Derrick James has made a big name for himself in the boxing world. The 50-year-old boxing trainer has brought several championship belts back home to his gym, the World Class Boxing Gym, in Dallas, Texas. He has been involved in some of the biggest fights in the modern era of boxing, including Errol Spence Jr vs. Shawn Porter.
In 2017, Derrick James was named trainer of the year by Ring Magazine and Yahoo Sports. James is not only leading champions to greatness but is also leading the next generation to stardom in Frank Martin.
Doing it His Own Way
Most world champion trainers have extensive resumes consisting of 20 to 25 fighters, some of which didn’t work out. The legendary trainer Freddie Roach has worked with over 50 different boxers in his illustrious career. But Derrick James has chosen a different path. Instead of amassing a large group of fighters, James has elected to build a stable of three fighters. This allows James and his three fighters to build strong brotherly bonds that have proved useful in the ring.
The stable consists of super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo, welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., and up-and-coming lightweight star Frank Martin. Together this group has been incredibly successful. Charlo himself holds four titles in the super welterweight division, while Errol Spence Jr is the current IBF, WBC, and WBA titles in the welterweight division. Spence and James have been working on a unification bout with Terrance Crawford, but unfortunately, the legendary match-up has yet to come to fruition.
Altogether Derrick James’s World Class Boxing Gym has worked with a stable of only three different boxers and come home with seven world title belts. A very impressive streak of victories has also followed fighters under James’s tutelage. Spence holds a 28-0 record with great wins over Samuel Vargas, Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter. Charlo also holds an impressive record of 35-1-1, and Frank Martin who is 17-0
Focused on the Present and the Future
James has produced two of the best champions in the sport today. Spence and Charlo have run through their respective divisions and are looking to make boxing history. But James’s main focus seems to be on his newest pupil Frank Martin. Martin, an Indianapolis native, has made big waves in the lightweight division. Though he started boxing at the late age of 17, Martin has risen through the division under the guidance of Derrick James. His 17-0 record has impressed many. Add a 70.5% knockout percentage to that undefeated record, and the name Frank Martin could strike fear into any lightweight.
After jumping into boxing later than most, Martin proved he had a natural talent for fighting. A natural athlete, Martin played football and wrestled in high school, but his calling was boxing. Martin competed in the 2015 National Golden Gloves and lost in the semifinals. But the following year, Martin topped the whole group after he beat Virgil Ortiz and won the 2016 Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions. “The Ghost,” as Martin is known, was talented but lacked skill. Enter Derrick James.
James has a different approach than other trainers. Most see their fighters as professionals and seek to train them and keep them in shape rather than improve them. But James is always looking to teach his fighters new skills and techniques, whether they be an undisputed champion or a newcomer to the squared circle. James has crafted Martin into an unstoppable wrecking machine. The pair also find themselves in a stacked division with the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Vasiliy Lomachenko. However, Martin seems excited for the test.
Not Afraid of the Spotlight
Derrick James, much like his fighters, has never shied away from the spotlight. James has an active Instagram account, often keeping the focus on his fighters’ accomplishments and his work in the community. His most recent post featured a picture of the Humanitarian and Service Award from the Oak Cliff Boys and Girls Club that was awarded to James. The three stable members of the World Class Boxing Gym are also very attracted to the spotlight.
Jermell Charlo, along with his brother Jermall, is very active on social media. His Instagram is littered with pictures of training and flashy jewelry and cars. The Charlo twins are certainly not above showing off their wealth or their work ethic. His fellow champion Errol Spence Jr is less flashy when it comes to his Instagram but is equally willing to share pictures of his training. Spence often uses his platform to call for fights he believes he deserves, like the long-delayed unification bout with Terrance Crawford.
Recently, the latest member of Derrick James’s gym, Frank Martin, has been featured on several episodes of the Oak Cliff docuseries Beyond the Bell. The series can be found on YouTube and follows Martin as he trains for an upcoming bout. Martin shares stories from his past and gives fans an inside look at how he recovers from fights and training camp.
As Derrick James and his stable of fighters grow and take on new challenges, there is one simple truth. What Derrick James is doing in Dallas is working and working well.
