Successful young York boxer lays out Olympic dream
16-YEAR-OLD Fulford School pupil Archie Baker describes himself as ‘a relatively new boxer training for just three years’, but he’s enjoying a successful streak in the sport he’s come to love having just won the 67kg Yorkshire Championship title in the National Youth Cadet Championships.
"I tried numerous sports over the years and represented the school in athletics and running but I wasn’t passionate about any until I went to a boxing gym," explained Archie.
"I came out buzzing determined that this was what I wanted to do and now I’ve won eight amateur bouts.
"I train most nights at Henry’s Gym near the city centre and make sure I do plenty of road work, which is what us boxers call running!
"I was part of the club squad that went to Denmark last year and we won the Hvidore Box Cup.
"I was also in Sweden for their ‘King of the Ring’ competition.
"I lost out to a Norwegian National champion but gained valuable experience which I put to good use in winning the recent title.
"I’m now moving onto the national quarter finals. I’ll face a tough lad from Rotunda Club on Merseyside.
"My ambition is to represent Team GB in the Olympics, although I’m aware that there’s some issues about whether boxing remains an Olympic sport."
"We’re proud of our young son," said Archie's father, Mark.
"He’s committed to boxing and determined to be the best he can be while also preparing for GCSEs this coming summer and working part-time in a local shop.
"We support him in every way we can seeing how he’s such a happy lad when training and how it’s benefitting him both mentally and physically."
Young Baker likes to study the performance of champion boxers: "I admire Ryan Garcia for his hand speed and Dmitry Bivol for technique.
"Nothing compares to the punching power of Artur Beteerbiev.
"I think about this when I’m fishing on the River Ouse, how I can emulate such talented athletes.
"Boxing is everything to me."
Like all elite athletes Archie Baker needs sponsorship to progress. Potential sponsors should contact his father Mark Baker by e-mail at Markbaker101@yahoo.co.uk .
