By Jody Kohn
As times have changed, and we have become a much more technologically advanced world, many in boxing have sought out ways to keep things secret. After all, the more information a potential opponent has, they figure, the better the chances they have to beat you.
So, many camps are tightening things up, restricting access to the public, and doing their best to operate in secret. That’s too bad, because anyone who has spent some time in a gym watching a couple of fighters go toe-to-toe in a heated sparring session will tell you that it is often times better than anything you will ever see at an actual boxing event. Fellow fighters stop what they are doing to root on their guys, offering tips they believe will swing the tide. The fighters themselves want to make sure they look their best in front of their peers, and definitely want to show their opponent that they are the superior fighter of the pair. It’s all about pride, and that usually leads to excitement.
Well, there is one place in Las Vegas that is hoping to bring that all back.
Johnny Tocco’s has been a Las Vegas and boxing institution for decades. Ever since Sonny Liston called it home, it has seen dozens of the best fighters in history prepare to win and/or defend their titles through the blood, sweat and tears they shed while working there. Among the legends to have trained there are Bernard Hopkins, Marvin Hagler, Liston and Mike Tyson.
And now, as Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones, 50 Cent and others have opened their own gyms in the area, it has become easy to get lost in the shuffle, even with a history as storied as that of Johnny Tocco’s. That’s why Tocco’s has opened up their doors to the public during the city’s First Friday, which is held once a month, to witness exhibition sparring. I will let you figure out what day that would be.
Impressive amateurs who call the gym home, put their talents on display, allowing people to see just what kind of talent this place is still putting out. On this night, we got to check out Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols take on Keith “Bounty” Hunter for five exciting rounds. Both fighters are preparing for their pro debuts, and if what we saw was any indication of things to come, they have very bright futures ahead of them.
Besides a couple of other fights going on, people could also be seen working out in the other ring as well as trying out the speed and heavy bags. Overall, it was a great way for the public to get an idea of what goes on inside the gym, and to watch some talented fighters sharpening their skills.
This was just their third outing, and it is something the people at Johnny Tocco’s hope really catches on with the public. If you are a fan of boxing and it’s history, as well as future, it’s definitely worth checking out. Who knows, you might see the next Mike Tyson cutting his teeth.
