Long before championship boxing became the focus, athletic movement was already part of Louie O'Doherty's life.
Alongside boxing, gymnastics has played an important role in developing the coordination, repetition and body control that now form part of his approach in the ring.
Louie has continued his connection with the sport by coaching gymnastics, and he sees clear parallels between the two disciplines.
In gymnastics, a movement is repeated until it becomes instinctive.
Boxing follows the same principle.
Punches, combinations, footwork and defensive reactions are drilled again and again until the body responds without hesitation.
That athletic background has also contributed to one of Louie's more unusual trademarks outside the technical side of boxing — his ability to throw a backflip.
Growing up as one of eight children, Louie's upbringing was centred more around physical activity and being outdoors than sitting in front of a screen.
That approach remains part of his personality today.
Boxing may now be the profession.
But the athletic foundations behind the fighter were built across far more than one sport.
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