Most of the time when boxing writers are attending events its because they are their to cover the main attractions and key fights that evening. Other times they are their in order to provide coverage of the card in its entirety or their is a specific fighter they are excited to watch perform. Whatever the case may be, every card offers a new opportunity to cross paths with new characters you would not encounter unless you made it your business to attend as many live shows that you can. Regardless of the magnitude of the show.
My first interaction with Sam “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz occurred back in April at a local show in Philadelphia that was under the Hard Hitting Promotions banner. Horowitz was taking on David Murray the fighter signed under the promotions banner. This writer and others at press row didn’t expect much out of the opening contest that evening. In fact we were just happy that we were entertained at the awesome nickname sported by Horowitz.
However, much to our delight we were wound up treated to one of the better fights on the card that night. Horowitz, despite being brought in from Chicago as an opponent showed up to Philadelphia to fight. What I have come to find out about Horowitz since that night, is that you should expect nothing less from this heavy punching 33 year old light heavyweight.
“I know my record isn’t glossy and shiny like fighters that have been protected,” states Horowitz. “I only had 18 amateur fights before I turned pro. I made a choice to take on all comers and not go the route of fighting easy fights just to build up a fake record to look good on paper.” Horowitz while turning professional as a boxer in what would be considered the later stages of an athletes physical prime. Did in fact have combat experience as both an amateur wrestler with a background in Karate and Brazilian jiu jitSu.
This background culminated with a brief career in mixed martial arts. After just six fights a close friend decided to take Horowitz to a local boxing gym and that is when he fell in love with the pugilistic art. Make no mistake about it, Horowitz is not going to be seen in the ring doing a shoulder roll to avoid punches or partaking in his best Pernell Whitaker impression. No, what you get from Horowitz is exactly what his nickname suggests. Punishment.
His fight with Murray was the embodiment of a punishing four round fight. Horowitz who makes it clear that if he hits anyone with his powerful straight right hand on the button will be “standing over a hurt man.” Connected with that right hand on several occasions with Murray’s chin. After three rounds were completed Horowitz had scored two knockdowns and was clearly three minutes away from victory.
That was until Horowitz himself was caught and dazed early in the final round by Murray. “I’m not going to sit here and lie to you. I was hurt, but I knew where I was and was still standing on strong legs,” contests Horowitz. While this may be true, the referee stepped in and waved off the fight late in the fourth round declaring Murray the victor after several more punches landed for Murray while Horowitz was caught against the ropes.
A clearly disappointed Horowitz did not let his feelings about the stoppage by the referee subside easily. “I was frustrated, it’s not the first time in my career this happened to me. I went to Philly to put on a good show for the fans and just wanted a fair shake,” reiterates Horowitz.
Horowitz who says that he had been in tough sparring sessions with the likes of Joe Smith and fellow Chicago resident Andrzej Fonfara. Claims he deserved the right to not have the fight stopped right away. “I earned that right, cause I was way up on the cards and honestly I was aware of my surroundings.”
While the loss to Murray wasn’t going to put him out of any title contention or out of any rankings. Horowitz impressed that night and once again proved the statement that records that are good on paper can be deceiving. He along with Murray also reiterated with their performances that you never know what you could witness at a live show so you should get to the venue on time.
Horowitz has made it clear that he continues to fight for the love of just that, fighting. He is not involved with the sport to try and become a celebrity or for a fortune. It’s all about fighting and competition. Proving that you have more will and determination than the other fighter is just as rewarding to Horowitz as his financial compensation.
In fact if he wanted to chase celebrity all he needed to do was focus on his career outside of boxing. Working as a unionized stuntman in film and television. “I went in to audition for the role of a villain who was a boxer for a T.V. pilot, but instead was asked to be the stunt double for the lead.”
Horowitz parlayed that experience into training at a certified school for stuntmen and after several years of training you can see some of his work in shows like Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire. “It was really cool. We learned how to fall off of buildings, we were thrown out of windows, and learned how to drive properly for the camera.” This included learning how to throw, land, and take punches to coordinate fight scenes for the camera. While he has put these practices to action with the likes of the John Goodman in the movie Captive State.
This Friday night at Valley Fight Night in Studio City California, Horowitz plans on winding down the end of his prizefighting career by not pulling any punches. “I see myself fighting maybe one or two more fights. I’m happy to be fighting in front of my friends and family in Los Angeles. I would also like to fight once more in Chicago, if I can’t get the rematch with (David) Murray.”
Recently Horowitz has made his desire for a second fight with Murray clear on social media. At this point its unclear if he will be granted that wish. A victory on Friday night against Daniel Najera could be the first step towards making his wish a reality.
If your in the Studio City area and would like to catch Horowitz and the rest of the great action live you can get tickets at the link below:
