When it comes to boxing one of the most important ingredient to a successful fighter’s career is his trainer. We had the honor to speak with Quentin Blue Horse, the trainer of popular junior middle weight and former contestant of the reality show “The Contender” Jonathan “Reid Dawg” Reid. Blue Horse who had taken a few wrong turns in his life while growing up is now helping youths stay out of trouble by mentoring and teaching them the art of boxing. Blue Horse is also the founder of The War Party Boxing Club on the Dresslerville Indian Reservation and maintains a successful career training adult professional and amateur fighters. In this exclusive interview you will learn more about the successful approach Blue Horse takes when training a fighter and read a about Blue Horse’s amazing up and coming fighters.
CA: Tell us a little bit about The War Party Boxing Gym?
Blue Horse: I created The War Party Boxing Gym to help keep young Native Americans and youths from going down the wrong path like I did. Boxing is a sport that keeps a person active, disciplined, confident and away from trouble.
CA: When did you decide you wanted to be a boxing trainer? And how long have you been training boxers?
Blue Horse: I had a kid ask me to train him. I was a little reluctant to do so at first but then ended up doing it. Eventually other people heard what I was doing and it grew from there. I have been a boxing trainer for the last 4 years.
CA: What is your relationship with Ken Shamrock’s The Lion’s Den?
Blue Horse: I am working with The Lion’s Den and helping with the boxing portion of their training. I don’t help with the MMA side of it.
CA: In Jonathan Reid’s recent fight against undefeated Russian Maxim Vlasov, Jonathan Reid took a hard hit from Vlasov after the bell had rung. Did that punch have an impact on the fight?
Blue Horse: The punch definitely rocked Jonathan, the judges took 2 points away from Vlasov but the damage was already done. Jonathan took some heavy shots after and I had to throw in the towel.
CA: Are there any notable fighters you are training that we should look out for?
Blue Horse: Yes, You definitely want to follow Good Warshield out of South Dakota. He is a well-rounded fighter 6 feet 3 inches tall. With an amateur record of 70 fights and 34 knockouts under his belt. He will be making his pro debut.
CA: What is Good Warshield’s fighting style?
Blue Horse: Box or Banger which ever he chooses to do, he is an all around great fighter.
CA: When deciding whether or not to focus training on a new fighter. What qualities are you looking for?
Blue Horse: Every fighter is different, we first get them in the gym and have them spar. I am able to see their strengths and weaknesses. We then come up with a game plan depending on who they are fighting. Some guys show up 1 or 2 times and that is it. I tend to focus on the more consistent fighters who are looking for something more out of boxing. Fighters like Jonathan Reid.
CA: You also train heavyweight MMA fighter Justin Saldana. What can you tell us about him?
Blue Horse: Saldana has a bright future ahead of him. Originally from Chicago he is a pressure fighter that is constantly in front of you. He is only 24 years old and has nearly 50 MMA fight.
CA: Can you tell us a little bit about the younger amateur fighters you train and how your training has impacted their lives?
Blue Horse: I helped train 13 year old Brent John who placed 2nd in the California State Boxing Tournament in Oxnard. Boxing is a sport that helps youths focus and make better decisions in life.
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