WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsLocal 14-year-old boxer to compete for national title

Neillsville (WQOW) – A local 14-year-old has already staked his claim as the best junior boxer in Wisconsin. Wednesday, Neillsville's Jake Waltemate will compete for a national title at the Silver Gloves Tournament.

For some people, things just come naturally. Whether it be learning to swim, driving a car, or in Waltemate's case – throwing a mean hook.

"It really takes a special kid to get in there and box competitively," says Dale Berger, the head coach at the Neillsville Community Boxing Club.

"It's like boom, you get hit and it's like out of nowhere," adds Waltemate. "You don't know where it's coming from. It kept getting easier and easier on the first fight. Ever since then, I don't feel them."

Waltemate's journey in the sport began at the age of 12, when he followed his brother to a practice at the Community Boxing Club. Just two years later, he is already a state champion, and a two-time junior Olympic champion. Later this week, he will compete for a national title.

"He started knowing nothing coming in. Now he has turned into someone that's competing for nationals. That's huge. Jake has worked very hard to get to this point," says Berger.

Waltemate says it's the one-on-one competition that makes boxing special.

"You're just up in the ring, nowhere to go until you get done with the fight. You just have to go, non-stop, because I have no one to back me up besides myself," adds Waltemate.

While boxing came naturally, the same could not be said for Waltemate's patience. The gym is only open two days a week, which did not sit well with the 14-year-old brawler.

"His work ethic is incredible," says Berger. "Jake is out there with one of our other coaches, I know he was running the hills yesterday. He puts in that extra work when he's not down in the gym."

"If I keep pushing myself, more and more, I can keep going further in my life in boxing," says Waltemate.

And his future looks bright. Waltemate is already receiving inquiries from the Future Olympics Boxing Association. Not bad for a kid who put on the gloves for the first time just two years ago.

"I would like to become a professional at this," says Waltemate.

When asked what it will take to become a pro, Waltemate's answer is simple.

"The motivation of the crowd and everybody else supporting me to keep going on," adds Waltemate.

The National Silver Gloves Tournament starts Wednesday in Independence, Missouri.