In advance of his fight Friday night against fellow undefeated featherweight prospect Luis Reynaldo Nuñez on Showtime, Jayvon Garnett talked to The Enquirer about his cousin and fellow Cincinnati native Duke Ragan's recent Olympic success in addition to his priorities, other positive influences, representing the Queen City in the ring and more.
Can you discuss how the challenges you overcame when you were a boy helped make you the boxer and person you are today?
"It just made me humble and made me learn what's important in life. I have three kids now (two boys and a girl) and going through the things I did has just made me tougher and really want to win more. I know my time is now and how important it is to not be wasting time. My mom and my stepdad are amazing parents and have been in my corner since Day 1. When I was down and low they were there for me. They really kept me on the right path mentally."
Can you explain how Duke Ragan's success has helped encourage you to pursue your own success in the ring? How did you react when Ragan won silver in the Olympics? Who else from Cincinnati has influenced you the most?
"We started together and as kids we did so many tournaments together. Just to see him do those things has really motivated me to use my God-given talents. I was at home watching when he won the silver and was just so excited for him. My city, Cincinnati, is kind of small and everyone here knows everyone. There was a big celebration and it was a big accomplishment coming from where we come from.
Rau'Shee Warren and Jamel Herring and other guys like Robert Easter have all influenced me. They have had success in the pros and that’s what I want. I’m just so focused on getting on their level and even passing their level."
How have you adjusted to going on the road for your bouts this year after fighting close to home for many of the first few events of your professional career?
"I really embrace it and love just getting out from what I’m used to. It’s really just like the amateurs with all the travel I did so it's nice to go out and see new places and travel."
Garnett enters Friday's fight 10-0 with five knockouts.
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