CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – American Pride Boxing’s Olivia Reeves and Zach Wagenmaker each came away with wins in March at the 3rd Annual Hub City Fight Night Classic in Jackson. The event was hosted by Team Ingram’s Rayford Collins Jackson Boxing Club.
Reeves’s TKO victory came 40 seconds into the third round, as she improved her record to (2-1, 2 TKOs).
Wagenmaker also didn’t leave the decision in the judges’ hands. He defeated his opponent by KO just 45 seconds in the first round with a powerful right hand that sent his opponent to the canvas. Through five amateur fights, Wagenmaker now holds a (4-1, 3 KOs) record.
The boxing showcase featured fighters from states all over the country including California, Wisconsin, Texas, Chicago and Florida.
American Pride boxing coach Kelvin Garcia was thrilled with how his fighters represented the gym in Jackson.
“Both Olivia and Zach did amazing,” Garcia said. “Olivia showed so much improvement over her first fight. What happens with boxers her age is that the more fights they get and more experience they gain, they calm down visibly in the ring. Olivia isn’t quite to where things are slowing down for her, but I think the adjustments that were required between rounds helped her to close out the fight.
“Zach was the only fighter to outright KO his opponent,” Garcia said. “In our gym, not everybody is there to compete. These two kids have showed that they want to compete and were put into our advanced youth program. Some kids will train for two years before they get the courage up to compete. They really show no fear and they’ve moved themselves along rather quickly.”
As soon as the opening bell rung, Olivia pressed forward and took the fight to her opponent. She landed a myriad of punches throughout and was able to record the early stoppage.
“I was very proud of myself,” Olivia said. “I worked hard and trained hard. I went in confident and ready to go. The match went according to plan.”
Olivia showed great sportsmanship after the fight by embracing her opponent before returning back to her corner and pumping her fists to ignite the crowd.
“I was like where did this come from,” Garcia said of Olivia’s showmanship. “I’ve been in this sport a long time and Olivia has what it takes to be a world champion one day. Just the drive, toughness and grit and natural talent.”
Tara Reeves, Olivia’s mother, shared what it’s like from her vantage point to watch Olivia excel inside of the ring.
“It’s pretty amazing to see her skill and dedication,” Tara said. “She’s got great tenacity and I’m very impressed as her mother.”
Harvey Wagenmaker, Zach’s father, is thrilled that his son has found a true passion in life.
“I’m really grateful,” Harvey said. “Honestly for me it didn’t really matter to me if it was boxing, baseball, football or whatever. I’m just glad he has something that he’s excited about and invested in that’s a positive use of his time.”
Zach accredits his recent improvement to the significant amount of attention that the American Pride staff shows each of its members.
“They’re just great all around,” Zach said of his coaches. “They’ve gotten me better through physical conditioning, technique and everything else that has to do with boxing. They care for you, but also make sure you put in the work.”
A boxer’s mindset is vastly important going into a fight and it’s something Zach has learned to be more conscious of with each performance.
“Of course I’m a little bit nervous, but I always think my opponent is probably nervous too,” Zach said. “I just try and stay as calm as I can. My mental process is to feel them out especially in the first round. It is a different feeling when you’re in the ring. I just try to go in there and do my best.”
The Rossview sophomore described his emotions following the win.
“I was pretty happy,” Zach said. “After my first two fights I felt like I got overconfident. Now I just try and stay humble. Immediately after, I was thinking about getting right back in the gym.”
Both Olivia and Zach are choosing to remain positive despite being bumped off of their normal routines.
“I’m currently training in my garage,” Olivia said. “I have a heavy bag, ladders and cones. I also use the elliptical for cardio. I can’t wait to get back in the gym and start training for my fights again.”
“It’s not really affecting my training and if anything it’s helping,” Zach said. “I don’t have any fights coming up and I can push myself harder. I’m just trying to take it one step at a time and one fight at a time. Just get better everyday.”
Olivia and Zach’s teammate Thor Hill lost his second amateur fight in a split-decision. However, the 15-year old did enough in one judge’s eyes to win the fight.
“That’s something that we teach them is it’s not just about the result because it’s amateur boxing,” Garcia said. “You also have amateur judges and amateur referees. He didn’t get the win, but he just turned around, shrugged his shoulders, slapped the other kid on the back and gave him a hug. I thought he did amazing. That’s part of what I love about amateur boxing.”
At this time, all upcoming bouts and events for American Pride Boxing remain up in the air due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“USA boxing has suspended all events through April,” Garcia said. “At the moment everyone is still training, running, getting back to the fundamentals and taking the time to be regular kids again at home.”