By GM Ross: Recently, I caught up with NABA Lightweight Champion Logan Cotton McGuinness (15-0-1) of Orangeville, Ontario, to get his views on the sweet science. McGuinness is set to face former WBC Super Featherweight contender Benoit Gaudet (24-2-0) of Drummondville, Quebec, this Saturday, October 22, in Mississauga, Ontario, for the vacant NABA Super Featherweight title. It’s a busy time for Mr. McGuinness and I can’t thank him enough for providing a few words for our segment.
In his book Distinction Earned: Cape Breton’s Boxing Legends, 1946-1970, author Paul MacDougall explains how future Canadian Champion Tyrone Gardiner became fascinated with boxing at age thirteen, while watching boxers train in the basement of the Sydney Steelworkers Union Hall. Rather than going home after school, or playing with friends, Gardiner was transfixed on the rhythms of boxing, peering through a window to see older boys learn the fistic trade. Eventually, Gardiner entered the club, becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated national champions. Its interesting how the experiences of elite athletes sometimes overlap. Logan Cotton McGuinness started his pugilistic education in a manner similar to Gardiner, at fourteen years of age. “My older brother Chandler had heard about the new boxing gym in our hometown of Orangeville, Ontario, and started training there,” said McGuinness. “He was actually the first fighter to come out of the Big Tyme gym. I followed him one day after school and fell in love with the sport.”
For McGuinness, boxing was initially a way to vent his frustrations. “I wasn’t the most popular kid and got bullied a bit, so I started boxing. Taking my frustrations to the boxing gym was a way to get away from that.” In time, boxing resolved many of McGuinness’ boyhood difficulties. “After I started boxing I became a much more confident kid. A new person to be honest. I became more popular and the bullying stopped. Boxing has been a very positive thing in my life. It gave me a lot more confidence as a child, taught me about discipline, and showed me what you can do with hard work! Boxing is now my full-time career and I love what I do. Sure there is always hard times in boxing careers, but the positive influences its provided, and continues to provide, far outweigh the negative.”
McGuinness is confident that boxing can help other kids as well. When asked who might benefit most from boxing, the champ replied: “Troubled kids! Whether its kids causing trouble or kids getting bullied. As I said, I was bullied as a kid and boxing helped all my problems go away. I also think it can help kids that are getting into trouble, by allowing them to work out their aggression in a controlled environment. Boxing can save lives and create a better future for troubled children!”
The NABA Champion has continued to learn from boxing as a professional. “Boxing became my full time career when I decided to become a professional and I’ve learned a lot since I turned pro 3 ½ years ago and I’m continuing to learn more. It is my passion and career. Boxing is constantly on my mind. Walk it, talk it, eat it, think it, be it!”
Mr. McGuinness will be dropping down to super featherweight on October 22 when he takes on Gaudet in Mississauga. A win would make the Orangeville native a two division North American champion, improving his chances of receiving a shot at one of the elusive world titles. The fight is part of a fantastic evening of boxing scheduled for the Hershey Centre, featuring a who’s who of Canadian prospects. Again, I’d like to thank Logan Cotton McGuinness for taking the time to answer a few questions. Its truly appreciated. All the best in your showdown with Gaudet!
Be sure to surf by next week for “What Boxing Means to Me” with Moncton, New Brunswick’s “Storm’n” Norman Peters. Peters is slated to appear on the November 25, 2011, Victory Promotions card entitled “Breaking Ground.” Don’t miss it!