Fresh Meat: David "Day Day" Grayton
by Gautham Nagesh
Name: David Grayton IV
Division: Welterweight
Trainer: Barry Hunter
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
If you read this blog, then you know we’re about as high on David “Day Day” Grayton as you can be on any boxer that hasn’t fought professionally yet. That changes tomorrow (Saturday) night at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, where Day Day will make his pro debut on a card promoted by Babie Gurl Promotions. We stopped by Headbangers Gym this week to speak to Grayton before his big day.
“I feel great, I just can’t wait to get it over with. I’m real excited,” Grayton told Stiff Jab.
“I know I’m gonna be a fan favorite. I’m gonna give the fans what they want. I’m ready to show off, that’s all.”
A native of Northeast D.C., Grayton took up boxing after playing linebacker for Suitland High School next to current 49ers standout NaVorro Bowman, a close friend. Despite his late start, boxing runs in Grayton’s blood; his father David was a local pro in the 1980s that compiled a 15-5 record before an eye injury ended his career. Grayton began training under his father and Ham Johnson at the legendary Finley’s boxing gym in Northeast Washington, before moving to Headbangers after the gym closed.
He firmly believes he can follow in the footsteps of gym-mate Lamont Peterson and win a world title. As a former national Golden Gloves champ, who beat U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. to win the title, he has the credentials to deliver on that goal.
“I’m just trying to be the new face of boxing,” Grayton said.
Grayton plans to stay in the gym constantly and fight frequently as he builds his career. He is managed by his trainer, Barry Hunter, who has guided the careers of the Petersons and many other local pros. Grayton currently isn’t signed with a promoter, but we expect him to draw interest from the sport’s big players once he reels off a few early knockouts. Day Day called it an honor to fight in his hometown, where he is already a draw from his amateur days.
Grayton described himself as an aggressive fighter that switches it up between coming straight forward and boxing. A southpaw, he called his right hook his best punch, and said many people have compared his style to Bernard Hopkins, the wily old man of the fight game. An interesting choice, given Day Day’s all-action style. But have no fear, Grayton promises that anyone who comes to tomorrow’s fight will get their money’s worth.
“They better not close their eyes,” Grayton said. “It’s gonna be a knockout.”