Randall "Tex" Cobb - Early Life

Early Life

Cobb was born in Bridge City, Texas, the son of Norma Grace (née Alexander) and Williard Glynn Cobb, a factory foreman. He was raised in Abilene, Texas, where he attended Abilene High School, and later Abilene Christian University. Cobb dropped out of ACU at the age of 19, and began karate training. He earned his blackbelt, yet craved full contact competition. He TKO'd El Paso Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and karate blackbelt, David Ochoa, in the first ever professional kickboxing event in El Paso, Texas in 1975. The promoters were Robert Nava and boxing trainer Tom McKay under the guidance of boxing guru and matchmaker, Paul Clinite. Clinite signed Randall to a professional boxing contract a few weeks later. He also signed Ochoa who had fought amateur under the guidance of McKay as his trainer. Randy moved in with boxing trainer McKay at 6333 Weiland Way in El Paso, Texas. Clinite provided films of heavyweight boxers to study to get the huge Cobb a good style. After a few days, it was decided that Randall should work at learning the 'Joe Louis shuffle'. Randall, Paul and Tom spent a few months at El Paso's San Juan Boxing Gym just doing the simple basics. A few months later, Clinite made arrangements for Randall to be sent to Joe Frazier's gym in Philadelphia.