The West Virginia club boxing team, which carries an impressive No. 9 ranking, will compete in a match today at the Morgantown Elk’s Lounge.
In only its third season of team status at WVU, it will enter its fifth match of the season led by two returning All-Americans, club president Ian Shaw and senior Tomo Matsui.
"In only the third year of having a team, we’re already becoming a great program," Shaw said.
The team competes in the Midwest Collegiate Boxing Association, a league containing other top schools including Ohio State, Navy, Kentucky, Michigan and North Carolina, among others.
Shaw said playing against top competition on a regular basis is something that has really helped the team become one of the best in the nation.
"The program is really coming around. We have a great coach in Sam Checa," Shaw said. "We are known to have well-rounded boxers with quick feet and strong punches."
Today’s match will be smaller than previous ones as final exams interrup competition. Shaw said he did expect a boxer from Indiana University (Pa.) to compete against one of West Virginia’s boxers.
Brandon Bright will be competing in his first ever boxing match while Kyle Adam (3-0) will fight, and sophomore Alex Balmer will compete in his second match.
"Out of the five of us fighting. It’s the first semester boxing for three," Shaw said.
The process of introducing and getting students accustomed to a new sport is going smooth, Shaw said.
"We get them in, get them conditioning and ready to fight, and then we try to get them fighting as many times as possible," Shaw said.
A Japan native, Matsui boxes in the 139-pound weight class. The 23-year-old senior uses his length as an advantage to outreach his competition.
Shaw said the team is preparing for regionals, hosted by WVU in March.
"We’re trying to get better and get ready for regionals so we can improve on our ranking," Shaw said.
The team has a wide range of boxers, with junior Jose Perez-Carrero being the lightest in the 132 pound weight class. West Virginia has three boxers in the 165 pound weight class with Ryan Ross, Mauricio Vargas and Alex Balmer.
The team’s next match will be Jan. 29 in the Evansdale residential Complex Blue and Gold Ballroom.
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I'm Sam Checa WVU Boxing Coach, It's my pleasure training this group of students. I appreciate all the support and I hope that everyone comes and cheer's for the WVU Boxing Club. Jan. 29th.