The Inspiring Story of Toka Khan Clary – Boxing News

Exclusive Interview By Dave “Mythical” Siderski

“The most important life lesson I’ve learned is to be patient, everything has its time. It may not always come at the time you want it but, if you keep persevering, eventually your time will come.”–Toka Khan Clary

Toka Khan Clary knows all about perseverance. At the tender age of 23, he’s already overcome more adversity than the vast majority of men do in a lifetime. As a child, Toka had to assimilate to a new culture in moving to the United States from Liberia. He lost both of his parents at a very young age. Unlike many kids who succumb to the temptations of the street, Toka became determined to succeed at his passion, boxing. His trainer, Peter Manfredo, SR., and adoptive parents, Andrea Watson and Ron Clary were touched by his story along with his tremendous attitude and work ethic. They became important influences in his life. After an outstanding amateur career, Toka has developed into a promising prospect as a professional in the Super Featherweight division, winning his 17 fights, 11 by knockout. Today he talks with RSR about his unique journey, along with his current and future ambitions.

DS: What do you remember about your early childhood in Liberia?

I don’t remember much about being in Liberia. There was a war going on around the time I was born, so it was probably a tough childhood.

DS: What was it like to move to an entirely different country when you were only six years old?

I didn’t think much of it at the time but now, looking back, I’m glad that we did. Many people lost their lives and families during the war in Liberia.

DS: Tragically, you lost your father when you were only eight years old. What are your memories of him?

I was a little young so I don’t remember much about him. From what I can remember, he was a very nice man, and I wish I had more time to get to know him.

DS: How did you first become involved in the sport of boxing?

A friend who I was living with at the time started boxing and he thought I would be a good fighter because I was a lefty.

DS: You had an excellent amateur career going 131-11. Is there any one accomplishment that stands out to you as your personal favorite during that time?

It would have to be when I won the National Golden Gloves Tournament. I worked very hard and I was glad that it all paid off.

DS: There is a story about you riding your bicycle every day to the gym, six or seven miles each way every day, including in frigid sub-zero temperatures. Where does that tenacity in you come from?

This is how I saw it: boxing was my love, it was my escape and I would have done anything to get to there. There was nothing that was going to stop me from getting to the gym.

DS: Please tell our readers about your relationship with your trainer Peter Manfredo, SR.?

Peter and I have a great relationship. He has taught me so much about this sport and I really appreciate him for that. Without him I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I have gotten in boxing.

DS: How have your adoptive parents, Andrea Watson and Ron Clary, impacted your life?

My parents have changed everything about my life. I went from the streets to being a part of a loving and caring family. They show me so much love and support. Now, I can’t picture my life without them in it.

DS: What do you remember about your professional debut against Jonathan Caban in June 2012?

I remember being so nervous and there was so much running through my head. But once I got in the ring and heard my family and friends cheering me on, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I knew it was time to make them proud and get the win.

DS: In 2013, you overcame two knockdowns to defeat undefeated Ramsey Luna by a 6 round decision. What are your recollections of that fight?

I remember it starting out easy, then the knockdowns happened. I knew I had to put my all into the rest of the fight because I was not going home without my ‘0’.

DS: You stopped Jonathan Perez this past June in the 6th round, which was arguably your most impressive win to date. What were you’re feelings about that fight?

We always have a game plan for every fight and we go in trying to stick to the game plan. And sticking to that game plan paid off. We wanted the knockout and we went and got it.

DS: How did you get the nickname “T-Nice”?

I got the nickname from playing football and it stuck with me.

DS: Are there any upcoming fights for you that you’d like to tell our readers about?

I’m scheduled for one on February 13 in California against Gabino Cato.

DS: What do you think are your most important strengths as a boxer?

I think that I’m a multi-dimensional fighter. I have the ability to box or stay in the pocket and trade. I also have good hand speed and ring generalship.

DS: What are your goals in the ring and what do you think you need to do to achieve them?

My goal is to someday be world champion. To achieve that I have to keep working hard and getting wins.

DS: What are your interests and passions outside of boxing?

When I’m not boxing, I spend most of my time with my family and friends. I’m an all-round athlete so I’m always into some kind of sport.

DS: What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned from the adversity you faced early in your life?

The life lesson I have learned is to be patient, everything has its time. It may not come the time you want it but, if you keep persevering, eventually your time will come.

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