It's time for Fouhy's Small Stars! This week, we're headed to the Broadway Boxing Club to introduce you to a 13-year-old Valley amateur boxer who's coming off a state championship, a regional championship and is currently ranked second in the nation in his weight class and division.
Meet 13-year-old Micky Scala, a local product who's been boxing since he was 8 years old -- and his dad is his coach!
But the question is: What drives him to want to be a boxer?
"I like working out, and then I love the science behind boxing 'cause there's so much technique you have to know and you always have to be able to adapt to any style that you're going to fight," he said.
So, at 13, you must have a lot of friends who think you're crazy!
"Not very many of my friends know that I box," Micky said. "But they're like really happy for me. They think it's crazy, and then some of them are like, 'I want to do it.'"
See, I thought some would think you're crazy -- but aren't you afraid you might get hurt?
"I haven't really had any major injuries or anything -- not yet, at least," he said.
Didn't mean to jinx you. Sorry about that! So, how do you defend yourself?
"Well, you can move your head, and you can parry punches, block 'em. And throw back. That's a great defense, also," he said.
So, what was your very first fight like?
"After my first fight, you have to win because you get your first announcement and then, it's a great feeling knowing you got your first fight done and there's plenty more to come," he said.
What kind of goals have you set for yourself?
"As a professional, I want to become world champion," Micky said. "As an amateur, I want to hopefully go to the Olympics."
That'd be awesome! OK, do you have any advice for younger kids who want to pick up boxing?
"Keep jabbing and keep your hands up, and then move your head, don't stand in front of him. I mean, there's a lot of things," he said.
Good advice: Don't get hit! But what is it that keeps you coming back for more?
"Succeeding in the boxing gym, and it just drives me to want to come back more," he said.
Congratulations, Micky Scala, and best of luck. You're this week's Small Star!
