I decided this month to do an overview of a very popular spot for training, Round 1 Boxing, on West Sahara and Fort Apache, in the Village Square Center.

I spoke with the owner, Maria Robinson, wife of the Las Vegas businessman, Jackie Robinson. Her facility, caters to all kinds of training. They have Aerobic Classes, Martial Arts, Kick Boxing, Grappling, Kid's boxing and sparring with trainers. One trainer I met is an active pro fighter. His name is Derrick Harmon, an outstanding light-heavyweight, who has fought light-heavyweight champion, Roy Jones, and beaten ex-champ, Glen Johnson, and David Telesco. He is still active as a pro, playing the waiting game for that one big fight. He's promoted by Don King.

Round 1 Boxing is USA American Boxing Certified. The night I was there, Jameel McCline, a top ten heavyweight contender, who recently fought WBO Heavyweight Champ Chris Byrd for the title losing a close split decision. He was there sparring, getting in shape to workout with WBA Heavyweight champion, a Las Vegas resident, John Ruiz for his upcoming title defense in Germany against a seven-foot Russian fighter. I spoke with Jameel McCline's trainer after the sparring session. He's a veteran trainer named Ray Drayton who came in from Boston to work with him. The reason he's working out with John Ruiz for this fight is because Jameel is 6'9" and 270 lbs. The general manager and head of operations for Round 1 Boxing is Mel Spicer, and it's a World Class Operation.