[2] While in middle school, he began his boxing career at the famed Kronk Gym in Cleveland, Ohio,[3] winning a number of amateur titles, including the Washington, D.C.

In 2005, he moved to Las Vegas with the idea of turning pro and began training at Bob Arum's Top Rank Boxing Gym under the tutelage of Richie Sandoval and Miguel Diaz.

[6] But at the Olympic Trials qualifier, he lost a disputed split decision to top lightweight prospect Mason Menard[7] and decided to turn professional.

[citation needed] However, he managed to make his professional debut – the only fight of his career – on October 10, 2007, defeating Lee Kreisher via second-round knockout (KO).

[16][17] Recent successes for VanNewhouse include Marque and Dominic Valle, who earned first-round knockout wins in March.