Slidell’s Dupre Strickland’s days of competitive boxing are nearing an end, but now he is staying involved with the sport he loves by teaching.

In October of 2009, Strickland, 40, who has an 18-3-1 record, opened up training center for boxers called Dupre Strickland’s Anointed Hands Boxing Gym on Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell. The center features a ring and several punching bags.

“Anointed Hands Boxing Gym is about coming in and getting a nice physical workout,” Strickland said. “I feel boxing is the best workout a person can do. It’s available for anyone who wants to come and join.”

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One of the points Strickland stresses to his students is their footwork. He feels it’s the most important thing in fighting. He said his motto is “stick and move.”

“It’s very important because where your foot is determines what kind of punch you’re going to throw,” Strickland said. “It’s based on your coordination and balance. You have to have the proper stance. You need to be comfortable with your movement. All of that consists of rhythm. That’s why jump roping is so critical because it’s all about rhythm.”

He also encourages his participants to think positive.

“You have to let them know they have a chance if they think properly,” he said. “If you use the senses God gives you then you can do anything.”

He also preaches having a good diet to his participants.

“You can do a lot of training and work out a whole lot, but if you indulge in a lot of food, it sticks to you. You have to be real serious about your diet,” Strickland said. “It’s not real good to eat at certain times of the day. You shouldn’t eat a heavy meal after 7 p.m. Once you sleep, everything sticks to you. You have to be mindful about how much you take in.”

He added that a student can come to his gym everyday, but if they don’t do what they are supposed to at home in terms of working it won’t matter.

Despite the short time his center has been opened, Strickland is already having success.

On Feb. 27, he took four of his students Jonahus Lessard, Chaz Mince, Travis Bath and Jay Hellmers to fight in the Herbert Recreation Center in Gulfport, Miss. Lessard and Mince both won their matches.

Lessard (2-0), a 2008 Pearl River graduate, captured his by TKO 1:20 into the third round of his initial fight. It was scheduled for three-two-minute rounds.

In high school, Lessard wrestled and played football for two years. He finished fourth in the state his senior year. He talked about his initial bout.

“I was real nervous,” Lessard said. “I couldn’t think straight.”

He said things settled down as the bout got going.

“It felt kind of just like regular sparring rounds after the first round,” Lessard said.

Lessard, who wrestled and played football for two years in high school, got into boxing when Strickland talked to him at work. Both are employees at the Wal-Mart on Northshore Boulevard. Lessard works in produce, while Strickland stocks water and soft drinks. Lessard said Strickland has helped out a lot and said his hands are much better.

Lessard had his second bout six-days later and won by decision.

“I’m real excited about training Jonahus. He listens well and he catches on quick,” Strickland said. “I think I’ll go far with Jonahus. I think he will be a good prospect in the near future.”

Mince, a Slidell Junior High School student took his Feb. 27 bout in a decision.

“I was excited,” Mince said. “The guy I fought was 15-pounds heavier than me. I was nervous fighting him.”

Mince said Strickland has helped him a lot.

“I can listen to him and he relates to me because we’re both southpaws,” Mince said. “He gives a lot of pointers on what to do in the gym. He’s been working with me on my footwork and stuff.”

Strickland said he’s proud of the four guys that fought.

“It takes a real man to even get into that ring and compete one-on-one. It takes heart to go to battle with another man,” Strickland said. “I’m proud of all four that got into that ring just for even trying it. You’re not only fighting your opponent, you’re fighting all of the excitement. You want people to see how much work you’ve put in.”

Strickland’s students range from ages 9-79. Right now he has 60 participants.

He said he just to be a good role model.

“We want the gym to be a positive atmosphere where you can come be normal, have fun and enjoy the workout,” Strickland said. �