PHOTO/ Kaylee Eiber Ready to strike, sophomore Alden Doan lines up his gloves with the center of the punching bag at Immortal’s Boxing Gym, practicing before his sparring matches on Jan. 15.
By Kaylee Eiber
Staff Writer
Dull thwacks reverberated through Immortal’s Boxing gym as sophomore Alden Doan’s gloves struck the punching bag hanging from the ceiling. With sweat drenching his back, Doan repeatedly attacked the bag, practicing his technique before jumping into the ring.
Two years ago, Doan picked up an interest in boxing after watching a match on television. A year later, Doan began competitively training for the sport.
“Boxing helps me with discipline, staying motivated and relying on yourself,” Doan said. “With football, I have 10 other players to rely on while boxing is just you and another person, which helps you hold yourself accountable.”
Doan began training with his head coach, Jake Baird, after the opening of Immortal’s Boxing Gym on Sept. 1, 2021. His twice-a-week trainings at Immortal’s, along with days set aside to workout, allow him to spar with other athletes and gain feedback from his coach.
“If he shows up here more and he wants it, he’ll be in the pros,” Baird said. “He reminds me a lot of myself. He’s really funny, personable and when it’s time to go in the ring, he shuts it all off. He’s all about business and is very aggressive.”
While sparring an opponent, Doan works on improving his technique and fixing his flaws, while also taking in feedback from his coaches and peers. Doan’s skill at pressuring his opponents combined with his physical strength allows him to attack offensively, while still giving him space to defend and strategize.
“I try to do the best I can depending on the level of the person I’m sparring, while working on defense or improving overall,” Doan said. “You have to know that you’re better, some self-confidence and just have the mentality of ‘no fear.’”
One of his inspirations, 2018 TCHS Alumni Thomas Wu, helped mentor Doan in his boxing pursuits. Wu, soon to make his own professional debut, trains with Doan and oversees his progress.
“He has potential to go far, but just needs to not get distracted or derailed from the path he’s walking,” Wu said. “It’s super dope to see someone else from the same hometown following the same path I took.”
In his future, Doan plans to compete in national competitions. His personal coaches continuously work with him to reach his potential, guiding him through the sport and pushing him to compete in competitions and tournaments that will build his boxing reputation.
“I’ve trained with him [Wu] a couple of times and it’s encouraging to see someone from the same parts since the 626 area isn’t very big on boxing,” Doan said. “To see someone be able to be at that level helps encourage me to keep going.”
Originally, Doan planned to compete in his first match in the Amateur Boxing system on Jan. 23 at Central Coast Boxing, but was unable to due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to compete,” Doan said. “A bright side is that when I do get to compete, I will be better and sharper, giving myself a better chance of coming home with a victory.”