Club Works Out With Marseille Boxer
“Oui Oui” said the amateur boxers when French pro fighter Romain Peker made a surprise guest appearance this week at the Burbank Boxing Club.
Head Coach Steve Harpst along with boxing pal Paul Anderson first met the Marseille switch hitter at a recent pro fight in the Southland. Peker (who has 17 pro fights including a June victory over Julien Chaput) was here on holiday with his partner Camille. The two had traveled to the beaches of Southern California, saw the 
Tinseltown sights in Hollywood and also make treks to Death Valley, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
But the rangy gym rat missed being away from the boxing gym so Harpst invited him to train with the club (out of the Burbank Community YMCA).
The junior lightweight immediately started shadowboxing when he entered the gym. Luckily, one of the club members Jose speaks French so he provided translation between Romain and the youth boxers.
The fighter from France worked out with Sergio Valenzuela, David Lopez Jr. and Sean Ford, showcasing his fast footwork and speedy hands. Peker turned pro in 2011 and loves the sport. Peker, Harpst and Anderson guys really hit it off and hope to meet up again soon. Anderson says he hopes his new friend returns to the U.S. again.
Coach Steve also enjoyed having Romain work out for two nights with the Burbank boxers; the club just celebrated their 18th anniversary and guest appearances are a fun and frequent occurrence for the amateurs. Trainer Harpst and co-trainer Ford incorporated fitness challenges along with the boxing workout.
“He’s a slick boxer and it was really a thrill to have Romain visit the club,” Harpst said. “Everyone had a blast meeting a pro fighter from another country.”
Peker said he had a good time working out with the teens and adults in the club. “Everyone here is so friendly!” he told me during a break in the action.
Romain just returned to French soil today and already contacted his new friend, Steve. And the coach says “Merci Beacoup!” to having Peker visit the California club before heading back to his homeland.
“He got back home safely,” the trainer confirmed. “Romain just texted me to say it was great meeting and he’s back in France and hopefully he return soon!”
Photos by Michele Chong
