JACK’S A RINGER FOR HIS GRANDAD

Canterbury Bankstown Express
July 31, 2007 Tuesday
Australia

BOXING since the age of three, eight-year-old Jack Wilson of Belmore
doesn’t just have the experience, he has the sport in his blood.

The youngster is the latest of three generations of boxers in his
Armenian family, including his father Andrew, who is actively involved
in training, and his grandfather Jacques, who was a professional
fighter until 1969.

Jack has been counting the days until he’s allowed to fight in
competition and is working hard with his dad at Belmore PCYC to
prepare for what’s ahead.

"I just love fighting, training and sparring it’s all a lot of fun,"
Jack said.

"I want to go to the Olympics when I’m 17 and become the youngest
boxer to win a gold medal."

Recently, Andrew pulled out the old newspaper clippings and records
of Jacques from his glory days to show his son how significant the
sport is in the family.

"These records are very important to us," he said.

"When Jack gets older he can understand why he started the sport and
how he has the ability to be a champion like his grandfather."

But Jack said he is well aware of how deep boxing goes in his family
almost 60 years.

Among the records were recent newspaper articles about Jacques’
trainer and close friend, Bernie Hall, who died from Parkinson’s
disease in May.

"It was sad to see him pass away," Andrew said.

"It would have been great for Bernie to teach Jack his specialties,
like good footwork and how to baulk like a pro."

But Andrew and Jacques believe that the youngster has what it takes
to make it all the way.

"I’ve taught him the importance of discipline and how toughness on
the inside can make a great fighter.

"You need the ‘no fear’ factor as well."