Mr. Donatelli had a positive influence on Alfred, helping him in a variety of ways. When Alfred first came to the gym Mr. Donatelli questioned him to make sure Alfred had what it took to be a boxer. He noticed from Alfred's scars that he'd been fighting on the streets. He' explained all the ups and downs of boxing to make sure that it was what Alfred really wanted to do. "' You're all alone in there with another man who wants to hit you harder than you hit him. There's rules and a referee to make sure you follow those rules.

It's not the street... you have to earn your way in there, you have to work hard for it. Most kids leave.'" He helped Alfred learn the techniques to boxing. Mr. Donatelli also helped Alfred have confidence in himself. "' Boxing is more than just fighting , it's about being a contender... it's the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra reward.'" In Alfred's last fight against Hubbard, Mr. Donatelli didn't want Alfred to fight because he feared that Alfred would get hurt; but Alfred wanted to fight Hubbard to feel that he'd accomplished something "' Remember what you said Mr. Donatelli, about quitting before you've really tried? I've got to finish... so I can know too'" Boxing not only taught Alfred skill but helped him reach deep

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Approximate Word count = 508
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)