© 2015 The Texas Lawbook.
By Patricia Baldwin
(July 7) – Ask a few average persons-on-the-street what they associate with boxing, and the answers would likely include Muhammad Ali’s legendary “I Am The Greatest” declaration, or fictional Rocky Balboa’s stance on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or even the recent “fight of the century” in which Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Manny Pacquiano.
But not corporate lawyer Sargon Daniel, who would tell them that boxing is misunderstood.
Daniel can be found training most mornings at the 6 a.m. Cross Box class at the Maple Avenue Boxing Gym.
That’s where he might learn from several of the gym’s trainers, including former world champion Jesus Chavez, and encounter various Dallas business executives, such as David Moody, vice president of Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
None are itching for a fight but for an overall fitness workout designed to relieve stress, build core strength and improve speed and agility – and, lest we forget, burn up to 1,000 calories per hour.
Moody noted, “Boxing is much more than throwing and taking a punch. There is an incredible amount of strategy that goes into the sport that is often not seen or appreciated on the surface.”
Moody, who has run a marathon and completed a triathlon, said that boxing challenges a person to remain keenly focused and in top mental and physical condition.
Corporate attorney Daniel added, “It’s like the law. When faced with different issues, we have to know how to react on our feet.”
In addition to his physical training, Daniel has adjusted his diet “a ton,” eliminating red meat and maintaining mostly a plant-based diet. He also strives for seven hours of sleep per night.
A graduate of Columbia Law School, Daniel launched his legal career and boxing training in New York, but always with an eye to come “home” to Dallas. Three years ago, he accomplished that goal by joining Winstead. This spring, the 32-year-old became a shareholder.
He’s appreciative of the firm’s support of his boxing pursuits, although he recalls some “interesting looks” when word about his hobby first circulated.
Mark Johnson, who chairs Winstead’s Corporate, Securities/Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, observed that Daniel is “inspiring” to watch both personally and professionally.
“Apart from being a remarkably smart guy with an insatiable curiosity for all things, he is a boxer, a heavy metal drummer and a high performance sports car enthusiast,” Johnson noted.
What impresses Johnson the most, however, is Daniel’s devotion to his mother, father and two younger brothers.
In fact, family ties prompted Daniel’s interest in boxing. One of his fondest youthful memories is watching boxing on television with his father.
Thus far, Daniel has limited his boxing workouts to skills training and light sparring.
And while he plans to compete in amateur boxing bouts in Dallas in the future, he’s currently content to be, as the Maple Avenue Boxing Gym’s website best described, “fit without getting hit.”
Do you have a special avocation, hobby or other lifestyle interest to share? Please email patricia.baldwin@texaslawbook.net.
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