Termite Watkins

Maurice "Termite" Watkins has always had a passion for fighting. Even at ten years old and just 65 pounds, he dreamed of becoming a champion. Despite lacking natural athletic talent, he reached his goals through sheer determination and hard work.

By sixteen, Termite became the youngest national Golden Gloves champion, with an outstanding amateur record of 128 wins and only 10 losses. In 1980, he got his only world title shot at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, during a double main event with Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes. Although he lost to Saoul Mamby, it was a remarkable achievement.

After retiring from boxing, Termite pursued a successful sales career until 9/11 changed his life. Feeling a strong desire—he believed it was a calling from God—to serve his country, he asked how he could help. Surprisingly, the answer was pest control in military camps, a skill he had learned from his father. Soon, Termite began offering boxing classes to soldiers, officers, and aid workers. His high energy and "can-do" attitude quickly gained attention. Coalition leader Mike Gfoeller then gave him an extraordinary challenge: to build an Iraqi Olympic boxing team during the war and get them to the Athens Olympics. "It was a slim-to-nothing chance, maybe one in a million," Termite said.

He grew deeply attached to these athletes and risked his life daily to help them achieve their Olympic dreams. Through perseverance and dedication, Termite overcame numerous obstacles. The story of this unlikely team and their charismatic coach inspired many. Amidst war, Termite’s team sent a powerful message of hope and freedom. Major news outlets like CNN, Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated celebrated the spirit embodied by Termite and his team.

Today, Termite is a motivational speaker, sharing his message of overcoming obstacles with groups and schools nationwide. And his story is being turned into a movie by Sylvester Stallone.