It’s National Work Life Week and Watermans want to share with you some information on the hard work that is put in by not only our solicitors, but also those involved in some of the dedicated charities and local clubs which we sponsor.
Today we speak to Lochend Boxing Club co-founder Terry McCormack, who is also boxing champ Josh Taylor’s coach, on some of the most important aspects of his role.
When you were younger what did you want to be when growing up and why?
I wanted to be a football player. I played in school and was a massive football and Hibs fan. I used to go to games with my mates on the bus and try and sneak into the ground.
Why did you get involved in the job you are in now?
I was an amateur boxer from the age of 14 and have pretty much been involved with the sport of boxing since. I guess it was a natural progression. I had a goal to open a boxing gym in the area where I was from as I knew it would be a huge benefit to the community.
Who is your role model and why?
Marvin Hagler was and is my boxing role model. The 80’s was a golden era for boxing. Marvin Hagler inspired me because of the way he dedicated his life to the sport of boxing to become the undisputed champion of the world.
It was my dream to meet him and I have been lucky to do so a couple of times at meet and greets one of which was in Edinburgh as part of an Evening with himself and Ken Buchanan who is another hero of mine.
How do you maintain a health work / life balance?
I enjoy going long walks with my wife Jacky and dog Chu. Recently we escaped for the night in our campervan. That helps me to switch off. When I have time I also like to do a bit training such as going a run.
What has been the highlight of your career?
As a boxing coach it is seeing boxer Josh Taylor unify the Light Welterweight boxing division to become World Champion. Our journey began when he was a 17 year old amateur boxer. We achieved everything together when he was an amateur and I have been lucky enough to be part of his professional journey.
What is your favourite post work meal?
A coffee and a bacon roll out of Greggs – it is a standing joke at the gym! Everyone says I must have shares in Greggs. If you can’t find me in the gym, they say you will find me in Greggs.
If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting out in the industry, what would it be?
As a boxing coach to another coach I would say “don’t get too attached to a boxer because if you want loyalty get a dog!” As coach to a boxer I would advise just to work hard because whenever I look over my shoulder I want to see you in the gym showing me that you want it 100 per cent.
If you work away you will be noticed and I will know when the time is right for you to transition to becoming a boxer. I learned this as a young boxer as I trained in the gym for roughly six months before the coach asked me “would you like pad work?” which then I knew I had proved myself. I have adopted this method because I have kids telling me all the time, they want to be boxers after one week in the gym To be a boxer, it can take years.
What motto do you live by?
It takes heart – if you give me a kid with a big heart, I will turn him into a champion. You cannot teach that however you can teach the rest.
When discussing your job with other people, what question do you get asked the most?
“Do you have any good boxers coming through in the gym?” and “Who is the next Josh Taylor?”
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Not much would change, I would turn up to the gym on Monday morning as usual with my latte in hand with a bacon doubler from Greggs to celebrate. My wife Jacky would probably book a holiday and buy a new house abroad in the sun – preferably near a boxing club.