BOXRAW Sleeper of the Week: Ashton Sylve
Special fighters come along every so often and immediately capture the boxing world’s attention. Prodigies. Future stars that possess everything needed to reach the top.
American sensation Ashton Sylve has become one of the sport’s most-recent rising phenomenons.
Despite being just 16 years old, the teenage talent has been high on the radar of boxing’s most illustrious names from an even earlier age. While huge names from other sporting backgrounds and notable celebrities have long been involved with the fighter regarded as the future of boxing as well.
Training out of Jack Rabbit’s Gym in Longbeach, California, Sylve is being trained by his father and gym owner Ivan but many high-profile eyes are keeping a keen watch over his promising career.
The former amateur standout grabbed attention and became an online sensation from around the age of just eight. Training videos caught the eye of retired five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his esteemed father, who invited Sylve to their Las Vegas gym in 2012 before facing Miguel Cotto to witness his skills up close.
Others to become involved in Sylve’s career and personal progress include his uncle Willie McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl victor, and American rap legend Snoop Dogg.
Since becoming a viral sensation at a young age, Sylve went on to enjoy a hugely successful amateur career. His honours included 10 national titles and two International Box Cup victories, while earning over 100 wins.
The Californian is now preparing for his second outing in the paid ranks, following a dominant debut triumph in Mexico City. In front of an army of fans, friends and family, he stopped an experienced opponent in four rounds last August to get his career off to the perfect.
Sylve, now widely known as ‘H20’ for his fluid style in the ring, will return to Mexico this weekend in search of a second straight success as a 16-year-old professional boxer.
Born and raised in North Long Beach, it’s clear Sylve was bred to be a fighter and destined to become a champion.