Another bout, another convincing knockout.
This is the story of Caleb Truax’s young professional career to this point.
Boxing under the lights of Roy Wilkins Auditorium Friday night in an event dubbed as “The Brawl in St. Paul,” Truax (2-0), a December graduate from the University, dominated his second professional bout, knocking out Bemidji native Nick Whiting (0-5) in the second round.
With the win, the buzz around the Osseo native has grown louder throughout the Midwest and beyond – an impressive feat considering Truax did not pick up a pair of gloves until the age of 19.
Now 23, Truax said his professional career could not have started much better.
In regards to Friday night’s fight, which was scheduled for four rounds, the undefeated Truax said Whiting provided him with a battle much more worthy than his last.
“He definitely came to fight and that’s what I wanted,” he said. “It really gave me an opportunity to utilize my boxing strengths.”
Entering to a boisterous crowd and the sounds of blaring hip-hop, in black trunks with green trim, Truax wasted little time taking control of the fight, landing punch after punch as Whiting appeared to simply want to get through the round.
But the second round would not see an end, as Truax knocked Whiting to the mat twice to a roar of applause.
After the second fall, the fight referee had seen enough, and Truax quickly picked up his second professional knockout. Jumping up on the ropes and saluting his supporters, the young fighter made it clear he will be a force to reckon with as he rises through the professional ranks.
Tom Halstad, Truax’s head strength and conditioning coach, said Friday night’s bout further impressed many.
“He’s real patient out there Ö setting everything up instead of just coming out swinging,” he said. “The sky’s the limit for this kid. He’s incredible.”
Tony Grygelko, CEO of Seconds-Out Promotions, who put on Friday night’s six fights, agreed with Halstad that Truax’s stock is rising.
In referencing Whiting, Grygelko said his 0-5 record is deceiving.
“He’s stayed with some of the best fighters in the state,” he said. “Friday night, it wasn’t even close. I think that shows just how dominate Truax is.”
Grygelko said with Truax’s second impressive knockout under his belt, Truax could fight in California in July.
If not, a return to the Target Center in early fall appears to be next on Truax’s professional boxing schedule.
Truax, who plans to attend graduate school for a potential career as a city planner, said despite the fast start he’s gotten off to in his young professional career, he has much larger plans for the future.
“Two knockouts in two fights is nice. Right now, I feel like I can pick up 20 knockouts in 20 fights,” he said. “It’s been great so far, but there’s no way I’m letting up Ö got to keep this thing moving.”
