Grissom boxer competes for Golden Gloves title Published April 4, 2006 By Senior Airman Roberto Modelo 434 ARW/PA GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, IND. -- Defense of this country is something that Airmen here are familiar with. However, fighting back with hooks and jabs isn’t necessarily what comes to mind – especially when you add the bright lights, a ring, and a crowd of followers rooting you on. However, as a boxer Nick Delaurentis, of the 434th Services Flight, is very familiar with that type of atmosphere. “My dad started me into boxing,” the lightweight fighter said. “I was being picked on at school and he wanted to let me know how to defend myself.” The, 5 foot 11 inches 175 pounds, Chicago native has been boxing for approximately five years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. He’s already won the Chicago Lightweight Championship title. “The lightweight championship was up for grabs so I just entered it,” he said. Delaurentis did not just enter the match without training. The young boxer puts in hours of intense training, four days per week with the help of his trainers Frank and Louie Loneli. He does all this along with making time for his college studies, and serving as a reservist. So, even on his off time when he is at unit training assemblies, the senior airman trains “The gym does help,” he said. “I go in and run, workout and hit the heavy bags and speed bags a little bit.” As the caliber of competition increases so does the specifics of each bout. As opposed to the lightweight glove weight of 16 ounces, the weight of the gloves decreases as the level of competition increases. “That means that we will be punching much faster,” he said. “The lightweight gloves also mean that it is going to hurt more if we get hit.” The “orthodox style” boxer’s next goal is the Chicago Golden Gloves championship where the glove weight will be 12 ounces and will involve more competition. There, he will be facing boxers from all over the Midwest region and will have to make it through preliminary boxing matches before he gets to the championship. “I’m most nervous about loosing before I get to the finals,” he said. If the boxer’s solid hooks or short right hand punches allow him to win the next few stages, he will go onto the semi-finals, finals and to the Chicago’s Golden Gloves championship.
