The sound of gloves beating against flesh reverberates throughout the gym. Two boxers struggle to best their opponent in an effort to win. The bell sounds but the fight isn’t over yet.
Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Duane Moore, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), stands exhausted, but excitement gleams in his eyes. Every fight brings him one step closer to his goal.
The biggest challenge facing Moore is his age. Moore, age 38, has been in the Navy for 18 years and has been training to be a boxer for the last three years. According to Boxing News Online, the average age of an Olympian across all sports is 26 years old. In amateur boxing, it’s 24 years.
“It’s imperative that I stress boxers usually go professional at an early age,” said Moore. “When I discovered my love for boxing again a few years ago, I decided I wasn’t going to let my age stop me from my dream,” said Moore.
To stay on track, Moore trains six days every week and takes evening boxing classes. Afterward, he continues with mitt, bag, footwork drills, shadow boxing, and calisthenics before or after class.
“Last year’s resolution was to become more serious about boxing and this year I’m training harder to go professional,” said Moore.
The ship’s fitness program allows him to set his own schedule outside of work hours, using the 24-hour gyms and equipment on board during his time at sea. According to Moore, boxing is a solitary sport that requires strict discipline.
“The struggle with all this, of course, is discipline and not going off course,” said Moore. “Just like the military, boxing requires a lot of it. There really isn't anybody to yell at you except yourself when you’re underperforming.”
Since joining the Navy in 2000, he has been provided an avenue to share his interests and workout routines with other individuals.
“Even though boxing is a solitary sport, for the most part, you still need good people around you to guide you,” said Moore.
Moore’s childhood hobby while living in Los Angeles was boxing, but as he grew older he lost his passion for the sport. Moore didn’t become more focused until he met a fellow Sailor who was at his first command on the amphibious assault ship USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), a pro boxer for Premiere Boxing Championships.
“Whenever I had the opportunity to visit him, I would be so happy to see him doing well in the sport, so I decided to start boxing again,” said Moore.
Moore said he will continue to push himself, keep training, and continue his ultimate fight to become a professional.
“The way I’ve always looked at it, if you’re only running three miles, what is your opponent running?” said Moore. “That’s why this year I’m going to work harder. I’m going to work out six days a week instead of four. I want to be a professional no matter how difficult the odds.”