Dedication defines Rapid City area boxers

By Don Polovich, Journal photographer | Sunday, November 17, 2002

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RAPID CITY -- It takes a lot of work to take the four steps up to the boxing ring.

Eddie Martinez, coach of the Rapid City Boxing Club, makes sure everyone in the club is in shape and has the defensive and offensive skills before getting into the ring for a bout.

Boxers work out for two hours five nights a week at the club.

Not everyone plans to get into the ring for a match. Some people just want to get a good workout.

A workout starts with stretching exercises followed by a half hour of skipping rope. Then it's on with the 16-ounce gloves to pound on the heavy bag. After working up a good sweat on the big bag, it's on to either the light double-tethered speed bag or some sparring.

All this is being done with a timer that goes off on a three-and-a-half-minute cycle.

Each training round starts with a two-and-a-half-minute workout followed by a 30-second buzzer - so boxers may end the round with a flurry. At the end of the 30-second session, the buzzer

signals the end of the round. The boxers get a one-minute break before the next round starts.

Martinez oversees everything from the time the boxers enter the building until the end of the night's workout. Between helping boxers with their technique and talking to newcomers, Martinez checks equipment and lines up sparring sessions.

Only when he feels the boxer is ready to compete will Martinez let him or her take those four steps into the ring for a match.

For information on joining the Rapid City Boxing Club, call Martinez at 718-4063.