By Katrina Walters

He possesses the demeanor of a poised general.  He's ready and watchful, giving instruction to his troops as they enter the battlefield.  He commands the attention as of an orchestra conductor, directing his eager pupils as they perform on the big stage under bright lights.  But his stage is a bit different, his surroundings are intimate.  Four corners, a canvas, plus many memories packs the cramped but familiar setting in St. Petersburg, Fl.  This is where Dan "The Man" Birmingham lays down the basics of boxing. 

In his gym, under his tutelage, is a no nonsense type of guidance.  What you see is what you get, and he pulls no punches!   But something magical happens, something quiet special occurs when Mr. Birmingham expresses his instructions to the learning.  His words are not brought forth just as verbal precepts and warnings, but of care and concern for his sons of boxing.  He not only teaches of combinations and defense,  but his learning system includes values and humility, honor and dignity. Just take his eldest in Winky Wright. 

At the age of sixteen, he took Wright under his wing and groomed him to be the man he is today.  It took Wright  years of hard work and patience, even traveling thousands of miles for fights,  but he would receive his opportunity through Shane Mosley, beating him and  becoming an undisputed champion.  Another student and son of boxing was the then nine year old Jeff Lacy.  Birmingham took lacy in as his own and molded the young warrior into a tremendous athlete.  Jeff Lacy started out relatively young and hasn't skipped a beat.  He went on to become the first of his 2000 Olympic team to fight for and win a world title. 

Lacy is now the IBF and IBO world champion and on March 4, 2006, will fight for the right to become undisputed in the super middleweight division. Birmingham not only laid the foundations for Wright and Lacy, but he has now taken on responsibility of making a success out of super middleweight prospect "Bad” Chad Dawson.  With just two fights into his training with the young super middleweight, Dawson has now become a minor belt holder in the division.  He  is well on his way of becoming a recognizable and marketable world  champion. 

Dan Birmingham holds the keys to success and has honestly taking his job to heart.  He's become more than a trainer, he's a mentor and is willing to take his "job" further than the rest.  Because of his passion and dedication to the sport, the BWAA (boxing writers association of America) honored him as 2004 trainer of the year.  Dan Birmingham is truly "The Man".