MightyGloves.com

Team Diva

posted by Kathleen Holland on January 14, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate

When a boxer steps into the ring he does so alone. However, he knows and believes that his team is behind him 100 percent. His team has worked with him daily, encouraged him, advised him and most of all prepared him so that he is now confident and ready to take on his opponent.

A writer is also a type of independent operator. The ideas and words belong to them alone but a writer also has a support system similar to that of a boxer. A team of people who are there to offer advice and help along the way in the creative process. This is evident in the acknowledgement pages in every book ever written.

Being both a writer and avid boxing fan, I am also very privileged to have a team of loyal comrades from within the boxing community who will provide me with honest feedback on my article and feature ideas, who are very good in the brain-storming department and who assist me in the research of boring's intricacies. I could not do without their support even at times when we end up agreeing to disagree on a few issues. I know for a fact that they have my back.

I would like to introduce to Team Diva: Doug Ward, Kathy Holland, Jonathan Khun, Darren "Checkmate" Maciunski, Melanie Ley and Dan Horgan. I have interviewed each one in order to shine the spot light on their "specialness" to the sweet science and to me personally. With their help I have evolved into the Diva of Boxing. (On Mightygloves.com and possibly the world).

My first interview will be with Doug Ward of the Underground Boxing Club in Kansas City. Doug and I have been communicating daily on boxing issues and concerns for close to a year now. Doug has been instrumental with increasing my boxing knowledge 110 percent in many different areas of the sport but his specialty is coaching/training.

Doug is a hard working business man, a devoted father, and boxing coach who runs his own gym. Doug is pretty busy to say the least, but that has not prevented his generous responses to literally thousands of boxing questions and scenarios. I can call Doug a good friend, my boxing muse, and sounding board because they all accurately describe this very special person.

Let's talk to Doug Ward:


Why did you get involved in boxing? I've always had a passion for individual competition...never liked or related to team sports where you're only as strong as your weakest player. I was always drawn to the unpredictability of it as well. Baseball has nine innings, football two halves, basketball four quarters, but boxing can end at any time in any fashion.
Your personal boxing experience includes...I trained for years in various gyms and locations, then fought as an amateur briefly in 1987, began training and have been at that for over a decade.
Why do you coach/train? To help a fighter create something, emotionally, physically or financially more.
Details about your gym...The Underground Boxing Company is a private facility based outside of Kansas City. We cater to mostly amateur and professional fighters and guide them through the entire training and management process.
Your boxing philosophy...It's not a hobby or sport that you dabble at or try. You give it the respect it deserves. Boxing can give a lifestyle or take a life and, if your desire is to get in the ring, it should be approached with that level of seriousness. That may sound somewhat morose, but it's one career choice where you need to exercise complete realism and practicality.
Current boxers or projects you're working on. Undefeated Light-heavyweight prospect Marcus Oliveira, Welterweight Ryan Ellul and a small group of amateurs.
Future boxing plans...World titles...
Favorite boxer and why? Sugar Ray Leonard because he understood the dynamics of the inside and outside of the ring and the importance of managing/leveraging both.
Favorite all time fight and why? Leonard/Hearns 1 because it had all of the hype, drama and excitement that epitomizes the sport.
A good boxer is...a good boxer...not a brawler, a puncher or beast, but a smart, thinking fighter.
A good trainer/coach is...Honest and constantly learning.
How can we keep boxing strong? Not be afraid to change and make some decisions that go against those who gain the most financially.
Your famous last words about boxing...Protect yourself at all times.


Team Diva deserves all the kudos I can give them for all they have done for me and my writing. By helping me to create professional, positive, informative and thought provoking articles they are in their own way also helping to keep the sport of boxing strong. Go Team DIva !!!

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