Jimmy Campbell’s record is eleven wins with just four losses. Eight of those wins were by knockout. He’s a former amateur champion and hails from London, England, by way of Evansville, Indiana. Jimmy has vast experience in boxing and fitness, traveling and training across the globe in an attempt to master his craft. He’s currently 31 years old and owns Campbell’s Corner, a warehouse style boxing gym where he uses his experience to train amateur and professional fighters as well as anyone interested in taking life by the horns. He’s a contributor to www.integratedsystemsfitness.com and can be contacted directly at theamericandream2005@hotmail.com.
EP: How did you get involved in boxing and, more specifically, coaching?
JC: I grew up in the East End of London. Boxing and football (soccer) are very popular there. Furthermore, my mother married a boxer, and his brother boxed at both the amateur and professional levels. I went to these old gyms above the pubs in the inner city of London and that’s where my passion grew.
EP: What are some of your most memorable moments as a professional athlete?
JC: There are so many moments really. I’ve met some wonderful people and have been to historical venues. I’ve actually boxed in the Mecca of boxing—Madison Square Garden. That was a rush. Of course, I met my wife at a boxing event that she was promoting. Vegas, California, Florida, London—a lot of memories.
EP: What do you feel is great about boxing?
JC: The character and the diversity of character by far. Also, how these characters fit into life. Boxers are for the most part ambassadors of will.
EP: And what do you think needs to change?
JC: There are too many governing bodies, which restricts many athletes due to the politics.
EP: How has mixed martial arts (MMA) affected professional boxing for good and for bad?
JC: On the negative side, MMA has become the rock and roll of sports, and the popularity definitely weighs against boxing today. However, boxing is a pure art with centuries of fine tuning involved. MMA has made boxing promoters work to put on some unbelievable fights over the past few years. Boxing is a classy lifestyle and won’t be going anywhere soon.
EP: Tell us about your approach to coaching boxing technique.
JC: Footwork and fundamentals are first and foremost. Then I build to the advanced techniques. Much character is required to become a boxer. There are certain aspects that you just can’t teach. I’ve got a treasure chest of knowledge to pass on. It just takes character for one to be able to use it and understand it.
EP: And about conditioning—what’s your philosophy and how do you implement it?
JC: I wish people understood mental conditioning, but they don’t. So instead you make sure your fighter or student is in top physical condition. I like to use high intensity training using compound movements, plyometrics, and hard fast runs to prepare for a contest. I’m an advocate for modern training techniques, but they have to be used correctly.
The mental aspect begins once the boxer spars and realizes that after all the work he’s put in he will still became fatigued quite readily. That’s the mind. One must learn to control the mind, breathing, and emotions. Mental toughness is required.
EP: What do you feel is the greatest mistake competitive boxers make in preparing for fights?
JC: At the top level, it’s down to a science. I think that’s really an individual answer.
EP: What are your future plans athletically and professionally?
JC: At this point, my focus is on my business and establishing a base for people to come to whatever their reasons. I hope they may find something within themselves that will lift them to new heights. My USA boxing program and white collar boxing group are both going to be a big part of the facility. I welcome anyone interested. As far as my own boxing career, I’m not retiring, but I am on hold. Maybe not for long though. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
EP: Is there anything else you would like to add?
JC: I’d just like to thank the community I live in for welcoming my trade. People have responded well, and those who have tried boxing for fitness and other reasons have reaped the benefits. The youth boxing program will be a major benefit to the children here. Look into it. It works! Thank you everyone.
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