Minnesota Boxing News: Golden Gloves Yearbook Piece

GOLDEN GLOVES PAVES THE WAY FOR TODAY'S PRO'S
Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Tournament this weekend
April 9th, 2010
By Jesse Kelley

The 2010 Upper Midwest Championships has arrived. Beginning Friday, April 9th, with the finals on Saturday the 10th, the top boxers from the four Upper Midwest regions will meet to find out who is top dog in their weight class and who will move on to the Nationals. The tournament, taking place at the Northern Lights Casino in Walker, MN should be especially interesting as many of the top amateurs in recent years have gone on to the professional ranks, leaving this year's division's up in the air and open for new leaders to step forward. Some of Minnesota's former amateur stars and rising professionals took time out of their schedules recently to share with us their thoughts on how the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves tournaments helped make them become who they are today.

Andy Kolle of Fergus Falls, MN (21-2, 15 KO's as a professional) Boxing in the Golden Gloves tournaments helped me in a huge way on the road to turning pro. I think the amateur aspect of boxing is a huge part of developing as a pro. Boxing is something that you don't just learn over night and you can be in "great shape" but if you don't have the experience of fighting in the ring then a four round fight can seem like an eternity. I also learned ring generalship and developed my style of fighting, losing a few on the way but ultimately tuning my craft so I am able to compete at a level as difficult as the pro ranks can bring.
Caleb Truax of Osseo, MN (14-0, 9 KO's as a professional) I was able to develop as a boxer fighting in the Golden Gloves and gain valuable amateur experience that has helped me tremendously in my assent through the professional ranks
Cerresso Fort of Saint Paul, MN (9-0, 8 KO's as a professional) Being a four time Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion and fighting in the Golden Gloves gave me the experience which helped me develop my skills in the ring and life in general. The conversations with others at Nationals helped me develop people skills as well. I am a product of the Golden Gloves.
Tyler Hultin of Fergus Falls, MN (1-0, 1 KO as a professional) Starting out in boxing I was the most uncoordinated, unbalanced, just a straight up brawler. After learning more about Golden Gloves I began to show more of an interest and fell in love with a sport that most would say I had no future in. After winning many State titles, Region titles and ranking in Nationals, I knew I had found my calling. As of turning Pro I still attend many Golden Gloves Fights! I think they do wonders for many amateurs that are progressing and I love to see that. I want to thank Golden Gloves for giving me a home and teaching me the Art of Boxing. Also, to the Fergus Falls Boxing club who have pushed me to be the best I can be!
Brad Patraw of Saint Paul, MN (6-2, 4 KO's as a professional) Golden Gloves help me get where I am because I trained really hard for it. That's all I really ever wanted was a Golden Glove title. I mean Mike Evgan, Jason and Allen (Litzau) had them. That was the thing to get and now I strive to get a championship belt as a pro.
Joey Abell of Coon Rapids, MN (25-4, 24 KO's as a professional) The Upper Midwest Golden Gloves helped me in my professional career in many ways. One example would be that it taught me what it's like to train for an event that was going to challenge me and it put the meaning into giving all I have to prepare for what's to come. Every professional fight for me now is like the Upper Midwest tournament was for me then. It's where the top Upper Midwest fighters go to challenge themselves and put themselves up against the best to see who will come out on top and represent the UMW on the national scale. It takes hard work, determination, and sacrifice but can be done.
Zach Walters of Duluth, MN (24-5, 19 KO's as a professional) Boxing in the Golden Gloves gave me an appreciation for hard work and perseverance. The year I won the Golden Gloves I knew I had my work cut out for me. The man to beat that year had won the tournament several consecutive times and had plans to go pro. I put in miles of road work and hours in the gym all the while visualizing what the fights could be like. I feel proud telling people that I am a Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion. Of all my amateur accomplishments, winning the gloves is my favorite.
Wilton Hilario of Saint Louis Park, MN (12-1-1, 9 KO's) The Golden Gloves was really important to e especially because it was the only tournament that gave me the opportunity to compete with the best fighters ranked in the Nation. That's what gave me the confidence and experience to follow my dreams. I really thank the Golden Gloves for giving me the opportunity to be a better fighter and keep my dreams going. Not just for me but for my brother a the other kids that share the same dream. I think Golden Gloves was the best, I really believe they were a big part of in getting me where I am today. I was training all year around to get ready for Upper Midwest Golden Gloves. They helped motivate me every year. That is something I will never forget. I enjoy every fight from the Regionals all the way to Nationals. Thank you to all the people behind the Golden Gloves.