Meet Nevada Boxing HOF’s James Wimberly
James Wimberly is a former pro who still has the “Eye of the Tiger”–and a passion for the sweet science.
The ex-pug visited the boy and girls, men and women of the Burbank Boxing Club to share his knowledge and experience with the amateur fighters. James was a producer of the boxing show “Neutral Corner” hosted by Rich Marotta, which ran for over 10 years. Up until May of this year, the TV/Radio producer also trained middle school students at a charter school in Long Beach. Wimberly is also the Secretary for the brand new Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, which just held their inaugural Induction Awards Dinner and Ceremony August 10 at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas.
James and the Burbank Boxing Club founder and Head Coach Steve Harpst first met during the Vegas festivities. The two men hit it off immediately while talking about boxing, of course. When James heard about Steve’s boxing club, Harpst asked him if he would like to come up and meet the youth.
Wimberly, at 58 years young, spoke to the amateurs about the all-important jab, how the sport builds discipline and character, sharing his favorite inspirational quotes with the club members. Also in attendance was Yvette Herrera, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement at the Burbank Community YMCA, Assistant Coach Maya Roseman, and actor Ariel Romeo Davis.
The Rancho Cucamonga resident told the young fighters that he still trains. “I had 7 pro fights with my last fight in 1984 in Santa Monica,” he commented. “But I still have a heavy bag and speed bag in my garage.” During his boxing career, he also sparred with Tony “The Tiger” Baltazar, who had 38 pro victories with 30 knockouts.
During his gym visit, Wimberly stressed on the importance of perfecting the jab to the point of repetition where it becomes automatic. And even though he was in street clothes and didn’t have his boxing gear with him this time, James couldn’t resist getting in the ring and hitting the mitts with Harpst. The SoCal prizefighter also mentored several of the young students in the class.
“My passion is working with the kids,” the boxing vet told me during a break in the action. “Seeing all their raw talent and honing their craft is a great thing.”
At the end of the training, he displayed the official souvenir program from the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame gala. Boxing trainer Harpst is also an award-winning sculptor who was very honored to have designed the trophies for the NVBHOF inductees.
James was a big hit with the amateur boxing club and he promised to return again soon!
Photos by Michele Chong
