New Faces: Romain Jacob

03
May
2010

New Faces: Romain Jacob

Team Jacob

By Robert Coster

French lightweight prospect Romain Jacob (9-0, 5 KOs) stands out in a way that sets him apart from his peers. The 21-year-old is heir to the closest thing to boxing royalty in France – a boxing family that dates back to grandfather Jacques, a bantamweight in the 50s and 60s. Romain’s four uncles won French and European titles and father Thierry gloriously won the WBC featherweight title in 1992, beating Daniel Zaragoza in the family’s hometown of Calais. Now it is up to young Romain to be the torchbearer and continue the family saga.

Growing in a house full of title belts and trophies, Romain Jacob seemed destined to be a boxer and thus laced the gloves at age 10. Demonstrating his good boxing genes, Romain had a stellar amateur career being a member of the touted French national team and winning gold at the European Junior Championships in 2006.

He turned pro at the end of 2008, being coached and managed by father Thierry. Jacob was just recently rated in the European rankings and is hoping to fight for the French title this year and the European title in 2011.

To the question as to whether the “Jacob” name is a burden or a privilege, Romain answers: “It can never be a burden and is definitely a privilege.”