Former Cowboy Nolan Boyd to Fight in "Smokes and Guns" Charity Event

Most people wouldn't have the courage to step into a ring a participate in an MMA style fight, no matter the reason. But for Nolan Boyd, it was an opportunity to be a part of something special.

Boyd, a two-time All-American wrestler and 2017 graduate of Oklahoma State, is slated to represent the Tulsa Fire Department in the seventh annual Smoke & Guns fight night April 23^rd at the BOK center in Tulsa.

The event involves members of local Fire Departments and Police Officers squaring off in a series of MMA style matches in a competitive fundraiser, with the winning side earning 60% of the proceeds toward their charity and the losing side earning the other 40%.

This year, the fire fighters are fighting for Firefighters Burn Camp, which helps young burn victims, while the policemen are looking to benefit the Special Olympics of Oklahoma.

Boyd is excited to step into the cage for such a good cause and represent the Tulsa Fire Department, but it was a long and winding road that ultimately led him to this position.

"[My dad] told me that he had always thought that it'd be an awesome gig to be a dentist," Boyd said. "I've got an insane amount of respect for my dad, so I'll take that route. And then everything looped back around, and I ended up back to what I thought would be a cool job as a kid."

Boyd was still on the fence about becoming a firefighter, but advice from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt during a coincidental run-in at an American Ninja Warrior event in Oklahoma City had him convinced.

"He was like, 'You've got to apply at Tulsa. They're the best,'" Boyd said. "I was like, 'Ok. I'll do it.' I mean if the Governor tells you to apply somewhere, you've got to do it."

It wasn't the first time Boyd had been recommended to the Tulsa Fire Department, but that was the cherry on top of a decision he felt was the right one.

"I just felt like God was leading me there," Boyd said. "And just the way things worked out, I just thought, 'Ok, this is where I'm supposed to be.'"

Now that he has established himself at the department and is preparing for his upcoming fight, Boyd is drawing on his wrestling background to help him be ready.

"I would think it would be a huge help, just because it's really all I have," Boyd said. "The wrestling, it just seems huge. Just being able to kind of control somebody when you get them on the ground, and helping you get them to the ground."

Having now been half a decade removed from his collegiate wrestling career, Boyd has had to get back to his old methods of training for his fight. One of which includes returning to his old stomping grounds and helping young Cowboys while also preparing himself.

"I've been trying to help out up here," Boyd said, referring to the Oklahoma State wrestling practice room. "I'll try to talk them into live some, just to get some extra conditioning. It's cool because you get to help them and they're helping you. It seems like the best training you could get."

Boyd also says he has been practicing jiu jitsu before work, along with running and weightlifting to get prepared.

Another big factor that Boyd has going for him is having a familiar face in his corner. Legendary wrestler and Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith will be at the event and coaching Boyd.

"I'm excited about coaching Nolan in this fight," Smith said. "I really enjoyed coaching him while he was here at OSU. He was a great leader, great spiritual leader, and I'm really proud of what he's doing now."

For Boyd, not only does Smith's presence give him a boost, but he also feels it elevates the event as a whole.

"It takes it to a new level, I feel like, because of his intensity" Boyd said. "I think it helps the whole event, having a legendary coach and wrestler. It just makes the event seem like a more professional event."

Even with the intensity of the fights and big names that will be in attendance, it's important to remember the reason it's taking place. Boyd is doing just that and didn't want to miss the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

"It just seems like it was kind of calling my name," Boyd said. "I just think it's a huge blessing to get this opportunity and I almost couldn't let it pass up. I think I'd be kicking myself if I was like, 'I might sit this one out.'"

Tickets to Smokes and Guns can be purchased on Ticketmaster, and are the donations that will be given to the charities.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Former Cowboy Nolan Boyd to Fight in "Smokes and Guns" Charity Event

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