By Jake Donovan

Former amateur standout Aujee 'Quick' Tyler—once a can't miss prodigy racking up tournament wins before real life got in the way—is finally ready to bring his talents to the pro ranks. The 19-year old boxer from the Washington D.C. area recently signed with Probox Management as he awaits his eventual pro debut later this year. 

A date on his fight pro fight is still being determined, but his handlers are anxious to show the world what they believe is a star in the making. Tyler is thought highly enough to have already begun working with such talent as unbeaten bantamweight titlist Juan Carlos Payano, as well as unbeaten rising prospects Erickson Lubin and Dusty Hernandez-Harrison.

“Aujee is in camp with WBA world bantamweight champion Juan Carlos Payano and is in fantastic shape,” notes Henry Rivalta, who along with Garry Jonas heads up Probox Management. “This kid was one of the best in the world in the amateurs. “We’re ready to give him a fresh start and a bright future. We believe he’s truly something special.” 

The same was said during Tyler's rise in the amateurs during time spent under Barry Hunter, a local trainer and father figure to many, best known for his work with Lamont and Anthony Peterson. Among the credentials boasted by the Beltway boxer: five-time Ringside champion; two-time Silver Gloves champion; triple crown National PAL champion; and Junior Olympic Gold medalist. The overwhelming majority of such honors came from blinding hand speed and the ability to punish his opponent in rapid-fire fashion without catching any punches in return. 

“Everyone calls him ‘Quick.’ In fact, most only know him by Quick,” points out Buddy Harrison, Dusty's father and trainer with whom Tyler has spent valuable gym time in recent months. “Every once in a blue moon, a fighter comes to the gym who is gifted with speed and moves that just cannot be taught. Quick is one of those fighters. He has all the tools to become a world champion.” 

Unfortunately, getting in the way of his blue chip status back in the day was the crime-riddled area he calls home. A stabbing attack forced Tyler out of the amateur game early in his teenage years, but is now fully healed and carries a new lease on life. 

Those closest to him can only hope the pro game provides the necessary outlet to truly start anew. As the old saying goes: no matter how much you love the hood, the hood will never love you back. 

“The one thing that can keep him from such, is the area where we live at—SE Washington D.C.,” Harrison believes. “He needs to get away! In fact, just yesterday my son Dusty Hernandez Harrison returns home from Miami to four shootings right here on our block. There is not a single night that goes by without being woke up to gun-fire.   

“Although, I enjoy having Quick at my gym, I pray that he moves far away and focus on what he does best. Box!  I'd love to be sitting in my living room one day watching him on TV fighting for a world title. Something that might not never happen if he stays here in Washington D.C.”

It's with that in mind, that his management team keeps him active and surrounding him with different looks. Eventually, his handlers believe, it will reap major benefits for the bantamweight prospect. 

“Quick had a great attitude when he got here and works hard he will no doubt prove to be a forced to be reckoned with at 118 lbs.” Rivalta believes. 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox