NAME: Ronnie “The Rottweiler" Kerner
Stats: 17-1-0 (17 KOs)
Fighting for WBE, NABC, and NBA Special Four Round Heavyweight World Championships. All Titles Sanctioned. -Currently holds NYBSC Five Borough Champion Belt
Born: New York City, New York
Resides: East Brunswick, New Jersey

PUGILIST: Ronnie, first let me start by saying Thank you so much for conducting this interview and being our featured PUG of the Month. It is truly an honor for PUGILIST.

Ronnie: My honor. I was a customer before I was asked to do the interview… (laughs)

PUGILIST: First, I’m very interested in knowing how you got the fight name, ‘The Rottweiler”?

Ronnie: My name came from a bunch of people back in the day. I was like a rotweiler in my young adult life, with the rotweiller mentality. You know a best friend, loyal, will do anything for those I care about however when threatened, I don’t quit in the heat of war…just like a rottweiler. Brut strength.

PUGILIST: I read, as a teenager, there was a troubled past that led through some tough roads leading you in the boxing world, care to share a little about ‘The Rottweiler’s’ background?

Ronnie: Not too much detail. The past is the past. I wouldn’t change it; it made me who I am. Like Sinatra said, “Regrets…..I had a few, but then again, too few to mention”. I was a very angry and violent kid. I went through a lot as a boy. My hatred and anger needed an outlet to vent. My step dad, whom I see as my father, bought me my first speed bag and heavy bag. I slipped into boxing to vent my anger. Believe it or not, I enjoyed being hit. I guess it comes along with the territory. I felt like I kind of deserved it. My inner demons led me to boxing. With my background and troubled soul, I’m a perfect example of bouncing back. If I did it, anyone can!

PUGILIST: I know a lot of young people need to read this and be encouraged. Thank you for opening up like that. Now, as a young man you fought underground in some tough places, what was that like?

Ronnie: It was still pro boxing, just unsanctioned. Teddy Atlas mentioned it in his book as the “Smokers” and in Rocky 1…It was like that scene where Rocky is fighting in the basement of a church; it’s the same. You get paid peanuts. It’s very corrupt. Certain shady people run it. It taught me to fight more aggressively. It got dangerous! Nothing tops the experience of underground boxing. When you get in the sanctioned ring, there is less to anticipate. After the transition, you notice little things that change, like being looked out for.

PUGILIST: That’s strange how you just described taking a boxer from an uncontrolled situation to a controlled situation.

Ronnie: The best analogy I can give Is: My LIFE went from uncontrolled to controlled!

PUGILIST: In the Underground Circuit, you became well known quickly as a highly gifted knockout artist, do you remember any of the guys you knockout?

Ronnie: Oh, yeah! There was Jose Rivera- I knocked him out in the first round. He was representing Spanish Harlem and I was representing Brooklyn. Then there was Micky McClearly – He was from Riverdale/Bronx, I was representing Manhattan & Brooklyn. I, like Mike Tyson, fight the same way, very aggressive style. I drop opponents and its ALL business. I had 17 KOs and I have nothing but love for all of those guys.

PUGILIST: After fighting in the underground circuit you were taking jobs as a ‘Hired Muscle’ Explain the duties of a hired muscle?

Ronnie: Hired muscle does whatever needs to be done for his boss. Nothing more!

PUGILIST: There were a few things in your past that has also lead you to become a spokesperson for the Caron Foundation Drug Rehabilitation Center? How did that relationship come about?

Ronnie: I hit a low point with drugs. I wasn’t happy with myself as a person. The last three years, I have been very happy. I found Caron and it rescued me from imminent death or incarceration and that’s the best way I can put it.

PUGILIST: After leaving the Caron Rehabilitation Center, you emerged a changed man realizing there was unfinished business in the boxing ring? What are your ambitions and goals in the boxing world?

Ronnie: Well, I'm not out to conquer the boxing world. I'm just looking to get mine and be the king of Four Rounders, like 'Butterbean' or an attraction like Mike Tyson. I come and knock people out. I want to show the world that there are still good people left in boxing with personality. I don’t want to be a big time boxing promoter because I've done that! Fighters are afraid of promoters. I as a promoter will protect boxers and bring some class back to the sport. I will NEVER leave the sport of boxing! I'm involved in all aspects of the sport. BYG Management is owned by my wife, like Sugar Shane Mosely. It's a smart partnership.

PUGILIST: Impressive! Tell me about Team Rottweiler?

Ronnie: Team Rottweiler is like the Dream Team of the profession of boxing. Gerry Cooney is like the big toe; the head of the company. There’s Vito Antuofermo, people who have worked with Paulie Malignaggi (Sal Attaguile), Paul Vario, Matt Grossman, and Will Parker whom has conditioned Mike Tyson at one time. They are unstoppable! They make me unstoppable, I learned from the best! My friends the “Cuzzo Crew” add support as well.

PUGILIST: Where are you going to train for this up and coming bout?

Ronnie: Actually, I am looking for a new facility in New Jersey to go to camp. A place with a more private environment. However, Featherweight boxing prospect, Nicky DeMarco and I are trying to open up a new gym somewhere between Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey.

PUGILIST: Ronnie, you have your hands full in the boxing arena sharing interest as a partner with Cedric Kushner in Gotham Boxing, that has to being quite interesting, what’s your role with the Kushner & Gotham Boxing?

Ronnie: We are partners and investors.

PUGILIST: Do you have any fights scheduled for ‘The Rottweiler’?

Ronnie: Yes! It’s for a special title, finally, back at home in NYC !

PUGILIST: Ron, it has been a pleasure interviewing you. You are a journalist’s dream. I thank you again for your time and patience. Do you have any final words for upcoming pugilists?

Ronnie: Most definitely. Believe in yourself with your mind, body, and soul. In the ring or out of the ring, you’re a champ! But above all, believe in yourself! Dreams do come true and ANYTHING is possible.

To further contact Ronnie please use: www.myspace.com/ronnienero