Andy ;'Swinger' Griffiths is one of the fighters in the June 9 Brawl on the Bund (tickets available for purchase here). The British native has called Shanghai home for over four years. As the Director of Instruction and PGA Golf Professional at Michael International Golf Academy, Andy likes to challenge himself to a new sporting endeavor every year. This year, he chose boxing. We caught up with Andy for some pre-fight rap...
How did you first get into boxing?
At the start of 2018, after a few FitFam trial sessions of jujitsu at Absolute with Saulo, I tried a boxing class there with Sean and Stefanie and was hooked.
What appeals to you about the sport?
Each year, I have a new sporting challenge to remind myself of exactly how my students feel in their journey of improvement and the challenges of competing. Boxing appealed as a new sport. I was coming from a complete beginner level and hoping to show what is possible with time, patience and commitment. As with professional golf, you can always be better – and that challenge appealed to me.
[Professional boxer] Anthony Joshua lives close to me back home and watching how effortless he makes it look made me want to see just how hard it really is!
How does boxing compare to golf?
There is a need for speed but not at the expense of accuracy, control of the mind and body, and constant focused concentration. Success is largely due to the strategy, tactics, mental side versus just technique. There’s a lot that’s similar. Golf is safer though...I’ve rarely seen punches thrown on a course!
Do you take any lessons from boxing and apply them to your golf game?
The only words constantly ringing in my ears are “keep your hands up” from Coach Ricky and Raymond and I’m trying to think how that could help my golf game! As a coach myself, I’m always critiquing how coaches get information across in the best way, so I’ve learned a lot from my sessions too with all the coaches, that can help my golfers. Other than that, the constant adage of “one shot/punch at a time” I’ve taken a lot from and I’m constantly trying to stay present and not dwell on the past or get caught up in the future.
Who inspires you the most?
My parents inspire me. [They are] happy, content, surrounded by people they love and providing value to the world. I’d be happy to emulate that. Everyone has something that you can learn from though, so I’m inspired and influenced by many in their own ways.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“We only get to play this game one time…one life.” - Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vee is a bit of a legend to me and it’s a daily reminder to get out there and make it happen.
If you could watch two people punch each other who would they be and why?
Sergio Ramos and Mike Tyson. As a sad Liverpool fan, Ramos and his slimy ways were a big part of Liverpool’s recent Champions League loss (maybe Karius has a small part too, ah) and it would be nice to see him and his whiny, cheating ways get put in their place.
Which one would you want to lose and why?
I’m hoping this would be quite a one-sided fight!
What is your spirit animal?
My nickname growing up was Tiger for obvious golfing-related reasons, but the spirit animal has to be a sloth, as they can also fall asleep absolutely anywhere!
Finish this sentence: “You should come and watch me in Brawl on the Bund, because…”
I’ll be giving it my all and you’ve likely never seen a professional golfer intentionally trying to hit a hook shot.
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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