From world champion to caterer: Torsten Schmitz supplies Hennigsdorf!

From world champion to caterer: Torsten Schmitz supplies Hennigsdorf!

In recent years, boxing in Germany has experienced a significant decline, especially in women's boxing, as Regina Halmich makes clear. The former boxing world champion expresses her concerns about the lack of attention given to the sport in the media. Halmich criticizes the fact that even male boxers hardly find any platforms on television and that the German championship is pushed into the background. Memories of the boxing boom of the 1990s and 2000s, which was characterized by stars like Henry Maske and the Klitschko brothers, are becoming increasingly distant. But despite these challenges, the Quezelle, which represents hope for many athletes, remains active.

One of these athletes is Torsten Schmitz, who is not only Halmich's former coach, but also works as a caterer for school and daycare meals. The 61-year-old from Hennigsdorf delivers in Spandau, Heiligensee, Charlottenburg and Reinickendorf. His passion for boxing remains undiminished, even though he had some difficulties finding new employment after parting ways with Agon in 2020. Schmitz, who became a junior European champion as an amateur boxer, among other things, has found handing out school lunches as a new way to make a living. He offers dishes whose quality he is convinced of and which he is happy to deliver. He continues his boxing traditions through coaching at SV Stahl Hennigsdorf. There, the “Boxing in Old Age” department has recorded remarkable growth from eight to over 40 active members.

A look back at the boxing career

Schmitz accompanied Regina Halmich in 40 title defenses from 1997 to 2007 and has also gained experience in various other coaching positions, including in Gifhorn, Berlin, Velten and Halle. Today he still actively trains Halmich and other boxers in the club. His knowledge and passion for the sport of boxing seems tireless while also navigating the challenges of life as a caterer.

The boxing scene in Germany could need a boost to regain its former popularity. Regina Halmich will try to draw attention to women's boxing through her planned TV exhibition fight against Stefan Raab, which will take place on September 14th in Düsseldorf. This event will be broadcast by RTL and could definitely help get more people interested in boxing.

Leisure and engagement

In addition to his work as a caterer and trainer, Schmitz remains a family man. He enjoys spending time with his three granddaughters and finds relaxation by fishing on the Spandau Havel. His involvement in the boxing community shows how important the sport and the promotion of young talent are to him.

Schmitz remains optimistic and is looking forward to the upcoming 2nd Boxing Fight Night, which will take place on December 6th in the Hennigsdorf city sports hall. There SV Stahl Hennigsdorf will compete against a selection from Berlin-Brandenburg. It's an opportunity to bring the sport of boxing back into the spotlight and strengthen the community that endures even in times of change.