Olympian Boxer and Trainer, Andrew Singh Kooner

Introduction

Andrew Singh Kooner’s (10-3, 4 KOs) life story is truly remarkable, marked by resilience, achievement, and compassion. From an early age, Andrew faced and overcame significant challenges, channeling his determination into the sport of boxing where he consistently excelled. His journey is not just about personal victories in the ring, but also about the selfless ways he utilizes his experiences to help others.

Andrew is a passionate advocate for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease, using innovative and supportive methods to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. His commitment extends beyond advocacy; he actively engages with individuals facing these challenges, demonstrating a genuine care that reflects the golden character he is so often praised for. Through his words and actions, it’s clear that Andrew’s compassion is deeply rooted and sincere, making a lasting impression on everyone he encounters.

In addition to his work with Parkinson’s Disease, Andrew dedicates significant time and energy to empowering individuals with special needs and Autism. His involvement goes far beyond mere participation; he creates environments where these individuals can build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the joy of achievement. Andrew’s approach instills not only confidence but also a sense of belonging and pride in those he mentors. This has a profound impact, often sparking positive changes that extend into other areas of their lives.

Ultimately, Andrew Singh Kooner’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and giving back. Whether in the boxing ring or the broader community, he continually strives to uplift others, making a meaningful difference and inspiring those around him to reach their fullest potential.

 

Q&A

FightMatrix: Where did you grow up and what were your hobbies as a child? Where do you currently live?

AK: I was born in Kettering, England.  We moved to Canada, Windsor/Tecumseh when I was three. When I was young, I loved sports like Karate, Hockey, Track and Field, Cross Country.  They called me Andy the athlete as a grade school nickname.  I currently reside in Etobicoke, Ontario.

 

FM: At what age and how did you get involved in boxing? Did you have a mentor for boxing and if so, can you elaborate on that?

AK: I started boxing at the age of 13.  My mom was the one that put me into boxing, (well, forced me into it). My mom is a retired supervisor, and one of her teachers was going out with the boxing coach at the time.  My mom got the idea and brought myself and my two brothers down to the boxing gym. They both quit, but I loved it and stayed with it!

The coach at that gym, Bill Grant, was a former drill sergeant in the army. A strict disciplinarian. He became my mentor and coach. He played a big part in my boxing story and life. Bill provided me with the qualities I needed to possess to be successful in life along with my parents.

 

FM: It is my understanding that you used to train with Greg Coverson (30-2, 18 KOs) in Detroit and lived in Windsor. Greg’s record is very good. What specifically did you learn from him that stuck with you for life?

AK: The way I ended up training with Greg Coverson was fate.  My father and my coach took me to fight in Detroit.  I ended up fighting the best guy I have fought, to date!  Ramsaes “Rambo” Patterson. Bo was #1 in the U.S at the time of the Olympic trails for the 1996 U.S team headed to the Atlanta games.  He lost twice to Eric Morel in very close bouts.  Boy did he ever beat me that night.  But his coach saw something in me. So, he told Bill to make sure he brings me to his gym.

I show up at the gym, and the fighters start laughing and asking, who the white boy is?  Keep in mind I’m Sikh/ East Indian.

I show up every day, whether I was getting beat up or not.  My dad brought me back day after day.  Those four years training under Greg Coverson, elevated my boxing tremendously. My dad would always bring me to the gym and sit and watch Greg at work.  I ended up becoming one of the best at that gym on the westside of Detroit and one of Canada’s best fighters.

FM: You are a two-time Olympian boxer and won a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, you obtained a bronze medal at the 2003 Pan American Games. Will you please talk about your experiences with these competitions?

AK: My first major accomplishment was the 1996 world junior championships in Havana, Cuba. Where I fought the Cuban in the final and lost a close decision. Until today I can still hear the roar of the crowd along with the cow bells ringing.

In 1998 I was 19 years old when I represented Canada at my first Commonwealth Games in K.L Malaysia.  I did extremely well in this tournament but got upset by Cameroon in the semifinals 18-19.

In 2000 I represented Canada at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia.  Walking out into the opening ceremonies was such an amazing experience.  To know the whole world was watching you was a moment that I will never forget.

I won my first fight against Algeria 19-11.  I would be facing Wijian Ponlid from Thailand in the second bout.  He was a tricky southpaw, computer fighter.  He beat me 11-7 in a close fight.  Ponlid went on to win the gold medal, with my fight against him being his closet fight.

The 2002 Commonwealth games were in my birth country of England. I fought four times to get to the finals.  Two of them were KOs. I had my England family there to watch. Amateur boxing often has biased outcomes and decisions.  I lost on a controversial 34-34 tie which then went to another scoring method, so I lost on a countback.

I was representing Canada at the 2003 Pan American games in Santo Domingo, D.R.  A tough competition, especially for smaller weights like me. With countries like Cuba, U.S.A, Mexico, Argentina etc.  In my first fight I draw the American from Hawaii.  I remember this fight so vividly because my corner was giving me the wrong score throughout the fight.  I was dominating this guy and when the final bell rang, I went to my corner, and they tell me I lost.  I was like there was no way. I ended up getting my hand raised, as I knew I should have.  Later the American coach Nazim Richardson (RIP), came over to me and was like “you trying to kill my guy?!”

My next fight was against the reigning Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, Guillermo Rigondeaux.  My brother and his wife came to D.R to support me.  After my fight with Rigondeaux, my brother told me he didn’t know who I was fighting.  And when he saw me walk to the ring with Rigondeaux behind me, he was like “Oh man!”  The Cuban was the best boxer I have ever faced.  He schooled me and even put me down, winning 20-2.  I ended up with bronze medal.

2004 was my second Olympics.  This time in the birthplace of the 1^st Olympiad, Athens, Greece.  I got a bye into the second round. My first fight, I beat Venezuela rather handily.  So now I’m in the quarterfinals.  This means my fight against Uzbekistan, is a semi-finals match. In boxing two bronze medals are awarded for each side of the draw.  I’m doing very well in this fight and should be up.  Computer scoring has me down throughout and I must go after this guy to no avail.  I ended up losing 31-23. A high scoring gun battle.

My amateur career ends here, and I turn professional under GYM (Groupe Yvonne Michel Montreal, and Hennessy Sports U.K). finish my career with a 10-3 record.

FM: Tell us about the podcast that you were on with Dr. Green, called Doc and the Boxer.

AK: The podcast I was doing was with a great friend of mine, Dr. Green called Doc and the Boxer.  We completed over 50 episodes and would talk about recent boxing news.  Generally, we would tape the podcast on Sunday, which allowed us to speak about whichever fights were on Saturday night, and the rest of the boxing news during the week leading up.  Dr. Green, like me, was an avid boxing fan so this was a great opportunity for us to speak about the sport we loved.

FM: I understand that you work with individuals with Parkinson’s to provide them with a better quality of care. What exactly do you do to help them?

AK: In 2016 I went to Indianapolis to get certified in a program in which was developed to help those with Parkinson’s slow progression of the disease and live a better quality of life.  I saw a special on it on CBS, and I was so inspired that I wanted to be a part of it.  Two of the things I love the most (aside from my wife and daughter), was Boxing and helping people.  This program used boxing to help individuals with Parkinson’s. Boxing workouts focus on speed, timing, balance, coordination etc. Things that people with Parkinson’s lose over time.  The force intense exercise of boxing along with cognitive thinking, combined with the other exercises involved, is proven and shown to slow progression. Working with this special population brings me so much joy and fulfilment.

FM: How are you involved in helping people who have special needs?

AK: A few years back, I was involved with these high schools, after school special needs class. We would meet two times per week after school for three years.  Boxing is such a great sport, it brings people together from all walks of life.  There were special needs, and Autistic children in this class.  They never missed a day.  They all loved Boxing and what was amazing about this program was it built their confidence and self–esteem.  This was huge for them, and it was fantastic to see the smiles on their faces during the boxing class.  Boxing has astronomical benefits for special populations.  People have a misconception of Boxing.  Thinking is a brutal barbaric sport. They are not wrong, but we are talking about non-contact boxing.

 

FM: What do you like to do in your spare time?

AK: In my spare time I love spending it all with my wife and daughter.  And of course, boxing. No boxing no life!  If there is a fight on that weekend, you know I’ll find a way to tune in!

 

FM: What is your favorite cuisine and why?

AK: My favorite cuisine is Indian food.  I’m East Indian, Sikh and I grew up eating homemade Indian food (much better than the restaurants).  Well, that was when I wasn’t in training, because Indian food can be spicy and not great for the diet lol.

 

FM: What are your short-term and long-term goals?

AK: Going to the Olympics was one of my short-term goals in life. Being blessed enough to do it twice was amazing.  Obviously winning an Olympic gold was the goal, which I fell short of. To have an amateur career that allowed me to travel all around the world and represent the Canada in all the major games and world championships, and other tournaments, has been such an honor. Along with a professional career of 13 pro fights until it was cut short by injuries.   Now my career is behind me and the “hard work, dedication,” remains.  My long-term goal is something I keep chipping away until it happens.  My coach Bill Grant always told me, “When the bell rings, there is nothing to talk about!”  The bell has rung 33 years ago when I first stepped into the boxing gym!”

 

FM: Is there any more information about you that you want our audience to know?

AK: My father is the reason that I did anything in boxing. He is the reason behind my success in the ring.  He pushed me hard and was with my every step of the way.  I was so fortunate to have that support because times are a lot different today. Kids don’t have parental support like I did.  Single family homes, parents divorced, working always because the cost of living has skyrocketed

Everything I learned during my years in the boxing ring have shaped me into the person I am today.  Married with a beautiful daughter and being able to work in boxing is a huge blessing.  I’m truly grateful for everything I have endured in my life. And I owe it all to Boxing!!!