Boxing Lyfe Magazine

FRANK GALARZA The New Face of

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VOLUME 1 CONTENTS 04 10 ROUNDS Frank “Notorious” Galarza

ISSUE 1

05 COACHES CORNER Willie “Papo” Vargas 07 Dedication To Jimmy “O” 08 INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT 09 THE PRINCESS OF PUGILISM Sarah Fina 11 THE AMERICAN JOURNEY Ashley “Treasure” Theophane 12 ON THE COME UP Killa Cam PHOTO: Marilyn Paulino Photography

BOXING LYFE Promo Issue #Volume #1 Founder Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr. Editor Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr. Art Director Corey Fields Magazine Consultant Vinny “Vinny Blanco” Harden Writers Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr. Monte “2 Gunz” Barrett Cheyenne Baugh Stephanie Desantis Photographers Marilyn Paulino George Jimenez Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr. Editorial, Advertising, & Subscription Inquiries 1506 Hornell Loop Brooklyn, NY 11239 BoxingLyfe@gmail.com All Rights Reserved Boxing Lyfe Magazine 2014

Cover Photo Courtesy of George Jimenez of Geo Imagez www.boxinglyfe.net

10 with

Frank “Notorious” Galarza

BLM: What's your driving force and desire to go as hard as you do in the gym and in your bouts?

Galarza: My driving force is my past. I refuse to go back to where I came from and I don’t want to do something I don't love.

BLM: Is there anyone in particular that you see or want to go after in the near future?

Monte“2 “2 Gunz” Gunz” Barrett

By By Monte Barrett Galarza: In the near future I'll fight anyone I know I repeat but it's how I feel.

BLM: You have been putting in a lot of work in the gym, how does it feel to see all your BLM: Who are your top three favorite fighters hard work come together? of all time past and present?

Galarza: It feels good! All the work that I'm Galarza: Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Tito doing shows that I'm improving in the ring.

Trinidad.

BLM: What should we expect from you this BLM: When do you see yourself realistically upcoming year? getting a shot at a title and, do you feel your Galarza: In the upcoming year hopefully ready at this point? more tv time a title eliminator just stay busy.

Galarza: I see myself getting a shot maybe in the next two years. There's no rush, so I'll just keep fighting BLM: Being a new kid on the block do you feel there's a lot of pressure to stand out from theother prospects?

Galarza: There's really no pressure. I'm here just to fight and do what I love to do. This is a way for me to stand out and to fight the best.

BLM: What drew you to the sport of boxing considering you don't have an extensive amateur background?

Galarza: My father drew me to the sport of boxing. My father passed so I never got to see him fight.

BLM: What's a typical training day for you?

Galarza: A typical training day for me is early morning train with my strength and conditioning coach then evening is boxing and if I feel good a light late night run.

BLM: After its all said and do you feel that you have the potential to become world champion?

Galarza: After it's all said and done my goals are to be legendary, world champion and a hall of famer.

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.

BLM: If you can give advice to a young fighter coming up, what would it be?

Galarza: To the young fighters keep working hard stay humble stay hungry.

BLM: If you could pick fame, fortune or world championship which would it be and why?

Galarza: I would pick world champ because fame fortune means nothing.

BLM: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or let them know that we didn't cover?

Galarza: The reason why I fight is for the people who have no hope and dreams. I want to give them motivation and let them know that anything is possible. Just know that with a little hard work and discipline, those who are fighting in life should continue to fight because it will all be worth it in the end. -Fin

(Photo Courtesy of Boxing Lyfe)

Willie Vargas educates his students and pro-fighters in the education of life. He also encourages all of his students to pursue education in a post secondary format. Starrett City Boxing Club recently launched Youth Fighting Forward a youth athletic, mentoring and educational program to help youth between the ages of 8 - 17. Willie Vargas is happy to participate in the this program as it gives value to the youth.

COACHES

By Monte “2 Gunz” Barrett

CORNER by Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr.

Since being founded in 1978, Starrett City Boxing Club’s history is rich in the sport of boxing. We often hear about the great achievements of these athletes who rose to fame inside this concrete jungle of a gym but seldom do we hear from the trainers that make it happen.

Today we have the honor and pleasure to sit down and talk with Master Trainer Willie “Papo” Vargas.

Willie “Papo” Vargas was born in Brooklyn, NY and always had a passion for Boxing and Martial Arts.

Willie was trained in the art of pugilism by no other than the legendary Jimmy O’Pharrow. As a young adult Willie was intrigued by the sport and likes of Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran and his good friend Wilfredo Benitez. While watching these boxing gods Willie told himself that he wants to be just like them and that’s how his boxing career began.

Boxing is a sport of discipline and confidence Willie says. When you enter through those heavy squeaky brown doors at Starrett City Boxing Club you know it’s time for business. When I interviewed Papo as he is affectionately called by his close friends and family, I asked him what is it about the sport of boxing that gives him so much joy.

Papo says that helping kids stay off the street and giving them a positive attitude in life is his joy. Boxing showed me discipline, confidence and to respect every man that entered those ropes because not everyone is born to become a fighter. These are principles that Papo says he wants to pass onto the kids. Education is fundamental in real life and in sports. Without a true foundation in education one cannot succeed in life without it.

When we talk about careers in boxing usually we talk about the fighters but not often enough do we talk to the trainers about their contribution to the sport. Willie has quite a work resume that includes the likes Luis Collazo, Danny Jacobs, Rafael Vasquez,Juan Dominguez, Monte Barrett, Curtis Stevens, Jaidon Codrington, Will Rosinsky, Gary Starks Jr, Sadam Ali,Vinny Maddalone, Rajiv Bhattacharya, Gary Beriguette, Trevis Hall, Dimitry Salita, Felipe Gomez, Travis Simms, Kabary Salem, Paulie Malignaggi, Angel Manfredi, Jesse James Leija, Randy Griffin, Lumber jake Lou, Agapito Sanchez, Julio Cesar's Green, Kevin McBride, Robert Alvarez, Will Zito and the list goes on Throughout Willie’s amazing career he was able to rack up some impressive awards: Presidential Volunteer Service Award 1 place team In the NY Daily News Golden Gloves, 1 place team in the Majors Cup Championships, Recipient of Ring Magazine and WBC Championship Belt Received numerous World Championship belts from all his fighters Master Instructor 5th Degree Black Belt Just recently Willie received the highest honor from President Barack Obama. For his commitment to the youth and the community, Papo was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Councilman Vincent Gentile. “This is something that I’d never imagine happening to a simple guy like me. To be awarded by the president of the United States is beyond words” says Vargas. Willie was humbled by this award and accepted the award on behalf of all the kids he has mentored.

Thirty-Seven years and counting is how long Willie “Papo” Vargas has been involved in the sport of Boxing. It’s been a long ride says Papo but he’s loving every minute of it.

Just recently Willie was awarded the 2014 Martial Arts Master of the Year, 2014 World Class Boxing Trainer of the Year and received the nomination for the 2015 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

-Fin

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This issue is dedicated to the memory of the legendary

10.11.1925 - 02.11.2011

BOXING L FE www.boxinglyfe.net

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INTERNATIONAL FIGHT NIGHT

9.20.14 9.

20 1 . 4

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Everyone knows that boxing is a sport dominated by men who control the current boxing landscape.

However women have made their presence known whether in the ring or behind the scenes. Women have always been involved in boxing with the likes of Jackie Kallen, boxing’s first and most successful boxing manager.

But now in 2014 there is a new and familiar face in the sport of boxing.

She goes by the name of Sarah Fina. We sat down with the Princess of Pugilism to get her story.

The

BLM: What is it that you do?

Sarah: I am what is called a Site Coordinator. I handle the fighter medicals, site surveys, licensing for boxers and corners, travel, P&Ls, hotel folios, etc. I sometimes manage fighters if I see it being beneficial. I am an independent consultant, however much of my work is done for Greg Cohen and GH3 Promotions right now. I worked for Gary Shaw for of three years and I still work with Roy Jones Jr. I worked for Arena Boxing during the time when they brought Gamboa and Lara over.

Princess Pugilism

SARAH FINA

By Cheyenne Baugh

BLM: Can you please tell our readers who you are?

Sarah: My name is Sarah Fina and I was born on October 20, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. At an early age I was diagnosed with ADHD so in order to find a way to release all that built up energy gravitated to the sport of boxing in which i fell in love with. I traveled all over the country in amateur competition. I eventually turned pro but it wasn’t what i expected it to be. I saw the opportunity to manage fighters and that is how my career in the business began.

BLM: How did you get start in the boxing?

Sarah: I got started in boxing by actually boxing. I was training to be a fighter and I had 3 fights fall out. The money they were offering me to fight was around $800. It just didn’t make sense to me to train for months and put my body through hell for pennies. I knew other girls who were pro that were making little to nothing and having to work full time jobs. Most of them ended up quitting eventually.

(Continued next page)

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I loved the sport and still wanted to be a part of it so I turned to managing and ended up working with a fighter by the name of Rashad Holloway and things spiraled from there.

BLM: Why did you choose boxing as a career?

Sarah: I am in love with the sport of boxing. I want to make it better. I want to see fighters end up living better than their managers and promoters. I’ve seen some crazy things in this sport and I want to be someone who makes a difference. I love to see guys I’ve known since the amateurs like Danny Jacobs and Adrien Broner change their lives through the sport of boxing and become successful. It gives me a rush.

BLM: What's the most interesting thing about your job?

Sarah: The most interesting thing about my job is learning the politics of the game. Who you know in this business and the alliances you have are so important. It also amazes me to see all the deductions that are taken out of the fighter's pay checks. I recently had a fighter (whom I won’t name) sign a contract to fight for $100k and he left the arena with $19k. I had to personally hand him his check.

I also enjoy being able to travel around the world. I love to see how other cultures live.

BLM: What hardships or obstacles have you had to overcome in your career?

Sarah: I have had many obstacles and have made my share of mistakes. As an attractive woman in a male dominated sport, rumors fly.

I have heard them all and they are sometimes quite funny. Almost every fighter I have worked with or promoter I have worked for, I have been accused of sleeping with. It is disturbing that I just can’t get credit for just being intelligent and a hard worker. I think that is what bothers me the most.

BLM: What is your take on being a female in a predominantly male field?

Sarah: I believe that in any field the woman are going to have it a little harder, but for me it is like with the good comes the bad. I am an attractive female in a man’s sport, so yes,

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there are times when men give me opportunities based on the fact that they may want to date me. However, when they get to know me they see that I am all about business and I am very professional. I can get into doors that some men can’t get into based on appearance. I use that to my advantage. I have learned how to deal with men and have thick skin. I’ve had advances from some of the top men in the business, but if it ain’t about the money….you know the rest.

BLM: Who have you met in the boxing world during your career?

Sarah: I have met pretty much every major fighter in the game. However, to this day I have never met Muhammad Ali! I really want to meet him one day, not just for who he is as a boxer, but for what he represents. He stood up for his beliefs in a time in which black men were getting killed for doing so. I admire that.

BLM: What boxers are you currently involved with are you most excited about?

Sarah: Right now I am working for GH3 and GCP and we have 2 guys, Jerry Odom 12-0 11 KO’s and Antoine Douglas 14-0-1 9 ko's. I am super excited about them. Antoine is more of a boxer and Jerry is a puncher. They both have extraordinary talent and I see very bright futures for both of them.

BLM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

10 years?

Sarah: I hate to say where I see myself because only God knows that plan. I would hope to eventually promote my own shows.. successfully. There are a lot of promoters out there doing club shows and breaking even.

My plan is to make some real money and give back. I want to change the sport and create a sense of security for the fighters BLM: Is there anything else you'd like to share or think our readers should know?

Sarah: I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and in this game. I want everyone to know that I am at a point in my life in which I just want peace. I want the boxing world to know that I am not a perfect person and that I have worked very hard for where I am and I am looking forward to where I am going. Big things are coming so be on the look out for your girl… -FIN

The American Journey In ones lifetime he or she has to decide which road to take. Once that choice has been made there usually is no turning back.

That's the case of British boxing light welterweight champion, Ashley "Treasure" Theophane.

Born 1980 in London, England Ashley Theophane was raised in a low employment area by a proud mother and father. Ashley's mother and father made certain that Ashley had what he needed.

Family life for the Theophanes were average and they did their best to raise their son. If ever there was an issue in school Ashley's dad was always involved. Education was drilled into Ashley at an early age. Ashley enjoyed reading and learning new things.

Unfortunately living in low income neighborhoods presented its own challenges.

Growing up wasn’t easy but it’s what made Ashley the man he is today. Ashley’s parents did the best they could with what they had. If he needed help with anything they made sure they would help him. Growing up you don’t like the decisions your parents make until you're an adult.

Ashleys boxing career began when he watched Iron Mike Tyson capture the Heavyweight Title from Trevor Berbick. Three years later Ashley was in the gym training at the legendary All Stars Boxing Club in Paddington. That was the beginning of Ashley’s American journey.

Being from London Ashley had to leave his family and friends for long training camps in New York City and Las Vegas. Ashley says that he has experienced some low and some high moments in his life. You have to be very

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tough to be a boxer in order to make it some where near the top, he says. I could’ve have gotten a job and make some good money, but I have things I want to achieve in boxing.

So you have to ride the wave. In life you lose and win but determination, hard work and dedication will get you to where you want to be. Life proves that. If you don’t like Ashley or not you have to respect what he has achieved. Ashley had no promoter for ten years but he was still able to capture the British Championship and become ranked number three in the world. This led to Floyd Mayweather signing Ashley to his promotions company “TMT” and add Ashley to the biggest selling PPV card ever.

Wanting to train and fight in America was another of Ashley’s dream. The opportunity to fight some of the best fighters in the world became a reality. Ashley has achieved a lot in his career but he still wants to win a world title. It's always going to be hard, but if you don't want to achieve what people think (continued on next page)

can't, then your goals are not big enough, says Ashley. At the end of his career Ashley wants to reach 50 wins and box for another 5 years. After boxing Ashley would love to go on speaking tours around the world and sell a book about his journey.

In 2005 Ashley’s record was 9-1 and it was now or never. Ashley made the tough decision to come to America. The first gym he trained at was the world famous Gleason’s gym where he met Harry Keitt and former welterweight contender Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita. Harry was training Dmitriy at the time. Dmitriy would fly Ashley out to America for his training camps.

Brooklyn became a home away from home for Ashley. While in Brooklyn, Ashley stayed in Canarsie for nine years and would fly back and forth to London.

Starrett City Boxing Club was also another famous gym Ashley trained at.

While training at Starrett City Boxing Club Ashley met the founder the legendary Jimmy “O”. Jimmy "O" was a cool guy with young spirit. Jimmy “O” reminded Ashley of Mr. Akay from All Stars Boxing Club in London. Ashley and Jimmy “O” formed a very special relationship. Starrett City Boxing Club became Ashley’s home for his break out win in America against DeMarcus Corley. Out of all the Borough's in New York City, Brooklyn will always be my favorite, says Ashley. It reminds him so much of London.

Ashley is driven and remains humble. He continues to push his self each and every day. Ashley, says that he tries to do one good deed everyday because its god’s work.

Ashley seems him becoming a boxing manager, motivational speaker, youth mentor and face of UK brands. We wish Ashley “Treasure” Theophane the best and look forward to seeing him back in the ring.

BL: What do you think makes Brooklyn Fighters that tough and how can you relate?

Ashley: Brooklynites tend to be strong. The tough environment makes them like that. I'm from London but the area I'm from in London is similar. So I always felt at home in Brooklyn. You have to be strong to come out of those places and succeed.

BL: Brooklyn is sort of your home away from home. What else do you like about Brooklyn?

Ashley: Brooklyn is a colourful place.

Whether you are walking the streets or riding the subway. You never know what is going to happen next. Everyone is on their grind from the kids to the adults. There's no other place I've witnessed that and I've traveled the world. I've made some friends in Brooklyn for life.

BL: How did you get the name Treasure?

Ashley: My mother's maiden name is Treasure. I was born Ashley Treasure.

That was my first legal name then my father insisted on me being Ashley Theophane hence the name change. My mum wanted to name me after her father.

BL: You have been a member of Floyd Mayweather Promotions TMT. How did that happen and how long have you been signed?

Ashley: I officially signed with Mayweather promotions on August 1st so it's been 15 months and I've had four fights. Winning three and losing one by split decision. I just went to the gym and put in work. Training very hard and performing well in sparring sessions. They also knew of my fights with former world champion Demarcus Corley, two time world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, world champion Danny Garcia plus also being British champion. Everything was taken into account. (continued on next page)

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The American Journey

BL: What is like working with arguably the best pound for pound champion That has ever been involved in this sport?

Ashley: It's great to work with Floyd. He's one of the greatest boxers ever and he's still working to be better. So that alone is inspiring. Watching a man who gets paid $35 million a fight but still trying to become a better fighter. He trains like a challenger. He offers advice and is there for us if any of the team need help. He's a great guy as much as a great boxer.

BL: What are your ambitions and goals inside and outside the ring?

I'm just trying to be the best I can be. Always pushing myself. Whatever I achieve in boxing know I will keep achieving outside of the ring too when I retire.

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BL: Tell us in your own words who is Ashley "Treasure" Theophane?

Ashley: Ashley "Treasure" Theophane is a driven humble man trying to make a better future for himself. I try always do good in the world. No matter how small I try do a good deed every day.

BL: Life after boxing. Where do you see yourself?

Ashley: Boxing manager to champions.

Motivating lecturer across the globe.

Mentor.

Personal fitness trainer Face to some of UK's number one brands.

-Fin

By Kwani B. O’Pharrow, Sr.

On the Come Up WITH

Killa Cam

By Stephanie Desantis BLM: A Couple of weeks ago was the Broner/Taylor card out of Cincinnati; how’d you enjoy the fights and what did you think of Emmanuel Taylor?

Cam: I thought they were all good fights which went as expected. Even the undercard, Taylor's been around for a while and I'm glad he had the opportunity to showcase his talent, definitely not shocked by his performance.

BLM: As a young fighter who’s just 7-0, what do you do when you’re not in camp preparing for an upcoming fight? Do you work / go to school or are you a full time boxer?

Cam: I'm constantly in the gym even without a projected fight date, boxing is therapeutic for me but I do have a regular job that pays the bills and finance my lifestyle.

BLM: Boxing, or any sport for that matter, is time consuming and very expensive; do you have sponsors who help you manage the costs of gym fees, supplements etc? If so, let us know who they are so we can give them a shout out. If not, are you actively seeking sponsors for any part of the costs you incur?

And is there a store or a site where we can purchase the “Killa” tees?

Cam: No sponsors, at least not yet...I pretty much pay for everything. I definitely wouldn't mind having some but it would have to be the right deal, when I pay for everything I have the freedom to do or say whatever I want without worrying about how I'm representing my brand. I also started selling my

T-shirts which helps with whatever funding I may need, my site is currently under construction and will be up within two weeks.

All my info about fights and shirts will be on there.

BLM: What is the most difficult part about being a professional boxer?

Cam: Most people would think the hard training and fighting is but that's the easy part. The hardest part about boxing is the stuff that happens behind the scenes, things like opponents pulling out at the last minute, dealing with some of the administrative stuff with some promoters or managers. I tell people all the time that if you don't love it then you won't do it.

BLM: If you could fight anyone currently in your weight class who would it be and why?

Cam: Anyone with a championship belt, I'm just like the rest of these fighters craving for that opportunity but I'm just not going to resort to the whole twitter beef thing or any corny shenanigans looking for attention, title shots are earned in most cases so I'm just going to keep working hard and work towards that shot.

BLM: Every boxer’s ultimate goal is to be a champion but besides that, what are you short term goals for your career?

Cam: There is a certain level of fame that is attained once a fighter goes pro and that fame only increases as the fighter gets more fights. (cont. on next page)

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ON THE COME UP (continued from page 15)

BLM: How do you deal and / or plan to deal with the influx of that fame? And does it ever shock you to see just how many fans you have in the seats when you walk out to the ring?

Cam: I just want to keep working hard, keep winning and hopefully that Hard Work will reflect. Maybe I'm just bullshitting now but honestly don't think money or fame would change me one bit, it would probably change how people look at me but I'd still be the same

guy that would tell you to stfu in a heartbeat.

And as far as supporters sometimes it's shocking, at my last fight when I got into the ring and looked in the crowd I saw so many people wearing my shirts I was like "Oh shit!"

But it felt good to have people that don't even know you support you.

How important is it to listen and be mindful of what your trainer(s) says during that time?

Cam: Firstly it's important to have a good corner, people that know boxing, knows the fighter and know how to motivate them to accomplish the mission. I think if a fighter has confidence in his corner then he'll be confident enough to do whatever they're asking him to do.

BLM: Trainers / corner men / sparring partners are an integral part of being a fighter. Let the readers know who helps behind the scenes and give their twitter handles so we can shout them out!

Cam: I train at Gleason's in Brooklyn but I do travel for sparring and just a change of scenery, some of the guys that help me are: Mikkell Lespierre @Mikk_Jagger Eddie Gomez @EddieGomez718 Sechew Powell @ironhorse154 Patrick Day @DayPatrick92 Akil Fredrick @Mr_ThatDude

BLM: Is there a boxer that you look up to or are inspired by?

Cam: I really don't have just one, but there's a couple guys that are always working hard to maximize their potential. Sometimes (Killa season - Cam recently took his record to an unblemished 7-0) I'm tired and then I look on my Instagram or twitter and see my Steven Martinez, Yuri Foreman among peers working and things like that motivates others. me to get my ass up and get to work.

BLM: After each round, a fighter returns to their corner not only to catch their breath but also to receive advice. There are plenty of fighters who never seem to heed the advice of their trainer and suffer the consequences in the ensuing round.

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Thank you guys for the feature feel free to follow and interact with me on twitter @Killa_154

www.starrettcityboxing.org twitter.com/StarrettCityBox @StarrettCityBox

Congratulations Champ!

From Brooklyn