Fighting Their Way Up

Tulsa has its share of boxing greats. From James "Quick" Tillis to the more recent Allan Green, but a new generation of fighters are rapidly rising to the top of the boxing world. Three young men fighting out of north Tulsa have sparked new interest in the sport of boxing as they make names for themselves in the amateur ranks. Charlie Williams, Ryan Johnson and Lonnie Wilson have found a home at the make shift gym owner and trainer Keith Reed has built in north Tulsa. "This isn't much, a building with a ring inside of it, but one of these days I picture this being a place kids can come to and train in a safe environment. A place like this builds character and that's what kids need today," said Reed. Helping Reed train the boxers is Ron Warrior Sr. who knows boxing as well as anyone. He himself helped train Tillis and his own son Ron Warrior Jr. is a N.A.M.A champion. Warrior is the President of the North American Midwest Association for professional boxers and has seen his share of fighters over the years. "I've seen guys my whole life and I can tell you that these three kids got it. Charlie (Williams) might be one of the best I've ever trained," said Warrior. Williams moved to Tulsa after a friend sent Reed a video tape of him in the ring and it's been a partnership since then. Williams won the World Amateur Tournament in Kansas City and currently has a record of 11-1 with four knockouts. "At the World Amateur Tournament I fought guys from all over the world, China, Mexico and Japan. Everywhere!" said Williams. On March 15th in Muskogee, Williams gets an opportunity to redeem that one lose on his record, then he'll set his sights on the Golden Gloves in Hutchinson, Kansas. "That's all I'm thinking about right now. I want to go up there and win the Golden Gloves then think about turning pro," said Williams. Johnson is a sophomore at Union and claims boxing has put him on the right track. "I used to get in trouble, but now all I want to do is make good grades so I can fight," said Johnson. Johnson started when he was 10 years old, today he's 15 and looking forward to improving on his current record of 48-7. Six of those 40 wins came by knockout. "I want to be a world champion, I want to go to college and get a degree. I want to do more than just box," said Johnson. At 16, Wilson has the least amount of experience in the ring, but you wouldn't know that by his style. Wilson started on the football field and wrestling mat, but boxing has become the main focus. "My goal is to dominate every weight class. I want to move up through the ranks and beat everyone I face," said Wilson. And that determination comes from growing up on tough streets and having to fight without the gloves. "I like fighters like Mike Tyson and Marvin Haggler. Why go the distance in a fight when you can end it in one?" said Johnson. Reed and Warrior are doing more than just training these three for the Golden Gloves. They have a vision and that vision includes opening a center for kids of all ages to come in and train. "Tulsa is rich in kids that have the talent to become great boxers. I would like to see more people give back to the community and support these kids," said Reed. Taking trips to Kansas, Memphis and Tennessee takes money and Reed and Warrior have been footing the bill themselves. "We need sponsors for these kids to help with travel expenses. We'll continue to take care of it, but if the community got behind these guys they would go far and they would never forget it," said Reed. For Williams, Johnson and Wilson the road to Hutchinson is a tough one. Training daily in the ring, sparing and putting in the road work isn't the fun part of the sport. "Its hard work and it ain't fun sometimes, but hard work pays off," said Wilson. "I love to train, I love to put the gloves on and get in the ring," said Johnson. Williams has a tune-up fight in Muskogee on March 15th, and he encourages everyone to come out and watch. "If you want to see the next big thing then come down to Muskogee and check out the fight. It's going to be a good one!" said Williams. This is an old school gym with old school attitude, but one thing is certain, the passion for the sport is undeniable. From the pictures of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard on the walls, to the ring and speed bags, this is a boxing gym and the fighters that are coming out of it are for real. -