Mark DeLuca making the switch from fighter to trainer

Former southpaw fighter and now trainer Mark DeLuca, 30-4 (18 KOs), looks back over his time in boxing, his life in the Marines, and his new role as a coach 

Q: Where does your story in boxing start?

DeLuca: It started when I was a kid. I began boxing at an inner-city program in Boston. It was more like a self-defense thing in Dorchester. It was a small, neighborhood group where you’d go every Saturday, spar, or hit the bag. But it didn’t last long; I was 10 when it closed down. After that, I moved on.

Q: What initially led you to a boxing gym? It’s always interesting to hear how people got into boxing, given how dangerous it can be.

DeLuca: My dad boxed in the same program when he was young. He won the Golden Gloves and had a handful of pro fights. So I guess it was a case of “monkey see, monkey do.” I just followed in his footsteps.

Q: When did you start taking boxing seriously?

DeLuca: When I joined the new gym, I started competing in Junior Olympics and local tournaments like the Silver Gloves. By the time I was 12, I was serious about it, and I stayed competitive until I joined the Marines. From 12 to 19, I was in the amateur circuit.

Q: What led you to join the Marines with such a passion for boxing? Was there a turning point?

DeLuca: I think I was at a crossroads. My dad was in the boxing world, but he wasn’t heavily into it. I didn’t know if boxing could be a real career for me, and I needed to make money. I was always interested in the military, but I wanted to keep boxing too, so I joined the Marine Corps Reserves. After bootcamp, I came back and resumed my boxing career.

Q: How demanding is the physical aspect of being a Marine? Does it relate to boxing in any way?

DeLuca: Absolutely. There’s a physical conditioning standard, along with a weight standard. You can’t be out of shape in the Marines, so boxing and military life were pretty similar to me, both mentally and physically.

Q: Are you still involved in your pro career?

DeLuca: No, I retired last year. I’m just training guys now.

Q: What are some memorable moments from your pro career? Any shows that stand out?

DeLuca: Yeah, I remember fighting a guy named Anthony Osbourne from Jamaica. His record was something 7-28-1, but just before we fought, he went 10 rounds and beat an older, but still tough, former contender in Jamaica. I hit Osbourne hard in the first round, but he was a tough, crafty veteran who never let me finish him off. That fight really stands out.

Q: Who was the best fighter you’ve ever been in the ring with, either sparring or in a pro fight?

DeLuca: Erislandy Lara, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, and Carlos Gongora. The level of relaxation they have in the ring is impressive. It’s like they’re taking a walk in the park, even if you land a good shot. They don’t get flustered. They’re just so smooth and relaxed.

Q: How do you carry your experience as a fighter into your role as a coach?

DeLuca: I always had a knack for training, even as a young fighter. My first pro I trained was a friend of mine when I was 16. He was making a comeback, and I helped him get a win before he retired. That’s when I realized I had a passion for it. After I retired, I started training guys full-time and it’s been a natural progression for me.

Q: What sets you apart as a trainer?

DeLuca: I’ve always been comfortable leading and motivating guys. Even when I was younger, I found myself helping others in the gym. Now, I use that experience to push my fighters. I believe in keeping them motivated with a mix of mental and physical toughness. Being a trainer has made the transition from fighting a lot smoother for me.