Heavyweight Travis Kauffman Makes Long Awaited Return Friday

ByBoxing Press

This Friday night, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman (28-1, 20 KO’s) will be back in action for the first time in 19 months when he takes on Richard Carmack (13-6, 11 KO’s) in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

The off-TV bout will take place on a card that is headlined by former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham and televised by Spike TV.

Kauffman of Reading, PA, has been out of action due to knee surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The heavyweight has been rehabilitating for the better part of 2015 as he started his journey in Houston, Texas and continued his boxing training in Reading and Philadelphia.

“I am feeling good and honestly, I am a little anxious,” said Kauffman. “I am more excited for this fight on Friday then any of my previous bouts. I have been training real hard. My knee feels good. I have the usual soreness that comes with training but nothing major.”

In facing Carmack, Kauffman will be facing a man who has a record of 13-6 and weighs in excess of 300 pounds.

“From what I have seen of Carmack, he can fight,” said Kauffman. “Don’t be deceived by his appearance. He can fight. I have worked real hard and this is my first full training camp with Naazim Richardson and my father Marshall Kauffman.

“Naazim is the best when it comes to breaking down opponents so I know I will be fully prepared for Carmack.”

Before the injury, Kauffman was ranked in the top-five by the WBA and he believes it wont be long before he rises back up to that lofty status.

“I am hoping for one more tune up,” he said. “Possibly on September 18 in Atlantic City. I am back with Al Haymon, so whatever he has lined up for me. I know he will get me the fights that will put me in position for the fights that I need to get me back into the top-five. Fights with Chris Arreola and Artur Szpilka could be those kind of fights.”

Kauffman is excited to be back with Haymon and to compete on PBC cards.

“I know he will get me to where I need to be. That is why I re-signed with him. He believes in me. I am excited and am looking forward for what my future holds.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.