Confidence Through the Roof

Written by Adam Chaffe

Spoken by KJ Lindsay, Jr.

KJ, whose full name is Kywane Lindsay Jr., is a twenty-seven-year-old medical insurance salesman, but his real passion is boxing. He is originally from Philadelphia but moved to the Reading area when he was about twelve years old. It was his mother’s decision to move to West Lawn because she wanted a better lifestyle for their family than the one they had in Philadelphia. As KJ describes it, he had a normal upbringing and was always athletic and competitive. Even though he grew up playing sports, he did not start until he was in his twenties. His main sport growing up was football, which he played in college, but KJ was not too dedicated to college and ended up being kicked out for poor grades and partying.   

After being kicked out of school, KJ felt that something in his life was missing. It was during this time that his father suggested that he should get into boxing. He was not interested in this suggestion at first, but for some reason, the idea stuck in his head for two years. So, he started looking into different boxing gyms in the area, finally finding Star City Boxing. When he finally went into the gym, he immediately noticed its family-like environment. It was not just circuit training here, but personal one-on-one training by people who truly cared about your progress.   

When KJ first started training here, he was not concerned with competing. His only goal was to stay fit and work off stress and pent-up aggression. Then, two years later, Coach Bates noticed KJ working the punching bag and asked him, “Why aren’t you competing?” This shocked KJ because, at the time, he did not take it too seriously, but this interest and reassurance of skill provided by Coach Bates sparked KJ to want to start competing.   

KJ has been on a winning streak ever since and has won all five of the fights he has had, making him realize his passion in life. The specific moment he realized boxing was his passion was when Coach Bates took him to compete in Philly, which, as KJ describes, “is like the Mecca of boxing.” Even though he knew he could handle himself, he still had some anxiety for the higher competition. After he did great competing at this higher level, the reality of his potential dawned on him, and he realized he had found himself. With how much KJ`s life has changed following his decision to fight competitively, he considers Coach Bates to be a lifesaver for being the catalyst in getting him to take these steps.   

Since KJ began competing, many aspects of his life have improved. His confidence went from basically nothing to being through the roof. Before boxing, KJ considered himself a timid guy and felt that he usually went unnoticed when he was in a group, but now he has the confidence to speak up for himself and make his presence known. His work ethic and dedication have improved, along with his physical fitness and mental strength. If he comes across something mentally strenuous now, KJ has the determination and focus to overcome it instead of just giving up, which he credits to his work in the gym.   

Of course, none of this would be possible without the people in KJ’s life that support him and help push him to achieve his goals, such as his brother Andrew. Andrew has supported KJ every step of the way along his athletic career, and if KJ’s other family members or friends cannot show up to his fights, he always knows Andrew will be there to support him. KJ also feels as if he gained a second family. He spends a lot of his off time with other members of the gym, which is usually spent exercising and watching other sports. As a successful adult member of the gym, KJ also mentors younger members. He likes to assist them with their techniques, and to give them some life advice if they need him. He specifically tries to prevent them from making the same mistakes he made in life and hopes he can help keep them going in the right direction. He believes these kids are lucky to find this structure and discipline at an early age and believes that if he found it when he was young, it may have prevented him from making some of the mistakes he’s made.   

In the end, though, he does not regret anything, because if things went differently, he would not be the same fighter he is today. He is extremely thankful that he was able to find Coach Bates and Star City Boxing, believing that it was his second chance and has saved his life.  KJ plans to be a champion and earn a belt for himself and Star City, but overall, he wants to continue to grow and become a better version of himself.