England’s Ashley ‘Treasure’ Theophane, now residing in Las Vegas as one of Floyd Mayweather Jr’s fighters, reveals the adversities in his rise to success, his visions and what’s so special about training stateside.
When many of the general public think of boxing stardom, the rags to riches connotations are often nothing but a mere Rocky dramatization. But so often it’s reality for boxers, who have to overcome many obstacles before reaching the top.
Theophane spent a decade without a promoter and had to travel across the world to progress as a boxer. He waited over half a year before being given the chance to make his professional debut and wasn’t given hand-outs on his road to success. Now though, he’s backed by Mayweather, and is eager to continue his forward momentum.
Theophane’s last outing was in August when he recorded a unanimous decision over Daniel Calzada in Las Vegas. The Brit told how he hopes to be back in the ring very soon, “Mayweather promotions will be announcing my next fight soon. I’m looking to fight a name.”
You’ve fought some top opponents in your time including Danny Garcia, Darren Hamilton, Lenny Daws, DeMarcus Corley amongst many others, who’s been your toughest opponent to date?
Ashley Theophane- Pablo Cesar Cano and Ali Oubaali.
What are the main qualities needed for boxers to go all the way in the sport?
AT- Mental toughness is probably the most important. I never had a promoter for ten years of my career but always believed in myself. I beat world number three and became British champion in that time.
I had to wait 8 months to make my professional debut because no UK promoter would give me a break. Eight years later they all wanted to sign me. Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Ricky Hatton, Frank Maloney and Mick Hennessey.
How did you become a success in the sport, was there an approach you took or something that really spurred you on?
AT- I wanted to prove the doubters wrong and be the best I could be. When I turned professional, that’s all I wanted to do. Just give my best. I’m still doing that. Still trying to improve.
What’s been your greatest moment or moments in boxing so far?
AT- Being world number four. Getting signed by Mayweather promotions and opening up the highest grossing and most viewed PPV event ever.
As a lad from West London, how is life in Las Vegas in comparison? What is different from a general lifestyle aspect?
AT- For me it’s all the same. I’m in training camp. That’s what boxers do to get prepared for a fight. Be it in Austria like the Klitschko’s do. Pocono mountains like many East Coast boxers do. Las Vegas, Big Bear and California are just other training camp situations.
I went to New York City for many years before coming to Las Vegas. You have to go where the opportunities are. If I had sat down in London and said I wish I could be in America making my dreams come true. It would not happen unless I myself get on a plane and make the move.
I’m happy in America, doing what I always wanted to do and part of Floyd Mayweather’s team. I’m appreciative and blessed to have special people in my life.
What varies in the training out there, what do the Money Team do so different?
AT- Training in America is a higher level than the UK. That’s why fighters from all over the world come to America. I’ve had some very good trainers in my team Stateside. I work with 96 Olympic bronze medalist Nate Jones and former world champion Lou Del Valle. There are countless former world champions in the gym. Roger Mayweather, Boza Edwards, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, their knowledge of the game is deep.
From the 24/7 and All Access series, you can see that Floyd Mayweather trains extremely hard. We try to replicate his training sessions. So it’s hard work but all athletes at top level train hard. It should be normal. There are just some athletes that push extra hard; I’m trying to be one of those athletes.
You’re known to go out and chase your dreams, and have always traveled for sparring, surely now you have some of the best sparring right on your doorstep?
AT- There is good sparring in Las Vegas but I’m one of the most experienced fighters in the gym. After Floyd I have the most wins on the team. Ishe and Mickey Bey have won world championships but I just have to keep winning and I’ll get my shot then it’s up to me to go and get the victory.
What newcomers in the camp should we be watching out for?
Andrew Tabiti is a cruiserweight with 9 wins and 9 knockouts. He is one to watch out for.
Is there anything you’ve learnt from Floyd Mayweather Jr himself whilst being out there?
AT- There are many things I’ve learnt from him. He offers advice and tells us his story. He got to where he is through working hard. He wasn’t spoon fed. He worked hard from when he was a kid and wanted to be the best in the world. He’s achieved it.
Floyd has hundreds of millions but is always helping people. He has a good heart. He hasn’t forgotten where he came from and now likes to help his friends achieve their dreams.
There seems to be a lot of fun in your camps alongside the undoubted hard work that is put in, who is the biggest joker in the Mayweather Gym?
AT- There are many jokers in the team. Ishe Smith, Badou Jack, LaDarius Miller, some say me. We all work hard so surrounding yourself with people you can make you laugh in stressful times is important.
Who will win out of Billy Joe Saunders V Chris Eubank Jr?
AT- Eubank was in the gym for a few weeks in August so I watched him spar. I’ve never seen these guys actually fight. Sounds like it will be a good fight. Chris might rise to the occasion or Billy Joe might be too experienced, guess we’ll find out soon.
If Anthony Joshua and David Price were to fight next year, who would you back?
AT- I’d back Anthony. David doesn’t seem to have a solid chin. Anthony’s level is still unknown as he’s just turned professional. Long way to go in the sport. Seems like a nice kid.
Last but not least, is middleweight prospect Callum Smith ready for George Groves?
AT- I’ve never watched Callum Smith fight. George is world level; from when you are at that level there is no turning back. These youngsters are always in a rush and that is their undoing majority of the time. Take time and learn your trade.
I’d pick George based on experience.
