Fighter Profile: Drew Smith

Drew Smith

Age: 21 - Gym: Burnside Boxing Club in Struthers - Fight Weight: 152

Those who attend local club shows in the Youngstown area should know the name Drew Smith by now, an amateur fighter known for his endurance which he uses to unleash an relentless attack over the course of three rounds which usually results in a worn down opponent and many times a victory.

With 28 amateur fights to his resume, the Hanoverton United High School graduate is currently attending Youngstown State University where he is majoring in Criminal Justice and also joined the Army National Guard.

Here is a Q/A I did with Smith with the use of the internet as we practice social distancing during these times.

Years fighting and how did you get started: Eight years to the month actually.  I got hurt at the end of football season and couldn't play basketball and then my school didn't have enough people for a baseball team so my dad put me in boxing in 7th grade to get in shape for football again and I loved it so much I never quit.

When you are not in the gym, what are you getting yourself into: I'm always busy. I'm working at Dunkin' on top of getting my degree and also going through EMT classes now. I'm also a volunteer firefighter and in the Army National Guard so I don't get much free time.

Favorite/Least favorite part of training: I'm a gym rate in general so I love to run and lift weight so it translates over will into boxing but my least favorite thing has to do with the strict dieting which is hard for me to find a food balance so that my workouts and body are on the same page. I realized that fasting is definitely for me because I can healthy most of the day and have that guilty pleasure which is probably a Mountain Dew and a bag of Sour Patch Kids if I really feel like it and it won't hurt me as much.

When you're getting your run in, what is on your playlist: That's a hard one, lol. I listen to almost everything but mostly classic rock and heavy metal. I love Disturbed, Korn, AC/DC, all of that.

Favorite boxing movie: I'm going to have to say Southpaw for obvious reasons, lol.

Favorite boxer of all time: Roy Jones Jr. for sure.  He was such a great athlete all around and really mesmerizing to watch.

Favorite sport to play or watch outside of boxing: I used to play football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling and really couldn't pick one I like to play more although I don't get to watch very much sports other than boxing.

Something about yourself that most people don't know: I'm definitely a nerd.  I love coming home from boxing in the evening and relaxing with some video games for a few hours when I'm able to.

Where do you hope to be with your life in 10 years: In 10 years I hope to be in the FBI/CIA but definitely still boxing to stay in shape at the absolutely very least.

What advice do you have for anyone who might be thinking about walking into a boxing gym and lacing up the gloves: My advice would be that it'll be one of the greatest decisions you could ever make even if it's just to get in shape.  Your body and mind will never be stronger than when you are boxing.  People Often ask me how I'm so happy all the time even when I'm about to go in and fight and it's because I'm doing what I love and getting to take out any stress along with it, lol.