Eager to participate in sports as a youth, but shunned for his family's troubled reputation in the streets of Compton and Watts, Adams found a way around the hardships of the neighborhood by using the discipline of boxing as a way to better his opportunities in life and to defend himself.

Quickly gaining a reputation after winning several backyard brawls, Brandon's neighbor "Big Al" took notice and brought him into the professional and legalized world of boxing.

"My neighbor Big Al saw my enthusiasm to box and make it out of the backyard, so he began taking me to the gym," Adams explained of his mentor.

After years of victories, Adams earned his nickname "The Cannon," dominating several local showcases and accumulating an undefeated record in fights across the U.S. and Mexico.

[2] He ultimately finished runner-up in the tournament after a false blood doping accusation severely affected his training regiment, his ability to meet the required weight class, and his energy during the fight.

[2] Relegating to full recovery mode over the next few years, in 2018 Brandon was invited to join season 5 of the EPIX network television show The Contender.

[3] Airing on Showtime with big box office appeal, the fight marked Brandon's national debut with over one million expected viewers.