Born in Baltimore, Maryland 1986, Yahu “Rock” Blackwell’s life began on a low note. His father left his family soon after his birth, but his mother Sandra Blackwell (Deceased), courageously accepted the challenge of raising her family single-handedly with very little money and resources. She instilled in them the importance of believing in Yahuah, honoring the Hebrew covenant, establishing solid values and being committed to your life’s purpose. Surrounded by negativity, Blackwell found it challenging at times to stay positive especially without a father or a male role model in his life, but spiritual values would always prevail. Yahu Blackwell began boxing at the age of 7 years old at the legendary Mac Lewis Boxing Gym in Baltimore, Maryland.
When Yahu decided to turn professional in 2009, he left an incredible 156-28 amateur record behind him, which included winning the South Atlantic Championship. By constantly reinventing himself in the ring, Blackwell has become an extremely exciting fighter to watch.
Blackwell now has a sizable fan base attracted by his punching power and explosive speed in the ring. However, the adulation of his followers is not entirely based on his boxing ability. The truth is that his impressive good looks, charming smile, and gravitating personality are turning him into a boxing star. Put all this together, and it is obvious that Blackwell is a star on the rise, with the potential to become a marketing goldmine.
But the professional boxing world has a darker side, and Blackwell had the misfortune to get involved with management companies that treated him poorly. Yahu Blackwell lossed his 2009 pro debut, when less than stellar management resulted in Blackwell breaking his right hand, and reaching life-threatening levels of dehydration; as he dropped 30+ pounds of water weight and muscle to try to achieve a 154 pound weight limit. The bout was stopped by the ring doctor when he examined Blackwell.
In 2013 Blackwell signed with a new management team, which has resulted in a his career skyrocketing. Team Blackwell traveled over seas and competed in the International Boxing League; A professional boxing tournament outside of the traditional ABC. There he compiled an impressive record of 15-0, winning the WBU (World Boxing Union) novice world championship. Due to his great success in the IBL; On March 5th, 2014, it was announced by the World Boxing Union (WBU) that Yahu Blackwell was ranked 10th in there world rankings for WBU and IBU titles.
With Everything moving in the right direction for Blackwell, on September 18th 2014 Blackwell signed a deal with Comcast Sports Net recently, which will allow all of his fights to be aired live on television nationwide. Blackwell has also spent time training with Floyd Mayweather Sr and the Mayweather boxing family. On November 26th 2016 Yahu Blackwell will be returning to the ABC and will soon become one of the biggest names in the sport of boxing.
Instagram: yahu_rockblackwell
