FL GG Countdown: 19 days

The following is a brief boxing update:

As many of you already know, since graduation at the University of California, Santa Barbara (which I am proud to say was recently ranked one of the top 10 universities in the world), I have relocated back to my hometown of Tampa, Florida. I was sad to leave Duke's Boxing & Fitness in Isla Vista, Calif. There, I discovered my passion for boxing and bonded with my friends and mentors Former Southern California Golden Gloves champion Henry Calles and Hall of Fame Boxing Historian David Martinez during my first year of consistent and routine boxing training. When I moved back to Tampa, I recultivated a training relationship with boxing trainer and marathoner Walt Conrad, whom I had previously worked with during brief holiday vacations away from UCSB. I picked up private sessions with him for approximately 2 months, where we rigorously trained approximately 15 hours a week. While I am grateful and appreciative for the time we trained together, I decided it was in my best financial interest to start training independently. This decision was difficult, because as soon as I committed to the decision, I landed a full time job at a public relations and advertising firm. The 40-hour a week position was stifling at first, but I regained my momentum and picked up independent training in terms of cardio, weight lifting, and boxing at Calta's 24/7 Fitness on Florida and Bearss.

I also began to play the part of self promoter and researcher and established communication with boxing contacts Mark Streisand and Bob Nicholson in regards to my USA Boxing registration and the upcoming Florida Golden Gloves tournament held Jan 12-15th in Punta Gorda, Fla. I discovered that I qualify for the tournament, can register as unaffiliated or unattached, and that a corner team and coach is not a requirement. I was fully prepared to enter this tournament without a corner team, ready to stand to face my opponent without water or sit-down rests during the interval breaks. However, I thought I'd take one more shot at finding the best local boxing representation around. This is how I discovered Legends Boxing Club.

I felt like Rocky Balboa in Rocky III where Apollo Creed introduces Rocky to Tough Gym in Los Angeles. When I entered the building, the intense atmosphere and serious work the boxers were putting in was inspiring. The sparring was hard but considerate, the training was as much about proficiency as it was rigor, and for the first time yet, I actually see the "Eye of the Tiger" in the faces of those who are working out. The difference between this atmosphere and the atmosphere of previous recreational boxing gyms I've seen is astounding. Equally as astounding are the owners and trainers that run the place, two-time World Champion Fransisco Arreola and Sherman Henson who's trained 2 WBC World Champions a NABF World Champions and numerous professional and amateur boxers. Even Antonio Tarver former WBC, WBA, IBF, & The Ring light heavyweight champion and his prodigy son train here, and many other distinguished names in boxing, which I am sure to soon discover and meet. I am proud and excited to call Legends Boxing Club my new home for boxing and sparring training while still attending Calta's for routine cardio and weight lifting. Additionally, I am proud to have Frisco and Sherman in my corner in the upcoming FL GG tournament, taking place in less than 3 weeks. My checklist is complete as I continue to train up until the deadline:

☑ Official USA boxing passbook
☑ Fitted mouthguard
☑ USA Boxing approved headgear
☑ Female groin guard and chest protector
☑ Boxing shoes
☑ Trunks with contrasting waistband
☑ World Champ Fransisco Arreola in my corner

It's been a long road to get to this tournament. I hope to call upon the advice and the technique of everyone who has worked with me. I will demonstrate diligence, determination and discipline. I will execute ring generalship, aggressor formation, and unleash a fury of combinations of speed and power. No matter what, I will do the best I can with this opportunity.

I will take my shot!

Win or lose, this will be an excellent opportunity and learning experience to better prepare me for National Women’s Golden Gloves to be conducted this summer in Charlotte County, Fla.