Harlem’s own Kahlil Gordon, who graduated from Democracy Prep Charter High School earlier this year, competed in the Mike Tyson Invitational 3, an invite-only amateur boxing showcase hosted by the Brownsville, Brooklyn boxing icon at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
Gordon, 18, who fights out of Mendez Gym in Harlem, won a three-round clash by split decision over 21-year-old Ali Conde, who represents El Maestro in the Bronx in the 18-40, 176-pound division at the showcase. “The Mike Tyson Invitational 3 was a great experience,” Gordon said to the AmNews. “It really allowed me to see the life of a professional boxer fighting in a casino, having all the lights on you, the cameras, and fighting on television.” The Mike Tyson Invitational 3 was streamed on the International Boxing Hall of Famer’s YouTube channel and called ringside by Mauro Ranallo and Raul Marquez. Gordon also discussed meeting Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history when he defeated Trevor Berbick to win the WBC heavyweight title 40 years ago, this month at 20. “Meeting Mike Tyson was very exciting because he is a fighter I look up to, and being able to meet him and have him watch my fight ringside is something a lot of fighters can not relate to,” he expressed. Gordon, the great-grandson of the late founder of the famous Harlem soul food eatery Sylvia’s Restaurant, Sylvia Woods, talked about what it means to have the support of his family and friends, as well as the Harlem community, in his endeavors inside and outside the ring.
“It means a lot to have the support from the Harlem community because this is a community I was raised in, and being able to put on for my community is a blessing,” he said. “After winning my bout at the Mike Tyson Invitational 3, I screamed out Harlem and pointed to my tattoo as a reminder of what I represent,” Gordon added, referring to an elaborate tattoo on his left arm. Now that he has graduated from high school, Gordon plans to begin college early next year to continue his education, but the learning inside the boxing ring will continue as well.
“In the boxing world, since I won my fight at the Mike Tyson Invitational 3, I have been selected to fight again on a boxing card in March 2027 in Seattle, Washington.”
