Dusty Harrison Turns Pro; Signs with Prize Fight Promotions!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

After almost 200 amateur contests and numerous championships, 16-year-old Dusty Harrison of DC will take the plunge into the next level. BATB has learned that Harrison has signed a pro contract with Prize Fight Promotions of Memphis, TN and may make his pro debut in early June as a welterweight.

According to Harrison's father, Buddy, the owner of the Old School Boxing Gym, the family fielded numerous offers from promoters across the country, but felt Prize Fight was the best fit for them.

"Our recent trip to Memphis, TN (where Prize Fight's headquarters are) confirmed that this was the best choice for Dusty," said Buddy Harrison. "Brian Young, Russ Young and Nate Yoder are a class act and run a professional operation."

"Although Dusty is young, we feel that it is the right time for him to turn professional," Harrison continued. "While he achieved much success in the amateurs, with the increased expense and decreased competition; the pros are next obvious step in his career and Prize Fight is Dusty's path to success. My goal is to start with Prize Fight and end with Prize Fight."

Buddy Harrison added that he was very impressed with Prize Fight's commitment to the Memphis community.

"During Dusty's visit, Brian Young took him to a local church to help serve food to over 200 homeless people - something that Brian does every Sunday. Furthermore, Russ and Brian Young help place unwanted dogs and cats in decent homes. In fact the Prize Fight office is home to several cats, and we met Russ' rescued pit bull named Tyson at his home. When it came time to decide which offer to accept, it wasn't difficult. Not only are they good, God-fearing people, but they also guide boxers with care."

Prize Fight, who has signed numerous boxers from the Beltway region, said in a statement that they believe they have found another talented boxer in Dusty Harrison.

"We are extremely excited here at Prize Fight to sign such a talented young fighter in Dusty Harrison. Obviously with Dusty being so young we expect the journey to be a little bit longer than other prospects. But in the end, we believe Dusty will be a World Champion.

"Our presence in the D.C. metropolitan and surrounding communities have grown since 2004 when we built the careers of the Peterson Brothers. Signing Dusty Harrison further strenghtens our commitment to the fine talented boxers that D.C. has produced. Dusty will join a talented stable of boxers that already includes D.C.'s most talented boxers Fernando Guerrero and Dominic Wade."