Fig Authentic: Thanjhae Teasley

Thanjhae “The Tiger” Teasley, incidentally, floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

Thanjhae “The Tiger” Teasley, incidentally, floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

The Lehigh Valley native is climbing the ranks as a professional boxer. To see him in the ring is to truly witness
something quite remarkable.

Before each match, his favorite Wu Tang Clan song blasts over the speakers, serenading him from behind the shadows and into the boxing ring. You can tell he is visualizing his win, taking in this moment—he doesn’t even blink.

At 23-years-old, the undefeated welterweight has focus, drive, and determination written all over his face. Thanjhae has the face of a warrior.

He discovered his calling very early on—born out of a first-grade biography writing assignment. “I picked Muhammad Ali. I loved what he stood for and how he carried himself both inside and outside the ring,” Thanjhae explained. “He never let anyone tell him what he couldn’t do. He defied the odds and manifested
his dreams. I was inspired. I knew I wanted to be just like him.”

Thanjhae took to YouTube, studying masters like Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson, Thomas Hearns,
Jack LaMotta, and Marvin Hagler, to name a few. “I just loved the way they moved,” he added.

In elementary school, Thanjhae was bullied, and after he learned about the sport through his report, he asked his mother if she’d let him take boxing lessons. After some convincing, his mother finally agreed, and the rest is history.

Thanjhae has his sights set on victory, as he trains six days a week for seven hours a day. His diet isn’t like one
of a normal twenty-something. “Anyone who knows me knows I have a crazy sweet tooth, but I can’t have any
of that while I’m training,” Thanjhae said. “I can’t give up on myself. I’ve worked too hard to get where I’m going.”

Thanjhae’s laser focus is on what’s next, with goals of becoming a champion in several boxing weight divisions.
Eventually, he plans to transition to a career as a boxing commentator when his life in the ring comes to an end and start a family someday, but he knows boxing will always be his passion no matter what.

He is committed to accomplishing everything he sets out to do. After all, Thanjhae’s got the eye of The Tiger.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for inspiration.

More from Fig

Community Interest

Opportunities To Grow 

Spring ushers in new opportunities for growth and connection, and Lehigh Valley is embracing this season with an abundance of community gardens.

Community Interest

Fig Giving Back: Camelot for Children

For nearly 40 years, Camelot for Children has been creating a world of magic and joy for children with special needs in Lehigh Valley, offering free, year-round programs that foster growth, friendship, and fun.

Your Weekly Guide to Lehigh Valley

Delivered right to your inbox for free, Fig Weekly features local stories, small business features, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Fresh Figs Delivered to You

Designed and produced four times a year, Fig Lehigh Valley magazine is filled with the latest in Lehigh Valley including local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community.