Amateur Bronx boxer has eyes set on Professional career.

Phil D'Erasmo is a 5'10, 160 pound fighter from the Bronx, New York. He represents the Morris Park Boxing Club in the middle weight division. The orthodox fighter began amateur boxing in 2010. In 2017, he is pursuing his professional license to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

D'Erasmo fell in love with boxing in his teenage years. He credits his passion developed from movies like Rocky and public figures like Mike Tyson. He grew up with a New York City mentality; In a competitive, survival of the fittest type of environment. "It was all about who was the baddest and the toughest. I got into a lot of fights because everyone felt like they had to be the best," D'Erasmo said.

As he became an adult, he realized he needed an outlet for his aggression. He enjoyed the regimen that kept him physically fit. He always wanted to be an athlete, and fighting in the ring came very natural to him.

His parents divorced when he was very young. He believes their work ethic rubbed off on him. "My mother worked twelve hour days, and was still able to come home and help me with homework. My father owned his own moving business and had a Lays potato chip truck. They were my true inspirations," D'Erasmo said.

The jump from amateur boxing to the professional level differ in many aspects. Pro boxers compete for cash prizes and are governed by organizations like the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, World Boxing Organization, and the International Boxing Association. The size of the ring can vary, and points are accumulated by aggressiveness, defense, control, punches landed, and impact.

However, amateur boxers do not fight for money, and are required to wear head gear. There is a standard size of the ring , and winners are considered by total number of punches landed.

D'Erasmo believes he has what it takes to be successful. He has tallied five wins, two losses, and one no contest in his amateur career. In the ring, his movements and strength are a nightmare for the opposition.

He considers boxing to be the "loneliest" sport in the world. It taught him how to be more independent and how to be his own best friend. At one point he felt like he had to isolated himself to be successful. What separates him from other fighters is his love to learn the game.

"A lot of fighters have good chins, knockout power in both hands, and have a good work ethic. But very few people can break down the science and very few people can be great fighters and great trainers. I feel like I can be both," D'Erasmo said.