Jeff ‘Wildcard’ Lyndon is one of the fighters in the June 9 Brawl on the Bund (tickets available for purchase here). We caught up with the former Esport professional, co-founder and president of iDreamsky, the first and only mobile gaming company from China to be on the Nasdaq (he is currently filing the company on the Hong Kong stock exchange), and self-confessed nerd for some pre-fight rap...
How did you first get into boxing?
In 2016, I was going through some personal difficulties. I was staying at my friend Derek Cheung’s house getting drunk every night. One day he dragged me out of my bed and forced me to go to boxing training with him. That sparked my interest in boxing.
What appeals to you about the sport?
I have tried many different sports. I love basketball and football but it’s hard to play these games when I am always on the road or busy working. With boxing, I can train alone and I can get my high-intensity stress relief within an hour or so! On top of that, it forces me to train because if I don’t I will get smashed in the face at the next fight or sparring match!
Why do you consider yourself a nerd?
Of course I am a nerd. I don’t exercise at all. I eat junk all day long. If I am not working, I play video games and read comics all day long. I can have hours of debate with anyone on the Marvel Universe or the Naturo storyline. I can tell you about all the Easter eggs in Final Fantasy 6-11 and Fallout 1-4.
How does boxing compare to ESport?
Actually, they are quite similar. I was a professional ESport player from 1997-2001 and 2015-2016. I was ranked number three in Clash Royale for six seasons, and one of the two Chinese that got into the first Clash Royale world championship in 2016! To box and to play games professionally, you need to be disciplined in your training, watch and learn from lots of replays, and analyze your opponents on the fly. The only real difference between boxing and ESport is if you make the wrong move in boxing you get punched in your face and it hurts!
Do you take any lessons from boxing and apply them to the business world?
When I was a kid, I loved watching the Rocky series. One quote that stuck with me was “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keeping moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” I have been in many entrepreneur interviews where I told people that’s my motto on how to become a successful entrepreneur.
What was it like to meet Mike Tyson?
Oh, I have met many boxing legends during my boxing training around the world. I trained at the Wildcard boxing gym in LA where I got tips from Freddie Roach (Manny Pacquiao’s trainer), Joachim Alcine (former WBA light middleweight world champion), Regilio Tuur (former WBO champion), Cobra Suwa (current WBC Asia Champion) and of course boxing legend Mike Tyson!
Lyndon with Mike Tyson
Lyndon with Freddie Roach
When I met Mike Tyson it was the first time I ever felt star struck. I basically froze on the spot and it took me an hour to be at ease enough to have a conversation with him like a normal person.
Which person inspires you most, be it someone you know, someone in the world or a historical figure?
Can it be someone fictional? Rocky Balboa! Whenever I am going through some personal tough times or business challenges I rewatch the whole series. Seeing Rocky go from being a nobody to a somebody through training and persistence gives me hope and the energy to keep moving forward!
But if I have to pick a real person it would have to be Donald Trump – yes Donald J. Trump! He is so inspiring. He shows me that anyone – literally even someone like him – can be the President of the United States.
What is your favorite boxing quote and why?
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” from Muhammad Ali. I have it tattooed on my jab and front leg. It is so true: if you can sting like a bee with your jab and float like a butterfly with your footwork you are really untouchable. It sounds so simple but it's so hard to execute flawlessly.
If you could watch two people punch each other who would they be and why?
If Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be in the same weight class that would be the fight I'd want to see the most. The strongest offense versus the strongest defense!
Which one would you want to lose and why?
Ahhh... I really don’t want to see either of them lose. However, I guess it would be nice to see someone break Floyd’s 50-0 record!
What is your spirit animal?
Since we are talking spiritual, we might as well make it mythical... so it is a Pegasus! Anyone that is an manga fan will know why I picked a Pegasus.
Finish this sentence: “You should come and watch me in Brawl on the Bund, because…”
I am brawling against John Avolio! And when have you seen a president of a listed company that is also an Esport player box? Here is your chance...
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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