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USATODAY.com - Everlast still a knockout 94 years later:
See Rest of Article Here: "USATODAY.com - Everlast still a knockout 94 years later: 'MOBERLY, Mo. '
MOBERLY, Mo. — To identify Darrin Imbler and Sharon Haak as the face of boxing would be a lie. Outside this town of roughly 13,000, there aren't many who could pick them out of a crowd.
Sharon Haak, preparing a pair of gloves for shipment, approves every glove that leaves the factory.
By H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
To say they are the hands of the sport would be more accurate."
MOBERLY, Mo. — To identify Darrin Imbler and Sharon Haak as the face of boxing would be a lie. Outside this town of roughly 13,000, there aren't many who could pick them out of a crowd.
Sharon Haak, preparing a pair of gloves for shipment, approves every glove that leaves the factory.
By H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
To say they are the hands of the sport would be more accurate."
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Welcome to the Tucson Citizen: "Chavez Jr. ready to carve out own legend
STEVE RIVERA
Tucson Citizen
"I feel comfortable with what's being done," said Chavez Jr., 18, through an interpreter. "I train hard for each fight, getting better from each one, getting ready for the next one."His next one is tonight at Desert Diamond Casino in a seven-bout card that begins at 6. He faces Mike Walker (Palmyra, Mo.) in the co-main event, which will be televised by TV Azteca."
STEVE RIVERA
Tucson Citizen
"I feel comfortable with what's being done," said Chavez Jr., 18, through an interpreter. "I train hard for each fight, getting better from each one, getting ready for the next one."His next one is tonight at Desert Diamond Casino in a seven-bout card that begins at 6. He faces Mike Walker (Palmyra, Mo.) in the co-main event, which will be televised by TV Azteca."
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Julius Fogle signs with Titan Entertainment
Boxing News For The Serious Boxing Fan: "
October 26, 2004
Julius Fogle signs with Titan Entertainment
Press Release: Titan Entertainment is proud to announce the addition of highly decorated amatuer boxing champion Staff Sergeant Julius Fogle to the fastest growing stable of fighters in the Midwest.
'We are thrilled with the addition of Julius to Team Titan," said Titan Entertainment President, Joe Kelly. “We think Julius is the type of fighter who will represent us well both inside and outside the ring. He’s one of the most talented amatuer fighters I’ve seen in a while and he has a chance to be special as a professional.”
Fogle, a recruiter for the United States Army, is a five-time former All-Army and Armed Forces Gold Medalist and a former 2001 U.S. National Amatuer Champion. Fogle also won the Gold Medal at the National Ringside Tournament in 2001 and won the U.S. Challenge in 2002.
“The kid can fight,” added Titan’s Director of Boxing and Vice-President, former WBA North American Champion, Craig Cummings. “He has a good jab and a lot of power in his right hand. I’m looking forward to watching him progress as a professional.”
Fogle is also excited about the prospects of fighting under the Titan Entertainment banner.
“I’m really excited about turning pro with Titan Entertainment,” said Fogle after a recent workout. “I met Joe and Craig in Memphis at the last Roy Jones fight. We really hit it off, so I’m glad we were able to work something out. I’m also really looking forward to fighting in Kansas City.”
When asked what type of fighter he is in the ring, Fogle offered this description.
“I’m a boxer/puncher with power in both hands. I can hurt you with my jab and I have a lot of power in my right. I had a high knockout percentage in the amateurs and I don’t expect that to change in the pros,” he said. “I really like the way Roy Jones and Muhammad Ali fought in their primes, but I’ve got my own style in the ring. I may have taken some things from them when I’ve watched them fight, but when I get in the ring, I’ve got to be me”
In his amateur career, Fogle fought the likes of Jermain Taylor, Jeff Lacy and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Andre Ward. Is there anyone in particular he’d like to see again as a professional?
“It doesn’t matter who I fight,” he said. “I’m just going to focus on who’s in front of me and let everything else take care of itself.”
Fogle is expected to make his much-anticipated professional debut at Titan Entertainment’s Clash of the Titans 2 on Friday, November 19 at Union Station in Kansas City.
October 26, 2004
Julius Fogle signs with Titan Entertainment
Press Release: Titan Entertainment is proud to announce the addition of highly decorated amatuer boxing champion Staff Sergeant Julius Fogle to the fastest growing stable of fighters in the Midwest.
'We are thrilled with the addition of Julius to Team Titan," said Titan Entertainment President, Joe Kelly. “We think Julius is the type of fighter who will represent us well both inside and outside the ring. He’s one of the most talented amatuer fighters I’ve seen in a while and he has a chance to be special as a professional.”
Fogle, a recruiter for the United States Army, is a five-time former All-Army and Armed Forces Gold Medalist and a former 2001 U.S. National Amatuer Champion. Fogle also won the Gold Medal at the National Ringside Tournament in 2001 and won the U.S. Challenge in 2002.
“The kid can fight,” added Titan’s Director of Boxing and Vice-President, former WBA North American Champion, Craig Cummings. “He has a good jab and a lot of power in his right hand. I’m looking forward to watching him progress as a professional.”
Fogle is also excited about the prospects of fighting under the Titan Entertainment banner.
“I’m really excited about turning pro with Titan Entertainment,” said Fogle after a recent workout. “I met Joe and Craig in Memphis at the last Roy Jones fight. We really hit it off, so I’m glad we were able to work something out. I’m also really looking forward to fighting in Kansas City.”
When asked what type of fighter he is in the ring, Fogle offered this description.
“I’m a boxer/puncher with power in both hands. I can hurt you with my jab and I have a lot of power in my right. I had a high knockout percentage in the amateurs and I don’t expect that to change in the pros,” he said. “I really like the way Roy Jones and Muhammad Ali fought in their primes, but I’ve got my own style in the ring. I may have taken some things from them when I’ve watched them fight, but when I get in the ring, I’ve got to be me”
In his amateur career, Fogle fought the likes of Jermain Taylor, Jeff Lacy and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, Andre Ward. Is there anyone in particular he’d like to see again as a professional?
“It doesn’t matter who I fight,” he said. “I’m just going to focus on who’s in front of me and let everything else take care of itself.”
Fogle is expected to make his much-anticipated professional debut at Titan Entertainment’s Clash of the Titans 2 on Friday, November 19 at Union Station in Kansas City.
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Hey Fogle!
This is Keith Jackson(Jack), I served with you at Ft. Campbell, KY in the 2/44th ADA. I wish you luck in the future. I always knew you would be doing something athletic...'All World'. If you get this msg email me at kjackson@avmg.com, I would love to catch up with you. Peace! P.O.W.'s(lol)
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This is Keith Jackson(Jack), I served with you at Ft. Campbell, KY in the 2/44th ADA. I wish you luck in the future. I always knew you would be doing something athletic...'All World'. If you get this msg email me at kjackson@avmg.com, I would love to catch up with you. Peace! P.O.W.'s(lol)
St Louis American - Fighting Words: Olympics dreaming in North City
St Louis American: "Fighting Words: Olympics dreaming in North City
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 28, 2004
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Twins Jerail and Terail Singleton with their younger brother Jaron at the Gamble Community Center. Photo by Wiley Price
Two words that are closely associated with the Olympic games are dedication and discipline. Most Olympic athletes are introduced to their sport at an early age, and parents know how challenging it is for kids to stay focused on one activity. But if the talent and devotion are there, the possibilities are limitless.
The Singleton brothers are three amateur boxers that have had local and national success. Their coaches are hoping that the time and hard work invested in the gym will someday pay big dividends on the Olympic stage.
Each weekday, the boys are shuttled from their home in the Cochran Gardens housing projects to the Gamble Community Center in North City. I dropped by the center recently to take in a workout. I arrived just as Coach Buddy Shaw was leading his group of hopefuls into the gym.
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Fourteen-year-old twins Jerail and Terail, along with their thirteen-year-old brother Jaron, began their evening with pushups and situps. Then they headed out the back door into the grey and chilly early evening to do their roadwork.
The field behind the center was still soggy from several bouts of heavy rain. As the cluster of fighters trudged the circumference of the field, I chatted with Coach Shaw and the Singletons' original coach, Keith Abdul-Qawi. Coach Keith began boxing in 1978 with Coach Shaw, and introduced the Singletons to the Sweet Science in 2001.
Coach Keith wisely steers the kids away from relying on the sport for a future. He knows that a pro career in any sport is a long shot and he stresses the importance of religion, family and education. He also knows the importance of discipline and how it transfers to every part of the kid's lives.
The team capped off their jogging with wind sprints and then headed inside for a quick drink of water before wrapping their hands and getting to work. As Jerail, Terail and Jaron shadowboxed, the most noticable thing was how focused they were for the full three minutes of each round. They threw their combinations and then slipped and rolled past counterpunches from imaginary opponents. They all have speed and solid boxing skills, but their coaches cite dedication as their strongest quality.
Jerail has won the National Silver Gloves title as well as the Ringside National Tournament in his weight class. Terail and Jaron each made it to the semi-finals of the Ringside Tournament. But in the next two years the trio will have the opportunity to compete in the Junior Olympic Tournament.
Success there could lead to a spot on the National team. Coach Shaw points out that over half of the most recent United States Olympic Boxing Team was built with winners of the Junior Olympic Tournament. Once they turn 15, the twins and their younger brother hope to take that step toward representing their country and gaining experiences that result from dedication and discipline.
The Singletons will compete against St. Louis' finest amateur boxers at the Silver Gloves Tournament on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Cherokee Rec Center, located at Jefferson and Wyoming. Details are available at the center or by calling 664-0582.
�St Louis American 2004"
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 28, 2004
Email to a friend Voice your opinion
Twins Jerail and Terail Singleton with their younger brother Jaron at the Gamble Community Center. Photo by Wiley Price
Two words that are closely associated with the Olympic games are dedication and discipline. Most Olympic athletes are introduced to their sport at an early age, and parents know how challenging it is for kids to stay focused on one activity. But if the talent and devotion are there, the possibilities are limitless.
The Singleton brothers are three amateur boxers that have had local and national success. Their coaches are hoping that the time and hard work invested in the gym will someday pay big dividends on the Olympic stage.
Each weekday, the boys are shuttled from their home in the Cochran Gardens housing projects to the Gamble Community Center in North City. I dropped by the center recently to take in a workout. I arrived just as Coach Buddy Shaw was leading his group of hopefuls into the gym.
Advertisement
Fourteen-year-old twins Jerail and Terail, along with their thirteen-year-old brother Jaron, began their evening with pushups and situps. Then they headed out the back door into the grey and chilly early evening to do their roadwork.
The field behind the center was still soggy from several bouts of heavy rain. As the cluster of fighters trudged the circumference of the field, I chatted with Coach Shaw and the Singletons' original coach, Keith Abdul-Qawi. Coach Keith began boxing in 1978 with Coach Shaw, and introduced the Singletons to the Sweet Science in 2001.
Coach Keith wisely steers the kids away from relying on the sport for a future. He knows that a pro career in any sport is a long shot and he stresses the importance of religion, family and education. He also knows the importance of discipline and how it transfers to every part of the kid's lives.
The team capped off their jogging with wind sprints and then headed inside for a quick drink of water before wrapping their hands and getting to work. As Jerail, Terail and Jaron shadowboxed, the most noticable thing was how focused they were for the full three minutes of each round. They threw their combinations and then slipped and rolled past counterpunches from imaginary opponents. They all have speed and solid boxing skills, but their coaches cite dedication as their strongest quality.
Jerail has won the National Silver Gloves title as well as the Ringside National Tournament in his weight class. Terail and Jaron each made it to the semi-finals of the Ringside Tournament. But in the next two years the trio will have the opportunity to compete in the Junior Olympic Tournament.
Success there could lead to a spot on the National team. Coach Shaw points out that over half of the most recent United States Olympic Boxing Team was built with winners of the Junior Olympic Tournament. Once they turn 15, the twins and their younger brother hope to take that step toward representing their country and gaining experiences that result from dedication and discipline.
The Singletons will compete against St. Louis' finest amateur boxers at the Silver Gloves Tournament on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Cherokee Rec Center, located at Jefferson and Wyoming. Details are available at the center or by calling 664-0582.
�St Louis American 2004"
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St Louis American- Fighting words: Tough enough to spar with Spinks
Fighting words: Tough enough to spar with Spinks
"When the bell rings and two fighters step onto the tightrope and into harm's way, the space inside the ring suddenly shrinks. As both boxers leave behind the familiar faces in their corners, they approach an imaginary line in the canvas.
This line of critical distance is a basic and important concept. Once it is crossed, a fighter is in range and can strike or be struck. This is why timing is such an important element in boxing.
Good timing is something that local middleweight Rodriguies Moungo is banking on. After an impressive amateur run that included numerous Golden Gloves titles, Moungo turned pro and has compiled a 12-7 record with an impressive 9 knockouts among his victories.
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But at age 31, he knows his time to cash in is now.
Rodriguies learned from two of St. Louis' most durable and experienced trainers. He credits longtime coach and taskmaster Ken Loehr with instilling the grit and toughness that have served him inside the ring and out. Ben Stewart, a veteran trainer with a quiet, easy-going style, taught what Moungo reverently refers to as 'the science of boxing.'
But Rodriguies' greatest asset in the ring is something that can't be taught: power. During a recent training session at the Cherokee Rec Center, the pop he was gifted with was on display. As he circled a trainer wearing focus mitts, he teed off with stinging right crosses and left hooks that snapped the trainer's hands in every direction.
That gift can turn into somewhat of a curse once word gets around to area gyms. Building a local following is difficult when you don't exactly have guys lining up to try you on for size. At a recent boxing card staged by Big Hands Promotions, Moungo was gloved and warmed up in the dressing room, but his opponent was a no-show.
On the upside, Rodriguies' rep has put him in demand as a top sparring partner. When undisputed Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks was bidding to unify the belts at 154 pounds, Moungo was brought in to give Spinks a taste of the power he'd be facing. It was Rodriguies who helped Cory prepare for the brick hands of Ricardo Mayorga.
Spink's victory brought joy to Moungo, but he is looking forward to a similar future. He has timed his career carefully after watching other boxers peak too quickly and drop off the radar. He mentions fighters such as David Reid and Fernando Vargas, two men with skill and heart who tried to take the next step up and fell off the ladder.
But, after watching others succeed professionally and financially, he feels it is time for him to make that leap. He compares his situation to a storm brewing on the horizon.
Rodriguies will be featured on 'The Missouri Explosion' boxing card. The event is being presented by Big Hands Promotions and will take place on Friday, Nov. 26 at the Embassy Suites on North Lindbergh. For ticket info. call 381-9090.
�St Louis American 2004"
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| By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American | October 21, 2004 |
This line of critical distance is a basic and important concept. Once it is crossed, a fighter is in range and can strike or be struck. This is why timing is such an important element in boxing.
Good timing is something that local middleweight Rodriguies Moungo is banking on. After an impressive amateur run that included numerous Golden Gloves titles, Moungo turned pro and has compiled a 12-7 record with an impressive 9 knockouts among his victories.
Advertisement
But at age 31, he knows his time to cash in is now.
Rodriguies learned from two of St. Louis' most durable and experienced trainers. He credits longtime coach and taskmaster Ken Loehr with instilling the grit and toughness that have served him inside the ring and out. Ben Stewart, a veteran trainer with a quiet, easy-going style, taught what Moungo reverently refers to as 'the science of boxing.'
But Rodriguies' greatest asset in the ring is something that can't be taught: power. During a recent training session at the Cherokee Rec Center, the pop he was gifted with was on display. As he circled a trainer wearing focus mitts, he teed off with stinging right crosses and left hooks that snapped the trainer's hands in every direction.
That gift can turn into somewhat of a curse once word gets around to area gyms. Building a local following is difficult when you don't exactly have guys lining up to try you on for size. At a recent boxing card staged by Big Hands Promotions, Moungo was gloved and warmed up in the dressing room, but his opponent was a no-show.
On the upside, Rodriguies' rep has put him in demand as a top sparring partner. When undisputed Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks was bidding to unify the belts at 154 pounds, Moungo was brought in to give Spinks a taste of the power he'd be facing. It was Rodriguies who helped Cory prepare for the brick hands of Ricardo Mayorga.
Spink's victory brought joy to Moungo, but he is looking forward to a similar future. He has timed his career carefully after watching other boxers peak too quickly and drop off the radar. He mentions fighters such as David Reid and Fernando Vargas, two men with skill and heart who tried to take the next step up and fell off the ladder.
But, after watching others succeed professionally and financially, he feels it is time for him to make that leap. He compares his situation to a storm brewing on the horizon.
Rodriguies will be featured on 'The Missouri Explosion' boxing card. The event is being presented by Big Hands Promotions and will take place on Friday, Nov. 26 at the Embassy Suites on North Lindbergh. For ticket info. call 381-9090.
�St Louis American 2004"
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St Louis American-Fighting words: A trio of contenders
St Louis American: "Fighting words: A trio of contenders
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 14, 2004
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(front) Sean Woodson, Jherrit Stansberry, Louis Holloway and Edwin Flores. (back row) Zack Holloway, Jeffery Combs and Chris Eppley. Photo by Wiley Price
Boxing may be the most transient sport of all. The majority of gyms are tucked away in older buildings with few amenities, but if you were designing and building a gym from the ground up, the blueprint may as well include a revolving door to accommodate the countless individuals that drop in and out of training.
A promising new face walks into a boxing gym somewhere every day and dazzles a jaded trainer with natural athletic ability. But, just as frequently, those athletes break their trainers' hearts by falling out of the sport. The dedication and focus just isn't there, or distractions pull the individual in another direction.
Jim Howell is a veteran trainer and boxing promoter, and has experienced this frustration many times. He has seen an army of promising new talent file in and flame out. But his current stable of fighters includes several that would make even the most jilted trainer optimistic and the most hardened boxing fan invoke the taboo label of 'can't miss.'
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The North County Boxing Club is housed in an anonymous building that rests amongst modest homes on Old Hanley Road. The space is filled with relics collected over decades of hard work.
An industrial fan hangs motionless at one end of the room, overlooking two rings with garden hose serving as ropes. Mismatched sections of shag carpet lay beneath several heavy bags that have been repeatedly split and repaired with duct tape. The tiny cracks that branch out along the walls are partially concealed by press clippings and fight posters featuring past contenders.
Inside one of the rings, Coach Howell works with the future, a trio of new blood with the raw talent to enjoy long and prosperous careers.
Jherrit Stansberry is a 20-year-old Golden Gloves winner. As he works the training mitts, he uses every ounce of his 165 pounds to snap the leather with sharp, powerful combinations.
The boxers waiting in line are a pair of brothers, Louis and Zachary Holloway. Both have been training with Howell for only eight months, but in that time they have made their marks in amateur boxing on a local and national level.
Louis won the Ringside World Championship, the Golden Gloves and the Missouri State Championship in his 178-pound weight class. Zachary, who fights at 165 pounds, won the Gateway Classic and made it all the way to the semi-finals at the Ringside Tournament.
Their accomplishments are staggering when you consider that the two were competing against boxers with much more experience under their belts.
Louis possesses smooth footwork and an ice-pick jab that sets the table for his combinations. Zachary shows his speed and pop when he mixes his combinations downstairs and upstairs with lead rights and strong double left hooks.
Jherrit, Louis and Zachary have all of the tools necessary to build on their recent success and they hope to continue providing excitement to local and national crowds. Their coach hopes they will stay the course and capitalize on their talent and potential, which is common in St. Louis gyms - more common than the determination it takes to turn portential into a career.
All three fighters will be featured on amateur cards this evening, Oct. 14, and on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, located at I-70 and 5th Street. Call (636) 561-2380.
�St Louis American 2004"
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 14, 2004
Email to a friend Voice your opinion
(front) Sean Woodson, Jherrit Stansberry, Louis Holloway and Edwin Flores. (back row) Zack Holloway, Jeffery Combs and Chris Eppley. Photo by Wiley Price
Boxing may be the most transient sport of all. The majority of gyms are tucked away in older buildings with few amenities, but if you were designing and building a gym from the ground up, the blueprint may as well include a revolving door to accommodate the countless individuals that drop in and out of training.
A promising new face walks into a boxing gym somewhere every day and dazzles a jaded trainer with natural athletic ability. But, just as frequently, those athletes break their trainers' hearts by falling out of the sport. The dedication and focus just isn't there, or distractions pull the individual in another direction.
Jim Howell is a veteran trainer and boxing promoter, and has experienced this frustration many times. He has seen an army of promising new talent file in and flame out. But his current stable of fighters includes several that would make even the most jilted trainer optimistic and the most hardened boxing fan invoke the taboo label of 'can't miss.'
Advertisement
The North County Boxing Club is housed in an anonymous building that rests amongst modest homes on Old Hanley Road. The space is filled with relics collected over decades of hard work.
An industrial fan hangs motionless at one end of the room, overlooking two rings with garden hose serving as ropes. Mismatched sections of shag carpet lay beneath several heavy bags that have been repeatedly split and repaired with duct tape. The tiny cracks that branch out along the walls are partially concealed by press clippings and fight posters featuring past contenders.
Inside one of the rings, Coach Howell works with the future, a trio of new blood with the raw talent to enjoy long and prosperous careers.
Jherrit Stansberry is a 20-year-old Golden Gloves winner. As he works the training mitts, he uses every ounce of his 165 pounds to snap the leather with sharp, powerful combinations.
The boxers waiting in line are a pair of brothers, Louis and Zachary Holloway. Both have been training with Howell for only eight months, but in that time they have made their marks in amateur boxing on a local and national level.
Louis won the Ringside World Championship, the Golden Gloves and the Missouri State Championship in his 178-pound weight class. Zachary, who fights at 165 pounds, won the Gateway Classic and made it all the way to the semi-finals at the Ringside Tournament.
Their accomplishments are staggering when you consider that the two were competing against boxers with much more experience under their belts.
Louis possesses smooth footwork and an ice-pick jab that sets the table for his combinations. Zachary shows his speed and pop when he mixes his combinations downstairs and upstairs with lead rights and strong double left hooks.
Jherrit, Louis and Zachary have all of the tools necessary to build on their recent success and they hope to continue providing excitement to local and national crowds. Their coach hopes they will stay the course and capitalize on their talent and potential, which is common in St. Louis gyms - more common than the determination it takes to turn portential into a career.
All three fighters will be featured on amateur cards this evening, Oct. 14, and on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, located at I-70 and 5th Street. Call (636) 561-2380.
�St Louis American 2004"
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News Tribune
News Tribune: "Fight card set
The Jefferson City Boxing Club will hold a fight card on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first fight slated to start at 7:30 p.m.
Among the bouts will be a Midwest Budweiser Light Heavyweight championship fight between Jesse Bryan (7-1) of Jefferson City and Mike Woods (10-1) of St. Louis.
For tickets, call (573) 295-4986 or go to www.jeffcityboxing.com. "
The Jefferson City Boxing Club will hold a fight card on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first fight slated to start at 7:30 p.m.
Among the bouts will be a Midwest Budweiser Light Heavyweight championship fight between Jesse Bryan (7-1) of Jefferson City and Mike Woods (10-1) of St. Louis.
For tickets, call (573) 295-4986 or go to www.jeffcityboxing.com. "
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St Louis American-Fighting words: This Bobo is no clown
St Louis American: "Fighting words: This Bobo is no clown
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 07, 2004
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Leon Bobo. Photo by Wiley Price
The shrill sound of an electric timer pierces through the upstairs boxing room at the 12th and Park Gym and Head Coach Ken Loehr yells, 'Time to work!'
There's a good turnout on this late afternoon and, with only two narrow columns of windows providing natural light and ventilation, it's a relief that the dog days of St. Louis summer have passed.
There are fighters of all ages and weight classes scattered around the room. A handful of kids jump rope to different rhythms, and all of the heavy bags are swaying as boxers practice their combinations and footwork.
Coach Loehr, who is approaching his 50th year as a trainer, calls out to a new face in the group, 'Hey, how much do you weigh?'
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The tall, lanky teenager replies, 'Around 130.'
The coach squints and smiles. 'If you weigh 130, I'll kiss your butt at the intersection of Grand and Olive.' Everyone within earshot stops and laughs.
The coach points over his shoulder into the ring and says, 'He weighs 130.'
The lone man in the ring shadowboxing is local pro Leon Bobo. At 5'7', 130 pounds, Bobo possesses the speed and punching power that have kept his record perfect at 3-0.
He works a day job from 7:30 am until 3 pm and then heads to the gym to begin his next shift, putting in countless rounds of bagwork, shadowboxing and mitt training as he hones his skills.
During an intense sparring session at the gym, Assistant Coach Patrick Welch is the third man in the ring as Bobo mixes it up with an experienced fighter about 10 pounds heavier.
During the course of several rounds, Bobo fights with the same style and intensity that he brings to his pro contests. His footwork is smooth and measured, but as soon as he is in range, he rips off quick combinations backed with serious steam.
When his opponent rocks him with a counterpunch, Bobo simply smiles and acknowledges the shot. As the last 30 seconds of the final round tick away, Bobo clamps down on his mouthpiece and fires swift, hurtful combinations that often end with the strongest weapon in his arsenal: the right hook to the body.
As I visit with him minutes later, the stern stare that he wears in the ring is replaced by an easy smile bordering on mischievous. In addition to his boxing skills, he has the type of warm personality that makes sports marketing executives see dollar signs.
Bobo hopes to follow in the footsteps of Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks by securing a title of his own. But the more immediate priority is providing for the loves of his life, his mom and his three children. He refers to his mom as his 'best friend,' and wants to provide a comfortable life for her. He also hopes to secure his kids' future by earning money for their college.
These are the things that keep Leon Bobo working, inside the ropes and out.
�St Louis American 2004"
By: Glenn McBrady For the St. Louis American October 07, 2004
Email to a friend Voice your opinion
Leon Bobo. Photo by Wiley Price
The shrill sound of an electric timer pierces through the upstairs boxing room at the 12th and Park Gym and Head Coach Ken Loehr yells, 'Time to work!'
There's a good turnout on this late afternoon and, with only two narrow columns of windows providing natural light and ventilation, it's a relief that the dog days of St. Louis summer have passed.
There are fighters of all ages and weight classes scattered around the room. A handful of kids jump rope to different rhythms, and all of the heavy bags are swaying as boxers practice their combinations and footwork.
Coach Loehr, who is approaching his 50th year as a trainer, calls out to a new face in the group, 'Hey, how much do you weigh?'
Advertisement
The tall, lanky teenager replies, 'Around 130.'
The coach squints and smiles. 'If you weigh 130, I'll kiss your butt at the intersection of Grand and Olive.' Everyone within earshot stops and laughs.
The coach points over his shoulder into the ring and says, 'He weighs 130.'
The lone man in the ring shadowboxing is local pro Leon Bobo. At 5'7', 130 pounds, Bobo possesses the speed and punching power that have kept his record perfect at 3-0.
He works a day job from 7:30 am until 3 pm and then heads to the gym to begin his next shift, putting in countless rounds of bagwork, shadowboxing and mitt training as he hones his skills.
During an intense sparring session at the gym, Assistant Coach Patrick Welch is the third man in the ring as Bobo mixes it up with an experienced fighter about 10 pounds heavier.
During the course of several rounds, Bobo fights with the same style and intensity that he brings to his pro contests. His footwork is smooth and measured, but as soon as he is in range, he rips off quick combinations backed with serious steam.
When his opponent rocks him with a counterpunch, Bobo simply smiles and acknowledges the shot. As the last 30 seconds of the final round tick away, Bobo clamps down on his mouthpiece and fires swift, hurtful combinations that often end with the strongest weapon in his arsenal: the right hook to the body.
As I visit with him minutes later, the stern stare that he wears in the ring is replaced by an easy smile bordering on mischievous. In addition to his boxing skills, he has the type of warm personality that makes sports marketing executives see dollar signs.
Bobo hopes to follow in the footsteps of Welterweight Champion Cory Spinks by securing a title of his own. But the more immediate priority is providing for the loves of his life, his mom and his three children. He refers to his mom as his 'best friend,' and wants to provide a comfortable life for her. He also hopes to secure his kids' future by earning money for their college.
These are the things that keep Leon Bobo working, inside the ropes and out.
�St Louis American 2004"
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