As a drab gray February afternoon began slipping towards evening last Wednesday outside of the 12th & Park Rec Center, a pair of kids thumbed their noses at Old Man Winter by braving the chilly air and bouncing a basketball back and forth while laughing with youthful exuberance.
Two spirited half-court games were in progress inside the gym, and as I climbed the steps to the second floor I could hear plates banging in the weight room as several athletes toiled through set after set of squats and bench presses.
In the last half-dozen years, the boxing room has remained the same: a broad space with a smooth stone concrete floor and cinder block walls painted “institutional green.” It is there that countless amateur and professional fighters have trained, amid the purring of jump ropes and the sharp snap of leather gloves meeting heavy bags and focus mitts.
Larry Shelton is a 12-year-old Peabody student who has trained with Coach Kenny Loehr at 12th & Park since the beginning of his amateur campaign, and the hard work recently earned the southpaw a title at the 2010 National Silver Gloves Tournament. I sat down in a corner near an uppercut bag and asked him about his life outside the ring. He told me he enjoys math, along with football and basketball.
Instead of sweating and dieting to cut weight at the Gloves, the former 85-pound Ringside Tournament champion had to gain pounds to reach 95, a class that he conquered with three straight victories.
He describes himself as a “pure boxer” and there was evidence of that when he laced up a pair of mitts and began circling a suspended target, putting together crisp combinations in a staccato rhythm underscored with effortless footwork.
During our conversation, he told me his short-term goals include winning tournaments at local and national levels with hopes of one day graduating to a pro career.
Larry Shelton’s relatively young amateur run has already been filled with highs, and his future plans in the sport are sure to make him another constant in the boxing room at 12th & Park for years to come.
Bobo to Puerto Rico
Also in the gym last week was slick prospect Leon Bobo, the well-traveled southpaw who has logged a lot of miles in the air the last couple of years. His manager Mark Wright told me they are heading to Puerto Rico for a main event this Saturday in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Bobo (18-4) will face Luis Cruz (12-0) for the WBC USNBC title at Miguel Cotto Promotions’ first card.
Bobo graciously interrupted his workout to send a shout out to his fans. He said, “Training camp has been cool, but I need to get back on track.” He also hopes to fight locally at some point this year. Best wishes to Bobo in his quest for a featherweight championship.
Devon on HBO
Undefeated WBC 140-pound champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (19-0) will face Colombian native Juan Urango (22-2-1) on Saturday, March 6 in a title unification bout on HBO. Alexander will be on boxing’s biggest network broadcasting from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. Best wishes to “The Great” as he looks to capture Urango’s IBF strap and build on his stellar career.
