I remember when I was in 4th grade.  I was this short, skinny, quiet kid who used to sit in class and daze off.  I’d zone out and think about which boys in class I could beat up if it came down to a fight.  And in my head, I pictured every boy getting hit with vicious punches by my little fists.  Of course,  I kept these thoughts because I was and still am a peaceful person.

It wasn’t until 7th grade that I had my first fight.  It was in the boys locker room and just like I pictured I was landing blow after blow on a kids head.  I remember being suspended even though he started the confrontation.  For those 3 days off , I was throwing punches in the mirror like I was Muhammed Ali.

In 9th grade, after a football injury that resulted in me having a bone transplant in my femur, football was out.  I was looking for a sport that involved contact, pain, and pleasure.  After watching videos of Muhammed Ali and Ray Leonard over and over again, I became obsessed with wanting to fight.  After that I convinced my mom to let me join a gym.  I knew from the get go that boxing was something that was meant for me.

The first day at Brunette’s Boxing gym, I remember Brian Brunette watching me shadow box asking, “Where did you used to train?” When I told him this is my first day ever, he looked at me in disbelief.  I spent six and a half years at Brunettes learning the fundamentals of boxing.  Thanks to Tommy, Brian, Al, and Otis Gage.  In those six years I had only 20 matches.  But they were crowd pleasers. A test of my skill and willpower.  My opponents had between 30 and 100 matches.  About two years ago, I joined the Rice Street Gym.  I’ve won the USA State Tournament three years in a row, Two-time Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion (’07 & ‘08) and 2007 World Golden Gloves Champion.

I love and appreciate the support of my fans, my family and friends.  Tommy (Brunette), I love you and I know you’re looking out for me every time I’m in the ring.

-Tony Lee