Sports Passion The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 (November 2013) | Page 13

How and Why Did You Start Boxing? Smoova: I actually started out practicing martial arts with my dad, he wanted to keep me out of trouble and off the streets. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, you had to know how to defend yourself, any sign of weakness they would take advantage of you. I began to get bored with martial art and that’s when I began boxing. We were training in a boxing gym so I figured why not try it out. What’s Your Normal Training/Workout Routine Like? Smoova: Well I start off my morning at 8:00am with a 5 mile run, usually takes between 35 and 40 minutes. Come home, eat and rest up until 1 or 2 pm then head to my strength and conditioning training. I usually lift weights or work on my cardio depending on the day. That workout usually ranges from anywhere between 1.5 hours to 2 hours. After that’s complete, I eat lunch and head home to rest until 6:30pm, then it’s time for my boxing workout. Basically just working on my technique, speed, and power. What Are Your Boxing Career Goals? Smoova: Of course to become a world champion and to be recognized as one of the elite fighter such as the Mayweathers, Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson. Retiring undefeated, and most important Sports Passion Magazine | 13 to make as much money as possible to provide for my family when the time come. Do You Have a Signature Move? Smoova: I would have to say my left hook. Lol it’s pretty good. It’s actually funny because I’m naturally right handed but I think my left is stronger than my right. Most of my knockouts were with my left. During my amateur career in New Jersey, boxers from New York would come to New Jersey to spar because their opponent would throw a lot of hooks so they used me for preparation that felt pretty good. How Long Have You Been Boxing at the Current Level? Smoova: I’ve been a professional fighter for 6 years What’s Your Favorite Thing About Boxing? Smoova: Walking out the dressing room and into the event center, seeing people you know and even people you don’t know in the crowd cheering your name. It’s exciting!! It gets your blood flowing. What’s the Most Difficult Thing You’ve Encountered During Your Training? Smoova: Well I haven’t really encountered anything difficult, but the www.sportspassion.net