There are hundreds of young fighters whose handlers believe them to be a future world champion or the next great heavyweight or another Sugar Ray Robinson. The young men who inspire these beliefs are known as “prospects.”

Derric Rossy is a prospect. He was born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island, where he still lives with his parents. His father is Italian-American and his mother is Hispanic. He’s 24 years old, 6-foot-3, and weighs 238 pounds.

Rossy is articulate and likeable. At Patchogue-Medford High School, he was a star linebacker and earned All-American honors from SuperPrep Magazine and USA Today. At Boston College, he started at linebacker as a sophomore before moving to defensive end. He graduated in 2002 and took post-graduate courses in education while trying to find a way into the National Football League.

Rossy had tryouts as a free agent with the Jets, Steelers, and Bears, but nothing came of them. Meanwhile, to stay in shape, he began working out at the Academy of Boxing Gym in Huntington, where legendary cornerman Al Gavin was training fighters.

“After a while,” Rossy remembers, “Al asked me, ‘Do you want to try this? I’m not saying you should, but you might be good.’ And I was like, ‘Wow! Al Gavin is saying I should try boxing.'”

That was in September 2003.

“I was at 270 pounds,” Rossy says. “Football weight. In three months, Al had me at 240. I liked the way I felt; I was in great shape. Then Al got me in the ring, and I was dying after one round. I was nervous and, because of the fear, I was fighting myself and another person. In boxing, fear tires you out. But I loved the experience.”

“I thought boxing would be similar to football,” Rossy continues. “But it’s not. Football is about emotion and getting in the trenches. Being in shape means quick bursts and then you stop. You’re on the field and then you’re off and then you’re on again. Boxing is more of a thinking game. It’s not just about using your muscle, and it’s always your turn to punch.”

Rossy’s first amateur fight was a second round knockout in January 2004.Then he entered the New York City Golden Gloves tournament and won four fights to capture the heavyweight novice title. His amateur record stood at 10-0 when tragedy struck. In July 2004, Al Gavin died of a stroke.

“Al was everything to me,” Derric says. “He was a great teacher. He was a friend. And because he was so relaxed and confident, it made me confident that things would always work out for the best. Bob Jackson [Gavin’s partner for decades] took over after that. Thank God for Bob. It’s like Al is still with me.”

Last autumn, Rossy decided to continue his ring education as a professional with Sal Musumeci as his promoter. His first fight was a one-round knockout of Jose Luis Gomez at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, N.Y. A four-round decision over Rubin Bracero in Brighton Beach followed. Rossy has never been knocked down as an amateur or pro, although he acknowledges that he’s “been buzzed pretty good” while sparring.

Jackson believes that his charge has the makings of a world-class fighter.

“Derric has the physical tools,” the trainer says. “There’s a lot of raw material to work with. He’s strong with good hand-speed and reflexes. He’s got good power and takes a good punch. He’s relaxed in the ring and doesn’t back down against anyone. He loves to learn. He hustles. He listens. He’s mature. He’s a good kid. The way the heavyweight division is now and the way Derric has been progressing, he should be ready to fight the best within three years.”

As for today, Rossy remains a work in progress and the obstacles he faces are formidable. Athletes who migrate to boxing from other sports in their 20s traditionally meet with limited success. More significantly, Rossy has other options in life.

Right now, he’s working as a carpenter for his father’s construction company because it fits with his training regimen. But a career in teaching is a possibility. And sooner or later, most young men who have options other than being a fighter opt out of boxing. Getting punched in the face is hard.

Last week, Rossy faced a test of sorts when he sparred four rounds with heavyweight contender Monte Barrett at Gleasons Gym.

“He has some potential,” Barrett said afterward. “But I couldn’t tell you how much because I hadn’t sparred since my last fight [on March 27, 2004] and was just going through the motions. Starting late like he’s doing is a disadvantage. But I didn’t turn pro until I was 25, so it can be done. A lot depends on how much drive he has.”

Meanwhile, Rossy is determined and confident.

“It’s not an easy road,” he says. “I don’t see how it ever could be in boxing. But so far, so good.”