Simon Carr signs with Lionheart Press Conference 3-19-07

Photo by Mike McGuigan

"If Bernard Hopkins and De La Hoya can do it, then so can I" proclaimed Simon "One Punch" Carr during his press conference at the Marion Anderson Recreation Center on 17th & Catharine in South Philadelphia while formally announcing the new union between Team One Punch and Lion Heart Boxing Promotions. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but it is believed that the pack includes a minimum of 6 fights per year with options that could bump that stat up to as many as 12. This deal which will not only bring One Punch back into the ring, it also allows Simon the opportunity to flex his business muscle as co-promoter where he will have the responsibility to promoting events and putting asses in the seats, a situation he is no stranger to. Carr is now believed to be the youngest active boxing promoter in the United States.

Back in the early 1990’s, Simon wandered into the Marion Anderson Rec as a 12 year old boy not knowing what behind those doors. He quickly realized he loved boxing and before long he was an up and coming amateur fighter with over 40 wins and Olympic dreams. Unfortunately, circumstances of the tough Philly streets put his aspiring career on hold when in1998 Carr was sentenced to 7 ½ - 15 years in state prison on a third degree murder charge just as his professional career was set to begin.

While he was locked down, Simon used that time to earn an Associates Degree is sports management and also gain his barber’s license. 18 months ago Simon was released from a state correctional facility finishing a tough 8 year prison stretch. Since coming home, Simon has gone on to not only become a name on the boxing scene but also as an active member of the community where he constantly volunteers his time speaking to kids, helping the homeless and more. There is also a movie in production called “Redemption…A Man Reborn” which is a documentary of his life.

Today was a long day in the making for the South Philly slugger. It was a nice scene at Marion Anderson where local media, business associates and friends gathered in support of Team One Punch. The panel consisted of Sporty Smith, Simon Carr, Ed Mendy CEO of Lion Heart Boxing, James Williams who is the strength and conditioning coach and former NCAA & PAC coach of the year in track and field, and Simon Carr.

Among the supporters in attendance were Light Heavyweight contender Prince Badi Ajamu, former WBA Cruiserweight Champion Nate Miller and Karl "I got U" Heinz of My Garage on 25th & Passyunk.

The hour long conference was filled with moments of Team Lion Heart exchanging thank you’s and the sharing of ideas and plans for the future. The newly formed team promised to bring excitement back to Philly boxing, give opportunities to pro and amateur boxers alike, and spoke about how they plan to take it to the next level.

Simon might have been down but he sure as hell is not out. This goes to show that if you stay motivated and stay focused, anything can happen. Best of luck One Punch!




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