Goodrich-Boxing is a relatively new pursuit for Goodrich Middle School student Chelsea Wallace.
However, she is approaching her first match with a positive attitude. Wallace, 12, will compete in the boxing portion of the Junior Olympics May 21 in Warren.
She started training and learning the sport in February, and currently trains at Davison Boxing Club in Davison. Wallace spends about an hour there each day from Monday-Thursday under the guidance of Coach Ernie Wells, and wears head gear, a mouth guard, and hand wraps while training.
‘We just warm up and work on the bag,? Wallace said. ‘If the coach wants us to spar, then we can do that.?
Tom Wallace, Chelsea’s father, said finding a suitable facility for Chelsea to train was not an easy task.
‘There’s not too many boxing clubs around here,? he said. ‘We went to the Internet and finally found one in Davison. They have a lot of really good coaches at Davison Boxing Club.?
He fully supports Chelsea’s efforts to learn the sport.
‘I used to be a boxer myself,? he said. ‘I think it’s a very good opportunity to build up their confidence. We went so far as to make a gym in our garage.?
For her part, Chelsea said her friends at Goodrich Middle School are impressed with her efforts.
‘They think it’s cool that I’m doing it,? she said. ‘None of them thought I would do it.?