2008 Woodie Awards
SRU alumnus enjoys success as pro boxer
By Brady Crytzer
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: Sports
Brian "The Beast" Minto is not the average professional boxer and certainly not the average Slippery Rock University alumnus. Standing at only 5'11" and weighing a mere 210 pounds, the Butler native holds a record of 21-1 in the always dangerous heavyweight division of boxing.
Minto said he is proud of his roots and takes them into the ring with him every time he fights.
"I will always remember my time at SRU," Minto said. "I had some of the best times of my life there and I have met a lot of my closest friends there."
Minto, a former resident of Patterson Hall, took up boxing after his time at SRU in the mid-90's. Working as a linesman for Armstrong Cable, Minto said he felt comfortable in his career, but following the birth of his daughter, time at home was becoming more and more vital.
"It was tough because I would get home from work, and instead of helping out, I'd go to the gym and try to train for a couple of hours every night." Minto said.
Boxing was by no means a safer outlet. But to Brian, the reward was much higher than the risk.
"I was actually involved in boxing when I was 12 years old," Minto said. "I never had any fights. I was just sparring in the gyms. Overall as an amateur I was 15-3. I lost to Jason Gavern, who is with the Goosens. He was ranked No. 3 in the United States. I was getting to that level. Actually, I got robbed in my fight with him in Baltimore. I fought a few more amateur fights after that."
Though Minto could have ultimately fought for his country as an amateur in the Olympics, he said the money was at the professional level. With a family in mind, Minto made the decision to turn pro in November of 2002 and never looked back.
"It was a four rounder for $400," Minto said. "I said I'd take it. It was right around Thanksgiving of 2002. That was my first pro fight. As soon as I turned pro, my career went fast."
Minto gives much of the credit for getting early bouts to his manager.
Minto said he is proud of his roots and takes them into the ring with him every time he fights.
"I will always remember my time at SRU," Minto said. "I had some of the best times of my life there and I have met a lot of my closest friends there."
Minto, a former resident of Patterson Hall, took up boxing after his time at SRU in the mid-90's. Working as a linesman for Armstrong Cable, Minto said he felt comfortable in his career, but following the birth of his daughter, time at home was becoming more and more vital.
"It was tough because I would get home from work, and instead of helping out, I'd go to the gym and try to train for a couple of hours every night." Minto said.
Boxing was by no means a safer outlet. But to Brian, the reward was much higher than the risk.
"I was actually involved in boxing when I was 12 years old," Minto said. "I never had any fights. I was just sparring in the gyms. Overall as an amateur I was 15-3. I lost to Jason Gavern, who is with the Goosens. He was ranked No. 3 in the United States. I was getting to that level. Actually, I got robbed in my fight with him in Baltimore. I fought a few more amateur fights after that."
Though Minto could have ultimately fought for his country as an amateur in the Olympics, he said the money was at the professional level. With a family in mind, Minto made the decision to turn pro in November of 2002 and never looked back.
"It was a four rounder for $400," Minto said. "I said I'd take it. It was right around Thanksgiving of 2002. That was my first pro fight. As soon as I turned pro, my career went fast."
Minto gives much of the credit for getting early bouts to his manager.
