This past week I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Geffrard, one of not only the best boxers in florida, but in the united States. We had a sit-down with Steve at the Police Athletic League gym and he answered the questions that were sent in to our email. Here is what he had to say.
How did you begin boxing?
Steve: A friend of mine took me to the Boca Raton Police Athletic League when I was only 13 years old. At that time, I was lifting weights and playing recreational league football, and I saw the other guys in the boxing gym lifting weights and I was very curious and I got into boxing from that day.
What changed in your life after boxing?
Steve: Boxing has helped me take life more serious. It’s helped me become more motivated and focused. In boxing you can’t take shortcuts, if you do you will lose. The person that works hard will be victorious, and in life it’s the same way.
How was your experience at St. Andrews?
Steve: St. Andrews was a great experience. I think it’s one of the best schools in the southeastern United States. It was a life changing experience for me.
Why didn’t you just go into professional boxing once you could?
Steve: If you are a pro boxer you can’t box in the Olympics. I think it would be a great thing for me to represent the US in the Olympics especially in the heavyweight division, because we haven’t won a gold medal in that division in so many years.
How is your experience with team USA been going?
Steve: I actually just came back from the USA National Championships in Colorado Springs at the Olympic training center. It was great. I’ve known most of the guys from other tournaments and last year I was also there training for another tournament as well.
How are you handling the publicity? Do you feel it’s hard to stay down to earth?
Steve: Not really, the way I was raised was to stay humble, and stay grounded. I just try to not let it get to my head. I know that even though I’m wining all these tournaments, that only invites me to train even harder because I know I will be the guy to beat in these tournaments.
What are your future plans?
Steve: Starting in September I’m going to college. Hopefully I can juggle that and the national team all together. Hopefully after the Olympics I can go pro and still juggle school and things like that.
Do you want to move up in class?
Steve: No, I actually just moved up to the heavyweight divison. I’m not planning on moving up anytime soon.