A Legend in the Corner
Joe Goossen has spent 44 years building his legacy at Ten Goose Boxing in Van Nuys, California. From coaching his first world champion 38 years ago to calling one of boxing’s most memorable F-bombs during Diego Corrales’ epic fight, Goossen has been a fixture in the sport. But recently, he found himself on the receiving end of criticism for the first time in decades when Ryan Garcia publicly called him a “traitor” for joining Mario Barrios’ team ahead of their upcoming clash.
Despite the drama, Goossen maintains that his split with Garcia was entirely amicable. “Ryan wanted to go in another direction, and there were no harsh words. We’ve engaged many times on friendly terms since then,” he said. While Garcia’s remarks made headlines, Goossen emphasizes that he holds no grudges and considers himself without enemies in the sport.
Strategic Insights and Fight Preparation
Now focused on Barrios, Goossen is applying his decades of experience to help the fighter prepare for a tough challenge. Drawing on past experience with fighters like Joel Casamayor and Diego Corrales, Goossen downplays the idea that insider knowledge from his time with Garcia will give Barrios a decisive advantage. Instead, he stresses fundamentals, preparing Barrios to defend against every possible attack, not just Garcia’s signature left hook.
Over the past three months, Goossen has built a strong rapport with Barrios, working on both offense and defense, honing technique, and increasing power. Sparring has been intense, with sessions up to six days a week, and the extra preparation time has allowed Goossen to carefully introduce strategies and concepts to his fighter.
Passion Beyond the Ring
Even after decades at the top of the sport, Goossen’s love for boxing hasn’t faded. “I go to the gym every day. I feel at home there,” he said. He thrives on the camaraderie, the challenge, and the chance to compete through his fighters. While the butterflies before a big fight remain, his experience allows him to channel that excitement into guidance for his team. As Goossen prepares for Barrios’ bout with Garcia, his dedication and passion for the sport remain unmistakable, proving that even after decades, the gym is where he truly belongs.
