Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin: Boxing, Training & More

Exclusive Interview by Ian “The Boxing Historian” Murphy

When I’m asked about my profession, and I tell them my nickname, people look at me like I’m crazy. They will even say “I didn’t know Jewish people boxed”. Well, when that happens, I inform them of the history. I take them all the way back to the early 1900’s when there were more Jewish boxers than any other religion or ethnicity.—Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin

Boxing is a curious sport, and for every loud-mouthed, arrogant publicist in boxer’s clothing, there seems to be just as many gentleman. Some of our greatest champions have been among the most laid back and relaxed when not battling in the squared circle. Men like Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, Tony Zale, and Henry Armstrong. They were the “good guys”, but when that bell rung, they were agents of destruction. After watching some of Cletus Seldin’s fights and talking with him and one of his trainers, “The Hebrew Hammer” is for sure in the aforementioned category of a “Jekyll and Hyde” type of fighter. He’s friendly and approachable outside the ring, but when he’s in there, he’s taking care of business. When the hammer finds its mark, it’s usually all over.

After getting to know him a little, I found Cletus to be very focused on his career with little tolerance for any distractions. He is also a student of the game, regularly breaking down the moves of past ringmasters. This is increasingly rare nowadays, and it will only serve him well as he moves up the ladder to a championship match. In addition to his intensity and passion for his profession, Clete comes off like a real salt of the earth kind of guy, someone who is a good friend and a decent human being. But don’t let his regular guy demeanor fool you, he’s a monster in the ring. So, without further eloquence, I bring you “The Hamma”…

IM: Tell the RSR Readers about yourself?

I grew up on Long Island, NY, in a blue-collar town called Shirley. I didn’t step into a boxing gym until I was 22. I’m co managed by Brian Busto and Pete Brodsky. Pete is also in charge of the training as well with Scott Lopeck, Joe Gadigian and Steve Damiani. The most spectacular thing is that all these trainers were trained by Pete Brodsky.

IM: How did you get your start in boxing?

The reason why I got involved with boxing was because a local MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gym I was going to shut down and I wanted to get better at the standup aspect of the sport. Back then (and now) MMA fighters still lack the knowledge of boxing so I knew if I trained in it, I would be able to have an advantage over everyone else.

Clete’s a true blue-collar, regular guy. He’s a very proud American, and always pays tribute to both the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. He’s a solid family man, but when the bell rings, he’s an angry Jew that loves beating people up and punching holes in them.”- Joe Gadigian, Cletus Seldin’s trainer at Westbury Boxing Club.

IM:You are rightfully proud of your Jewish heritage, as your nickname clearly states. Boxing has a long and honored tradition of great Jewish fighters. Does this sense of cultural legacy mean anything to you?

When I’m asked about my profession, and I tell them my nickname, people look at me like I’m crazy. They will even say “I didn’t know Jewish people boxed”. Well, when that happens, I inform them of the history. I take them all the way back to the early 1900s when there were more Jewish boxers than any other religion or ethnicity. In fact, the man who created the left hook was Jewish (Joe Choyinski), the world famous boxing equipment company EVERLAST (founded by Jacob Gollumb) was created by a Jewish person. So many great boxing champions were Jewish back then. In today’s world, people are right, as there aren’t too many Jewish fighters, or other athletes, so I hold my heritage high with honor not only for myself but for all the great Jewish fighters, athletes, and people before me.

*Note: James J. Corbett (World Heavyweight Champion, 1892-1897) is also credited by some sources as the inventor of the left hook.

IM: Who are some of your favorite fighters?

Well, honestly I don’t have a favorite fighter today. I hardly ever watch todays boxing. The only boxing that I watch are of my favorite fighters: Jack Dempsey, Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini, Mike Tyson, and for some reason, I enjoy Ricky Hatton.

IM: What do you feel sets you apart from your opponents?

My physical strength sets me apart from my opponents.

IM: What are some of your favorite techniques?

I have always fought out of a crouch like the old fighters, but I recently picked up the cross-arm defense and I enjoy trying to perfect it like the greats before me.

IM: Most top fighters have unique training methods. Marciano had the 300lb bag and Joe Frazier actually tenderized sides of beef in Philly. How about you?

When it comes to unique training techniques, I never found a method just for myself, but the one thing I do over everyone else is I took the best training exercises from other sports and combined them in my boxing career. I’ve taken things from bodybuilding, power lifting, yoga, swimming, and my personal favorite: cycling. I cycle sometimes 2 hours a day.

IM: You are ranked high at 140lbs by the WBC. After your fight on March 5th, who are you gunning for?

Yes, I’m now ranked in the top 10 and the only guy who I’m gunning for now is WBC Champion Viktor Postol.

IM: What do you feel you need to work on most to take you to that championship level?

Everyone else would say defense or speed, maybe power, but for me its flexibility and getting to the level where I can get into position and not feeling any constraint. I want to be able to get in position to get the most amount of speed, power and balance. This will only come from being more flexible.

IM: What interests do you have outside of boxing?

Outside of boxing it’s a open book. I don’t know if I’m going to climb Everest or become a police officer. Right now boxing is my life and I enjoy the company of my girlfriend Sergeant Brittany Boyd.

IM: If there was one person you could talk to, dead or alive, who would it be?

I would just choose my brother and my girlfriend. They are people who really influence what’s going on in all aspects of my life.

IM: Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?

I’m excited for what 2016 has to offer and want to make the step for the title by the end of this year.

Check out all things “Hamma”.

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