His & Her Corner: Inside the Rare Latorre-Blackman Coaching Dynamic

"It fuels a different fire in both of us,” coach Shanel Blackman says of the backlash she and her professional fighter, Pete Latorre, face for their unique partnership.

“The backlash and being underestimated are something I’m used to, and we both continue to excel, which proves people wrong in the process, which is an added bonus.”

In a primarily male-dominated sport, eyebrows were raised when Blackman began guiding welterweight contender Latorre as his main trainer.

A female coach steering and overseeing the career of a male professional prize-fighter is a rare dynamic for boxing. A woman working the corner of a man isn’t new, but it is uncommon.

Therefore, the boxing spotlight subsequently shines on the pair, with Blackman attracting most of the glare. But the doubt is fuel for her.

“Regardless of the 20 years I’ve been in this game, I always come across people doubting the knowledge I have attained and my ability to teach, which only fuels me,” she continues.

Using Doubt As Fuel

Those raised eyebrows are just added motivation to raise her own game during the backlash, which surfaced when she first linked up with Latorre for his 2024 professional debut in Nashville, Tennessee.

Connecting through a mutual friend that year, Blackman ended up working her very first pro corner as a trainer on Latorre’s successful move into the paid ranks of boxing.

The New Yorker rallied to a first-round knockout victory that night and, as Latorre himself explained, “from that moment on, the rest has been history.”

In boxing, many obstacles can appear for fighters at the worst moments, but they can often prove to be benefits in disguise.

It was such a turn of events that led to Latorre and Blackman’s second meeting and the building block for their eventual full-time link-up.

"My head coach and assistant head coach couldn’t be at my second fight, just 30 days after my debut, due to personal reasons,” explained Latorre.

“So Nel stepped up and took the lead as head coach - and we got the win by second-round TKO.

“That fight really solidified our trust and showed the strength of our chemistry.”

Latorre has racked up a 5-0 pro record, with all five victories coming by knockout, since pairing up with Blackman for every training camp and fight night.

A Coaching Chemistry

Building chemistry as a coach and fighter is essential, regardless of any lingering gender dynamic.

Latorre knows this more than anyone and has thrived since solidifying that trust with his female coach.

“In a male-dominated sport, Nel continues to prove herself through her work ethic and resilience - never making excuses, only solutions,” he says with high praise for his trainer.

“She’s played a huge part in my development as a fighter and as a person. Our friendship has played a huge role in building chemistry as coach and fighter.”

Latorre, who relishes the close but up-front coaching connection, states, “We’re both big on transparency, honesty, and accountability - we don’t sugarcoat things even if it stings in the moment.

“That dynamic has allowed us both to grow, not just in boxing but personally as well.

“Nel has become more than just a coach; sometimes we feel like we are long-lost twins that were separated at birth.”

The Shared Journey

Beyond relevant experience and knowledge, having someone of close connection who can be trusted in the corner is crucial for a boxer to perform.

This is a common theme at the top level of boxing, with many great success stories of fighters becoming World Champions alongside their lesser-known coaches who have been with them from the beginning of their journeys (i.e. Terence Crawford and Brian McIntyre, Andre Ward and Virgil Hunter).

It showcases the importance of bonds in boxing. An aspect Blackman has developed over time with Latorre, explaining, “Pete was willing to give me a fair, unbiased shot.

“In that process, we established an honest relationship, discussing what works and what doesn’t work. The open communication allows room for growth on both ends.

“I think what makes us successful is Pete’s willingness to be better and determination to be better than the next person.

“So, when I share the knowledge that I’ve been able to absorb over the years and tailor it to his style, we see a lot of success.”

Boxing has the power to turn strangers into family, forging bonds through the shared journey of struggle, sacrifice and perseverance. Latorre and Blackman's story proves.

“We’ve gained, not just a coach-fighter partnership, but a brother–sister bond,” Latorre says of their unique unity that transcends the ring.

“Every day, even the tough ones, has made us better.”