Everything went out the window for Nkosi Solomon on Saturday night despite an encouraging first round of pro boxing.
The 23 year-old former amateur star rolled over in the paid ranks but met a determined Matt Cameron in Chicago.
Cameron proved no slouch, and when Solomon’s tactics left him in the second round, ‘Big Cam’ took full advantage.
Solomon was dropped in the third and fourth rounds on his way to a shocking first loss but it was what promoter Eddie Hearn said after the fight that will live long in the memory.
Heading backstage to seek out Solomon, Hearn gave an incredibly inspirational pep talk to the American.
Exclusive from backstage on Saturday night… @EddieHearn talks to Heavyweight Nkosi Solomon after his shock debut defeat ???? pic.twitter.com/GKPUHBBeyC
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 10, 2018
“You have to work on the fundamentals but we are one hundred percent behind you,” said Hearn.
“Nothing has changed for us from before this fight.
“It doesn’t matter the way were are going to promote you. You could have won tonight. Nothing’s changed.
“You’ve got to stiffen up that jab. It’s okay because God tests you sometimes and this is your test. It’s all about what you’ve got in your heart.
“But I’m not going to put you in a ring again until you are ready. Because if you lose your career is over. Next time there’ll be no excuses.
JAB
“Fundamentals of boxing is what you’ve got to work on. The first round was perfect when you were using the jab. In the second round, your jab went.
“It’s done. There’s no point talking about it. You take it on the chin and you go again,” he added in a video filmed by Matchroom Boxing USA.
Solomon is hopeful of being back out in December, although Hearn wants to assess the heavyweight beforehand.
Dates in January or February could also be possible as Solomon bids to put his nightmare start at the Wintrust Arena behind him.
