Mango Combat Sports

I was first introduced to boxing as a young child through the Chicago Park District. Unfortunately, time and distance made competing during my childhood impossible. After college, I began a career in law enforcement where I have had the incredible opportunity to serve in several facets of policing, including but not limited to homicide, human trafficking, sex related offenses and finally where I have spent the majority of my career in narcotics. During my time working in narcotics, I have had the opportunity to do under cover work, as well as, work with other task forces and ultimately becoming a federal task force officer (TFO) myself with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). During my career, I have been honored to receive Letters of Commendation, the Cook County Award of Merit for Excellence in Law Enforcement and Police Officer of the year in 2015 from Schiller Park. During my career I have received extensive training in defensive tactics as well as, studying the Martial Art of Kempo in my early years.

Over the past several years, my intense passion for boxing resurfaced. I began to train recreationally at Hyper Fitness, Pugs boxing, and finally finding my home at Curran MMA in Crystal Lake and meeting my future business partner Doug Mango. I trained with Doug for several years and began to help Doug with his competitive fighters whether it be holding mitts, general fitness, or working corners. My passion and love for boxing and combat sports in general continue to grow. I am now fortunate to have this opportunity to partner up with Doug and introduce Mango Combat Sports. Our goal and mission is, to create a gym with a family atmosphere that fulfills everyone’s combat sports and fitness needs. From the seasoned veteran on our fight team to the first day novice, we will strive to treat everyone with respect and the dedication they need and deserve to not only reach, but to surpass their every goal.

Coach Mango has been teaching combative sports for over 30 years. He is one of the only coaches in the world to train and teach fighters at the highest level. In Boxing, Thai Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. One of the ways Coach Mango has achieved this is through the study of body mechanics. He has a way of creating a style that fits the fighter, and not the fighter to a style. Coach Mango started his career off in Amateur Boxing. He then moved to California where he studied and taught Thai Boxing at San Jose Thai Boxing Academy. Shortly after, he became the head fight coach there. He trained a short time at Ralph Gracies Academy under David Camarillo and BJ Penn. After 11 years of training and teaching in Cali, he moved back to Illinois to be closer with his family. He then met and started teaching and coaching Jeff Curran. Jeff was gracious enough to let Coach Mango help him start and help run The world famous Curran Martial Arts and MMA and Boxing team. Coach Mango has opened a new facility with his business partner Brian Norris. Looking to create new champions under his tutelage.

Notable fighters Coach Mango has worked with:

Jeff “Big Frog” Curran; UFC, WEC, PRIDE and Strike Force Veteran.
Pat Curran; Bellator World Champion.
Bart Palaszewski; UFC, WEC Veteran.
Nate Mohr; UFC Veteran.
Mike Stumph; UFC Veteran.
Felice Herrig; UFC, Bellator, invicta veteran.
Danny Kelly; ISKA Muay Thai world champion.
Nick Ramirez; Professional Boxer 10-0.
Sarah Curran; Professional Boxer 3-1-1.
Lois Theobold; Professional Boxer.

Miguel Gutierrez is a Boxer and MMA fighter training under Doug Mango at Mango Combat Sports. He has been competing since 2022 and brings a strong foundation in amateur wrestling. Miguel is a competition Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt with experience in tournaments and superfights. In addition to his own training, he is a valuable instructor at Mango Combat Sports. He takes pride in the tight-knit community at Mango Combat Sports and finds his greatest motivation in seeing both his own progress and the growth of his teammates.

John Vito or Coach Vito as he goes by in the gym has been training with Doug for over a decade. He transitioned to helping teach and coach alongside Doug 4 years ago and is well versed in Boxing, Muay Thai and Boxing. Coach Vito also helps provide strength and conditioning training for our competitive athletes and has proven to be a vital part of our fighter’s success inside and outside the ring. When he is not in the gym you can find him playing volleyball or volunteering in the community.

Kameron Powell (Coach Kam) is One of Mango Combat Sports top Boxers, ranking among the best in the nation at 168lbs. Kameron started his boxing career with Mango Combat Sports under Coach Mango’s tutelage. Kam finds it extremely important to help our younger fighters so they too can achieve their dreams. Coach Kam teaches striking, defensive skills as well as conditioning. He is an integral part of the Mango Combat Sports Team.

Josh’s Martial Arts experience began as a kid learning Karate but has been studying Martial Arts since the mid 90’s practicing primarily Hapkido, along with a basic understanding of Escrima and BJJ. Then life happens, Josh took time to focus on a career in Law Enforcement, get married and raise a family. In 2015 Josh introduced his daughter to Martial Arts and began training with her in Muay Thai under Chuck Pilcher and Team Curran. That’s where Josh met Co-Owner of Mango Combat Sports Doug Mano and decided to train heavily in Muay Thai and Boxing. Josh’s lifelong relationship with Martial Arts continues to this day and his knowledge and wealth of experience both in martial arts and in life are invaluable to all of us here at Mango Combat Sports