Champ punches above his weight class
Being the Canadian welterweight boxing champion isn’t on everyone’s bucket list, but it’s what Steve “The Dragon” Claggett had his sights set on early on.
“It’s something I always dreamed of doing,” admitted Claggett, born and raised in Calgary.
“I always thought I could be the best in Canada and that was, ‘OK, it’s official. You actually did it.’ My parents were probably more proud, I was just excited because I’d worked so hard for a long time.”
The 24-year-old achieved his objective in September 2013, upping his professional record to 18-2-1, including a dozen knockouts.
The key now for the 5-foot9, 147-pounder is to hold onto the prize.
“We’re trying to find someone to fight really — defend my title and keep my Canadian title,” he said. “I’d also like to fight for a North American title or a Commonwealth title to build myself up to a bigger world title.
“Next year, I could see myself fighting for a North American title. The year after that, a world title is what I’m after.”
Claggett, who trains out of the Teofista Boxing gym, has been at this gig professionally for five years. It isn’t easy, but it’s his passion.
“I think a lot of it is the drive,” he explained. “I always kind of had a thought that I would be able to do something different. I was going to be a little bit different than everyone else.
“When there’s something I want to do, I’m thinking about it all day, I’m training for it. Boxing is perfect for me because when I have a fight, I’m in the gym all the time but even when I get up, I’m thinking about it, when I go to sleep, I’m thinking about it.”
Travelling the world is also an interesting prospect.
“They just put in big boxing shows in Macao and I’m half-Chinese so I’ve always wanted to go over there. That’s one thing I’m working toward ... get my name out in the world. I love the Canadian title, but I’d like to reach as far as I can.”