Sports Radio Service


		Gym owner honored to have gold medalist train By Ralph Gora and Jack King August 29, 2005

	OAKLAND - Andre Ward, who TKO'd Christopher Holt on Aug. 18 at San Jose Arena, trained hard for the bout in which he won. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist trains at least three time a week at King's Gym in Oakland's Fruitvale District, not too far away from the Oakland Arena. Charles King, the gym owner, is honored to have Ward work out and train. King, who has owned the gym since 1990, hosts the training home of Ward. Ward could have left for more "updated" digs, but didn't turn up his nose one bit and has stayed at the old-fashioned workout center for boxers. "Andre was kind of born here. We have Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Claudell Whitaker, all these guys are some place else - they're imports. Andre was born right here from Oakland and we're happy to have him. We're happy to have a gold medalist at our gym," King said. Ward is looking for his next bout in Orlando, Fla., for his next Fight Night and is already up for the challenge since winning his last bout two Thursdays ago. King's walls are filled with memories, ad slicks for fights long past, billboards and promos for fights, and photos (some signed) from the boxers throughout the years. "It's an old school gym. It's where all the fighters came through from a different day and time. Andre is making history now (being at the gym and winning bouts)," said King. "Once every 30 years, there'll be a gold medal winner and we're very fortunate to have him (Ward), a person like him. He's a very gracious and humble person, hasn't changed since he won the gold medal. Too many good things have come his way because he deserves it and we're happy he's here and he's an inspiration for the kids because he's here." Ralph Gora and Jack King cover Fight Night features and Jeremy Harness covers the matches at Fight Night. Join Ralph and Jack for the next weigh in. Both Ralph and J-Dogg co-host Sportstalk on weekends on 1430 KVVN San Jose and 1110 KLIB Sacramento.