Richard Spilotro Interview with Josh Himes, PhD .
What is your name and where are you from ?
Josh Himes (AKA-Handsome Hitman), Pittsburgh, Pa. USA
How did you get in to the sport?
At 19 years old, I was going through a difficult time in my life and through boxing I found myself. The sport of boxing gave me an outlet when I needed another path.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My grandfather (pap Lenny) was my biggest inspiration, he was the epitome of hard worker. An Italian-American kid who joined the Army and then started his own business. He was a go-getter and always provided for his family. We bonded over the love of sports, especially baseball. Together we traveled the country while I played all star baseball. He was my biggest fan.
What does it mean (for you) to be a fighter?
It means everything. For me, being a fighter is more than just fighting in the ring. It’s being a fighter in all aspects of life, fighting to be the best husband, dad, role model, provider, and person I can be. Being a fighter is and always will be a way of life for me.
What separates you from every other fighter in your division?
The drive to succeed, the passion and competitive nature that pushes me constantly to strive for more.
If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
It’s not a dream fight, but I would have loved the opportunity to train with my favorite fighter, Arturo Gatti.
For people who’ve never seen you fight, which bout is most worth going back to watch?
The fight when I went back to avenge my first professional loss against Lamont Capers, from Philly. I won our first bout in the amateurs, then our second fight in the pro’s he won. The third and final showdown at Mountaineer casino; I was victorious in a unanimous decision.
Who is Josh Himes outside the ring ?
Outside of the ring I am first a proud husband and father. In my full time job I am a health and safety manager for McCarl’s and a volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic for Center township, Pennsylvania. As husband and wife together Brynn and I run a nonprofit (Fight 2 Fight), where we believe everyone is a fighter! Our mission is to empower people through music and boxing to keep fighting!
What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?
In the ring for sportsmanship, as a fighter who showed respect and most importantly as a man of God. As a Christian I always put God first, praying as a team before each fight, asking for protection and giving God the glory after the fight. Out of the ring I would want to be remembered for a fighter who retired proudly to take care of his family, put them first, eager to help others by starting a non profit, (Fight 2 Fight) obtaining a PhD, and becoming a Doctor of Natural Health.