Kenny Adams has left an impression on the boxing world. An admitted disciplinarian, Adams lives by the motto “my way or the highway,” which has led him to the doorstep of enshrinement in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Adams will be in attendance for the proceedings June 9 in Canastota, New York.

Adams has forgotten more about boxing than most anyone knows. He is credited with working with 26 professional world champions, and he has been around many of the greatest amateurs the United States has ever produced.

“It is a great privilege,” Adams told BoxingScene of his upcoming induction.

Adams, 83, conducted our interview from inside DLX Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, he was the head coach of a successful U.S. Army boxing team that won multiple national titles. Another career highlight was working with two different U.S. Olympic groups in two different roles.

“The biggest thrill was being the assistant coach to the 1984 [U.S.] Olympic team,” Adams, said “which was one of the greatest boxing teams the United States has ever had.”

Adams served as an assistant coach for that Olympic roster, reconnecting with Pat Nappi – the squad’s head coach and Adams’ former Army boxing coach.

The notable fighters from that ‘84 team were Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Paul Gonzales, Jerry Page, Henry Tillman, Tyrell Biggs, Frank Tate and Steve McCrory – all of whom won gold medals.

Adams also served on the 1988 U.S. Olympic boxing team that secured eight medals, including three golds (and a fourth that got away when Roy Jones Jr. lost his gold medal match amid major controversy). Among the names of the fighters Adams worked with were Jones, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Michael Carbajal and Kennedy McKinney.

Adams later relocated to Las Vegas and trained professional fighters.

One of his keys to success has been strength and conditioning. Adams was an early adopter of putting his boxers through rigorous modern training techniques.

“Strength and conditioning plays a super part in the way the guys train and the way the guys work,” Adams said. “That is the key to [each fighter] moving to the next level – and being the best that they can be.”

What stands out to Adams on the modern boxing landscape? 

“Boxing has changed,” he said. “There are some great fighters out there, but they are not getting the opportunity they need.”

Adams believes trainers should take more responsibility, pushing their fighters to take greater challenges and pursue the biggest fights.

“What has to happen is the trainers have to step to the plate,” Adams said. “[The fighters have] got to be led in the right direction.”