson plan. I plan on going into the ring and teaching this guy [Nunez] a lesson.”
Clarke, who lost his pro debut in February, then won his second bout in May, is definitely prepared for the third pro fight.
“I’m learning more and more,” said Clarke, who had a distinguished career as an amateur after arriving in the United States from his native Jamaica 10 years ago. “I think all of sport is a mental thing. If you can do something well mentally, then boxing will follow. I’ve learned that this sport is called ‘The Sweet Science’ for a reason. It’s not all about brute strength. You have to be disciplined and trained.”
Clarke said that he will use Nunez’s inexperience to his advantage.
“Younger guys tend to get tired quickly,” said Clarke, whose story was first brought to light in the fall issue of JC Mag. “I have to be disciplined. I can beat a lot of younger guys because of my experience.”
Clarke will have one more fight for Kauffman, then re-evaluate his approach as a pro boxer.
“They love me so much,” Clarke said of King’s Promotions. “They definitely take care of you.”
Whatever happens, Clarke is finally enjoying life as a pro boxer.
“It’s been a blessing,” Clarke said. “This has opened so many doors for me. I’m a personal trainer now. When I finally get out of the ring, I know I’ll be ready. I feel like this has been a plus for me.” – Jim Hague.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.
