Unbeaten boxer DeAngelo “Muscle” Evans will face off against Justin Cardona in the main event at this Saturday’s Butterfly Brawl to be held at the legendary Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. The two will go toe to toe for a special World Boxing Council (WBC) belt that will be awarded to the winner. The evening is a fundraiser benefiting the fight against cancer. This August 16 showdown is being promoted by Bash Boxing and presented by Fightbook.

I caught up with the North Carolina puncher (14-0, 13 KOs) right before he flew out to get ready for the weekend brawl.

Evans began his athletic career while wrestling in school. In fact, he didn’t even think about the sport of boxing until he was in college. And he also revealed to me that he never even really watched boxing until his late teens. He first laced up at age 18 when he started training with coach and former pro Marcus Luck (Lucky Punch Promotions). Evans turned pro four years ago. What’s interesting about his story is that he never had any official amateur bout.

“I had a couple of smokers but no official bouts,” he tells me. “I did spar pros as an amateur though.”

A graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks,” Evans (after turning pro) also sparred the likes of Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Brandon Adams, Egis Kavaliauskas and more.

Born in Durham, North Carolina, he moved to Kernersville and has since relocated to train in Danville, Virginia with Coach Luck.

He says he has watched some of Luck’s bouts (he had 28 pro fights). The tough Luck faced the likes of Keith Thurman, Devon Alexander, Kendall Holt, Travis Simms, and more. Luck’s experience is something that Evans, 27, relies on. I ask him about how he first began to work with the veteran ex-boxer.

“I told him ‘Show me the ropes and I will give it my all.’ DeAngelo recalls. “And I passed the test. I’m a student of the game.”

“Muscle” remains humble and hardworking and really respects his boxing coach.

“He’s been around a minute so I listen to him!” says Evans. “I’m gonna continue to train hard, make money and keep listening to my coach and stay focused.”

And it turns out that is was Coach Luck who gave him his nickname and fighting moniker “Muscle.”

“It all came about because it gets kinda hard remembering all the names of everyone who comes through the gym,” Evans says with a laugh. “Boxing is a sport that is very entertaining to the eyes, so a lot of people want to try and a lot of people go thru his gym. It’s easier to sometimes give nicknames to everyone.”

“Muscle’s” last fight was in April and his team plans on keeping him busy as he continues to rise through the ranks. Evans is managed by Mark Habibi (Wise Owl Boxing and Fightbook). Team Evans has fought in cards in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. DeAngelo has also fought in California before in Lynwood and Los Angeles. Now comes his return to SoCal fighting in the iconic city of Santa Monica beach. As of now, 11 fights are scheduled (all bouts subject to change).

I ask the knockout artist what the crowd can expect in the main event?

“Man, entertainment!” he states. “I plan to put on a good performance for everyone.”

What does he know about his opponent Justin Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs)?

“I know he’s from L.A.” replies Evans. “He’s orthodox and he’s gonna come to fight. It’s not gonna be an easy fight.”

I ask the undefeated slugger about his short-term and long-term goals? He thinks for a minute before he replies.

“Short term–I don’t want to get hurt…Long term–I don’t want to get hurt,” the undefeated fighter says. “I wanna leave boxing how I came in.”

We chat about the recent tragedy in which two young Japanese fighters died after fighting on the same card (in different matches). It’s the horrible and heartbreaking part of the sport–boxing isn’t a game. You don’t “play” boxing. The sweet science should be treated with respect and every fighter who enters the ring is brave enough to risk it all. Boxing is a great sport–and a business. Evans is realistic and remains grounded as he keeps building his résumé and making a name for himself.

I notice during our conversation how humble, funny and confident Evans is. I mention that he seems like an old soul, very grounded and mature for his age. He chuckles a bit and says he’s been told that.

“It’s being from around family and older people,” he thinks. “I like hanging out around older people I want to reach that age!”

I tell him that he can also inspire youngsters and teens who, like him, get a later start in the sport of boxing. He didn’t know anything about the fight game and didn’t even put on gloves until age 18. But as a natural athlete, he was a fast learner and is on his way to even more success with an unblemished record. What advice would he give to those thinking they may want to try to become a professional boxer as an adult?

“Train hard but don’t try and go too fast,” he advises. “It’s all a learning process. It’s not a marathon. It’s like the tortoise and the rabbit!”

Evans is looking to put on a show this Saturday in Santa Monica. The training is complete now and the opening bell will soon ding. He expresses appreciation for those who’ve supported him along the way.

“I want to shout out my team and Mark Habibi” DeAngelo says. I’m sure it’s been quite a trek from North Carolina to Virginia and now back to Southern California for the boxer.

And now this Saturday, fans will be able to catch DeAngelo “Muscle” Evans in action at “The Butterfly Brawl.” It will be a special night for a united cause in fighting cancer. Shawn Porter, Mario Solis, Ak & Barak and more will be on hand as commentators and the “Muscle” team is looking forward to being featured in the main event.

I asked his manager Mark Habibi about his young fighter. How has it been working with DeAngelo and what makes him stand out has a future champ?

Fightbook feature: www.myboxingfans.com/fightbook-launches-june-3

Tickets: www.fightbook.com

Photos courtesy of Team Evans/Fightbook