Real Life Rocky The Story Of Mike Shoop

I just had an Interview with a protege of The Legendary Tim Witherspoon Jr.  Mr. Mike Shoop aka Junk Change A 45-year-old Semi-Professional Boxer that Tim took under his wing many years ago. Mike has had a successful boxing career in his own right, and he’s not done fighting yet. As soon as it is allowed (after COVID-19 is less dangerous.) He will have his first fight in two years. The Passion is still there. The love for the sport is still there. When all is said and done Mike would like to become a motivational speaker, but that time is not now.

The Early Days: Mike Shoop Struggled as a young man with anger and drug addiction. Finding his passion as a Boxer changed his life for the better. He’s been clean for 15 years and has found his family and his outlet. It has not only kept out of trouble but has as he has put it become his baby. Something he loves more than anything. He found his family and his career at Tim Witherspoon’s Gym in Philadelphia. Not only has it kept him out of trouble as previously mentioned it has become his profession. If you know anything about boxing then you know the vast majority that train to box never get an actual fight. Mike has made a name for himself as a Semi-Professional Boxer.

What it was like to be taken under the wing of Pro Boxing Legend Tim Witherspoon Jr and to be trained by him: Tim Witherspoon Jr. Saw something in Mike that Mike didn’t even see in himself at first. He saw Tim Witherspoon Jr. fight as a young man and was soo impressed by the way Tim Witherspoon Jr. decimated his opponents he told his father during one of Tim’s fights he wanted to be like him.

In the not too distant future, he found himself in Tim’s gym and was in awe that Tim saw something in him as a person and as a boxer that he did not yet see in himself. Tim took him under his wing as he has with many fighters and not only kept him out of trouble but trained him, He has been a great mentor for him as well as a friend. “Tim told me If I ever hear about you fighting outside the ring on the streets you’re outta here.” Mike took this to heart as he saves everything for the ring in that manner and only for his fights in the ring.

Why Mike believes Boxings for everyone: At Tim’s Gym In Philadelphia Pa Witherspoon Boxing and Fitness Center The people that are there don’t simply believe that boxing is for the fighters. They believe it’s a great outlet for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and the sport of boxing. Mike and I agreed that its a great outlet and a good way to learn self-defense as well. They give out a free day pass to anyone interested in learning or competing in the sport of boxing.

Changing his boxing name from Viper to Junk Change: A  pretty funny story here. Mike was a little late on paying his dues before becoming a Semi-Pro boxer and instead of sending him away from the gym his trainer and good friend Tim Witherspoon Jr. joked that he was getting Junk change and that became Mikes new name in the ring.

It was funny and it stuck according to Mike. Mike and Tim have such a great trainer fighter relationship that they joke every day when the gym is open now as he does with his family at the gym as well. Some of you may think that Viper is a better name…for those of you that think that just remember what happened to The Viper in Game of Thrones! Mikes a fighter as well..and he’s still alive to fight another day! We talk more about Mike’s relationship with his trainer Tim Withersppon Jr. In our Podcast so stay tuned!

Mikes’ Biggest Accomplishments in the ring: After he began his career 0-2 getting his first Semi-Pro win was a huge moment for Mike Shoop. The hard work had paid off. he said it was a feeling he’ll never forget. He also won a big tournament fight in L.A. California. That being said for Mike unlike most fighters while he is a competitor and he wants to win he has stated that win lose or draw he feels a big sense of accomplishment after a fight because he knows he put in his best effort and his boxing family is there for him.

I’ve talked to other athletes in other sports that simply say “It sucks man” when they lose, but Mike holds his head high win lose or draw because he put in the hard work and he always gives his all in every match he fights in. I couldn’t help but be inspired by this. Hey T.O. Compared to Michael (Mike) Shoop you’re a crybaby. I said it and I’m not editing it out of this article. We need more athletes like Mike in every sport.

Mike trains for close to 5 months before a fight. In our podcast we joked about me a guy with a little bit of boxing training might hold up the pads for him, but I may have to reconsider holding up the pads for a fighter that trains for 5 months before a fight! No, I’m kidding, I’ll do it…I might just not survive. All joking aside I’ve talked to baseball players that complain about training for three weeks in the spring in nice wether…here is my message for those athletes: You know who you are. Toughen up!

Mikes Take On The Eagles 2020 NFL Draft: Like most of us Eagles fans Mike doesn’t know what to make of the Jalen Hurts pick, but he likes the Reagor pick, The K’von Wallace pick, and loves the trade the Eagles made with the 49ers for WR Marquise Goodwin as he is a big fan of Goodwin’s and believes as do I that it was an under the radar move by Eagles GM Howie Roseman that will help our Philadelphia Eagles win football games and get into the playoffs.

Stay Tuned for our podcast which will be live on the site in just a few days!

Thank you for your Service:  Mike Shoop served in the military and I would like to close this article by thanking Mike and every Vet for your service.

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