Local man brings boxing back to area
By Myyon Barnes
Staff writer
Ezzard Charles Walker dreamed of bringing boxing back to Richmond.
Walker, 55, turned his wish into reality when he started the Ezzard Charles Boxing Club in April.
The sport has been a part of Walker's life since birth.
His father, Shay Walker, named him after his favorite boxer, 1950s world heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles.
Walker was an amateur fighter. His father boxed professionally.
"When I was a kid I watched my dad and other guys train at the Townsend Center," Walker said. "I'm trying to bring that back."
Walker trains local fighters 5-9 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hardbodies gym. He has seven regulars, but the total number of participants has fluctuated. Boys and girls ages 12 and up are welcome at Richmond's only boxing club.
Cost is $50 a month. Use of Hardbodies' workout equipment is included in the price.
Walker looks to move his base of operations to the Townsend Center in the near future.
"I'm trying to move down there so some of the kids in the neighborhood don't have to pay," Walker said. "It was shut down for sports, and they are trying to get it started up again. I'm looking forward to that."
Three of Walker's pupils, Lance Washington, Tim Price and Dante Hodgkin show up for a workout on July 1. Walker gives them new attire -- shorts, shirts, gloves and headgear -- that they quickly put on with pride.
"When I was young I didn't have anybody to help me out," said Washington. "This is another outlet for the kids. They are learning stuff in here and staying out of trouble."
Washington, 26, is armed with a quick jab and an infectious smile. He is training for competition, but he ultimately wants to help Walker train fighters.
Price, 25, and Hodgkin, 12, warm up in the modest workout space.
Two heavy bags, a speed bag, a wresting mat for sparring and a maze of exercise equipment fill the area.
Hodgkin's serious countenance belies his age as he punches the speed bag. Working the bag was something he could barely do when he started nearly a month ago.
"My dad wanted me to do it (boxing) to keep me off the streets," Hodgkin said. "I learned how to jab and (throw) the 1-2-3 punch."
The 96-pound fighter wants to emulate his idol, James "Lights Out" Toney. Toney was a champion in five weight classes.
Price has boxed since he was 11. The first indication of the 165-pounder's power is in his handshake. The second is the sound the heavy bag makes when he hits it with a flurry of punches. He thinks boxing is the perfect outlet for many.
"Especially ones with hot tempers like me," Price said. "This is something positive to put it into instead of fighting on the street. You can take it into the ring and control it."
Workouts are broken up like an actual match. Three minutes of work and one minute off. The workout stations include the speed bag, heavy bag, jumping rope, light weight lifting, hitting mitts worn by Walker and sparring.
"If you are not in shape, you better get in shape," Washington said. "My first day I was out of breath. Those three-minute rounds are not short."
Many fundamentals are taught. Footwork, properly throwing a punch, defense and how to breath are a few.
"He taught me how to fight with both hands," Price said. "I was already a power hitter, but we've been working on my speed and strength at the same time."
The three most important things a fighter must have are discipline, dedication and focus Walker said.
Walker thinks five of his fighters are ready for competition.
A few will have the opportunity to prove themselves at the National Invitational Amateur Boxing Tournament on Aug. 3-6 in Columbus, Ohio.
"If they keep at it like they have been," Walker said, "they will be alright."
Walker wants his club to be a longtime fixture in the community. His dream will be fully realized when a new boxing ring is erected in the Townsend Center.
"Hopefully, everything will work out and we will get more people to come," Price said. "Get on over here and get that training in. It's fun."
Source
Staff writer
Ezzard Charles Walker dreamed of bringing boxing back to Richmond.
Walker, 55, turned his wish into reality when he started the Ezzard Charles Boxing Club in April.
The sport has been a part of Walker's life since birth.
His father, Shay Walker, named him after his favorite boxer, 1950s world heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles.
Walker was an amateur fighter. His father boxed professionally.
"When I was a kid I watched my dad and other guys train at the Townsend Center," Walker said. "I'm trying to bring that back."
Walker trains local fighters 5-9 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hardbodies gym. He has seven regulars, but the total number of participants has fluctuated. Boys and girls ages 12 and up are welcome at Richmond's only boxing club.
Cost is $50 a month. Use of Hardbodies' workout equipment is included in the price.
Walker looks to move his base of operations to the Townsend Center in the near future.
"I'm trying to move down there so some of the kids in the neighborhood don't have to pay," Walker said. "It was shut down for sports, and they are trying to get it started up again. I'm looking forward to that."
Three of Walker's pupils, Lance Washington, Tim Price and Dante Hodgkin show up for a workout on July 1. Walker gives them new attire -- shorts, shirts, gloves and headgear -- that they quickly put on with pride.
"When I was young I didn't have anybody to help me out," said Washington. "This is another outlet for the kids. They are learning stuff in here and staying out of trouble."
Washington, 26, is armed with a quick jab and an infectious smile. He is training for competition, but he ultimately wants to help Walker train fighters.
Price, 25, and Hodgkin, 12, warm up in the modest workout space.
Two heavy bags, a speed bag, a wresting mat for sparring and a maze of exercise equipment fill the area.
Hodgkin's serious countenance belies his age as he punches the speed bag. Working the bag was something he could barely do when he started nearly a month ago.
"My dad wanted me to do it (boxing) to keep me off the streets," Hodgkin said. "I learned how to jab and (throw) the 1-2-3 punch."
The 96-pound fighter wants to emulate his idol, James "Lights Out" Toney. Toney was a champion in five weight classes.
Price has boxed since he was 11. The first indication of the 165-pounder's power is in his handshake. The second is the sound the heavy bag makes when he hits it with a flurry of punches. He thinks boxing is the perfect outlet for many.
"Especially ones with hot tempers like me," Price said. "This is something positive to put it into instead of fighting on the street. You can take it into the ring and control it."
Workouts are broken up like an actual match. Three minutes of work and one minute off. The workout stations include the speed bag, heavy bag, jumping rope, light weight lifting, hitting mitts worn by Walker and sparring.
"If you are not in shape, you better get in shape," Washington said. "My first day I was out of breath. Those three-minute rounds are not short."
Many fundamentals are taught. Footwork, properly throwing a punch, defense and how to breath are a few.
"He taught me how to fight with both hands," Price said. "I was already a power hitter, but we've been working on my speed and strength at the same time."
The three most important things a fighter must have are discipline, dedication and focus Walker said.
Walker thinks five of his fighters are ready for competition.
A few will have the opportunity to prove themselves at the National Invitational Amateur Boxing Tournament on Aug. 3-6 in Columbus, Ohio.
"If they keep at it like they have been," Walker said, "they will be alright."
Walker wants his club to be a longtime fixture in the community. His dream will be fully realized when a new boxing ring is erected in the Townsend Center.
"Hopefully, everything will work out and we will get more people to come," Price said. "Get on over here and get that training in. It's fun."
Source
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