A California youth is pursuing success, and finding it, in a sport that isn’t discussed quite as often as others in town — boxing.
Brody Schlup, 13, of California, fought in the third boxing match of his young career on May 8 at the Battle in the Alley II in Wichita, Kansas, picking up a win at the event. He recently traveled to another event in Kansas — the Fight Night at Memorial Hall in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Schlup said he has been boxing for a little more than a year and a half, with coach Mario Antonio, of ElmSt. Boxing Club, in Jefferson City, serving as his guide.
Schlup said he decided to start boxing since it was outside the range offered to students through the school district.
“I wanted to try a different sport that the school didn’t offer,” Schlup said. “I’ve always liked watching boxing and thought it was a sport I could be good at.”
Schlup said he likes how boxing is more than meets the eye. It teaches participants some important traits, he said.
“I like that boxing offers more then just punching, it also offers discipline and respect,” Schlup said.
When he is in a match, Schlup said it is like he is in a whole different state of mind, filled with complete focus and adrenaline. That adrenaline, he said, is one of his favorite things about boxing.
“I like the adrenaline it gives you whenever you’re sparring or in a match,” Schlup said. “I love the feeling of winning my first belt the most.”
Schlup does have a big goal in mind when in comes to boxing, one that he said he’ll keep training with coach Antonio to aim toward accomplishing.
“I’d love the opportunity to be in the Junior Boxing Olympics,” Schlup said.