The Fighter's Mind: Boxing, Breathwork, and Becoming Who You Are

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Dr. Nigma Talib sits down with Gift Davis, a USA Boxing-certified coach, yoga teacher, and founder of Use Your Gifts. Known for his unique fusion of boxing, mindfulness, and breathwork, Gift shares how the boxing ring became his sanctuary—and how it can become a path for personal growth and healing for others too.

Born and raised in Baltimore and diagnosed with asthma as a child, Gift's journey is one of resilience, self-mastery, and purpose. He opens up about how learning to control his breath helped him control his mind, emotions, and life. With over 20 years of experience training athletes, executives, and everyday warriors, his approach isn’t just about fitness—it’s about clarity, connection, and empowerment.

Together with Dr. Nigma, they explore:

- Why boxing is more about the mind than the fists
- ⁠The role of breath in healing trauma and sharpening focus
- ⁠How movement can become a spiritual practice
- ⁠Creating daily rituals of self-discipline, compassion, and gratitude

Whether you’ve never put on gloves or you’re deep in your own inner fight, this conversation invites you to show up, breathe, and grow.

“It’s not about punching people in the face. It’s about punching through your limiting beliefs.” – Gift Davis

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Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – 02:45 – Intro: Dr. Nigma introduces Gift Davis and shares how they met through breathwork and boxing.
02:46 – 06:10 – Gift shares his childhood story: growing up in Baltimore, dealing with asthma, and how boxing saved his life.
06:11 – 10:22 – What boxing teaches you about discipline, confidence, and staying calm under pressure.
10:23 – 13:40 – Why breath is the foundation of everything: “If you can’t control your breath, you can’t control your body.”
13:41 – 17:00 – Building rituals that fuel the mind-body connection—Gift’s daily practices.
17:01 – 20:30 – How boxing, yoga, and meditation come together in Gift’s holistic sessions.
20:31 – 25:00 – The real fight: battling inner demons, self-doubt, and emotional trauma through movement.
25:01 – 28:40 – Dr. Nigma and Gift on mental health, masculine vulnerability, and redefining strength.
28:41 – 32:15 – “Let’s Grow”: Gift’s coaching motto and the importance of empowering others.
32:16 – 36:00 – Closing reflections on healing, purpose, and using your gifts to serve others.

Follow Gift Davis
Instagram: @gift.davis

Follow Dr. Nigma:
Instagram: @drnigmatalib
Podcast Instagram: @thehealthydocpod
Facebook: nigma.talib
Website: www.healthydoc.com