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Colin Nathan and five-time trainer of the year Freddie Roach during a previous meeting in the US
Top young boxing trainer Colin Nathan leaves for the US this week for the trip of a lifetime.
First stop is Las Vegas, where he will be representing Golden Gloves at the WBC’s annual convention, to be followed by a two-week stopover in West Hollywood to team up with Freddie Roach.
“I can’t wait,” said Nathan, who has promised to push the cause of local fighters at the convention.
Golden Gloves’ Rodney Berman has already paved the way for Nathan to make contact with Mauricio Sulaiman, a member of the WBC board of governors, who will ensure Nathan is looked after.
“It’s important for me to network for Golden Gloves, but I also expect to make new friends for life . . . that’s how it is in boxing.”
Nathan then travels to Los Angeles on December 17 where he expects to enjoy 12-hour days at Roach’s Wild Card gym.
Roach, incidentally, has just been named among the next group of inductees for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He’ll be joined by Tommy Hearns, Michael Buffer, Al Bernstein, Michael Katz and Mark Johnson.
“Much like last year when I visited, I hope to shadow Freddie and learn as much as I can,” said Nathan, whose Joburg gym is already full to bursting with SA’s best young talent.
“I know Freddie is recognised for his work with Pacman and Amir Khan, but I want to see how he works with different fighters too. He’s got a lot of upcoming guys.
“I’m keen to interact on a personal level, I want to make an impression. I’m not happy just being a South African trainer, I want to be a world class trainer. Down the line, who knows, maybe Freddie would even need an assistant. That’s what I aspire to – I’m aiming for the stars.”
With an attitude like that, it’s little wonder Nathan is already making headway in the world of boxing. With a style all his own, the results can be seen in his fighters’ winning ways.
Berman, naturally enough, is thrilled with Nathan’s ambition: “I know he’s tired from a long year, but he’s dead keen and doing this off his own bat. Colin doesn’t know the meaning of complacency and I see him going a long way with this attitude. He’ll do a fine job representing us in Las Vegas.”
December 08, 2011 at 12:10 pm, boxing lover said:
Colin can maybe tell us what the future holds for Budler.
It seems he is not going to Germany as predicted by so manny
people. Why make these promises and not keep them.
When will we see him in action. I looked at the Palace the other night it was not a full as it is when he is on the bill.
Boxers like Budler are liked and supported we would really like to see him in action.
December 13, 2011 at 3:27 pm, pierre said:
In Germany, when you go the distance against the local fighter, you generally lose the decision. It’s rather like Emperor’s Palace that way. See the problem?
December 09, 2011 at 2:44 pm, Duncan said:
Budler will get his shot to fight abroad still many times watch this space he still has plenty years ahead of him.
Collin goodluck in the states man learn as much as possible you have what it takes to grow as one of the best trainers in SA.
December 15, 2011 at 3:00 pm, Wesley "Bam Bam" said:
Tommy Gun is SA GOAT! Budler should step up.SA needs better arena’s and more publicity for this sport to blossom as it does in the States..which means more high end events! Love this sport and many want to see its relevance in SA.
December 19, 2011 at 10:32 am, pierre said:
Wes! Take a reality check, man! Tommy is a very good young prospect; he is not the greatest South African boxer of all time. That distinction belongs to Brian Mitchell, followed by (in no particular order) Vic Toweel, Vuyani Bungu, Baby Jake Matlala, Arnold Taylor, Gerrie Coetzee, Mbulelo Botile, Zolani Petelo, Nkosinathi Joyi, Dingaan Thobela, Sugarboy Malinga, Piet Crous, Peter Mathebula, Welcome Ncita,and many other former world champions who still rank far ahead of Tommy on South Africa’s all-time pound-for-pound list.