When I started exploring this topic I knew I had to reach out to the boxers if I wanted the real story from inside. Of course as with any writer in order to do that, you have to knock on doors and hope for one to open up. If the door you knocked opens, the feeling of fortune embraces you right away. But when the door opens and you get champion Molly McConnell, well that’s just flat out one thing that you will forever remember and hold close to your heart.
Molly McConnell, World Champion Jr. Welterweight of the WIBF, started her career right here in Portland back in 1999 at the Grand Avenue Boxing Gym. From there, the rest is history that you and I have the privilege to read about for time to come.
I contacted Molly at her gym via email. Without knowing if I would hear back I hit “send.” I was very fortunate as not only did Molly respond but she was more than willing to accommodate my request.
I arrived at McConnell’s Boxing Academy at 707 NE Broadway in Portland and yes, I have to admit I got lost and was late. I thought for sure I wouldn’t be able to see her anymore but once more I was surprised by her infinite kindness when I heard her over the phone saying a very nice, “It’s OK.”
I located the building and went up stairs. As I reached the second floor, I was able to glance into a room and saw several boxing pictures adorning the wall. I also spotted punching bags and workout mats. I was for sure in the middle of where it all takes place. I was spotted by one of Molly’s team members who then directed me to the champion herself.
I wasn’t sure what to expect and I cannot deny I was pretty nervous. Why you may ask? Well take a moment and step into my red three-inch heels. Here I am a mother of three, business writer at day, boxing fan at night, face to face with the great Molly McConnell. Tell me if you wouldn’t have been nervous as well.
As I shook her hand, I felt the excitement and anticipation of getting answers to the questions I had. After all, how often does one get the chance to pick at a champion’s mind as I was about to get the chance?
I commenced by sharing with her what my goal for this column was. I told her I wanted to know what has happened to boxing in the last few years. Why does it feel as if it has faded when I know very well there is a strong fan base all over the Pacific Northwest.
Her response was immediate and very concise. She knows exactly where the problem lies and was ready to share her thoughts. Her observation? There simply needs to be more support for the sport! There has to be more organization and investment from leadership above all.
There is local, strong and valuable talent in the Pacific Northwest. This is not the issue at all. However there are significant variables to the organization of boxing that aren’t helping the sport. It is about not being properly exposed or supported. A few of the issues and challenges are described below:
a) Lack of support from local boxing governing officials.
b) The lack of cost effective and timely processes in local government to open up a boxing club.
c) Scarce revenue opportunities for promoters.
d) Uneven support for visibility to boxing as a whole.
e) High Oregon taxes (12%) on promoter’s events.
Dealing with one of the above issues is manageable. But when they all simultaneously take place, well then we have a major knockout to the sport.
For years local grass-root groups have been trying to address the issue. But the bottom line is if the dollars are not there the efforts eventually fall apart or don’t get very far.
There are outside promotions that bring in events to the Pacific Northwest. However this doesn’t do much for the crowd. Part of the passion in boxing is following the local pride. Events have been reviewed, different pricing explored, but without sticking to your local favorites you lose exposure and support.
We have to give audiences more of the local talent. We need to allow them to follow their favorites here at home. But the problem is that there aren’t many of those events and not much work is being done to do more.
The irony of all this is that we live in a world where boxing is often seen as the sport where money grows and grows. I mean who wouldn’t when you often seen promoters such as Don King on the big screen. Even the big talks about multi-million dollar championship rewards are always the highlight of the night. But the reality of where talent really grows is far different from those mentioned before.
So how can we find ways to attract major promoters to recruit from our very own? First we must create welcoming procedures to not only attract but retain events. Local governing boxing organizations have to take a stance and make boxing a priority in their list.
Some of the nearby casinos have stepped up their role. They are working on promoting it more and investing just as much. For example, McConnell’s Academy’s very own Jesus Morales will make his professional debut on October 4th at Warm Springs Nation Pro/Am Boxing Indian Head Casino. Let’s all keep our eyes open when locals Sammy Perez or Reggie Davis are ready to go.
If you really are interested and want to enjoy a night of pride and family, stop by the Knott St. Boxing Club as they host a boxing show to honor the living legacy of past Knott St. Boxing coach Chuck Lincoln on October 11th at 77 Northeast Knott Street, Portland, Oregon 97212.
Feeling adventurous? Then pack a bag and head to Washington on October 19th. Make it a road trip between you and your best pal and witness the Showdown in the South Sound – Amateur Boxing Thurston County PAL happening at Tumwater. The opportunities are there! The passion is here! All it takes is for you to venture and immerse yourself.
The boxing community needs us to extend our support. We cannot stand by and see decades of great boxing just fade away. So where do we start? How do we stir the pot and make the noise we need to make to bring boxing back?
Molly herself states that this could be a challenge at times. While some sports have molded into the new generation at hand, there are certain aspects to boxing that still run the old-fashioned way and it could be holding it back.
Is it time for a face-lift? Who is going to give boxing the push it needs? Is it going to be the officials? Or will the grassroots groups continue to work on this deed? Either way we need to step it up. Attention, time and funds need to be divided equally across the board.
While all of this being said, I asked Molly who does she think will make the change? Who is going to step it up? Is there a potential modern day leader out there?
Is it the new generation of boxers that Molly and her peers are working with? What is it exactly that needs to be done? But most important how is it going to get done? These are all questions we need to find answers in order to move along.
Molly does not have all of the answers but she is for sure doing her part. While some existing facts cannot be changed she personally does her share of work every day.
McConnell’s boxing academy currently offers classes at all levels for children and adults. Her youngest team member is 13 her oldest 70. This is a prime example of how boxing is for all ages and genders across the board.
Boxing holds onto values as those found in families across the world. It welcomes everyone no matter who they are or where are they coming from. Boxing at McConnell’s Academy is not about the title or the fight alone. Boxing at McConnell’s is about community and family all day long. They support each other on whatever it is that they do in and outside of the ring. Together they are one strong punch.
The words pride, tradition and special bonds keep coming up and as we discussed this I discover a pair of “Reyes” boxing gloves hanging on her wall. When I ask her about the gloves, she senses I am somewhat familiar with the brand. She shares with me that they belonged to a good friend of hers. She also goes onto talking about the importance of having the right glove. “If you have a specific punch you want to use the Reyes gloves,” she said.
“Reyes” boxing gloves are a boxing tradition made by Mexican artisans. They have been featured throughout history going back as far as the great Muhammad Ali in 1978. History tells us that he was getting ready to fight Leon Spinks in New Orleans. This was a year after having lost to Spinks.
Muhammad Ali is known to have asked specifically for the “Mexican gloves.” Mr. Ali went into that fight and won. The beauty as I remember those words is that we are talking about a pair from the same family as the ones hanging up on Molly’s wall.
After taking a detour at memory lane, we go back to current events. The bottom line is that regardless of all of the struggles, Molly shares her experiences with new talent and potential professionals the Pacific Northwest has. Boxing continues to grow and she is making sure she is doing her part.
Molly’s students are long-term trainer-boxer relationships. She has worked with some as far as 20 years back. We also discussed how there really isn’t a “boxing type.” Even though sometimes boxing is mistaken or presented as only for people “at risk” or those from humble backgrounds.
Boxing is diverse and so are the athletes that show up every day to train side by side. Molly’s team includes professionals, lawyers, grandparents, teachers, doctors, mothers, students, retirees, even children! They come from all backgrounds at all times.
There is no specific socio-economic or ethnic group represented more than other. The only under-representation in boxing is the one amongst it has amongst other sports. But within boxing as far as talent goes they have it all.
Molly’s wants to make sure the message is loud and clear. Boxers are not as suggested “broken” or come from only one box. Boxers are strong, disciplined determined individuals with a story to tell as most of us do.
My question as we discuss this topic is what is the goal for McConnell’s Academy? She responds by stating that her goal has always been to make sure there is a place where people can train, learn and support each other to be the best boxer they can be.
A place where they will learn and exercise their interest with proper instruction and effective structures that will teach them to not only to fight but also enhance discipline, endurance and their mental and physical potential at the same time.
McConnell’s Academy is growing more and more every day. Last year Molly reports she took one of her pugilist to a national event in Kansas. This year she is planning and hoping on two or more. She is proud of her progress and her team and regardless of the financial challenges to participate on such events the support continues to grow.
Molly’s goals are very specific for the Pacific Northwest boxing scene and she is doing her part without missing a beat. I of course want to find out how her own experience has shaped Molly the trainer and mentor. I even asked if there was something specific she had sacrificed to become the champion that she is now.
Molly does not believe she ever per say “sacrificed” as it is something she loved and it is a life style. When you are boxer with specific goals as she used to be, there was no room for anything other than training and exercise. Your eyes are always on the upcoming fight.
She has no regrets and embraces everything she has done. Molly wonders what going to the Olympics would’ve been like. But she does not see it as a failure or set back as it really wasn’t about talent it was about the current status that boxing during the time had (Women’s boxing was seen for the first time in 2012).
Molly admits it wasn’t an easy path and even states that is not one all should attempt to take. To her boxing isn’t something you find. Boxing is something that chooses you every day.
So if you are wondering where can you go to experience boxing to its max. Stop by McConnell’s Academy! We have a boxing icon here in our backyard. Someone that after giving it all in the boxing ring has now taken a new place in our community as a leader to make the changes to maintain and why not do her part to bring boxing back.
Thank you Molly for opening up the doors at McConnell’s Academy to Oregon Sports News.
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