#43. Quinntessential Questions with Skipper Kelp: Boxing, MMA & The Fight Capital Story
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In this powerhouse episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Skipper Kelp — former professional boxer, martial artist, 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. He also reflects on his Vietnamese heritage, resilience, and the lessons he’s carried from the ring into business, broadcasting, and life.
👉 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.
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Guest Bio
Skipper Kelp began his journey in combat sports as a child with black belts in Taekwondo and Japanese Karate.
Kelp began boxing at the age of 12 and won several nation championships including the 1987 Olympic Sports Festival, 1987 and 1988 National Golden Gloves and had the privilege of representing the U.S. in several international competitions.
Minutes
(00:40) Introduction & Backstory (03:21) Getting Into Martial Arts (05:20) Boxing
(09:15) Canello vs Crawford (11:20) Broadcast Details
(13:05) Dana White
(17:14) Mother’s Vietnamese Heritage
(19:42) Moving to Germany
(20:50) Favourite Martial Arts (22:13) Alex Pareira
(25:54) What Young Fighters Really Need
(27:05) Golden Gloves
(29:50) Roy Jones Jr.
(30:54) Dehydration
(32:18) Olympic Trials & Fighting Todd Foster
(33:43) Lou Dobu, Michael Moorer, Emanuel Steward & Top Rank (36:27) Retiring at 27
(40:35) Becoming a Business Owner
(41:28) Tony Jeffries
(42:11) Meeting John Lewis (44:37) B.J.Penn, Randy Couture, Teeto Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Rampage Jackson
(45:38) Meeting Dana White & The Fertitta Brothers
(49:25) Trivia
(53:45) Vinny Pazienza
(55:14) Business & Reinvention (57:14) Advice for Young Fighters (01:01:11) Advice for Entrepreneurs
(01:04:10) Introversion & Dealing with People
(01:07:22) New Endeavours & Vitamin Business
(01:09:02) Balancing the Contrast (01:13:08) Embracing Reality (01:17:00) No Retreat, No Surrender
(01:18:00) Connecting with Skipper (01:18:32) Rapid Fire QuestionsBehind-The-Scenes
