Sports
LITH Teen Enters Ring For First Boxing Match
Jimmy Gustafson, a sophomore at Jacobs High School, will compete this weekend at at Albert Falcon's Warehouse Gym in Highland Park.
Jimmy Gustafson, a 15-year-old Lake in the Hills boy, is excited to get in the ring this weekend for his first boxing match.
He’s been training for more than 2 years.
Gustafson, who weighs about 120 pounds, said he used to play football, but gave that up when he learned there was a boxing gym in nearby Crystal Lake.
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“I’ve always wanted to be a boxer,” he said. “I’m not scared about having my first fight. I’m excited.”
Gustafson will be stepping into the ring Saturday night at in Highland Park. He’ll be facing Jacob Taglianetti, who will also be having his first bout.
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“This kid Jimmy is tough,” said Tony Prignits, in a Cockney accent. “He’s primed. He’s absolutely overdue for his first fight. He’s got this great combination that we’ve been working on: A jab, right hand, hook to the body and straight right to the solar plexus. It’s the best four punches in boxing. And I’m quoting the great Jack Johnson.”
Prignits and Gary Dobry have been training Gustafson. Jimmy does roadwork with his dad.
Jimmy’s father, Jim Gustafson, said he is looking forward to watching his son's first bout.
“He’s determined,” Jimmy’s father said. “He’s focused.”
Gustafson, a sophomore at Jacobs High School in Algonquin, works out at The School of Hard Knocks in Crystal Lake.
The fights start 8 p.m. Saturday at in Highland Park, 1660 Old Skokie Road, Highland Park. Admission is $35.
