Spotlight On: Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin

By Ian “The Boxing Historian” Murphy

Buckle up, we’re in for a treat, folks! Long Island’s popular Jr. Welterweight contender (#9 WBC, #10 WBO) Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin, 17-0, 14 KO’s is set to continue his journey towards a championship on March 5th against Puerto Rico’s Orlando Vasquez. Seldin is known for his tremendous right hand and an in your face, aggressive, crowd pleasing style. Trained by Peter Brodsky and Scott Lopeck with help from Joe Gadigian of Westbury Boxing Club, Seldin has cracked the top ten in two major sanctioning bodies and looks to get a big name fight in 2016.

Stylistically, Cletus bears a resemblance to famed Heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano with how he wades in to land his huge right hand, appropriately named “The Hammer”. Seldin has big strength and also uses an effective left to the body to tenderize his opponents. This is the perfect way to set the table for the main course: a flying, over-hand knuckle-sandwich right to the gob. Co-trainer Joe Gadigian says “flat out he is the hardest puncher I have ever encountered. Clete gave me a softball- sized black and blue on my left side through a 4″ body shield. I have never had a heavyweight do that, let alone a 140 pounder, and I have been around the block a few times”. That is high praise for that potent right hand sledge hammer Seldin carries into the ring with him. Also like the Rock, Seldin is noted for his discipline in training, and always looking to be in top condition. Massive power and great stamina have allowed him to remain unbeaten in 17 fights, winning 14 by knockout.

Seldin is more than just a big puncher loading up his right hand smash. He is constantly improving fight to fight, showcasing a potentially great jab and solid footwork. All of these upgrades to his arsenal will just make him more dangerous down the line as his competition improves. These future opponents will have their hands full with “The Hammer”, due to unrelenting pressure and improving movement to go with his power. Look for Cletus to crack the top 5 in 2016.

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