LOS ANGELES, CA – An MMA fighter and an orthopedic surgeon helped change each other’s lives.
- MMA fighter helps surgeon with multiple sclerosis
- Trained him to become a boxer
- Went from being unable to walk to throwing punches
“You screw up, you screw up, and you do it again,“ said Jim Jackson. That is what he does every day.
Jackson said the first time he attempted to throw a punch at HB Fight Club in Westminster, he took one step and fell down unable to walk.
“Took a step and fell down. Right on my knee. No balance. Couldn’t walk,” said Jackson.
That was in 2014, six years after the former orthopedic surgeon found out he had a disease that would end his career. Jackson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The day he threw that punch – was the day he me MMA fighter Johnny Mercurio.
“Saw Jim with his daughter. And he showed interest and,“ said Mercurio.
The MMA fighter started training Jackson to be a boxer.
“One thing led to another. I didn’t think it was anything that was going to last,” said Mercurio.
Since that day, the two have been at the HB Fight Club doing drills, with sticks, bags, stretchy bands, and anything they can find. They work on movements and combos that Mercurio says he or any boxer would do to prep for a big fight.
Mercurio says the movements focus on working on hand eye coordination, which can be a daily challenge for people with multiple sclerosis. The disease causes nerve damage that can disrupt communication between the brain and body.
Just because Jackson is living with the disease, doesn’t mean Mercurio takes it easy on his trainee. As they work on a combo involving a punching bag and a jump rope, Mercurio tells Jackson, “Longer punches.”
Over the years the two have become close friends who have inspired each other.
Mercurio is now certified to train people fighting neurological diseases such including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
“Fighting you make a career out of hurting people. I never thought it would lead to a career of helping people,” said Mercurio.
With his friend’s help Jackson continues to fight in life. “The most important thing that Johnny has taught me is, don’t quit,” said Jackson.
Jackson says he can now punch a speed bag, while talking. Just a few years ago he had a hard time getting off the couch without help. He calls it a transformation.
“I don’t want to overdo it, but I mean, it’s been almost magical,” said Jackson.
Magical enough for Jackson to decide to get back to his career but in a different role. He plans to become an orthopedic consultant, or maybe even a boxer.
