Rydell "Super" Mayes Jr. returns to Murfreesboro

Rydell “Super” Mayes Jr. knows how to pack a house as well as he packs a punch. The rising cruiserweight prospect will return home to Murfreesboro, TN for the first time in almost a year when he laces the gloves up for combat on April 16 at the Embassy Suites. Tri-Star Boxing’s hot ticket seller will headline a packed card featuring veteran boxers, a former Olympian, and promising newcomers. Mayes Jr. will meet Brazilian knockout artist Fernando Rodrigo Simoes de Almeida in the six-round main event.

Mayes Jr., 32, is poised to show off some of his new experience since training with WBC cruiserweight Ilunga Makabu in January. Makabu needed sparring against southpaws, so Tri-Star Boxing got the call. The Murfreesboro resident helped prepare the seasoned champion for what would prove to be one of his most challenging bouts to date. Makabu retained his title in a hard-fought rematch with Thabiso Mchunu. Makabu started the year on the short-list of opponents considered to face Canelo Alvarez in 2022.

“I’m proud to have Rydell Mayes Jr. signed on with Tri-Star Boxing. He’s a local product and has become a hometown hero in Murfreesboro,” stated Tri-Star CEO Matt Young. “We are products of the same high school and football program. He’s a raw talent with a lot of upside because he listens to his team and has pushed himself to get to a higher level. He’s a great local draw that Murfreesboro loves to come out and support.”

Mayes Jr., a graduate and former standout football player at Riverdale High School, grew up watching boxing with his dad. Athletics run deeply in his family as his father played football at MTSU and his brother later played at UT Chattanooga.

Once bitten by the boxing bug, Rydell received some training from former middleweight world title challenger Jonathan Reid, who also appeared on season one of The Contender.

“At fifteen, I was in and out of the gym because of school and other sports,” Mayes Jr. recalled. “I started a career before returning to boxing full-time as an adult, having a few amateur fights.”

Mayes Jr., born in Columbia, TN, is also a family man, raising five beautiful children, whose support can usually be observed ringside as they are often dressed in matching boxing garbs. Mayes Jr.’s love for his family is evident as he frequently honors both the living and those who have passed on.

As most prizefighters learn early and will share, the path to glory is often obstructed by adversity and pain. Rydell’s path hasn’t been any different as he’s built a record of 12-1 (11 KOs). He’s being trained by Jessie Harris out of Music City Boxing in Nashville. However, the cruiserweight has also benefitted from the tutelage of Bones Adams, a former world champion.

“My best experience was with Tracy Johnson, a veteran guy in Chattanooga,” Mayes Jr. recounted. “I went the distance with him in winning. I’ve learned to remain hungry. In defeat, I learned I had the courage to not quit and used it as motivation. With Makabu and his team, I got a glimpse into how a world champion works. I thought I worked hard before, but sparring four-minute rounds with the champion was something else. Both Harris and Adams are similar to work with because they focus on the small details. Bones has helped with my sharpness and helped me develop more of a boxer-puncher style.”

Going the distance and rebounding from defeat are major hurdles in the careers of professional boxers. Some never make it to the final bell and others never find their way back on track following a loss. Making the adjustments with his team should improve Mayes Jr.’s game significantly.

Since his own set-back, “Super” Mayes is 4-0 and coming off what he feels was his best ring appearance. Back in October, Mayes Jr. stopped Carlos Reyes in two round at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel in Kentucky. Although the night was quick, he found his shots more patiently instead of coming out too quickly with a knockout on his mind. He stopped an experienced opponent more quickly than some fighters who actually went on to top world rankings.

“I am proud of making it where I am, not coming from a major boxing city,” Mayes Jr. stated. “My goal is to be an inspiration to those that might not be from a big boxing area or might start late. I want to show that hard work is king and you can go as far as your willing to work for.”

April 16 is rapidly approaching as Rydell Mayes Jr. will headline a night of fellow locals and world prospects at the Embassy Suites, 1200 Conference Center BLVD, in Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Doors open at 6:00 PM and tickets are on sale now.

Don’t miss our popular Bourbon & Boxing series return April 30 at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel in Oak Grove, KY.

Keep an eye out for our new Memphis Boxing series returning May 20 & 21.

Stay up to date with Tri-Star Boxing events on Facebook and Instagram @tristarboxing.