Interview: Charlotte, North Carolina Boxer Jared “The Quiet Storm” Robinson

Jared "The Quiet Storm" Robinson

          Shortly after returning from Florida where he spent the holidays with family and friends, undefeated Charlotte boxer Jared Robinson kindly agreed to this interview so that fans are aware of his current progress. Having begun his amateur career at age 15 in 2002, the light-welterweight known as “The Quiet Storm”, originally from Sumter, South Carolina, now has a professional record of 13 wins and no losses, with 5 by way of knockout. He trains at Dyme Boxing & Fitness in Charlotte and appears to be well on his way into the rankings of today's elite world-class fighters.


1) Jared, firstly, can you tell us how long you’ve been fighting out of Charlotte and what circumstances brought you here?
JR: I have been fighting out of Charlotte since my pro debut in August 2009. I moved to Charlotte to train with boxing trainer James Pressley. He helped me become ranked #3 in the US in the amateurs in 2008. I called him when I decided to go pro and told him I wanted him in my corner.

2) Do you know when and where you will be fighting again?
JR: I don't have a date on my next fight yet, but I am preparing myself for a fight at the end of January or beginning of February.

3) Your record shows that you fought 6 times in 2012. Do you plan to stay that busy again in 2013?
JR: Yes, 2012 was a busy year for me. I plan to continue to stay busy and to keep the winning streak going.

4) What other hopes are you looking forward to with regard to your boxing career in 2013?
JR: I have my mind set on a TV debut with ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, ShoBox, and/or HBO. I have received calls for these big stages already and I plan to capitalize on the opportunities.

5) And on a personal level, what hopes aside from boxing are you counting on this year?
JR: On a personal level, being a good husband and father first and foremost. I am also looking to grow my personal training business and I have a few trips planned to Jamaica and Bahamas this year.

6) How often do you train during the week, and can you briefly describe the routine?
JR: I train 6 days/18 hours a week approaching that 10,000th hour. I do skill work on Mondays, then improving my skill set and formulating game plans for my next opponents on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some Saturdays are strength and conditioning days: plyometrics, suicides, interval training, swimming, and track (hell days, basically).

7) Can you describe your diet during training?
JR: Nutrition is key for me. I eat clean foods, take in the best protein on the planet (IsaLean Whey from New Zealand) and I do a nutritional cleanse in-between fights to repair my body and maintain my fight weight.

8) Who is your trainer and what are some of his best attributes?
JR: I train with James Pressley at Dyme Boxing and Fitness. His best attribute is developing a fighter. I have trained with him for about 4 years and to this day he is still able to introduce to me a new technique or make an adjustment that he feels I am ready for. His ability to break down an opponent and formulate a game plan is like nothing I have seen before.

9) What weight do you normally average at weigh-in and do you expect to continue competing in the light-welterweight/super-lightweight division in 2013?
JR: So far in my career I average 142lbs, I have fought heavier, but I can make 140lbs with no problems. I am ranked 40th in US in my division so I plan to be here for a while before I move up.

10) How long before you think you are ready to be matched against highly-ranked world-class fighters?
JR: I will be ready for a class fighter within 6 more fights. The only difference between them and me is experience.

11) Are there any prizefighters, past or present, that you tend to pattern your boxing style after in the ring?
JR: No one in particular. I am working on perfecting Jared. The original is always better than the carbon copy.

12) Do you also follow the sport closely as a fan and if so, who are some of your favorite fighters today?
JR: Yes, definitely. Andre Ward, Mayweather, Marquez, Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Sergio Martinez...

13) Are you involved in any charitable programs and can you tell us a little about that?
JR: Not at the moment, but I have spoken to a couple of elementary and high school groups here in Charlotte.

14) Do you have career goals aside from boxing? And are you currently involved in any other business ventures?
JR: My goals outside of boxing is to continue to build a successful massage therapy career. I have been a massage therapist for 10 years. I currently work at Massage Envy in South Park. I am also a nutritional cleanse coach encouraging others to live a healthier lifestyle.

15) Jared, you seem to be a very friendly guy. Most boxing enthusiasts are aware that trash-talking and stare-downs prior to fights are usually an act to promote bouts. And maybe there’s nothing wrong with drumming up excitement for a fight that way. Are you ready to put on that kind of a “show”?
JR: Yes, under the right circumstances I am prepared to hold my own in and outside the ring. Though it is probably rare that I start an argument, I understand the mental side of the sport.

16) Do you have any additional comments you would like to add?
JR: I would like to give gratitude to all of my sponsors. Dyme boxing, Dr. Charles Francis (Abundant Health), Massage Envy (South Park), Ryan Howell (King Graphics), Clarence Moore (Clarencemoore.com) and H&S wholesalers in Sumter, South Carolina.

Paco Rivera of GAR1680 Boxing Talk with Jared Robinson

 Follow Jared Robinson on Twitter @TheQuietStormJR

P. Rivera, GAR1680 Boxing Talk
Twitter: @GAR1680