Locals chase ring dreams

No single reason compels people to take up boxing.

Lesley Walker grew up watching the sport on television and became enthralled by it. Christopher Eubank has boxing in his blood as the son of a former world champion.

Whatever the explanation, the two Las Vegans share a passion for the fight game and have shown the skills to be successful. They're racking up amateur victories with an eye toward making boxing their vocation.

Now comes the duo's biggest test to date. Walker and Eubank will seek their first titles at the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions beginning Monday in Grand Rapids, Mich.

This is Walker's third appearance at nationals and Eubank's first. Both qualified by winning the Golden Gloves western regional in Mesquite last month.

"I'm not going to settle for anything less than the gold," said Walker, a 20-year-old who will compete at 125 pounds and is ranked No. 5 nationally in his weight class. "I think my experience of having fought in the nationals before will help me."

Eubank, who will compete at 165 pounds, doesn't have Walker's experience, but he also expects to reach the May 10 finals.

"I feel I can adapt to whatever situation I'm in," he said. "I've learned a lot. I went up against a lot of guys from different states with different styles, so I don't think I'll be intimidated."

Eubank, a Spring Valley High School senior, has boxed for only two years. But he has made rapid progress, according to his trainer, Pat Barry.

"He's got natural power," Barry said. "He has strength in both hands, and he's a quick learner."

Eubank, 18, said the professional success of his father, Chris, had nothing to do with his decision to become a boxer.

"I got into it on my own," he said. "Once I set my mind to do something, I do it."

Eubank's father was 45-5-2 with 23 knockouts and won the WBO super middleweight title. But the younger Eubank said he wants to be known as a boxer, not the son of one.

"To be honest, I don't like talking about my dad," Eubank said. "This is my career."

Eubank hopes to turn pro eventually, but said if boxing doesn't work out, that's fine. He has been accepted at UNLV for the fall semester and said he hopes to own his own business someday.

Walker, a 2006 graduate of Chaparral High, also plans to fight professionally. He sent some tapes to Oscar De La Hoya, who told Walker's mother that he was impressed. Walker hopes it will lead to a contract with Golden Boy Promotions or some other boxing promoter.

"Right now, this is my life," he said. "My entire focus is on boxing. I'll have sparred over 100 rounds for the nationals and, with my experience and training, I expect to do well."

Gil Martinez, who trains him at Elite Gym, said the 6-foot Walker should make a deep run in Grand Rapids next week after being eliminated in the first round in 2005 and 2006.

"His technique and punching power has improved," Martinez said. "He needs to rely on his experience to figure out the different styles he's going to see.

"The big thing is confidence. If he goes in believing in himself, he can win the gold. He's got the talent to do it."

Walker, 32-17 in a seven-year amateur career, wants to fight in the 2012 Olympics. But he'll be 24 by then and might not want to wait that long to turn pro. He said just training for the National Golden Gloves has been a mental challenge.

"The actual tournaments haven't been that tough," Walker said. "It's the preparation, staying focused in the gym. That's been my biggest challenge.

"But I'm ready. My coaches have worked me really hard. I'm in the best shape of my life, and I can't wait to get inside the ring."

Eubank, 8-0 as an amateur, said his only goal is to go deep into the national tournament.

"The only way I see myself losing is if I get cut or hurt," Eubank said. "I've got a good chin. I've got good hand speed. I learn something every time I step inside the ring, so I think I've got a good chance."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.