From football dreams to boxing gloves: Andre Moore’s journey to the ring  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Andre Moore once dreamed of going to college to play football, but along the way, he realized his true passion was somewhere else: boxing. 

Moore began his journey by fighting in numerous amateur matches before deciding to take boxing seriously and pursue it full-time.  

Interestingly, he said his path didn’t follow the usual amateur route.  

“So, I went for the professionals. I am in three professional matches right now, but Feb. 13, I am looking to make it four, you know,” Moore said.  

He’s been boxing for about five years, and he admitted his interest originally came from the fights he used to get into.  

Over time, though, Moore wanted to change his life and channel that energy into something more meaningful — something which would set him apart.  

“My daughter kinda motivated me more to take this more seriously, so that’s why I am here now, and she made me open my eyes,” Moore said.  

Besides professionally fighting matches, he also has extra job responsibilities. Something he said he tries to find a balance by contributing the same amount of time to both work and sports.  

“By the time I am done with work, I try to come to the gym for 30 minutes or so, and I have been going every day lately for the match that’s coming up,” Moore said.  

One of his favorite aspects of boxing, he said, is how it helps him manage his emotions. 

“It's just my outlet. So, if I am feeling stressed or something, I just come to boxing and when I leave its all gone,” Moore said.  

At the gym, Moore doesn’t just train — he also helps younger kids learn boxing, serving as a positive role model and encouraging them to chase their goals.  

Moore feels confident heading into his upcoming fight, knowing the preparation and hard work he’s put in. He said many of his friends are planning to come out and support him on Feb. 13. 

“Sometimes I get on my head a lot and think if this is something I actually want to do, but then I have my daughter by my side to remind me that 'yes, this is what I want to do,'” Moore said.  

As he approaches his next match, Moore is embracing every challenge that comes with the journey, hoping everything falls into place as he continues to chase his dream inside the ring.