Tinker boxers hold their own against stiff competition Published Nov. 25, 2009 By John Stuart Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker boxing Coach Lavell Sims did what few coaches would, especially given the circumstances. And in the sport of boxing it's not a common sight to see. But as any fighter knows, boxing is not for the common man. And neither is Sims' coaching style. "I think (Sims) brought in fighters that are up a level," said Eric Harmon, the 72nd Air Base Wing and Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Command Chief Master Sergeant. "But I think it's good for our fighters to step up their game and to help them improve as they continue to take on the sport and to shape their skills." Harmon watched as a spectator, one of about 150 who filled the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center gym Nov. 20. The spectators came to see the Tinker All Services Boxing Team in the Friday Night Fights. And boxing is what they got. In what has become a major base draw, the Tinker boxing team went head to head with local boxers, who, in some cases, were far more experienced fighters. But, Sims is all about challenging his fighters to the utmost, and Friday's bouts proved just that. In the end it was fighter Louie Gibbs (178 pounds) who stole the show for Tinker. A recent addition to the team, Gibbs -- an Army Soldier stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. -- fought a decisive bout against the more experienced Demonte Hunt with the Bad Lands gym. With only four total fights under his belt, Gibbs wasn't giving anything away for free. The field artillery enlistedman handed Hunt a formidable knock down blow in the second round that earned a roar of applause from the home crowd and helped him claim the win. "It always feels good to be fighting on the home turf," Gibbs said just after his win, while trying to catch his breath. "I feel good coming away from a big fight. Right now I'm doing the best I can to go All Army and I'll do whatever I have to do. I appreciate Coach Sims, Coach Pierce and everybody working with me to get me prepared." "I actually saw a difference in (Gibbs), I was very impressed," Sims said. "I see change in all our fighters, but I was very impressed with Gibbs. He started using the jab and I told him don't get away from what's working." Fighters Theodore Morris (super heavyweight) and Charlie Floyd (165 pounds) also came away with wins for Tinker. Morris managed to knock down his competitor Dustin Long, and Floyd won by default when his opponent was disqualified for making a late hit after the first-round bell sounded. Steve Cervantes also earned a victory for Tinker in his exhibition fight. While Tinker finished the evening with four winning bouts of eight, the numbers belie the boxers' preparation leading up to the fights. Tinker fighters James Barber (132 pounds), Jose Robles (141 pounds), Christian Santiago (152 pounds) and Daniel Logan (165 pounds) fell to their opponents in well-fought matches. Sims was proud of his fighters and noted Robles' close match that could've gone Tinker's way. Robles likely had his competitor beaten, but in the final moments of the third round he gave up a few crucial points that turned the bout, Sims said. Logan faced a veritable in-state juggernaut, who has more than 40 fights under his belt, compared to Logan's four. The Tinker boxer was outclassed in pure experience but held his own and likely could have won the bout with more rounds, Sims said. "At first I was skeptical because I didn't want to get Logan caught," Sims said of putting him against stiffer competition. "But I think it was a great decision and coaches ask themselves that 'are we ready?' and we showed it right there that we are and I was pleased." Barber, whose bout was a rematch of an October fight, is disappointed at his loss but expects to walk away from it a better boxer. "I learned a lot from the experience. I tried a lot of new things I hadn't tried before in the fight and a lot of it was working," Barber said. "I just tried to do too many different things and just didn't fight my own fight. It was a good experience and I'm just going to be better prepared for future fights." The Air Force captain was thankful for the support of the crowd and said it was a major boon in the ring. "I love fighting over here at Tinker because a lot of people see us out running or working out at the gyms and it's just great for them to actually see what we work so hard for," Barber said. Sims said he is pleased with the way his fighters composed themselves in ring. Despite the losses, Sims emphasized that the sport is about quality of boxing, not quantity of wins. His team was up against some high-octane talent, and to see his fighters step in the ring and hold their own was a mission accomplished, Sims said. "I'm happy about every fight because I know who they were up against and they weren't any bums," he said. "It gives us a chance to up it a little." Sims also expressed his thanks for everyone who came out to support the team. "I want to thank the Tinker community, and there's more to come in the next few months," Sims said. Harmon has high hopes for the boxing team and is pleased with how the program builds better servicemen. "I'm hoping that the team will continue to grow and develop, but also the vision I have is more individuals taking up the sport and really sharpening their skills and just giving them something to do and helping their physical fitness," Harmon said. "I think it's a great exhibition. Coach Sims is doing a great job by creating this interservice team and training people. I think it brings great morale to the installation." The Tinker fighters will return to the ring two more times before the end of the year. They will travel to Fort Gibson, Okla., on Dec. 5 and will throw down in Lawton on Dec. 12. Tinker's Friday Night Fights series will continue in February with the exact date to be announced. Junior fighters (ages 8 and up) will join the older fighters to make a well-rounded on-base fight night that won't disappoint. The Tinker boxing team is looking for assistant coaches and trainers. Judges and referees are also in high demand for local boxing venues. No experience necessary. Contact Coach Sims for more information at 816-1013.