Hangzhou's 77-year-old 'grandpa boxer'

World
Europe

“Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.” By Muhammad Ali.

The sentiment above is echoed by 77-year-old Xu Jingmao, who's also known as "grandpa boxer" from Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. Born in 1941, Xu first started boxing at the age of 14 and became one of the first boxers in Zhejiang. Having spent over half of his life in the sport, Xu witnessed how boxing in China has developed in nearly half a century.

Xu Jingmao (L) practicing with a student. /VCG Photo

Xu joined Zhejiang's provincial boxing team when he was 16 and two years later fought for his hometown at the national games. The sport was soon banned for over two decades. It was restored in 1986 and Xu found his way back as a referee at the age of 45.

In the 1990s, Xu changed his role again when he started teaching students the sport. His footprints can be found all over Zhejiang and many local boxing coaches saw him as their teacher. "The official number (of my boxing students) is more than 400. The eldest is 72 years old while the youngest is 52," said Xu.

Xu teaching students. /VCG Photo

"Many think boxing is very dangerous but it's not. Most fights today are non-professional ones in which boxers wear various protection. As long as they fight by the rules, it's not easy to get hurt. If they train in the gyms, it will be even safer," said Xu.

Another misconception is that boxing is just for young people. The skills gained in training as a boxer can manage reflexes and it's even been used as a way to help Parkinson's patients.

"For example, many people at my age like to travel by bus. An emergency brake can lead to falling down or hitting something else. If you have boxing training, you will automatically reach out for handrail at the moment of tumbling," said Xu.