Cletus Seldin returns to boxing
Cletus Seldin, undefeated junior welterweight prospect, in an undated photo. Credit: Handout
He wasn't able to fight. He wasn't able to train. He wasn't able to hear the roar of his crowd. But none of that bothered Shirley welterweight Cletus Seldin as much as what he saw when he sat on the couch to watch television.
"I'd be watching all these other area fighters on television and it was really frustrating because they were in the spotlight," said Seldin. "But I knew if I was patient my time would come. It's finally here. I'm glad to be back in the ring."
Seldin - know as the "The Hebrew Hammer" - fights Friday night at The Paramount in Huntington. Seldin, 11-0, 9 KOs, meets Gilbert Venegas, 12-11, in the semifinal of a card promoted by Joe DeGuardia. The main event features a 10-round heavyweight matchup between Vinnie Maddalone and Maurenzo Smith.
Seldin has been out of action since February when he tore his rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He had surgery in April.
"After one month I began to run again and I knew I would be back on track,' he said.
Of the injury, Seldin said "I'm back to where I was. I am using my body more when I punch, I am bending more. I am not throwing as many arm punches."
Seldin spent five weeks training in Florida with Pete Brodsky. He said he was sparring four times a week, often working with former world champion Randall Bailey.
"I'm definitely ready to fight again," said Seldin. "I can't wait."
Other Long Islanders on the card include Alan Gotay and Anthony Karperis.
