Maurice “Termite” Watkins is a fighter – today in his everyday life and during his former boxing career. Defying skepticism at a young age about his physical stature, he became the youngest national Golden Gloves champion at the age of 16. He then competed for the world title in a double event at Caesars Palace...
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Maurice “Termite” Watkins is a fighter – today in his everyday life and during his former boxing career. Defying skepticism at a young age about his physical stature, he became the youngest national Golden Gloves champion at the age of 16. He then competed for the world title in a double event at Caesars Palace that included the Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes fight. As an epitome of resilience, Termite Watkins continued to perserve in other endeavors even after he retired from boxing.
After the life changing events of September 11, Termite Watkins left his lucrative sales job to follow his heart to serve his country. Picking up the pesticide trade that he acquired from his father while growing up, he aided the U.S. military in Iraq by safeguarding them from desert pests. He was immensely popular among the military camps for his boxing career, encouraging character, and fortitude. With that in mind, Ambassador Mike Gfoeller presented Termite Watkins an opportunity to train the Iraqi Olympic team for the 2004 Olympics. This was no easy feat, as Iraq had not participated in the Olympics for decades. Inspired by the drive and courage that the Iraqi athletes demonstrated, Termite Watkins remained undeterred despite the Iraqi team’s lack of athletic ability. His and the team’s successes were covered worldwide by numerous media outlets, illustrating the heart that they had to have in order to overcome all the obstacles.
Termite Watkin’s continuing life story and tremendous experiences have been retold in Suzy Pepper’s book, Termite. A major motion film based on an adaptation of this book is slated to debut in 2020.
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Speaker Programs
An Olympic Dream That Inspired the World
Termite Watkin's true life story is about overcoming obstacles. From winning the National Golden Gloves as a 16-year old, to fighting for the coveted world title, he continued to demonstrate his resilience and endurance when ...more
Termite Watkin's true life story is about overcoming obstacles. From winning the National Golden Gloves as a 16-year old, to fighting for the coveted world title, he continued to demonstrate his resilience and endurance when helping the U.S. military in Iraq. His move to Iraq resulted in him training the Iraqis for their participation in the Olympics after several decades of non-participation. Termite's passionate presentation on perseverance will both motivate and inspire your audience. ...less
Keeping Your Guard Up (Safety Presentation)
Termite Watkins delivers a "knockout" combination with his upbeat, breath of fresh air, and positive safety message which can be implemented immediately at your workplace and transform your audience from a state of safety complacency. ...more
Termite Watkins delivers a "knockout" combination with his upbeat, breath of fresh air, and positive safety message which can be implemented immediately at your workplace and transform your audience from a state of safety complacency. ...less
15 Rounds of Life (Sales Presentation)
Taking place at a gym or location of your choice, Termite Watkin's unique and hands-on sale presentation presents sales techniques in the form of boxing techniques that will be engrained on the minds of your ...more
Taking place at a gym or location of your choice, Termite Watkin's unique and hands-on sale presentation presents sales techniques in the form of boxing techniques that will be engrained on the minds of your sales group. Engaging and effective, Termite Watkings draws on his boxing and sales experiences to change the way your group interacts with customers. ...less
Reviews
“Termite was effective in telling people about his journey in life, what he learned and how he sincerely wants people to make the right choice in life. Great story teller. He touches people with his sincerity, kindness, and true passion for safety.”
- Haldor Topsøe
"Not only his story but Termite is like a magnet, he draws you in and makes you feel like you have known each other for years. You can not help but be inspired by it.”
- The Authority Syndicate Group
"Termite Watkins was a great speaker, and his speech left me driving home with a smile on my face, and deep in thought about ways I can make a difference."
- Altivia
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