Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated lightweight Maynard “Mr. Marvelous” Allison to a promotional agreement. Allison (4-0, 3 KOs), from Siler City, North Carolina, is a former college football player, who started boxing in his early 20s after getting curious while driving past a gym.
“I played sports all my life,” explained Allison, “But there was no boxing where I’m from. When I graduated high school, I went to college to play football, but I didn’t get along with the coach. So then I was bored and looking for something to do. I was driving past a boxing gym, so I stopped and went in. I just wanted to see what it was and maybe learn how to box for the skill. But from the beginning, I was catching on really well. I’ve been boxing ever since.”
A quick-fisted counterpuncher with above-average power, Allison says he enjoys the finer points of the sweet science. “I’m a good boxer,” he said. “I like counterpunching. I’m slick. You got to be slick to last in this sport. I work on defense a lot. I try not to get hit. I make them miss and make them pay.”
The 28-year-old came down from 165 lbs. to 135 lbs. and went on to have almost 50 amateur fights. He turned professional late last year and now trains at the Inner City Boxing Gym in Durham, North Carolina, under coach Keedar Massey. “We have a great relationship. He is the best coach I’ve ever met. He’s really strict and stays on you, makes sure you do everything right. If you don’t come to the gym, he calls you and says ‘where you at? You need to come now.'”
Allison was last seen demolishing then-undefeated crosstown rival Braulio Soto in under one round last February. “He was going around running his mouth a lot,” said Allison of Soto. “My coach knew he stood no chance against me and knew fighting him would be a good opportunity for me to get a name. I don’t question my coach. I watched tape on him and found when he throws his jab his front foot comes up. So I was waiting for him to do it and when he did it, I slipped the jab and came back with the straight right. That was it. He was out.”
Promoter Cohen was introduced to Allison through his manager, Anthony Brown. The victory over Soto was what lead to the promotional agreement.
“Anthony had spoken to me about his fighter being something special in the past. He finally sent me a link to his last fight and I took a look,” explained Cohen. “I was very impressed. Maynard has very fast fists and a ton of power. I think having started his career at nearly super middleweight has made him extremely strong for a lightweight. We will be helping him advance in his career the right way: against opponents who will push him to his full potential.”
A married father of four, Allison is aware that at age 28, he has no time to lose. “I know I got a late start. I don’t’ want to say I’m old but I’m getting boxing old. I know I have to hurry up. It feels good to be signed with GCP. Knowing that I have somebody looking out for me and not having to worry about finding my own fights will really help. A world title was always my dream, but I just want to make enough to invest and do something with my money and make sure my family will be alright. That’s all I care about.”
Allison will return to the ring in the main event of a card on Saturday, May 14, at Dorton Arena in Raleigh, NC to face Charles Witt.
