BOXER STORIES
Coach: A form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance
Coach Craig Cummings is dedicated, inspirational, loving, passionate, experienced, and a family man. What more could you ask for in a coach? Coach is in the gym 5 or 6 nights a week depending on fight status with a gym full of Pro Boxers, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays you will catch him with the Ammys. Young kids come from some of the best parts of KC and others the rougher parts. Coach finds a way to connect with each and every kid no matter the situation. It’s fun to watch Coach take a boy or girl and not only train them to be the best boxer they can be but also into dedicated thriving young men and women.
​
I met Coach about 7 years ago. It was spar night at Authentic Boxing Club. Coach Craig dropped me a gem. It was my jab. From that night on I had a respect for Coach, and I did some digging. He had all of the accolades even fighting for a World Title. Respect. A few years passed, and I was in need of a coach. The only person I could think of in the KC area that not only had the experience but connections to help me become World Champion is Coach Craig Cummings. So, I asked him if I could be a part of his team Fire. All he said was “I’ll see you at the gym.” He was happy to have me and welcomed me with open arms.
​
I had to prove myself to Coach first. I had to show him how serious I was. After about a month and a half of going to the gym consistently everyday, Coach started working with me. The way he sees the ring just makes sense. It was the missing piece. It was my first time fighting for a coach that had also been in the ring, not only in the ring but top level.
​
I had 2 fights when I came to Coach; I now have 9. It’s crazy to think I started boxing when I was 25, had 4 amateur fights, went pro, and now I’m ranked 25 in the world, at one point 12th. I’ve also been ranked #1 in the USA since my 6th fight, 4th with Coach. We won our first NABF title, and it was the first taste of success; it would not have been possible without Coach. If Coach didn’t take me in and teach me not only the way around ring that works best for my strengths but guide my mental toughness, we would not have just fought for WBF and WIBF World Titles in Germany in 2023.
​
Ever since I stepped foot in Coach’s gym it has been nothing but love, tough love at times. Coach takes pride in his fighters, and he will push you to be the best you can possibly be even if it’s not what you want to hear at the time. Becoming a part of Team: Danger-Fire fighting under Fire has not only changed my boxing career but my life. Coach not only develops children into becoming young men and women but takes young men and young women, and molds them into successful dedicated thriving adults. If there is one thing I can say to Coach Craig from his entire boxing team it’s thank you.
​
- Holliwood
