Friday Night at the Fights – Dad’s in His Corner

Twenty-two-year-old Elgin resident Colby Pasholk is a tough kid, his father said.

“He played college rugby,” Kevin Pasholk said of his son.  “It’s a rough sport. In scrums, you’re nose-to-nose with your opponents. I’d say playing rugby is about as tough as getting into the ring.” 

But Colby, who’ll be a senior this fall, isn’t playing for the Arkansas State University Rugby Club anymore because of a knee injury.  He wanted to stay competitive. It was his uncle Mark that suggested he give boxing a try.

Colby’s dad is well versed on boxing. He had dozens of amateur fights. But he was hesitant getting his son involved in the fight game. He supported his son’s decision to step into the ring and worked his son's corner for his first fight Friday night.

The fight game is a waiting game.

Fighting at light heavyweight, Colby said he arrived at the Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake at 4 p.m.  But he wouldn’t step into the ring until around 11:30 p.m.

“The wait was aggravating,” he said. “But once I got into the ring, it was over so quickly. It was a lot of fun.”

He fought a sturdy-looking kid by the name of Jose Flores. It was a tough matchup. Neither Colby nor his opponent wanted to give any ground.  Both threw hard body shots and hard left hooks..

Colby was awarded the decision.

“I don’t really like going to the gym to workout,” Colby said. “But I’m glad after I get there. I’d like to try this again.”

Colby is leaving soon for his final year of college. He’s working on a degree in law enforcement.