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Boxing and singing isn’t your typical peanut-butter-and-jelly-like pairing.
Boxing is related to drive. It’s coming into a hoop and placing your life on the road each time the bell rings.
Singing R&B is a bit more light. It’s expressing your self in a approach by which individuals are extra prone to hug and kiss you than bob and weave between jabs and hooks.
Philadelphia native Nahir “Woo” Albright balances having the swagger of a singer along with his “imply” facet that’s unveiled when the gloves are on. Boxing is the occupation he’s extra related to, and since there are stereotypes in regards to the masculinity of male R&B singers, different boxers normally aren’t impressed with combating him.
“I really feel like I received two sides to me, and I simply convey each of them out when it’s time,” Albright stated. “Most of my opponents underestimate me after they’re considering they’re combating the singer.”
Singing got here earlier than boxing. Albright noticed The Temptations on TV at some point, and he ain’t too proud to sing ever since. The soulful Motown group piqued Albright’s curiosity when he was in second grade, and he received expertise reveals at school singing hits akin to Simply My Creativeness.
“I believed I used to be the following Usher,” Albright stated. “I used to be leaping off stage and having enjoyable with it.”
Rising up in a Southwest Philadelphia residence with seven siblings, Albright, 25, stated it was “tough.” However the massive household environment made issues higher. Even when he was sporting one pair of sneakers to highschool your complete yr, moments like boxing along with his brothers and cousins created lifelong fulfilling reminiscences.
These household rivalries are sometimes the place aggressive natures are found, and it’s how Albright (12-1, 6 KOs) received into boxing at 13.
“We was in the home with boxing gloves on, combating, having a event,” Albright stated.
Friday evening would be the greatest boxing match of Albright’s profession. He’s scheduled to combat New Orleans native Jeremy Hill (15-1, 10 KOs) for the NABA light-weight title in the principle occasion at 2300 Area in Philadelphia. First bell is at 6 p.m.
After a few of his fights, Albright sings the nationwide anthem. So, typically, after he drops any person within the ring, he drops the mic — even whereas nonetheless sporting his boxing gloves.
Albright received all 4 of his fights this yr by stoppage.
“I’m hungry for fulfillment,” he stated. “Now’s probably the most energetic I’ve been in my profession. I instructed my group, as soon as I keep energetic I’m gonna be a harmful fighter, and nobody can beat me.”
Hill would be the most formidable opponent Albright has confronted. He has misplaced solely to undefeated Philly boxer Steven Ortiz, and his final three wins have come through knockouts.
Albright hasn’t misplaced since his first skilled combat, however he can’t overlook that day. He was overwhelmed by East Hartford’s Anthony Laureano in a 39-37, 38-38, 39-37 majority choice.
“I used to be simply considering that is the second I’ve been ready for my entire life, and it slipped out of my palms,” Albright stated. “I’m at all times sturdy in religion in God, and that’s what saved me afloat. I knew it was one thing larger awaiting for me.”
» READ MORE: 16-year old amateur boxer Richard Johnson is one of Philly’s rising stars
If Albright beats Hill, his profile ought to surge as a recognizable up-and-coming boxer from Philly. His 2021 opponents have a mixed 60-43-3 file, a lot is left to show.
Whereas it isn’t precisely peanut butter and jelly, Albright’s boxing and singing do complement one another. He has greater than 38,000 followers on TikTok due to his singing, comedy, and boxing movies.
Albright is assured his boxing will open extra doorways for his singing. That might occur once more Friday evening.
“We’re going to have to attend and see,” he stated.
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