Jimmy Pham: A Boxer In the Making
Racing Pulse Co-Editor Ben Gordon sat down with Amateur Boxing hopeful, Jimmy Pham ahead of his first white collar fight, at York Hall, Bethnal Green on the 15th November 2013.
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Jimmy Pham, a Year 12 Upper School student has been a boxing fanatic since 2008, when a friend and ex-Chingford pupil, Brendan Killeen, encouraged him to train, with himself and other young boxing prospects. Pham’s boxing career kick started at Leyton County and Waltham Forest Boxing Clubs, where he learned basic technique and discipline, areas he would later thrive in. Weighing in at 63kg, Pham has since converted to Team Sparta 300, a local amateur boxing club, located in his hometown of Chingford.
Jimmy has adopted a rigorous training programme consisting of skills based practices, weight training as well as cardiovascular training methods. ‘Technique and weight training sessions take place around 3 times a week at extremely high intensity’, stated Jimmy. Moreover, the young boxer, 18, trains additionally around 4 times a week at 6am, something he has become renowned for undertaking. ‘I will run between 5-10km at 6am in the mornings before school, as it is often difficult to balance Sixth Form and boxing’. Pham believes a huge part of an intense training programme is a strict, clean diet, which eliminates all sources of ‘junk food’. As a result, Jimmy has been able to drop 3kg of body fat, since adopting this diet.
‘Friday’s event is a charity white collar event, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital’ stated Jimmy. ‘I can’t wait to step into the ring, I come to win’. Jimmy is a dedicated athlete and an inspiration to many, athlete or not. ‘My mum’, responded Jimmy without hesitation after being questioned who his inspiration was. ‘My mum doesn’t like me boxing; she feels it is a dangerous sport and is often worried for my safety. I don't think any parent would want to see their kid boxing’. Jimmy began to tell of how supportive his parents are, despite of their initial opposition to the sport. ‘Family is the most important thing, regardless if I win or lose on Friday, they will always be there to support me’.
The young sportsman, like any athlete before an event, is nervous. In the weeks leading up to the event, Jimmy will focus ‘only on the fight’, blocking out surrounding distractions. Each night he will dream of winning, visualising his arm being raised when the fight is over. ‘It takes the nerves away, I know it will all be worth it’ emphasised Jimmy. When Jimmy is in the ring, his emotions are mixed. Although, when the bell rings, he is in a ‘different frame of mind, its like I suddenly switch on, this is where I am meant to be’.
From everyone at Chingford Foundation school, we wish Jimmy the best of luck at Friday’s event. Come on Jimmy, Team Pham!
Jimmy has adopted a rigorous training programme consisting of skills based practices, weight training as well as cardiovascular training methods. ‘Technique and weight training sessions take place around 3 times a week at extremely high intensity’, stated Jimmy. Moreover, the young boxer, 18, trains additionally around 4 times a week at 6am, something he has become renowned for undertaking. ‘I will run between 5-10km at 6am in the mornings before school, as it is often difficult to balance Sixth Form and boxing’. Pham believes a huge part of an intense training programme is a strict, clean diet, which eliminates all sources of ‘junk food’. As a result, Jimmy has been able to drop 3kg of body fat, since adopting this diet.
‘Friday’s event is a charity white collar event, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital’ stated Jimmy. ‘I can’t wait to step into the ring, I come to win’. Jimmy is a dedicated athlete and an inspiration to many, athlete or not. ‘My mum’, responded Jimmy without hesitation after being questioned who his inspiration was. ‘My mum doesn’t like me boxing; she feels it is a dangerous sport and is often worried for my safety. I don't think any parent would want to see their kid boxing’. Jimmy began to tell of how supportive his parents are, despite of their initial opposition to the sport. ‘Family is the most important thing, regardless if I win or lose on Friday, they will always be there to support me’.
The young sportsman, like any athlete before an event, is nervous. In the weeks leading up to the event, Jimmy will focus ‘only on the fight’, blocking out surrounding distractions. Each night he will dream of winning, visualising his arm being raised when the fight is over. ‘It takes the nerves away, I know it will all be worth it’ emphasised Jimmy. When Jimmy is in the ring, his emotions are mixed. Although, when the bell rings, he is in a ‘different frame of mind, its like I suddenly switch on, this is where I am meant to be’.
From everyone at Chingford Foundation school, we wish Jimmy the best of luck at Friday’s event. Come on Jimmy, Team Pham!
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