In a world where social media can turn almost anything into entertainment overnight, the fundamentals of boxing remain remarkably simple: discipline, preparation, mentorship, footwork, and the ability to execute when the bell rings.

  For this Taydo2much Griiimstars Exclusive, I sat down with Coach Elgin, who recently helped train Ray J for his unanimous-decision victory over Orlando Brown, to discuss the importance of boxing for young people, what went into the fight camp, and how the sport is adapting to the rise of social-media entertainment and streaming.

  Taydo2much: How important is boxing and gyms for today's youth, growing up in the inner city's?

  Coach Elgin:

  "I think boxing is a great way for inner-city youth and beyond to practice success principles, discipline, mentorship and community."

  That answer gets straight to the heart of what a gym can represent.

  A boxing gym isn't just a place where someone learns how to throw a punch. For many young athletes, it can become a place where they learn consistency, accountability and how to work toward a goal. The lessons learned between the ropes can extend far beyond boxing.

Ray J's recent unanimous-decision victory over Orlando Brown provided another opportunity to put those fundamentals into action.

  We asked Coach Elgin what the key focus was during training camp.

  Taydo2much: While training Ray J to victory over Orlando Brown, what were the key things done during camp?

  Coach Elgin:

  "During the Ray J and Orlando fight our focus was sticking to the fundamentals, primarily the jab and footwork, which Ray J was able to use successfully during their match."

  In an era where flashy highlights and viral moments can dominate combat-sports conversations, Coach Elgin's answer emphasizes something much older than social media: the basics work when they're properly executed.

  The jab establishes distance, creates opportunities and helps control the rhythm of a fight. Footwork allows a boxer to create angles, maintain balance and move into—or away from—danger.

  Sometimes the most important work isn't the flashy stuff.

  It's getting the basics right over and over again.

  BOXING MEETS THE DIGITAL ERA

  But the conversation doesn't stop inside the gym.

The way fans consume sports and entertainment has changed dramatically. Social media has become a major part of how athletes build audiences, communicate with fans and create their own platforms.

Taydo2much: Coach Elgin, with social media becoming the new TV, would you consider yourself joining the Kick streaming club?

  Coach Elgin:

  "Yes. I can see society spending more time on social media than TV at this point, and yes, I would consider joining the Kick streaming club."

  That response highlights an interesting intersection between old-school boxing and new-school media.

  The fundamentals may stay the same, but the audience is changing.

  A fighter can train in a traditional gym, work on the jab and footwork, then walk into a completely different world when the cameras and social-media platforms turn on.

  THE NEW BOXING PLAYBOOK

  For the modern athlete, the playbook may now extend beyond the ring.

  Train.

  Prepare.

  Fight.

  Connect.

  Create.

  Build a community.

  The gym teaches the fundamentals of competition. Digital platforms provide another way to communicate those lessons with the world.

  And perhaps that's the bigger mes

BY @GRIIIMTY