Every boxer’s bucket list includes fighting on television. Your first time fighting under the bright lights means you’ve made it. For Brandun Lee that time is now. The undefeated welterweight prospect (16-0, 14 KOs) is set to make his ShoBox debut on Sept. 20 as part of their can’t-miss “New Generation” series.
We caught up with the “Coachella kid” in the gym for a Boxing Empire Exclusive profile as he was getting ready for his eight-round bout against Nicaraguan Milton Arauz.
BOXING EMPIRE: This is the first time you’re fighting on television. What do you want to show an audience who might not know who you are?
BRANDUN LEE: A Korean boxer is a rare thing. Especially a Korean-Mexican one. I want to show them what I bring to the table: my talent, my skills, my power.
You mention being bi-racial. Have there been times when you’ve been stereotyped because of who you are?
Growing up in the amateurs they would always want to fight me. ‘Let’s fight the Chinese kid.’ That actually worked out to my advantage because I was getting all these fights and experience.
What did they learn about you once they got inside the ring with you?
That I wasn’t some Chinese kid. I’m not even Chinese [laughs]… And that I can fight.
How would you describe yourself as a fighter?
I can do it all. If you want to get down and bang we can bang. If you want to box we can box. My style is explosive. I can be fast when I want to. Take my shots or take my time and rough it up.
What was the first fight you remember watching on television?
I was a huge Floyd Mayweather fan. I love his work ethic. His mouth. His confidence.
His arrogance.
Well, he talked the talk and walked the walk. You couldn’t hit him.
Do you remember the first time you got hit?
I didn’t really like it. I started crying. It took me a lot of years to overcome it and just go with the flow.
You’ve got a great backstory. You join a long line of boxers who’re trained by their fathers. I’m assuming he got you into boxing —
It was actually my mom. My grandfather and uncle boxed. Growing up we weren’t protected. We’re girls, not boys.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being trained by your dad?
There’s really no upside or downside. He’s my trainer at the gym and at home, he’s my dad. At the end of the day, we don’t bump heads.
You were fighting professionally while still going to high school. Were there ever times the two roles would conflict? Like you had to train but missed your homework?
I always got my homework done. Whether I got it from somebody or did it myself. [Laughs]. I actually did miss my girlfriend’s prom though.
So you’ve had to give up some of your youth to pursue boxing.
Definitely.
What has kept you going?
It’s a lifestyle.
So what makes it worthwhile?
The outcome. When the ref raises your hand.
Where do you hope this ShoBox appearance takes you?
I’m only 20 years old. This is my first time fighting on TV. The sky is the limit.
You can watch Lee in-action on Friday, Sept. 20th at 7:30 pm on the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, “ShoBox: The New Generation”.
