I hear many things that go on in the MMA community. I first heard about this on facebook(go figure) and I wanted to share the awesome story with you all. I thought who else would know more about the story than our good friend of WesternMassMMA.com, Kym Sturdivant. I asked him if he could write us a write up of what happened and he quickly agreed. Here is what he wrote....
Well back to Doomsday, after hearing his story I asked him if he would like to speak some of my students at our Men’s Month event. He said no problem here’s my number, send me the details, and I’m there. Well we all know how busy you can get so after sending multiple texts with no response I decided to give him a call. Doomsday answered the phone and was like I’ll be there bro just send me the address. So I asked him if he needed anything because we have a little budget to help with cost of gas and travel and he declined the offer. On August 18, we showed up to the Hu Ke Lau restaurant with about 18 students to have dinner prior to the speaking event. The students were impressed with how talking to John was like to a friend they had not seen in a while. To be honest John didn’t even eat because he was so busy engaging all the students in conversation, including the two young ladies that begged to go to dinner.
After dinner and lots of photos, we went onto the center where we had planned for a short talk and Q&A sessions for an hour but instead the students mobbed us. John handled it like a pro and talked to well over 150 students engaging them all answering questions and telling his story. The conversation, autograph signing, and pictures/videos continued for three hours. The biggest thing he was able to get across to them is that he used his training at Job Corps to get some very good jobs and careers opportunities prior to his fight career taking off. Yes, could you imagine Doomsday showing up at your house as an electrician? He also talked about the community and how to deal with those that look down on you. The thing that he did not know was that one of the young men that he spoke to was contemplating suicide. This student had reached a point were he thought nobody understood the things that he was going through, but Doomsday did understand. The one on one conversation about how to deal with stress and problems in a place where you feel alone was so deep and probably couldn’t have come from a better person. As John was leaving he already wanted to come back and meet with the students again.
Next up is a self-defense seminar for the young ladies presented by Doomsday. What else can you say about the guy? Thanks John for the time and pride you were able to show for Job Corps. This allowed these young people who feel like they are at their lowest point, something to be proud of and the ability to push forward for one more day."
Thanks for taking the time Kym, we appreciate it!! As for John Howard, thank you for giving back to the community. You are a true role model everyone should look up to. In case you all haven't heard Doomsday will be fighting soon. He will be fighting Dennis Olson on October 9th at the CFA 3 which is in Florida. In other CFA news, on that same card, Brett Oteri will be fighting Dan Cramer. Good luck guys!!
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