Who
is Joe Wyatt?
By
Thomas R. Watts and Gero von Dehn
When young Joe was just 5 years old, Father Joe Louis Wyatt brought home a set of father-son boxing gloves. That Christmas present would mark the beginning of a career. A National Golden Gloves Title by the age of 17 and champion of the prestigious Ohio State Fair, promising Joe Wyatt was ready to embark on a professional boxing career. In 1991 Joe lost focus and paid a debt to society, temporarily derailing his plans. Looking out onto a world that was passing him by, Joe made a decision to refocus his life through Islam and boxing. That focus consisted of religion for the soul and boxing to build the inner strength needed to fight his way back into society from the lowest point of his life. With his mentor and trainer, Andrew “Buzz” Garnic at his side and the complete support of the Wyatt family, Joe just might reach that championship belt he strives for.
“Joe has the potential to go all the way”, says Buzz. “He has to stay focused. He’s got to stay on top of all these other guys by, most of all, living like a fighter, training like a fighter, and having character and discipline. Without that, you don’t make it.”
The welterweight division is loaded with tough fighters. Take the power of the middleweights, throw in the speed and movement of the lightweights and the result is a welterweight. At a solid 5’ 10” with a 72” reach, Wyatt fits the mold of a welterweight. With an 8-0 (5 KO) record, Joe is making his mark.
“2002 will be a building year”, according to Garnic. “Then in 2003, we will be seriously looking for a title fight.” With a smile Joe added, “The Jr. Welterweight Championship. Then the Welterweight Championship of the World.”
How do you
balance boxing and work?
Boxing is my work. With Buzz and my family’s support I am able to make boxing a full time career.
What if you never
win the belt? Could you be
satisfied?
Knowing that I gave 110% is the best I can do.
What would you do if
you weren’t boxing?
I’d probably go back to school and study Psychology.
What is the best
part of boxing?
The competition. Man on man.
What do you hate
about training?
(Long pause)…Nothing!
How do you feel and
what do you do before a bout?
I think about the other fighter and his style. To relax I talk with Buzz and to stay mentally focused I use my religion.
Who is the fighter
out there you would be most proud of defeating?
Shane Mosley (WBC Welterweight Champion).
What do you like to
do outside of boxing?
Pray. Boxing and religion is life.
Is there one change
you would like to see in boxing?
Impartial judges. They should judge the fight and not the named fighter.
Hard work, strong faith,
and a good support system keeps Joe Wyatt on a path to success.
The innocent faced, yet hard-nosed kid who grew up idolizing Joe Louis
has the pieces in place to make a run for the welterweight title.
Thomas R. Watts
Gero Von Dehn