Ruben R. Ramirez / El Paso Times Eric David flexed after weighing in at 281 pounds Thursday at Cohen Stadium. David will fight tonight against Gostable Horton of Houston as part of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions' Ballpark Boxing Series at the stadium.

Matthew Aguilar
El Paso Times

No one's quite sure if Eric David can fight. When you stand 6-foot-4 and weigh 281 1/2pounds, people aren't exactly lining up to test you.

David lost his first pro fight via knockout last September in Fort Worth but, based strictly on his incredible size and the dearth of talent in the heavyweight division, it would be silly to dismiss the Liberian giant's potential.

"The Conqueror," 0-1, will step into the ring again today as part of Golden Boy Promotions' "Ballpark Boxing" Series at Cohen Stadium. The southpaw will meet Houston's Gostable Horton, who is making his pro debut.

"This is a big, strong man," said David Pearlman, the El Paso Diablos' managing partner who also manages David. "Technique-wise, if he learns the American system, he has real potential. When he gets in that ring and gets aggressive, I wouldn't want to be on the other side. (Trainer Ronnie Shields) said he is the biggest, strongest man he had ever been around."

There is more to David than his physical stature, however. Considering the turmoil he has survived already, it's likely that his heart is every bit as big as his biceps.

David started boxing at age 11, eventually becoming Liberian national champion. But his country had been overtaken by rebel forces under the regime of dictator Charles Taylor. And they wanted David on their team.

As he was doing his roadwork one day 10 years ago, Taylor's presidential motorcade veered up beside him. The dictator requested a meeting with the then-18-year-old Adonis.

David obliged.

At the meeting, one of Taylor's officials informed the heavyweight that he wanted him to undergo six months of training in Libya to basically be a bodyguard.

David responded with a punch that changed his life forever.

"Eric knocked him out," Pearlman said. "He walked out of the office in the government building and he knew he was a dead man if he didn't get out. So he crossed the border into the Ivory Coast."

David said: "Rebels came into the city, and I refused (their offer). Afterwards, I knew I had to leave."

He also left behind his family.

David fled to Ghana, Africa, where he fought as an amateur. Then he went to South Africa, where he went to work for Pearlman in 2002, assisting with an American soccer team.

"The kid helped us out with the Kansas City Wizards," Pearlman said. "We went to dinner one night and he said, 'Mr. David, I don't mind being poor. I just want an opportunity in life.' It hit me in the heart."

Eventually, United States military forces arrived in Liberia earlier this year, and David was safe to return.

Taylor, accused of gun-running, war crimes and leading an army of child soldiers, went into exile.

"I was very happy," David said. "Thousands of people died (under Taylor's rule), and now you're walking freely."

The ongoing Liberian civil war, however, has killed tens of thousands -- including many of David's relatives -- and has forced more than 3 million from their homes.

David, now 29, reunited with his family at a refugee camp in Ghana. Every month, he sends money.

He wants to eventually move them to his current home and training headquarters, Houston.

Boxing-wise, David's trainer, Cedric Williams of Houston's Savannah Gym, said he has no doubt that his charge has a great deal of untapped talent.

"He has a great capacity for learning," Williams said. "Most people get discouraged after a loss (but) he is determined. He is learning more technique and fundamental things they don't teach an Eastern European boxer. His strength is his strongest asset."

Williams said David has a wicked left hand and a hard right hook. And, yes, he definitely has strength.

David can bench-press 540 pounds 2 or 3 times, Williams said.

He just has to overcome nerves.

"When he lost (in September), it was his first time fighting on a big card," Williams said. "(Fort Worth star boxer Paulie Ayala) was retiring that night, and Eric hadn't fought in three years. I think he got some stage fright. But, I guarantee (today) will be a different result."

Pearlman is certainly excited. He wants his charge to have four fights before Aug. 5.

"If he does the right things and learns, people will take note around the country within a year," he said.

Matthew Aguilar may be reached at maguilar@elpasotimes.com; 546-6166