A Fighter Training Fighters: An Interview with Jimmy “the British Assassin”
Campbell
By
Eric Patterson
Jimmy Campbell’s record is eleven wins with just four losses. Eight of those
wins were by knockout. He’s a former amateur champion and hails from London,
England, by way of Evansville, Indiana. Jimmy has vast experience in boxing and
fitness, traveling and training across the globe in an attempt to master his
craft. He’s currently 31 years old and owns Campbell’s Corner, a warehouse style
boxing gym where he uses his experience to train amateur and professional
fighters as well as anyone interested in taking life by the horns. He’s a
contributor to
www.integratedsystemsfitness.com and can be contacted directly at
theamericandream2005@hotmail.com.
EP: How did you get involved in boxing and, more specifically,
coaching?
JC: I grew up in the East End of London. Boxing and football (soccer)
are very popular there. Furthermore, my mother married a boxer, and his brother
boxed at both the amateur and professional levels. I went to these old gyms
above the pubs in the inner city of London and that’s where my passion grew.
EP: What are some of your most memorable moments as a professional
athlete?
JC: There are so many moments really. I’ve met some wonderful people
and have been to historical venues. I’ve actually boxed in the Mecca of
boxing—Madison Square Garden. That was a rush. Of course, I met my wife at a
boxing event that she was promoting. Vegas, California, Florida, London—a lot of
memories.
EP: What do you feel is great about boxing?
JC: The character and the diversity of character by far. Also, how
these characters fit into life. Boxers are for the most part ambassadors of
will.
EP: And what do you think needs to change?
JC: There are too many governing bodies, which restricts many athletes
due to the politics.
EP: How has mixed martial arts (MMA) affected professional boxing for
good and for bad?
JC: On the negative side, MMA has become the rock and roll of sports,
and the popularity definitely weighs against boxing today. However, boxing is a
pure art with centuries of fine tuning involved. MMA has made boxing promoters
work to put on some unbelievable fights over the past few years. Boxing is a
classy lifestyle and won’t be going anywhere soon.
EP: Tell us about your approach to coaching boxing technique.
JC: Footwork and fundamentals are first and foremost. Then I build to
the advanced techniques. Much character is required to become a boxer. There are
certain aspects that you just can’t teach. I’ve got a treasure chest of
knowledge to pass on. It just takes character for one to be able to use it and
understand it.
EP: And about conditioning—what’s your philosophy and how do you
implement it?
JC: I wish people understood mental conditioning, but they don’t. So
instead you make sure your fighter or student is in top physical condition. I
like to use high intensity training using compound movements, plyometrics, and
hard fast runs to prepare for a contest. I’m an advocate for modern training
techniques, but they have to be used correctly.
The mental aspect begins once the boxer spars and realizes that after all the
work he’s put in he will still became fatigued quite readily. That’s the mind.
One must learn to control the mind, breathing, and emotions. Mental toughness is
required.
EP: What do you feel is the greatest mistake competitive boxers make
in preparing for fights?
JC: At the top level, it’s down to a science. I think that’s really an
individual answer.
EP: What are your future plans athletically and professionally?
JC: At this point, my focus is on my business and establishing a base
for people to come to whatever their reasons. I hope they may find something
within themselves that will lift them to new heights. My USA boxing program and
white collar boxing group are both going to be a big part of the facility. I
welcome anyone interested. As far as my own boxing career, I’m not retiring, but
I am on hold. Maybe not for long though. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
EP: Is there anything else you would like to add?
JC: I’d just like to thank the community I live in for welcoming my
trade. People have responded well, and those who have tried boxing for fitness
and other reasons have reaped the benefits. The youth boxing program will be a
major benefit to the children here. Look into it. It works! Thank you everyone.
Eric Patterson is the co-owner of
www.integratedsystemsfitness.com and the managing trainer at Custom Fit
Personal Training in Evansville, Indiana. He has been involved in fitness
training for the past thirteen years and is a former top US ranked powerlifter.
He can be contacted at epatterson@cfpt.us.
Elite Fitness Systems strives to be a recognized leader in the strength
training industry by providing the highest quality strength training products
and services while providing the highest level of customer service in the
industry. For the best training equipment, information, and accessories, visit
us at www.EliteFTS.com.
