Local amateurs take first steps in the ring
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y.>> Several local boxers were taking on some of the best amateurs in their age and weight classes Friday night at the Holiday Inn on Broadway as part of the 6th annual Jack Nichols Boxing Championships hosted by the Saratoga Youth Boxing Association.
Glens Falls middle schoolers Killian Batchelder (11), Dan Batchelder (13), Greenfield Elementary 10- yearold Camdyn Hull, Saratoga Springs freshman Jacob Krygowski and 28-year-old Saratoga Springs amateur Cody Provanchie will be stepping
into the ring as part of the planned 12-bout card.
The younger brothers, Killian and Dan Batchelder both boast a 4- 4 amateur record heading into Friday’s event.
The elder Batchelder, Dan, has been jabbing for the past five years, following in the footsteps of his former professional boxing father, Danny Batchelder.
“It was fun watching him, so I thought I would try it,” Dan Batchelder said.
He learned quickly that boxing can be a game of lumps.
“I had had a fight where they put me in with a kid was way better, so after that I was nervous and did more defense,” Dan Batchelder said. “I was staying back and not attacking.”
Being aggressive has been the key to his four wins.
The sport has also helped out the two-sport star, who is on ice skates when he’s
not in the ring, without worrying about time in the penalty box
“I’m playing ice hockey now too, I’m deciding which one I’m going to go full time with,” Dan Batchelder said. “Boxing has definitely helped in everything I’ve done, especially hockey because I can push off more than most kids.”
11-year-old Killian Batchelder has three years of sparring and bouts under his belt and it looking for a win Friday night.
“I’m a good puncher, I have good foot movement now, strong punches,” Killian Batchelder said. “My footwork is better than some and I’m able to anticipate what the other kids are doing.”
After his dad wraps his hands for protection, a tradition for Killian, the plan is simple once he enters the ring.
“Get it done quickly,” Killian Batchelder said.
28 - yea r - old Cody Provanchie has been around the sport for the past decade and even in the ring with glove on, put- ting his skills to the test in his first- ever amateur bout.
“I was working out back in high school, started sparring when I got in my 20s and then I just kept with it a little bit and then I realized that I wanted to fight,” Cody Provanchie said.
He’s used to jabbing, punching and defending himself during sparring sessions, but it won’t be a training session Friday night.
“There is no difference than when you step into the ring,” Provanchie said. “Sparring you know you are going to hit and you’re going to get hit when you are older. I’m not nervous, I’m
ready to go.”
If there is any advice for a young boxer, Provanchie said boxing is more than just a sport.
“It’s a lot of work, you have to have the mindset and you have to be committed, 100 percent committed,” Provanchie said. “It’s not ‘I’m going to show up today and not show up tomorrow. You have to be committed and ready for it.’”
Also making his amateur debut will be Blue Streak freshman Krygowski who went from the hardwood to hard hitting at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Association last April.
He said he isn’t nervous about his first fight in front of friends, family and classmates Friday night.
“I’m ready,” Jacob Krygowski said. “I think I want to do my best to take their head off.”
It’ll be live fire on Friday, but is ready.
“It’s not going to be one hit and it’s over, it’s going to be multiple hits,” Krygowski said.
He will be looking to take
advantage of his opponent with his long reach and a strong jab that owner/ trainer Mike Nichols implored him to use during his recent sparring session with Provanchie.
“I’m a good counter puncher,” Krygowski said. “Something I’ve been working with the mitts with either with Mike (Nichols) or Tyrone (Jackson).”
Mike Nichols shares in their nerves as he prepares his corral of boxers as well as setting up the card, lining up bouts and selling tickets.
“It’s a lot different Friday night,” Mike Nichols said. “They all have skills, but those butterflies, that can be tough.
“They’ll have people there cheering for them, they want to do well, don’t want to lose. That’s a lot of pressure.”
The 6th annual Jack Nichols Boxing Championships at the Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway gets underway at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 in advance at Mohr’s Mobil at 80 West Avenue.