OAKLAND, Calif. – Tony Hirsch Jnr wants to carry on his family's legacy in boxing. 

Hirsch fights on August 16 at the Oakland Marriott City Convention Center in Oakland, California. 

Hirsh, 5-0-2 (3 KOs), already has more fights as a pro than he had as an amateur. Trained by his father, Tony Hirsch Snr, an Oakland boxing gym legend who sparred with Andre Ward throughout his career, Hirsch Jnr trains in Oakland and decided to go pro in 2021. 

“I only had four amateur fights,” Hirsch Jnr said. “I had a lot of sparring, and that is why I grew so fast.”

“He is better than what everyone thinks he is, because he only has four amateur fights,” Hirsch Snr said. “He is better than what people expect.”

“I have been training him since he was six years old,” Hirsch Snr said. “We are finally here, and he is two to three times better than me.” 

Hirsch Jnr, 23, admits that fighting didn’t come naturally at first. 

“I started boxing young. At first I didn’t want to box, but I grew to love it,” Hirsh said. “I remember going to the gym and seeing my dad and Andre Ward sparring. I would hit the heavy bag trying to mimic what they were doing.”

Hirsch Snr was known in Bay Area boxing circles as “The King of the 14-day notice.” He fought everyone, but never had a full camp. Hirsch Snr finished his career with a record of 23-6-2 (9 KOs), He went unbeaten from 2013-2018, when he stopped competing. All of those moments play a part in the development of his son.

“I saw a lot and I had to learn a lot on the job,” Hirsch Snr said. “Being in those tough camps helped me develop him. Some of the stuff I learned in those camps we use for ours.”

For this fight, Hirsch Jnr is facing Derick Bartlemay, a veteran with a less-than-flattering record of 2-13-3 (1 KO). Bartlemay, a 39-year-old from Eugene, Oregon, enters having been knocked out in his last two fights. Hirsch has been through the wringer in his last four fights, as his opponents' combined records during that time are 16-3-1. Hirsch looks to stay busy in a hometown fight while gaining valuable experience. 

“Even though he only has four amateur fights, he has a lot of boxing experience,” Hirsch Snr said.

“I want to carry on the legacy,” Hirsh Jnr said. “I want to be the best.”