BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Every time boxer Terry Witzu looks in the
mirror lately, he sees a different man staring back.
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Terry Witzu (right) spars with
Randy Rose in preparation for the Ringside World
Amateur Boxing Championships in Kansas City,
Missouri. |
Witzu sees a man more focused than ever
before.
Witzu sees a man in top physical shape.
He sees a man ready for the challenge of a
lifetime.
Witzu, 55, is competing in the Ringside World
Amateur Boxing Championships in Kansas City, Missouri, which
runs from Aug 2-6 at the KCI Expo Centre.
The tournament is the biggest showcase of
amateur boxing in the world. Last year, it attracted over 1,300
athletes and included well over 1,000 bouts.
The boxer will compete in the Master's
division in the heavyweight category.
"This is a challenge," Witzu said. "I heard
about a year-and-a-half ago. One year ago, I started training
for it. I have been training hard and lost 10 pounds. Every
once and a while when I look in the mirror I have to remind
myself that I am 55 because I feel like I am 35."
Witzu has been training at the Fight Club in
downtown Sudbury, which he co-owns with Randy Hill, who is also
serving as his main coach.
Witzu is the first man from Sudbury to
compete in the event.
"It makes me feel special because I didn't
think I would be able to do it," said Witzu. "I can feel my
wind, stamina and punches are more focused. I am as ready,
physically, as I am ever going to be. Mentally, I am also
prepared. I have been training full out for the last 45 days
with only two days off. I am ready for this gruelling event. I
have had great coaches like Randy Hill and Mike Stewart with me
the whole time, and with these guys motivating me, I feel
confident about what I can do."
Hill brought in some notable sparring
partners for him to train with.
"We had former Olympian Mark Simmons come up
to spar with Terry," Hill said. "We also had Terry spar with
Kyle Gauthier, a local national-level competitor. Terry has
been holding his own with these guys and benefitting from the
training. I honestly think Terry's capable of walking away with
the big prize. He's in absolutely unbelievable shape for a man
his age. I am dumbfounded. He's developed great skill in the
short time he's been in boxing. Terry has suffered some
setbacks with injuries, but his resolve has allowed him to
persevere through it and remain in top shape. He's 100 percent
ready for the Worlds."
Hill sees more than just a man competing in a
boxing event.
"Terry's a self-driven athlete," Hill said.
"He's proving that boxing is for everyone and if you set your
mind to it, anything is possible. Terry's showing the community
that there's no age difference or limitations in regards to
getting fit and having fun."
With his intense dedication, Witzu has had
younger fighters come up to him and say he's an inspiration to
them.
"What I really enjoy about all this is that I
have been told I have become a role model to the younger guys
at the Fight Club," said Witzu. "It's hard to accept because
it's a big load on my back. I want to do well, but I never look
in the mirror and really believe I am a role model. It's big
thing. Hopefully, I can motivate some of these young guys to
make the Olympic team one day."
Witzu has left no doubts in his mind that he
will take the championship belt in his division.
"I intend to win or I am coming home in body
bag," said Witzu. "I want to win that belt for Sudbury and hold
it up high."
