11/21/2022
I went to the West Point veresus NE Golden Gloves last night in Fall River. I can't even tell you how exciting it was considering I hadn't been there since 1991 and fought there.. I was only a spectator this time.
I read a book in middle school called "The Contender" which showed a young kid interested in boxing and came so close to explaining the feelings and what it takes. It made me a believer in what I want to say is an "innocence in the sport”. I watched that last night. Just the grit of the United States Army team fighting their hearts out on the canvas.
I had a 17 year old come into the gym Saturday morning - first time ever in a boxing gym. His dad had taught him well and he looked good. I asked him "what do you wanna do in life" and I cringed at his reply, " I wanna do this" and I knew he was serious.
You see, I want my guys to use boxing as a stepping stone to life. To me, being homeless, wanting to die and really doing an attempt to be dead.. I am still here for whatever reason and can only contribute my experience… doing what I've done in the dingy gyms and the fights I've fought only brought me to where I am today.
I've read contracts of fighters and i even remember they tried starting a union for these guys and it never panned out. As a matter of fact the only guy that I know of doing anything for fighters in need of help is John Scully.
I have a fresh group of young guys who show their heart the minute they walk in the gym. Much like I did at one time.
Trainers: please don't let anyone "pr******te" your fighters!!!!
People are watching today.. people are watching the lopsided decisions where you go around to the judges and make sure your main event gets a drawer.
I have so many people to thank why I'm even here in life. When I was homeless I still received emails from John Scully, Paul Morissette, who after last night showed me the love he has for his program.
Jody Corvese for what he did and took me to Lowell. Ali Krueger for screaming at me and telling me I'll never amount to anything after I lost one night. ""The longest drive home of my life"… I thought my father was in the car lol.
Thank you you Jaime Maccarone, Russell Brown, Leonard Brown, and of course Jerry Maccarone who I remember to this day after I lost in my first junior Olympics, for some reason you were at the bottom of the stairs and I thought, "why weren't you training me"? And again like it was yesterday.
Thank you everyone who was such an inspiration to me. I hope I can inspire the kids in my gym and give them the same inspiration and support I’ve had given to me. I hope to make a difference and be a positive influence in their lives and I hope all the other trainers out there take the opportunity we’re given to do that same.
