In this powerhouse episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Skipper Kelp — former professional boxer, martial artist, MMA pioneer, gym founder, coach, and now fight broadcaster — whose story spans from Olympic trials to calling the action at Canelo vs Crawford.Skipper’s journey takes us from growing up as a military kid, discovering martial arts, and idolising Bruce Lee, to becoming a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, Olympic hopeful, and turning pro with Top Rank Boxing in Las Vegas. He opens up about sparring wars in the legendary Top Rank gym, the brutal realities of professional boxing, and the health scare that forced him into early retirement at just 27.We also dive into how he reinvented himself as the founder of Nevada’s first MMA gym, training alongside icons like BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Rampage Jackson. Today, Skipper is carving out a new path in boxing commentary and fight broadcasting, breaking down corners and scoring fights for fans worldwide.🔥 Plus: We go rapid-fire on boxing and MMA legends including Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Durán, Vinny Pazienza, Gerald McClellan, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Julian Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr., and Riddick Bowe — sharing insights, stories, and what made each of them special.👉 If you’re a boxing fan, MMA enthusiast, or athlete navigating career transitions, this conversation is packed with stories of grit, reinvention, and what it takes to keep fighting long after the gloves come off.OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipperkelp/Website: https://www.fightcapital.com/LISTEN & FOLLOWInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/CHAPTERS(00:55) Introduction(04:20) Growing up as a military kid & martial arts beginnings(07:45) Bruce Lee influence & early Taekwondo(12:30) Transition to boxing & Olympic Trials(18:10) Winning Golden Gloves & Top Rank journey(25:00) Sparring wars in the Top Rank gym(32:00) Health scare & early retirement at 27(38:50) Reinventing as a coach & gym founder(44:30) Training with MMA legends (BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell)(50:15) Meeting Dana White & the Fertittas(56:00) Founding Nevada’s first MMA gym(01:02:00) Transition into broadcasting & commentary(01:08:20) Breaking down Canelo vs Crawford fight(01:15:40) Family, Vietnam heritage & resilience(01:20:30) Lessons in reinvention & adaptabilityDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #SkipperKelp #BoxingPodcast #MMAHistory #CaneloCrawford #FightCommentary #BoxingBroadcast #AthleteReinvention #CombatSports #CareerTransitions