Undefeated boxer makes long awaited homecoming fight in Atlantic City

According to research by the National Library of Medicine's Center for Biotechnology Information and Georgia State University, less than one percent of all High School Athletes will become a professional athlete.

On average, only 1 in 3,960 High School Athletes get to play in the National Football League. So anyone who gets the opportunity to compete in two different professional sports is an even rarer accomplishment.

Fourteen years after graduating from Holy Spirit High School, this Professional Boxer went from aspiring NFL Player to Undefeated Heavyweight Fighter.

Homecoming for South Jersey Star Athlete for Atlantic City Fight

After a stellar college football career at Rowan University, Josh Popper took his shot at playing Professional Football. As he explained when he joined Hanging with Hennig on 973 ESPN South Jersey, his experience trying to play in the NFL prepared him for success later in life:

"When I came out of college, I ended up getting (the opportunity) to put on an NFL helmet with two different teams, the (Arizona) Cardinals and the (Indianapolis) Colts. Unfortunately, that was short-lived - But, you know, playing football at that highest level, or at least being around (those) guys and being in that environment, it really kind of sets you up for life.

"They say that athletes make great workers, they make great partners...because of that team environment and that team aspect and being able to understand what accountability is. - Making that transition into boxing, thank God I had that background because this is, as you know, a lonely sport. You're by yourself (in the ring)....It's you that has to fight, it's you that needs to make sure that you're eating clean. You that needs to make sure that you're waking up early to get your road work in. So, thank God that I had that discipline that was able to carry over."

After nine amateur boxing matches, Popper turned pro in 2024. He has started 4-0 in just eight months with four knockout victories. He explained to 973 ESPN that his style is different than what most people would expect to see from a Heavyweight Boxer:

"I like to consider myself a very smooth boxer; I move very fluid, I box as if I was a middleweight, but obviously I'm a heavyweight. So, that's something that every heavyweight has to fear getting in the ring with me is being able to match my speed, my IQ, my athleticism, my footwork. But then I also haven't made it out of the first round because I do pack a nice little punch. So, my fight (nickname) is The Hammer. (But) that has nothing to do with anything involving how strong my power is or anything, but it's a fitting name, and you guys will definitely see that (on display on) November 7th."

Popper will be one of five boxers on the Friday, November 7th fight card who are from South Jersey who will be in action inside the Tropicana Atlantic City Showroom:

*Junior NABF Super Welterweight Champion "Mr. Atlantic City" Justin Figueroa (13-0)
*Absegami High School Graduate Bruce Seldon Jr. (7-0)
*Rising Women's Boxing Star from Berlin, Lia Lewandowski (2-0)
*Super Lightweight from Pleasantville, Julio Sanchez III (2-1)

Josh "The Hammer" Poppper understands how unique an opportunity it is to be part of a boxing card with so many fighters from South Jersey all in action in Atlantic City:

"This is such an amazing moment, you know, being from Atlantic City, having (these) fights and boxing pick back up in Atlantic City. No, this is a very cool moment. - I put some thought into that, and I'm just excited to be a part of it....You know, obviously, my mind is focused on one thing (Friday Night), but yeah, this is very cool. Larry Goldberg, thank you man, for putting (fight night) on."

Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com to check out Josh "The Hammer" Popper return to South Jersey along with this action-packed boxing event on Friday, November 7th at Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City.