For the first time in several years, the sounds of swinging speed bags and the smell of sweat are permeating a boxing gym set up in the Ute Mountain Recreation Center.
According to former boxer and longtime boxing coach Wolf Hatch, the Towaoc Boxing Club was revived last month, and eight boxers between the ages of 9 and 21 are currently involved.
Club members have been in the gym training three to five nights per week, and although all eight still have a long way to go before they are ready to compete in live matches, Hatch has been pleased with what he has seen.
“As you can tell, many of our boxers are big boys,” Hatch said. “They are all beginners though, so right now, we’re working on their legs, their lungs and their speed.”
Among the individuals currently participating in club practices is 9-year-old Towaoc resident Delsin Freeman, who will fight for the first time prior to a match between Elco Garcia and Joe Gomez at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio on May 9.
Freeman said that prior to the Towaoc Boxing Club’s opening last month, fighting was not on his radar. The opportunity to learn a new sport and harness his natural athleticism intrigued Freeman, however.
“My dad told me that (Hatch) was opening the (club), and I asked (my dad) if I could do it,” said Freeman. “My dad said yes. So far, my favorite part of boxing has been hitting the speed bag.”
Another fighter training with the club and scheduled to fight for the first time on May 9 is 17-year-old Tyreik Posey, who hopes that speed and toughness can help him excel.
Asked what drew him to boxing, Posey said that the sport’s hard-nosed nature, as well as the opportunity to meet new friends, was intriguing.
“I’ve loved boxing overall,” Posey said. “I like training, hard work, manual labor, sparring and meeting new people. My goals are to win championships and bring home medals.”
Hatch said he hopes that the Towaoc Boxing Club will not only develop great fighters, but help keep young people in Towaoc off the streets.
“Boxing can keep these kids physically active and it will keep them out of trouble,” said the longtime coach. “The kids have been willing to do it and they are always here trying their hardest to learn.”
Individuals interested in joining the Towaoc Boxing Club can contact Wolf Hatch at 970-946-7313.
To purchase tickets for the fights in Ignacio on May 9, visit www.skyutecasino.com or 970-563-7777.