Aaron Pryor Archives

Story by John DiSanto – PhillyBoxingHistory.com
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr./Top Rank

Super middleweight prospect Jesse “Hard Work” Hart, 17-0, 14 KOs, the son of Philly boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, faces Aaron Pryor, Jr, 19-8-1, 12 KOs, the son of Hall of Famer Aaron Pryor, next Friday night (September 11th), at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in a 10-round bout for Hart’s USBA title belt. The fight will be televised live by TruTV.

Hart held an open media workout Wednesday at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia. He leaves for Las Vegas on Monday.

As if the stakes weren’t high enough – the USBA title, career momentum, and perhaps a future world title bout hanging in the balance – both fighters will be looking to defend their individual family legacies and claim the unusual bragging rights as the “best son of a former great”.

“I think it’s great,” Hart said of fighting another boxing legend’s son. “But I also think that we’re making our own legacy. But you have two fighters’ sons that come from that 15-round era. You got bloodlines that come from that 15-round era of fighting. That’s remarkable in itself. Aaron Pryor comes from that 15-round era. My dad comes from that 15-round era. Anytime you’ve got two sons coming from that 15-round era, you can always expect fireworks. You got to expect that.”

With everything that’s on the line, including Hart’s undefeated record, the son of the Philly Cyclone, is looking to make a statement in this fight.

“I’m looking for the knockout,” Hart said. “Yes. That’s one thing I’m looking for. I’m not going to stand here and lie and say I’m not. I’m going to box smart, but just know, I’m looking. If I see any opportunity, I’m going to take it. And that’s just what it’s going to be. I’m not going to let up until I have it. I don’t care whose son he is, and I don’t care what his name is. That’s one thing about that ring. When I get in there, all that’s out the window. I’m looking to bring you to your demise. Hit you with one shot, and that’s what it is. I’m going to do it smartly. I’m going to set it up, we’re definitely going to set a lot of shots up, but I’m looking for the knockout.”