This isn’t just her journey—it’s our journey as a team, as a gym, and as a community. Let’s take a closer look at how Akira and Coach Dupre are preparing for this monumental event.

Meet Akira Hailey: A Rising Star

Akira Hailey is no stranger to the grind. As a dedicated athlete, she has spent years perfecting her craft, developing her skills, and competing in local and regional matches. Her passion for boxing started at a young age, and with each bout, her determination and confidence have grown stronger. Competing at the USA Boxing Nationals is a dream come true, but for Akira, it’s also a chance to inspire others—especially young women—to chase their goals fearlessly.

“Boxing has taught me discipline, resilience, and self-belief,” Akira says. “Now, I’m ready to put all of that into action on the biggest stage I’ve ever been on.”

The Man Behind the Fighter: Coach Dupre Strickland

Behind every great boxer is a great coach, and Akira is fortunate to have Head Coach Dupre Strickland in her corner. With years of experience as a USA Boxing-certified coach, Coach Dupre has guided countless athletes, helping them unlock their potential both in and out of the ring.

Coach Dupre’s training philosophy is simple: hard work, determination, and dedication. Known for his motivational sayings like “Stay strong, live long” and “Hands up, elbows in, chin tucked—or get beat up,” he instills not just technical skills but the mental toughness necessary to thrive in the high-pressure world of competitive boxing.

“Akira has what it takes to succeed at Nationals,” Coach Dupre says. “She’s focused, she’s disciplined, and she’s hungry to win. This is her moment, and I’m here to make sure she’s ready.”

The Road to Richmond: Training for Nationals

Preparing for a competition like the USA Boxing Nationals is no easy feat. It demands unwavering dedication, countless hours of training, and the support of a strong team. Here’s how Akira and Coach Dupre are getting ready:

1. High-Intensity Training Routines

Akira’s daily schedule is nothing short of rigorous. Under Coach Dupre’s guidance, her training includes:

• Mornings:
  • Conditioning: Akira starts her day with early-morning conditioning to build endurance and explosiveness.
  • Skill Development: Refining her techniques. From perfecting her jab to mastering counterpunching, every movement is practiced with precision.
  • Strength and Agility Workouts: Focus on building power and agility, incorporating weightlifting, plyometric exercises, and drills to enhance footwork.
• Sparring Sessions: Akira spars regularly to simulate real fight scenarios. These sessions help her stay sharp, adapt to different fighting styles, and build her mental resilience.

• Off Day Workouts: Early-morning runs to build endurance and explosiveness. Sprints, hill work, and long-distance running are all part of the routine.

2. Mental Preparation

Competing at Nationals isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a mental one too. Akira works closely with Coach Dupre to strengthen her mindset through:

• Visualization Exercises: Picturing herself in the ring, landing punches, and winning bouts.
• Strategic Planning: Studying potential opponents and devising game plans tailored to their styles.
• Faith and Focus: Leaning on her faith to stay calm and confident under pressure.

3. Nutrition and Recovery

Fueling Akira’s body is as important as her training. With a carefully planned diet, she’s maintaining peak energy levels while staying within her weight class. Recovery is prioritized through stretching, massages, and ample rest, ensuring she’s in top condition for fight night.

What Nationals Means to Akira—and Our Community

For Akira, competing at Nationals is more than just a personal milestone. It’s an opportunity to represent Anointed Hands Boxing, her family, and the entire community that has supported her journey.

“This isn’t just for me,” Akira says. “It’s for every young girl who’s been told she can’t, for everyone who’s ever faced challenges and kept fighting. I want to show that with faith and hard work, anything is possible.”

Her success is also a testament to the values and mission of Anointed Hands Boxing. As a gym rooted in faith and family, we’re proud to have one of our own standing tall on the national stage.

How You Can Support Akira’s Journey

Competing at Nationals comes with significant costs, including travel, lodging, equipment, and entry fees. While Akira is putting in the hard work, she needs the support of her community to make this journey possible.

Sponsor Akira

By sponsoring Akira, you’re directly contributing to her success. Sponsorships help cover essential expenses and allow her to focus entirely on her training. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition on our website, social media platforms, and event materials—a great way to showcase your commitment to empowering local athletes.

Donate to Her Campaign

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your generosity helps ensure Akira has everything she needs to compete at her best.

Spread the Word

Share Akira’s story with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about her journey, the stronger her support network will be.

Interested in sponsoring or donating? Click here to learn more.

Gear That Fuels Success: Century Boxing Equipment

Behind every great fighter is great equipment, and Akira is no exception. Her preparations for Nationals are powered by Century Boxing Gear, known for its high-quality, reliable products that enhance performance.

Why Century Gear?

• Durability: Built to withstand intense training.
• Comfort and Protection: Designed to protect athletes during grueling workouts and sparring sessions.
• Versatility: Perfect for both beginners and seasoned fighters.

Akira’s Favorite Century Products:

• Century Drive Boxing Gloves: Essential for sparring and heavy bag work. Shop here.
• Century Heavy Bag: Used daily to sharpen her power and technique. Shop here.
• Century Hand Wraps: A must-have for hand and wrist protection. Shop here.

Invest in the same gear Akira uses to train and elevate your own workouts.

The Final Countdown

As the days tick down to December 14, 2024, Akira and Coach Dupre are laser-focused on the task ahead. The journey to Nationals has already been a victory in itself, showcasing the grit, determination, and heart of a true champion.

“We’re ready,” Coach Dupre says. “This isn’t just about winning a fight—it’s about showing the world what Akira is made of and what Anointed Hands Boxing stands for.”

Join Us in Supporting Akira Hailey

Akira’s journey to Nationals is a collective effort, and we’re calling on our community to stand behind her. Together, we can help her achieve her dreams and represent Anointed Hands Boxing with pride.

Let’s make it happen:

• Become a sponsor or donor
• Cheer her on via social media
• Share her story with others

Every punch Akira throws at Nationals will carry the strength and support of everyone who believes in her. Let’s show the world what we can achieve together.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Stay strong, live long, and let’s help Akira bring home a victory!