Decatur boxing coach says 10-year-old is going to be a winner
· Yahoo Sports
Sep. 17—Beside a large red boxing ring inside a beat-up building off Central Parkway in Decatur, 10-year-old Peter Whiston was preparing for his next fight.
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The wiry fellow was pummeling a punching bag hanging from the ceiling while his seasoned coach and trainer, Danny Scott, looked on intently, making sure Whiston was using proper form.
Mario Davis is another coach and trainer with the Decatur Youth Services boxing program. Scott said Davis helps take the boxers to a higher level. Between 15 and 20 young people are in the program.
"I have about five who are competitive," Scott said.
Whiston is one of them.
"I can tell if they are special," Scott said.
Whiston had just come off a win last week that brought him a gold championship belt after he captured the youth boxing championship in Helena. The event was open to city boxing clubs throughout Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi. Whiston fought three 1 1/2 -minute rounds.
The Decatur Youth Services Boxing Program is a free community sports and mentoring initiative designed to build strength, discipline and confidence in kids ages 8 to 19. Whiston has been boxing with the program for about two years.
"He's ready," Scott said. "He's humble, he's disciplined, he's respectful, he has a good attitude, he has good sportsmanship, he's a crowd pleaser."
As Whiston sparred with a punching bag, his remarkable hook and keen concentration were apparent.
Whiston's father and his older brother Hector, 18, have boxed for exercise but have not competed. Whiston said his own interest in boxing began after watching another older brother, Paul, who is about a year older than Peter, box for exercise.
He went to his mother, Rose, asking if he could do it too. He had to wait a year before he could join DYS boxing.
"I used to watch boxing, like a lot, on TV, and then my mom asked me and my brother, Paul, if we wanted to do boxing and I said yes," Whiston said. "Once I did my first one, I knew I really liked it."
"He really loves it," Rose said.
Scott said Whiston showed his grit and potential from the outset.
"He's going to be a champion," Scott said.
Whiston's next step will be the upcoming Alabama state tournament. Scott said opponents at the state tournament are matched by weight, regardless of their records. The regional tournament, also still to come, will be held in Arkansas, followed by the national tournament in Missouri for boxers who advance.
Scott, a native of Inkster, Michigan, is a former boxer who has coached students of all ages, including professionals. Scott said he began learning the sport early because his father also boxed.
Scott said years of coaching have taught him to recognize young boxers who have the discipline and ability to compete.
"He's ready," Scott said. "You are going to see him."
Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas announced Whiston's win during the Sept. 8 school board meeting. Board members applauded Whiston and his coach. Douglas regularly recognizes students, teachers and administrators for their accomplishments at board meetings.
Whiston is a fifth grader at Julian Harris Elementary School.
For Whiston, one attraction of boxing is physical.
"I like how it helps my body," he said. "It makes me stronger."
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