All photos by Ben Mercado
Samuel Horowitz (2-0, 0 KOs) is a stuntman who has also fought in MMA before. But what defines Horowitz best is a fighter. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and then moving to Chicago, Illinois; Horowitz spent time in prison and had his bouts with alcohol and drug use.
He was heading down a path for the lost and directionless. After he was released, Horowitz got into MMA and worked at a nightclub. Still participating in drug use, it wasn’t until Horowitz had to endure his own crucible that he realized he needed to be the man his family and friends knew he could be.
He will tell you to this day, he still fights and it shows everyday.
Why Do You Fight?
Well, my entire life HAS been a fight. Literally, since I was a little boy. From my pre-teen years all the way into young adulthood I was bounced from place to place, in and out of trouble, never having any hope. Fighting is something that I have always done, whether figuratively or in real life.
Now? I fight because I have something to prove, to myself, to my family and friends… To those that never believed in me, and to those that always have! I love fighting. I’ve always been intoxicated by the idea of being a “Prizefighter.” I wouldn’t want it any other way… It is who I am.
Do You Have Any Fighters You Style Yourself after in the Ring?
Rocky Marciano and Louie Lomeli would be the top two. My coach Sam Colonna told me that stylistically, I am very similar to Marciano, with the lack of a huge amateur pedigree but the aggression and heart, and big punching style.
And Louie Lomeli similarly because he had the aggressive, angry style which suits me. I try to watch a lot of old tape of both fighters, as well as many others. I also love GGG and Ruslan Provodnikov as well, and I really enjoy watching their fights and picking up things they do.
When You’re Not Fighting or Training, What Do You Enjoy Doing?
I really love watching movies. I’m really into cinema and I also enjoy reading!
Who Has the Best Deep Dish in Chicago?
Gino’s East followed very closely by Lou Malnati’s.
What’s is it like Being a Stuntman?
It is the greatest thing that ever happened to me in my life. There is nothing else, no other career in the world I would choose–other than being a prizefighter. I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to do this. I learn so much from the REAL Chicago legends in the stunt and film industry like Brian Christensen, Tom Lowell, Jimmy Fierro, Chris Nolte. These guys are the “Mike Tysons” of Stuntmen, Me? This is my dream. I wake up every day grateful that I have gotten this shot. I go to bed dreaming about it. The only two things I truly love and think about are becoming a great fighter and a great stuntman one day; and making the people who have showed me the way proud.
What Shows Have You Worked On?
TV shows I’ve worked on as of late is Empire on Fox, and on Chicago PD. The first TV show that I had a small taste of stunt work on was Mind Games, where I did some of the boxing with star Eddie McClintock.
Love Your Name, “The Bear Jew,” How Did You Get It?
[Laughs] Well I am still known primarily as “The Russian Concussion,” due to my descent, but a couple years ago my good buddy and Heavyweight contender Mike Mollo gave me that nickname because I reminded him of “The Bear Jew” from Inglourious Basterds. I’ll take it, but my baseball bat are my fists!
Can You Tell Me a Bit More about When Your Life Changed?
Yes, every single fight that I have and every single milestone that I accomplish in my life is in honor and dedication to my brother Jaren Carter. He died from a heroin overdose November 19, 2011.
I fight for Jaren every day, he was probably the most athletically gifted human being I’ve ever personally met in my life as well as one of the greatest people I’ve ever met in my life. I had my own struggle with drugs and alcohol as well, and Jaren is one of the main reasons I decided to become drug and alcohol free.
You’re Young in Your Boxing Career, with Two Impressive KO’s under Your Belt, Where Do You See Yourself Competing at in 3 Years? Contender? Title Challenger? World Champion?
I told myself when I got into this sport that I was going to go hard or go home. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think that I could become a champion. I have a big fight coming up February 7, 2015 against a very good and tough opponent, and I am going to be ready.
Every day I work harder and harder and I am not going to stop until I exhaust every possible ounce of what I can give in that ring. I am going to do whatever I have to do. I want to be a champion. I want to make my family, my friends and my ancestors proud! I want to get to the level where I am competing with the best!
