People called Don Saxby “crazy” when he quit his job as a school security officer to start his own business as a boxing coach. Since he made the move in 2004, he’s been busy coaching everyday people as well as stars and athletes, including four men who fought for the world title. He works out of the legendary Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, and his schedule is jam-packed.
Don, who is originally from Bed-Stuy and East New York, was raised by a father who was a former fighter. “Boxing was almost mandatory for me,” he shared. “Most of my brothers and sisters boxed, too.” Don developed a genuine love for the sport and has participated in 77 boxing matches over the course of his life.
Don commits 100% of himself to the athletes he trains, and cares about them the same way a parent cares about and supports his children. He explains how a coach is human, and is bound to make mistakes. He also believes that a coach needs to exercise discipline and have the athlete’s best interest in mind. Conversely, the athlete should be dedicated to the coach’s well-being.
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Don’s role models and mentors during his younger years included Sugar Ray Leonard, Mohammad Ali, and his own father, who, he shared, had a strong work ethic and was quite strict. Back in 2016, Don had the pleasure of training the singer Usher to play Sugar Ray in the film "Hands of Stone".
What does Don do when he needs motivation and inspiration to keep going, even in the face of challenges? “I go to God,” he shares. He is a member of and a leader within a local Pentecostal church.
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His advice to young people who want to box or who are in the boxing world? “It takes discipline, dedication, and hard work. The main thing is to find a coach who has your best interests at heart, and be willing to listen to that person.”
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