04/04/2026
True story about me: I never really knew my real father. I kinda remember a few blips of him when I was so young that I'm surprised I even have those memories. Lol He was a marine. I remember that. I always thought of him as a hero or a bad ass for some reason. He and my mom had four kids together. 3 boys and a girl. Growing up we always loved watching the Rocky movies. Not saying that's what inspired me to get in to boxing. But that was my father's name. Rocky. When I was around 28-29 years old I moved back to North Carolina. I was living in Hendersonville but had a job in Charlotte where he lived most of his life. One day I decided that I was going to reach out to him and see if we could get to know each other and build a relationship. I got in touch with one of my half sisters, one of his three daughters from his second marriage. We set it up where one day I just went and knocked on his front door and surprised him. When I got to the door and knocked he opened it right up. Looked at me for a second (wasn't sure if he would even recognize me) then said "come on in son. I missed you." I wasn't sure how to take that but went right in and sat down and gave him the short version of my life story. Part of which was telling him about my life as a boxer and the championships I won and accomplishments that I had. I even got to share some of my fight videos with him. It was an amazing experience to see the look of pride on my father's face even though it was the first and only time I had ever seen that look. Our relationship never really developed as I wished it had. He passed away a few years after that from complications from Agent Orange after serving on the battlefield in Vietnam. It didn't really bother me all that much to be honest. It actually brought some closure to a life long question I had. But also gave me some clarification as far as my purpose in life and also my duty as a father. 1. Never let a day go by without letting my sons know that I love them, I will always be there for them and Im always proud of them. 2. My purpose as a coach was clear. Be the father figure and example to my students who grew up without a fathers presence in their lives. Just as my coaches did for me. About 6 years ago I sold my gym and thought I was going to leave the game of boxing and never come back. But all that time I was gone I felt like I had no purpose in life. I wasn't using the gifts God gave me. Now, after getting back into coaching and starting my very own program. I feel like I'm back on track and living life with a purpose again. It's my duty to be there for those who don't have the luxury of having a good example of a father at home, So I thank you Rocky! Thanks for teaching me something even in your absence. It molded me. And I'm not bitter about that by no means. It made me who I am today. Also, thanks to my coaches! Tom Guenot and Anthony Chase. You guys were so instrumental in my development as a man and I can't thank you enough. To this day at 52 years old I stay in contact with both of them. And let them know I live them and appreciate the sacrifices they made as a coach not only for me but all those other young men searching and trying to find their purpose in life. I can only hope to make half the impact on others lives that they had on mine. ❤️❤️ you both like family!
