Going to War THIS Friday in Woodland Hills!
Unbeaten boxer DonYil Livingston will be lacing up and going to “war” this Friday night, January 20, at the “War at Woodland Hills VI” presented by former champ Kahren Harutyunyan and Steve Bash.
I caught up with DonYil (7-0-1, 4 KOs) at the Wild Card Boxing Club where he trains with Eric Brown. Co-trainer Don Livingston (DonYil’s dad) was also at the gym as the team gears up for this week’s bout versus the more experienced Michael “Midnight Stalker” Walker (19-11-2, 12 KOs). The Art of Boxing and Bash Boxing card will take place at the Warner Marriott Center in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Team Livingston is looking to make 2012 a busy and successful year for DonYil, who made his pro debut last May. During his eight professional fights, Livingston handed another up-and-comer Kurtiss Colvin his first defeat in their battle at the Staples Center.
But the middleweight first made a name for himself in the amateur world where his parents Don and Stella Liner-Livingston still work as volunteer officials with USA Boxing. The family is well known in the amateur circuit and I’ve been aware of DonYil’s ring accomplishments for years.
I chatted with DonYil during breaks in his workout at Wild Card.
“You have a lot of amateur experience,” I say. “What was your record before you turned pro?”
“It’s 183 and 25–with 79 knockouts,” he answers.
With over 200 bouts logged in his passbook, the boxer says he took a break from boxing.
“I may have stuck around the amateurs a little too long,” DonYil admits. “I wanted to take some time off. Now I’m getting back to getting used to being me again–and getting the rhythm going again.”
“As you continue in your career, who are some of your ‘dream’ opponents you’d like to face in your division?” I ask him.
He thinks for a second before he replies. “I’m not really one to call people out,” the humble fighter states. “But whoever they put in front of me better bring it 120% because I’m giving it my 120%–always!”
Speaking with his father and co-trainer, Don Livingston, I want to know what his Pops thinks are DonYil’s best weapons?
Don Sr. quickly counters: “His hands.”
“His hand speed? His power in his hands?” I confirm.
“Just his hands,” his father says, smiling rather cryptically.
The elder Livingston also adds a little insight about his son’s brief hiatus from the ring.
“During the 2004 Olympic Trials, he lost to someone he had beaten many times before–and he took it very hard,” Don reveals. “He took it on the chin. But now as a pro, he’s ready. And he’s working with Eric Brown, who is very consistent, has a very good eye at all levels and establishes a great rapport with the kids.”
Don laughs. “Well, I guess they’re not really kids anymore, but I still think of them as kids!”
As we watch his kid finish up on the double-end bag, I ask him about his twin brother, DonTril Livingston, who also used to box.
“Tell me the story again about how you guys got your names!” I remind the Palmdale puncher.
Dad and son crack up.
“I was born first and came out ‘yelling’ so they named me DonYil (like yell),” he recounts, “since my dad’s name is Don. And then when my brother came out, he was second–he ‘trailed’ me so they named him DonTril (like trail)!”
The team laughs again before DonYil goes back to work on the bags.
Promoted by Boxing 360, the Livingston camp are looking forward to blowin’ up in 2012.
“It’s gonna be a big year,” the hard-working 27-year-old tells me. “Absolutely. We’re all really looking forward to 2012. I want to thank everyone for their support–and be sure to continue to support me…Don’t jump on the train later…LET’S RIDE IT TOGETHER!”
With a rebel “yell,” DonYil Livingston is looking to add another victory come this Friday night as he continues the ride to the top.
“War at Woodland Hills VI” Tickets: (626) 388-8888
Photos by Maria Hedrick