John 'The Mix Machine' Avolio is one of the fighters in the June 9 Brawl on the Bund (tickets available for purchase here). You might know John from his sets at Bar Rouge. Along with DJing, he's spent the past three months training for this event. We caught up with the French DJ for some pre-fight rap...
Marseille is famous as a tough port city – do you think that had an effect on you getting into a combat sport?
Too bad to start by having a prejudice against the city of Marseille. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Marseille is not tougher than other cities. I actually started boxing in Shanghai. To get back and answer the question: not at all! But this could also be a nice way to get rid of some prejudices about boxing. It’s fun, good for your health. It’s a sport. Thinking you can win a street fight just because you know how to box, you will just end up in a hospital… or jail.
How did you first get into boxing?
I have been doing martial arts for many years before coming to Shanghai – Taekwondo, Viet Vu Dao, Kung Fu, Judo – but never in competition. I thought these arts were too violent. I stopped practicing when an accident occurred in training due to too good defensive reflexes that ended in breaking my opponent’s elbow. It was just a reflex based on hours of practicing. What if that happened outside of training? In Shanghai, I tried Thai boxing because I always had good leg movements, but still it was too violent. I ended up in Golden Gloves and found out that boxing is not a martial art; it's a sport. And that makes the difference: you can train, learn and compete, if you want.
What appeals to you about the sport?
The feeling is real inside the ring. Your brain doesn’t think anymore, your heartbeat goes crazy, and you forget everything. You get out feeling proud of yourself on some days, and feeling bad on others. But you always have the will of beating your opponent next time. So you need to work harder. It’s also a complete training: fitness, cardio, stamina, flexibility, speed, breath, stretching, focus. And you don’t even have to be punched or punch somebody if you don’t want to, but your body still gets the benefit of it! Wonderful!
You are following in the footsteps of two previous Bar Rouge fighters, Jeremy and Marco – have they given you any tips?
If you know the guys... tips from Jay are written in one encyclopedia. It’s hard to follow up his flow of advice when you train with him (as he is also a personal coach). With Marco it’s more of a quiet strength – no words, everything’s through sight. I might ask them a few tips on how not to lose a fight (I might have lost two friends here…)
Being a DJ you must have rhythm – does that help with your footwork in the ring?
Not sure. Based on what my coaches say, I would be a terrible DJ. So I would say there’s no link at all. Usually DJs are bad dancers. That’s why they end up behind the DJ booth making the girl dance instead of dancing with her. I tried a few times to think about songs while sparring, but the problem is that I was more focused on counting the music steps instead of moving fast. I stopped thinking about musical rhythm after taking too many punches.
How hard was it turning your back on the temptations of the nightlife scene in order to train properly for this fight?
I took this challenge really seriously. So no alcohol for the last three months. It’s hard, I have to say. But that’s part of the challenge. I was lucky to be selected out of all the people who were training for the competition, and the minimum is to give the best of me. But I really, really look forward to the official after party at Bar Rouge.
I’m as scared of the after party as the fight itself to be honest. Many people are waiting for me to cheers with them. On a serious side… it was really hard to go DJ five to six hours in a row after an evening of training. I did it and I’m proud of it! I also need to thank Wheat restaurant, because without them I’m not sure I could have achieved this goal.
Tell us about your Wheat meal plan?
I met with their certified nutritionist and he made a plan for me to [hit the] target weight asked by my coach. So within two months I lost 5kg, and the program makes me stay at 65kg with all the nutrients I need to be in shape and in good health. To be honest I think that 50 percent of my boxing abilities are from the food program. If I wouldn’t have had the Wheat delivery, I would have just gone back home and slept after training. Now, I just have to open the fridge and get a balanced meal. It saves a huge amount of time.
What is your favorite quote and why?
One which blew my mind when I read it when I was 12 was: “I know that I know nothing” – Socrates. It helps me to always try to learn something.
If you could watch two people punch each other who would they be and why?
May I say my two coaches Baj and Billy? That would be so nice! To finally see how they implement what they (try to) teach us every time we train.
Which one would you want to lose and why?
This is a bit like “choose between your father and your mother.” A draw would be the best!
Finish this sentence: “You should come and watch me in Brawl on the Bund, because…”
You will be able to participate in the auction to raise money for More Than Aware, an association for the prevention and recovery of breast cancer. All of the Brawl On The Bund events are for charity. Oh, and because I need a push!
Buy Tickets to Brawl on the Bund
Brawl on the Bund is a bi-annual charity black-tie boxing event from White Collar Boxing China, which returns June 9 at Hyatt on the Bund, with tickets available for purchase here.
Expect eight bouts between regular Shanghai residents who have trained with professionals for at least three months (you can win a year membership at one of their gyms right here), as well as a four-course meal with free-flow cocktails, wine and beer. This year's event is ultra exclusive, with only 500 seats available, so get in now to avoid disappointment!
Take a look at the full seating chart below:
Funds raised at the event will go towards More Than Aware, a Shanghai-based support club empowering women to be proactive with their health and wellbeing in the prevention and recovery of breast cancer.
You can also book tickets easily from your computer or phone by clicking here, or by scanning the QR code below:
Brawl on the Bund, Jun 9, 6pm-late, Hyatt on the Bund. Buy tickets right here.
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