Posted on 12/15/2020
By: Vishare Mooney
Photo Credit: Mayumi Cabrera
It’s too early to see what this Kansas boy is made of. He left his amateur career behind, packed up, moved to LA and walked into Fortune Gym. In his first mitt session, he impressed Justin Fortune so much that the former world heavyweight contender and strength trainer to Manny Pacquiao soon became Eric Priest’s head trainer. With Fortune by his side, Priest has been seamlessly absorbed into the elite Los Angeles boxing scene.
Fewer than 18 months after moving to LA, the 22-year-old, cornered by his famous boxing coach, became a regular sparring figure at the iconic Wild Card gym. He has sparred with the likes of serious heavy-hitting contenders like Israil Madrimov, Tim Tszyu and Bektemir Melikuziev. Recently he logged over 60 rounds with Gabe Rosado to help Rosado prepare for his fight with Danny Jacobs.