Two local boxers are hoping to put Huntsville on the map
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Evander Holyfield and Deontay Wilder are two legendary boxers who were born in Alabama. One Huntsville gym wants to create even more legends in the sport.
This month, Rocket City Boxing will send two young boxers to the USA Boxing National Silver Gloves Championships in Independence, Missouri.
“A lot of boxers will go their whole career without ever seeing the national stage,” said Steven Badgey, a trainer at the gym. “The fact that they’re there at this point is a big deal.”
11-year-old Gabriel Johnson and 14-year-old Miguel Spells will get that opportunity. The competition takes place February 25-28.
“This is what I’ve been training for my whole life,” Spells. “I’m really excited for it.”
Both have lofty goals for the competition and their future boxing careers.
“Not just to win, but to win in spectacular fashion,” Johnson said.
Most of all, they want to help put the Huntsville boxing scene on the national map.
“I see it going super, duper far,” Spells said.
11-year old Gabriel Johnson (left) and 14-year-old Miguel Spells will compete USA Boxing National Silver Gloves Championships.