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Golden Gloves returns to DeltaPlex this weekend

GRAND RAPIDS - From the streets of Grand Rapids to the bright lights of the boxing ring, several young fighters are preparing to be the next big thing in the boxing world. Their first step is a Golden Gloves state title.

"I’m looking forward to it, like I said this is a stepping stone to where I really want to be at," says 152 pound Kavosaye Phillips, "so this is what I gotta do."

There’s nothing easy about boxing itself. The self control, discipline and physical fitness it takes to win is a year round challenge.

"I train a minimum of three hours a day, 6 days a week," says 152 pound Quazaay Cook.

If you aren’t giving it your all, it isn’t worth stepping into the ring. For many throwing punches the next couple weekends in the Golden Gloves state tournament, these are just the opening rounds of their careers.

"It’s really just a mental thing because you can do whatever you want to in the gym but under the lights is where it really matters," says Cook, "you can knock somebody out in the boxing ring sparring but if you can’t do that under the lights with the audience around you then it really doesn’t matter."

At Blue’s Gym in Grand Rapids, they know a thing or two about finding the best young talent and churning out champions.

"It’s a big deal Blue’s gym gets the kids off the street we’ve got 20-30 kids coming in daily," says Cook.

"Their loyalty, they’ll give you the time and they’ll give you the info," says Simon Ortsua, "you just got to listen and run with it.

The DeltaPlex will host the West Michigan semifinals the next two weekends and then the state finals the first weekend of May. These fighters looking to defend their home turf and Grand Rapids’ reputation as a boxing city.

"It’s just because we are a blue collar city," says Ortsua, "we know how to get out there and grind and in sports, boxing is the get out and grind sport."

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