I know a lot about work ethic since I have been an active boxer from the age of six years old. For those of you who don’t know me -- and that may be a good thing -- I am 27 years old and, if my math is right, I have been boxing for 21 years. Holy crap, that's a long time (haha), but back to the point.

Since turning pro way back in 2004 I have come to realize, after looking back at my crappy professional record, that maybe my work ethic isn’t what I thought it was. I worked my butt off as an amateur and it showed because I won three national titles and compiled a record of 156-13 over a 15-year period. Between my brother and I, we have more national titles in boxing in a three-year period than the any boxer in the whole state of Missouri. Hell, some amateurs never win one single national title in their lifetime -- Missouri, California or New York ... it does't matter.

But after only six years as a professional athlete I've already lost more fights than I did in 15 years as an amateur. For some, this is going to be hard to believe, but when I was just 16  I sparred with a guy who had sparred many rounds with Floyd Mayweather Jr. After we got done sparring, he told me with the straightest and most serious face, “Travis I know you might not believe this, but your first punch is faster or as fast as Floyd Mayweather Jr.” Well, I've tried to not get caught up in the hype or the hate, but this comment was very hard not to at least entertain. I have known this person almost my whole life and for him to say this now was shocking, to say the least. I try never to let someone build me up or tear me down. I believe what I believe, but I have to admit:  When he told me that,  my confidence went through the roof.

Micky Ward, Travis Hartman & Arturo Gatti