Top Rank Signs Boxing Prospect Toka Kahn-Clary

In its ongoing battle with Golden Boy Promotions to secure the best up-and-coming fighters, Top Rank has signed amateur sensation Toka Kahn-Clary of Rhode Island.

Kahn-Cary will make his pro debut as a junior lightweight on Friday, June 8, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The card will be headlined by super middleweight Kelly Pavlik.

"Everyone at Top Rank is excited and what a great way for Toka to start, fighting on the Kelly Pavlik card at the Hard Rock," said promoter Bob Arum.

Trained by Peter Manfredo Senior, Kahn-Clary, 20, boasts speed, power, and a pro style of fighting.

"Toka is a top prospect who is the real deal. He throws a lot of punches and hits hard," said Bruce Trampler, Top Rank's matchmaker.

Manfredo added, "Toka is the best I've seen at our gym in 35 years - and I've seen a lot of fighters. He has speed, skill, tremendous combinations, and a big heart.”

That heart is likely derived from his personal struggles.

A native of Liberia, Kahn-Cary moved to Philadelphia when he was six, where he was soon orphaned, losing his father in a shooting that same year. He made his way to Rhode Island where he eventually was taken under the wings of Andrea Watson, her husband Ron Clary, and Manfredo.

After finally finding some stability in his personal life, it was boxing that ultimately proved to be Kahn-Clary’s salvation. As an amateur, Toka was a Gold medalist at the National Golden Gloves (2010), a Silver medalist at the U.S. Championships (2011), and a Bronze medalist at the U.S. National Championships (2012, 2010.)

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services