When Mack “Papi” Allison’s latest boxing match scheduled for May 4, 2019 in Waldorf was postponed, the Baltimore fighter took the time to attend another one of his passions— helping others who aspire to ring greatness.
Allison, the son of boxing Hall of Fame member Mack Allison Jr., joined Coach Troy Harris and others at UnBoxed gym in Cockeysville, Maryland, where he helps to teach young ones the sweet science.
“Troy Harris admires the boxing knowledge that I have and he wanted me to help give some of that knowledge to the people at his gym,” said Allison, who with a professional record of 10-2 is already on the fast track to getting a shot at a world title.
UnBoxed is a small group-training studio where individual fitness and wellness goals are assessed by fitness and health coaches. A combination of small group classes, personal training options and nutrition counseling offered at UnBoxed is tailored to each individual.
Each client is provided a coach whom Harris says is passionate and invested in their clients’ success and assists and guides them to their desired goals. A variety of classes are also offered at the facility, including: fitness boxing, functional training, cardio, resistance training and yoga.
The Unboxed mission is to provide clients with an individualized fitness and wellness plan while coaching them to realize and reach their full potential.
The gym even includes martial arts and boxing in a 45-minute “Combo Kids” class designed to get young people moving and having fun while learning discipline, coordination and focus.
“I teach various of ages, but most of them are kids,” Allison said. “I like teaching people the basics cause it’s hard to start someone off. It’s hard training people new to boxing because it’s a lot of things they have to get accustomed to doing that they never previously did.
“But, I love watching the person finally catch on. That’s my reward— seeing the person get better and finally catching on.”
The time away from the ring also allows Allison a chance to help young people in another of his favorite pastimes— chess.
“I first learned how to play chess in middle school,” Allison said. “An old friend of mine named Maurice Chandler taught me how to play chess. We were the same age, but he was so advanced at chess and who won numerous chess championships.”
Now, Allison says he enjoys teaching kids to play chess because the game presents many strategic challenges that are useful in life.
“Chess is an important game because at any time you make the wrong move [and] it can cost you the game,” Allison said. “So when I teach the kids it helps to make them think, and it teaches them patience, since a chess game can really be long.”
Mostly though, Allison says he enjoys working with young ones and teaching them something they can use as they pursue their goals.
“The advice I give young ones is that nothing in life is easy, especially the goals you want to accomplish,” Allison said. “But, I always tell them that they can do it. Just stay focused and don’t quit no matter what!”