23.11.05 – By Mike Indri – Retired Boxers Foundation: This Saturday night at the exquisite Paragon Casino & Resort in Marksville, La. Bobby Aucoin Jr. will climb into the ring, putting his unbeaten record on the line against the ready and formidable Travis Hartman (5-2-1, with 4 knockouts). Bobby Aucoin Sr. will be right behind him. Aucoin Sr., head trainer for his son, came into the sport of boxing the same way the talented and highly regarded Aucoin Jr. had; he was born into it..
Following in his father’s footsteps, Bobby Aucoin Sr., developed into a highly skilled and accomplished amateur boxer with over 200 bouts.
“I wanted to turn pro, but during the 70’s this area was nothing like it is now for boxing,” stated Aucoin Sr., adding “Bobby (Jr.) always liked it: putting on the gloves and boxing with his friends. They all said he really hit hard, even back then.”
That natural gift of punching power; along with hard work, dedication, an unquenchable desire to become a future world champion, and his father’s guidance has propelled Bobby “The Bayou Bomber” Aucoin Jr. to his current professional record of 14-0-1 (6 KO’s); following a stellar amateur which, at one point, saw Bobby ranked seventh in the world at the 147lb. level.
As Aucoin Jr. began learning from his first amateur trainer, the highly respected and renowned John Stutes; whose resume includes training future world champions Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley and Chris Byrd, Aucoin Sr. was never far behind, “I would always be there, adding my input and my style.”
When asked to draw a comparison between father and son, as fighters, Aucoin Sr. was quick to note, “we both had that strong desire to box, that determination, but he’s tall and I’m short; so I had to put constant pressure on my opponents while Bobby (Jr.) can stay out, use his jab and land those long, hard punches.”
While you will get a strong argument – pro and con – about fathers working in their son’s corners, Bobby Jr. doesn’t have any complaints, “He is always there to help and we are close. Heck, I live right down the block!”
Both trainer and fighter – father and son, realize that their most important fight will always be the current bout; and their most dangerous opponent will always be the one they are about to fight; as every fight and every fighter can be dangerous.
“My mom has never been to a fight,” Aucoin Jr. laughs, “but, she said she will come when I fight for the title. Mom has always been supportive, but she doesn’t want to see me getting hurt!”
“If Bobby (Jr.) came to me today and said he didn’t want to fight anymore, I would be OK with that,” reasoned Aucoin Sr., the father, “but, as his trainer, we both know he has the potential to become a world champion.”
While too many good fighters make the mistake to fight too long and risk the chance of serious injury later in their careers, as skills and reflexes fall prey to father time, this doesn’t appear to be a problem with “Team Aucoin”. Aucoin Sr. and Jr., along with manager Kerry Daigle, cutman Termite Watkins and the aforementioned John Stutes, comprise the astute boxing knowledge and uncompromising character essential for a young fighter to survive in this brutal and beautiful sport/business.
After capturing his dream and becoming a world champion, “The Bayou Bomber” says he would like to get involved in the computer field or possibly become a fishing guide; where the hardships of the job don’t include rib crushing body shots or concussive left hooks. As far Bobby Sr., it’s a different story, “I grew up watching those Friday Night Fights with my dad, and since then I’ve always loved boxing,” proudly exclaimed the gracious and classy Aucoin Sr., who excitedly added “I even love the smell, it isn’t for everyone, but those who fall in love with boxing can never get it out of them. I’m not going anywhere.”
With the way Bobby “The Bayou Bomber” has been packing the venues with his nonstop action fighting style, and the fact that no one seems to be able to beat him, Bobby Aucoin Jr. doesn’t appear to be going anywhere for quite some time either.
The Rivas Warrior Boxing Promotions “FIGHT NIGHT” fight card appears to be an action packed night of crowd pleasing boxing. Tickets for this Saturday (Nov. 26th) are priced at $100 for Ringside and $30 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling the Paragon Casino & Resort at 1(800) WIN-1-WIN or online at www.paragoncasinoresort.com.