Dusty Hernandez-Harrison: A Young Fighter On the Rise – Boxing News

Exclusive Interview by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt

“I knew boxing was a dirty business, but I thought I would come across at least a few good people. Now I’m starting to think there aren’t any.”—Dusty Hernandez-Harrison

In 2012, I was in Atlantic City New Jersey watching the Seth Mitchell Vs Johnathon Banks fight and after Mitchell was destroyed in two rounds, I went to another casino to have dinner. There as we sat and ate, boxing writer Mike Walters and Dusty joined us with Juan Marshall another boxing writer from the DMV. We ate, joked and talked boxing for about two hours. I noticed than, that though Dusty at the time was young in age, his Boxing IQ far exceeded his number of years on Planet Earth.

He is 23-0 with 12 knockouts and a prospect to look out for…

BB: First off, how are you mending from your recent injury that postponed your September 27th fight?

I’m doing well. I’m ready to start sparring again and will see if I’m 100%

BB: You turned professional at the young age of 17 after an extensive amateur career. Some people would say you have had two boxing careers. What do you do to keep your body at say 23, from not being worn out from all the ring wars?

Boxing’s a rough sport. I don’t really know if there is a way to avoid the punishment and wars other than always working on your defense.

BB: To date, who do you feel your toughest opponent was and why?

Josh Torres. We went a strong 10 rounds and even though I won at-least 8 rounds on every judges scorecard, I really had to work hard every single one of the 10 rounds.

BB: For the pundits out there who say, “Father and Son” relationships when it pertains to fighter and trainer, never work out. More often than not, they don’t. What is so special with your father – son relationship that you are still with him three years into your professional boxing career?

As soon as I could walk my father started showing me how to box, he’s been my trainer for nearly 20 years now. We’ve had plenty of time to work out all the kinks, which were definitely abundant in the beginning, but now everything goes smooth for the most part.

BB: I covered the DMV boxing scene for many years. You have the talkers which are many and then, the true supporters. What % do you feel support your career and what % do you feel give lip service?

It’s really hard to say, everyone smiles in your face so I’ll never really know.

BB: What was the biggest misconception you had turning professional?

I knew boxing was a dirty business, but I thought I would come across at least a few good people. Now I’m starting to think there aren’t any.

BB: Do you think in 2015, you will challenge for any of the four major title belts?

I really hope so, but I will only be 21 and I think my dad would like to wait and see how my body develops a little longer (one of the few kinks we still have today. I feel I am ready to fight the big names)

BB: What does a day in the life of Dusty Hernandez-Harrison outside of the boxing ring consist of?

Lately I have really been into photography. I’ve been shooting at quincenera’s (a spanish girls 15th birthday, it’s a really big deal something like a sweet 16), dinner parties, etc. I hope I can start shooting at some big fights soon.

BB: Who is the one fighter you looked up to when you first started boxing?

Felix Trinidad! My family & I loved him.

BB: Do you favor a mandatory retirement fund for all boxers and if so, how do you think it could be finally accomplished?

Yes, there should be a fund of some sort, but to be honest I don’t know how you would go about making that happen. Too many fighters end up with nothing, but memories of the glory days and some no memories at all.

BB: Finally, what is the saying you live your life by?

“What goes around comes around.” I always try and do the right thing.

Check out Dusty’s website.

(Interviewer’s Note:  I want to thank Mike Walters for coordinating this  interview.)

Dusty Hernandez-Harrison
Division: Welterweight
Professional Record: 23-0, 12 KO’s

Date Opponent W-L-D Location Result

2014-07-26 Wilfredo Acuna 15-14-0 New York, US W UD 8
2014-05-17 Roberto Valenzuela 69-66-2 Chester, US W TKO 4
2014-03-07 Michael Balasi 10-3-0 Pala, US W UD 6
2014-01-31 Tim Witherspoon Jr 10-3-1 West Orange, US W UD 8

2013-11-22 Marlon Lewis 6-2-2 Dover, US W KO 1
2013-11-02 Josh Torres 12-2-1 New York, US W UD 10
vacant WBC Youth Silver Welterweight Title
2013-08-23 Guillermo Valdes 12-4-0 Dover, US W TKO 4
2013-06-29 Ben Ankrah 17-15-0 Mashantucket, US W UD 6
2013-05-18 Eddie Soto 12-6-0 Washington, US W TKO 5
2013-04-12 Jonathan Garcia 3-4-0 Dover, US W UD 6
2013-02-23 Aaron Anderson 2-19-0 Tunica, US W UD 6
2013-02-08 Kelly Wright 4-10-0 Wilmington, US W TKO 3
vacant USA Delaware State Welterweight Title

2012-12-08 Darrell Jones 3-9-1 Washington, US W TKO 1
2012-11-03 Nalo Leal 4-16-1 Washington, US W TKO 3
2012-09-29 Shane Gierke 5-26-2 Washington, US W TKO 2
2012-08-25 Marqus Jackson 2-5-0 Washington, US W UD 6
2012-07-14 Reggie Nash 10-29-1 Washington, US W TKO 1
2012-05-12 Joey Ortega 3-21-0 Washington, US W TKO 2
2012-04-07 Anthony Bowman 9-39-2 Southaven, US W UD 4
2012-03-10 Booker Mullins 3-10-0 Washington, US W TKO 1

2011-12-10 Terrell Davis 0-4-0 Washington, US W TKO 1
2011-07-30 Trenton Titsworth 3-12-1 Tunica, US W UD 4
2011-06-11 Alphonso Alexander 0-3-0 Southaven, US W UD 4