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| Local Boxer Gives His All |
Jun 20, 2008 | E-mail |
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Luigi's Intense Conditioning
When you step into the gym at the Adams/Butzel Recreation Complex in Detroit, you are immediately hit with a burst of hot air and sweat. To an average Joe, it might be a disturbing smell, to a boxer- they smell hard work, determination, and motivation. With posters of "Boom Boom" Johnson on the wall, the men training keep his achievements and titles in mind while in the ring.
I was given the opportunity to tag along with Luigi Gjokaj while training with his coach, Dave Lester, for his upcoming fight. Luigi has been training full time for the past two years and has made his professional debut this past year. His current record is 2-1; where he lost his first event, his second event he had a 72 second first round KO, and his third event was a 48 second one shot KO. This Friday, he hopes to make it 3-1.
While wrapping his hands with gauze before he began training, we spoke about his childhood and how he gained interest in the sport through martial arts. At 9 years old, Luigi was ranked #2 in Michigan and #12 in the United States. He was always known to be a good fighter and quick on his feet. "I loved fighting, and instead of getting into trouble and going to jail, I wanted to use my strengths to my advantage." It was in his early adult years when he realized that he wanted to start boxing.
As "WeeGee", a nickname the other boxers gave him, got into the ring and started training with the other men I was able to see him in his element. It was almost like he flipped a switch and turned into some kind of character. He was determined to be at his best even during training. You could see the fire in his eyes.
The bell rang, and it was time for another part of his training work out. My body and eyes were aching just watching him run around the ring, but Luigi wasn't the least bit exhausted. "My only struggle is getting up early in the morning and running. My motivation is not winning without the road work, so I make sure I'm up and working hard."
Ready for the Ring
Boxing is a fulltime job. You can't take a break, not train, and expect to remain at your best. "I hold my destiny in my own hands. This is the best job in the world," he said. "I love the pressure. I don't have a team to count on," said Luigi who has no fear while fighting, but does fear not being able to achieve his potential. "I don't want to wake up at 45, and ask myself 'What if..?' If it's for me, it's for me. If not, I can go out and get any other job like everyone else."
Any before game rituals? Luigi doesn't like to shower the day of an event. "It relaxes my muscles, and I don't want to be too relaxed the day of a fight." He also puts on his right glove first. At his professional debut he put on his left glove first and lost. "It's become a ritual. I need to win." The girls want to be with him, and the guys want to be just like him but Luigi remains humble and determined to get a few titles under his belt before he hits 30.
Written by Marina Juncaj. Photos by Liria Ivezaj
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