Spider Jones

If ever a person understands the ruthless predator called low self-esteem and how it attacks and destroys our youth, it's Former Three Time Golden Glove Boxing Champion, CFRB Broadcaster and Author Spider Jones.

Born into extreme poverty, racism and violence. Spider survived the treacherous streets of a vicious world most of us only see on the six o'clock news, to become one of the most charismatic speakers of our time.

At age six his eighteen month old, brother, Denis, suddenly died of pneumonia. Spider was so traumatized by this tragic event that he began to experience terrifying nightmares which haunted him into his late teens. Morbidly frightened of the dark he trembled through the night praying for the light of dawn. It was during this period that he began to wet the bed. Sleep deprivation had an adverse affect on his school work and after failing grade three twice, he was diagnosed with a learning disability and transferred to a remedial class, where he struggled with low self-esteem, as well as being a victim of verbal and physical abuse.

By fifteen he had become so disillusioned with the education system that he dropped out of school. Shortly after, Spider hooked up with a Detroit street gang called the Motor City Mobsters. Within six violent years he had risen to the top, where he became the gang's number one War Lord. His larcenous ways eventually landed him in jail. However, there was a larger price to pay.

Those turbulent years cost Spider the devastating loss of two first cousins, both shot to death during gang confrontations. Another very close relative was critically stabbed during a swarming and hovered at death's edge for weeks. A few years later, Spider's younger brother was wounded by police in an attempted bank robbery.

Determined to leave his tumultuous lifestyle behind, Spider left gang life and moved to Toronto. Over the next decade he struggled through a variety of menial jobs including shinning shoes, bell hopping and selling cars. He even worked as a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and George Chuvalo. However, none of these jobs gave him the gratification he so desperately sought.

At age 30 Spider decided to pursue his dream of becoming a broadcaster and thus returned to school. Amazingly, four years later he graduated with honors in the Broadcast Journalism field and made the Dean's list. He was also honored with two literary scholarships and the Board of Governor's Award.

In 2001 he became the recipient of the prestigious Premier's Award honoring him for his countless contributions in the field of youth motivation. Upon graduating Spider began to pursue his dream of becoming a radio personality. A few years later, he landed a gig hosting a syndicated TV series called "Famous Knockouts". The show's enormous popularity led to radio shows on CHWO Oakville, the Fan 590 and Talk 640/MOJO before switching to CFRB where he currently hosts the Spider's Web.

Spider's well documented battles and triumphs over bigotry, poverty and low self-esteem have won him countless accolades including the Positive Impact Award, the 2001 B'NAI Brith Appreciation Award, the Toronto Police Association Honorary Award and amazingly the Boxing Announcer of the Year Award four times! 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2002. In 1996, he was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame as Writer, TV Commentator and Ring Announcer.

In 2002 Spider was appointed the nation's first ever Ambassador to the Skilled Trades Programs. Spider's latest endeavor is his biography. "Out of the Darkness" is heading into its third printing in less than a year. Its overwhelming success has made him one of the hottest sought after motivational speakers in North America. He has appeared on the Fox radio Network, TSN, CBC, CTV,.Global TV, Citytv, the Toronto Star, the National Post, the Toronto Sun and many other media outlets.

As both a speaker and author, Spider speaks and writes with a kind of flair and unbridled passion that provokes laughter, tears, compassion, but most of all, hope.

During his distinguished career Spider has interviewed such notables as Muhammad Ali, director Ron Howard, Doug Gilmour, Tie Domi, Ringo Star, Smokey Robinson, Don King, Sugar Ray Leonard, Dan Marino, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Jamie Foxx and countless others.

Presently Spider hosts ESPN/TSN boxing series called "Famous Fights".

Spider is also a widely respected inspirational public speaker and brings his motto, "You Have to Believe to Achieve", to more than 100 schools each year.

Life hands you fate, destiny is what you do with it!” Spider Jones