By Loyd McIntoshLoyd McIntosh is a freelance writer and Press Relations Manager for One One Six Boxing Promotions. If you’ve ever been to a One One Six Boxing event, chances are you’ve witnessed the entertaining spectacle that is Saben Cura. At just 22 years old, the featherweight from Pensacola, Florida is turning heads in the boxing community not only for his skills inside the ring but also for the fun and excitement he brings to every bout. Currently undefeated with seven wins, five by knockout or TKO, the showstopper from the Sunshine State is the personification of the old P.T. Barnum quote, “always leave them wanting more.” While belts and championships are the ultimate goals, Cura also understands that giving the audience a good time and putting butts in seats is almost as important as winning. “The main thing I try to excel in is entertainment,” admits Cura. “Yeah, I want to win and be undefeated, but if no one wants to see you fight then you're not making any money.”
"Winning will only get you so far unless you can talk like an asshole. I'm not very good at being an asshole, so, I have to entertain people in a different way,” adds Cura. “So, my main goals are to offer an entertaining package and to win." Four of Cura’s wins have come in the first round, a testament to his skills and tireless training. However, Cura says that those early knockout wins aren’t always what the paying fans come to see. They want a show, and Cura says he gets the fact that boxing is part sports part showbiz and doesn’t mind giving the crowd something exciting to see. "I'm starting to get that understanding of how I can make the fight a better fight instead of just winning as soon as I can. But, you know, sometimes that's not necessarily the best decision because you might take someone too far and get caught," says Cura. "Like I said, I'm all for the fans and all that, so if I can make a good fight and even if I lose, I'll take it." "If I could have a fight of the decade, like an Arturo Gatti vs Mickie Ward fight and lose, I would be okay with that instead of winning every single one of my fights and never having a single notable fight," says Cura. Growing up in Pensacloa meant living in the shadow of Roy Jones, Jr., a favorite sun of ‘Cola who was a huge influence on the young boxer. The Joneses cast a huge shadow throughout the Florida gulf coast, initially putting the city on the boxing map. Cura says he hopes he and a handful of other up-and-coming boxers can be the start of an effort to turn the ‘Cola into a world-class boxing town. “Roy Jones, Jr. is so in touch with the community and super down to earth it’s like people know him on a personal level,” explains Cura. “That’s what I want. I’d like to be able to go place in my hometown and have that same connection to the people in Pensacola and help make this city a world-class boxing town.” Cura, along with Pensacola-natives Corey Stokes Jamal Harris, is scheduled to compete at the next One One Six Boxing Promotions event, Rumble By The River on Saturday, April 23, at The Venue at Coosa Landing in the heart of Gadsden, Alabama. An early signee to One One Six Boxing Promotions, Cura has been a crowd-pleaser and a top-notch professional for One One Six owner and operator Brandi McCain. “I just love Saben,” says McCain. “He’s dedicated to his training, always comes prepared to fight, and no one comes close to putting on a show like him. Saben has a bright future ahead of him and we’re thrilled to showcase him once again in April.” "It's always been super smooth with Brandy. Since the first time we fought at one of her shows, I've never had a single issue," explains Cura. "It's not just her, but all the people around her. It's just a good community that is always super welcoming. It's always a good time at her shows and I don't have any problems.” See Saben Cura at Rumble By The River V Presented By One One Six Boxing Promotions on Saturday, April 23, at The Venue at Coosa Landing.
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