Packing a Punch

Dec. 6, 2006

Ever wonder what it would be like to step in a 20 x 20 foot boxing ring with a 6’ 1” 307 lb. super-heavyweight Samoan fighter? Well I did. Fortunately, the punches were being directed at sparring pads as the thundering blows of local boxer Leads Mamea echoed throughout the room at Trigger Boxing Gym.
Boxing is one of the oldest forms of competition, dating back to ancient Olympic Games. Often considered a brutal and exhausting sport, it was fought by the Greeks without differentials in weight, and without interruption. Under Roman rules, boxers wound heavy strips of leather around their hands and laced them with metal to ensure an abundance of blood. A match would end when a fighter was unconscious or raised a hand in resignation.
Those days are long gone, as American-style boxing has evolved into a popular and exciting sport, even here in Northern Michigan.

TRIGGER BOXING
Northern Michigan is home to one of the very few boxing gyms in the state. Bill and Robbin Bustance, owners of Trigger Boxing, have recently moved into a new building at 1220 Woodmere Avenue in Traverse City.
Bill and Robbin have trained fighters for over 20 years, producing national champs and a heavyweight alternate to the 2004 Olympic Games. With a current stable of up-and-coming young boxers, one of Trigger’s most promising super-heavyweights is a Samoan-born kid by the name of Leads Mamea. At 6’1” and 307 pounds, this 22-year-old amateur fighter has a pleasant, unassuming demeanor and a soft-spoken voice. But you wouldn’t know it once he steps between those ropes.
Leads was raised on some pretty tough streets in American Samoa with aspirations of becoming a prize-fighter. He is the eldest sibling in a family with five sisters and four brothers. Trying to set a good example, he did his best to avoid the temptations of drugs, street fights, and crime, which were rampant in his community.
“Back on the islands as we grew up, it’s all about discipline,” Mamea recalls. “We respect each other and our elders. Whether they were right or wrong, we didn’t talk back. As I grow up now I understand where they were coming from. I thank my family for that.”
For Leads, it was truly about family values and sticking together with a large dose of self discipline to get through trying times.
His family survived by growing fruits and vegetables and would often work the fields from sunrise to sunset.
Leads moved to Northern Michigan in March of 2006 and is currently in pursuit of his dream to become a professional fighter. “If Mike Tyson can do it, why can’t I?” he says.

STRAIGHT-UP GUY
One of the reasons why he wanted to become a prize-fighter was to give back to his family and make them all proud. He also mentioned the close relationship he has developed with his trainer, Bill Bustance.
“Bill is a straight-up guy. I don’t want anyone to train me that will just go halfway. If he knows I don’t have any talent, he will tell me straight up so I don’t waste his time or mine. That’s why I love him so much, because he is straight up. I’m going to respect that too, you know. I’m not just going to flat out throw that away because you know he trusts in me and I have to do the same to him.”
Bustance believes that Mamea has plenty of talent as a fighter and the potential for a bright future.
After personally watching Mamea spar and witnessing a close-up account of his style and power, it became obvious to me that this kid can knock down most trees with that right hand. He has speed, a quick jab, and moves quite well for someone of his stature.
In his very first match, Mamea faced a 6’5” 252 lb. fighter by the name of Roger Patton. After a typical feeling-out process early in the opening round, Mamea suddenly unleashed a looping right hand that knocked his opponent out cold. He was directed back to his corner by the referee and the fight was officially over after 55 seconds in the first round. In a sense, the rookie was swinging away and hit the home run in his initial at bat.

SHAPING UP
Boxing is not only for aspiring fighters willing to step into a ring for hand to hand combat. It can just as easily be an enjoyable form of physical conditioning to get in shape through jumping rope, shadowboxing, or working out with a heavy bag.
For fans of the sport, Trigger Boxing and Leelanau Sands Casino will be hosting “Showdown at The Sands” on December 8 and 9. The doors open at 7 p.m for The USA State Boxing Championship. This tournament is an advancing round to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Come and watch some of the best boxers lacing up the gloves and throwin’ leather all night long. General admission is $15 and ringside, $25.

For additional info: call (231) 933-7050.