Perseverance, Drive and Heart Lead To Sean Cogavin’s First W

You play football…you play baseball…you play basketball.  You don’t play boxing…you fight.

Many people think that boxing is no more than two people throwing punches at each other within a squared ring; few understand the components that lead up to even stepping foot between the ropes…the blood, sweat and tears exuded by a fighter inside and out of the gym, the discipline to make weight, and the sacrifices required to put 100 percent into all aspects of training.

For 22-year-old Sean Cogavin, boxing isn’t simply a hobby or a ‘recreational sport’; it has become a way of life.  Since lacing up the gloves for the first time only a few months ago, Cogavin immediately felt his connection to the sport. 

Training out of Aces Boxing Club in Boonton, New Jersey, Cogavin has always been the first one in and the last one out of the gym, motivating veterans of the game while inspiring newcomers. 

After only months of training, Cogavin got his taste at amateur boxing, and despite suffering defeats against more experienced boxers in his first four trips to the squared circle, he refused to get down on himself and become complacent with his training.

All of his hard work paid off this past Friday night when he earned his first ‘W’ as an amateur boxer, stopping his opponent 40 seconds into the 2^nd round of their bout. 

“I needed a win, and needed it big,” said Cogavin about the win.  “Each loss, I didn’t really feel like I was getting discouraged, I was just wondering what I was doing wrong.  I am in the gym six days a week.  Going in I was confident, but a little skeptical and nervous.  My opponent was given a standing eight count in the first round and 

I could see that my punches were hurting him.  In the second round I stepped on him, knocked him down, and when he got back up, I jumped back on him and the ref stopped it.”

Cogavin proved to himself and all of his teammates at Aces that hard work and diligence inside and out of the ring pay off.  Never did he become down on himself or think he didn’t belong in the sport.  Instead he continued to work hard and knew that he would be victorious if he stayed perseverant.

About the win, Cogavin commented, “I can’t even tell you how good it felt.  I thought, ‘thank God!’  The kid I fought had a lot of fans, and to go in and be an underdog on his turf and come out with the kind of win I did, it was great.  I can’t even put the feeling into words.”

Through his first four fights Cogavin went to battle with fighters who had been training the majority of their lives, and the young pugilist knew that each time out was a learning experience. 

“It’s a brand new sport for me, so I knew I was going to take some losses in the beginning,” said Cogavin.  “Each of my four fights were tough, against guys who had more fight, more experience and more gym time.  I’m playing catch up.  Taking some beatings is part of the game.  I was expecting it.  It didn’t beat me down though.  Each fight my eyes opened up more and more.  Now each fight I am calmer, and I know what to expect.”

There’s a reason why boxers a rare breed.  Boxing isn’t a seasonal recreation sport like basketball or baseball.  If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.  To be successful with the gloves on, boxers must be able to commit 100 percent to everything they do, from their roadwork, to maintaining their diets, to showing up at the gym and working hard day in and day out.

Sean Cogavin is a testament of what can be accomplished through hard work and an unrelenting desire to improve and work towards achieving greatness.

Going forward Cogavin is looking to remain active and try to fight every weekend leading up to the Golden Gloves tournament in 2013. 

“In boxing you have to keep your head up,” said Cogavin.  “Each loss is nothing but a learning experience.  Keep on chugging along.  Each time you fight you gain more and more experience.  It takes balls to do what we do.”

22-year-old Sean Cogavin has the work ethic of a seasoned veteran, and continues to get better every fight.  There isn’t much that can stand in the way of the hard hitting, slick southpaw, and there is no doubt that he has not only the heart and the drive to go far in this sport but also the skills, tools and resources. 

“I’d like to thank Aces Boxing Club and everybody along the way,” Cogavin closed with.  “My mom and dad always give me a great deal of support, and even boxing writers Chris Cella and Steve Janoski. What you guys do, it makes it great.” 

For more information about Sean Cogavin and Aces Boxing Club visit www.acesboxing.com.

Bobby Gunn Jr. Ready To Return to Ring

To most teens, playing recreational sports is merely a hobby.  But for 16-year-old Bobby Gunn Jr., each time he wraps his hands and laces up his leather gloves it is about working toward a dream he’s held close to his heart since he first entered a boxing gym nearly 13 years ago—to one day win a world title. 

Displaying the same poise, dedication and perseverance shown through the career of his father and accomplished former IBA Cruiserweight champion Bobby Gunn, Gunn Jr. is anxious to get back between the ropes.

Currently training out of Aces Boxing Club in Boonton, Bobby Gunn has been working diligently with his son to get him ready for his return to the ring November 16. 

Gunn Jr. was born and bred into boxing, and comes from a long line of fighters.  By the age of three he was accompanying his dad into gyms throughout Paterson and Jersey City, learning the art of pugilism from some of the sport’s top fighters.

“Boxing takes unrelenting discipline and dedication, and little Bobby knows how hard he has to work if he wants to accomplish great things in this sport,” said Bobby Gunn.  “He’s up early every day getting his road work in, and gives it his all each time he goes to the gym.”

Having competed since the age of nine, Gunn Jr. is eager to make his return to the squared circle and get a few amateur bouts under his belt before the 2013 Golden Gloves. 

Former heavyweight knockout artist and Golden Gloves advocate Lou Esa recently had the chance to watch Gunn in action, and immediately recognized the skills displayed by the young fighter.

"Gunn Jr. is one of the most talented and driven fighters," said Esa. "He's got the heart and the skills to take after his dad and become a world champion."

Don’t miss Bobby Gunn Jr.’s highly anticipated return to the ring as he will be fighting on a card hosted by Aces Fight Promotions of New Jersey.

For more information visit www.acesboxing.com.

Aces Boxing Club To Host Official Grand Opening August 25

Aces Boxing Club of Boonton has announced they will be hosting their official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this Saturday, August 25.  The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with the mayor cutting the ribbon promptly at noon.  Refreshments will be available throughout the day, and specials and promotions will be offered as well as complimentary training passes.

Additionally, the grand opening will allow prospective clients to check out and walk through Aces Boxing Club’s facility and speak one-on-one with various trainers to discuss their specific training needs and how Aces can help them meet them; there will be various meet-and-greets with current boxers, including former IBA World Cruiserweight Champion Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn, Hector Camacho Jr., and several other up-and-coming stars.

 “Since we first opened up our doors a few months ago, we have received a tremendous response from the local community,” said Joe Zabry, owner of Aces Boxing Club.  “We are honored that the Mayor is coming out for the official ribbon cutting ceremony, and we look forward to making Aces Boxing Club a household name throughout New Jersey.”

Aces Boxing Club is more than a boxing gym.  In addition to offering various boxing skill and strength and conditioning programs, and an after school program to keep local kids off the streets and giving them something positive to work on rather than getting into trouble, Aces Boxing has recently implemented a scholarship program for boxers who want to go to college as well as adults looking to further their education.  

Aces Boxing Club is North Jersey’s premier boxing facility looking to help contribute to keeping the local kids on track and focused on a positive future.  

The 3,000+ square foot boxing club offers the feel of an old school boxing gym coupled with the latest advancements in sports conditioning and training. 

The new boxing club offers a variety of training programs for kids and adults of all ages and athletic levels, from the beginner boxer to the seasoned professional. 

Aces Boxing Club is located at 718 Main Street “Top Floor” Boonton, NJ 07005; Phone- 973-794-6509.  On Main Street, go through the double doors at 718, and go up to the top floor, and through another set of double doors.

For more information on how to get started at Aces Boxing Club visit www.acesboxingclub.com.

Aces Boxing Club To Host ‘Back In Black Round II” August 10

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On Friday, August 10, boxing again returns to Boonton as Aces Boxing Club hosts ‘Back In Black Round II’.  The show is a follow-up to their inaugural show held in May, where seven amateur boxers competed for Aces Boxing Club.

“The show back in May was great; it gave our boys a chance to fight in front of their hometown friends, family and fans,” said Joe Zabry, owner and coach of Aces Boxing Club.  “We received an overwhelming response from the community and are hoping this next show is even a bigger success.”

Aces second show will consist of 10 bouts featuring local boxers of varied ages competing against fighters from some of the top boxing gyms in North Jersey. 

Opening the gym on Main Street in March, Aces has quickly established themselves as the premier boxing club in Morris County, offering an array of boxing skills programs, as well as strength and conditioning classes and core training.

A close knit town, Boonton has welcomed Aces with open arms and continues to embrace what the boxing club brings to the community.

“We continue to receive an abundance of support from the town of Boonton—residents and other local businesses,” said Zabry.  “It means a great deal to be able to put on these show every few months to showcase the up-and-coming talent produced from our club.”

In addition to the 10 amateur bouts, Aces has also announced that there may be a special exhibition pro bout featuring Boonton’s own Anthony Fraguada. 

In addition to the assortment of training programs offered at Aces—including women’s only competition training, specific programs for Cops and Firefighters, Boxing for MMA, and more—Aces is implementing a scholarship program for high school students and adults pursuing continued education.

Aces Boxing Club’s ‘Back In Black Round II’ amateur boxing show will be held at the Boonton Elks Lodge, 125 Cornelia Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.  The doors open at 7 p.m. with the first bout beginning at 8 p.m.  Tickets are now available at the boxing club, and are expected to sell fast so boxing fans are encouraged to get their tickets in advance to avoid the show being sold out on August 10. 

Aces Boxing Club is located at 718 Main Street “Top Floor” Boonton, NJ 07005; Phone- 973.794.6509.  On Main Street, go through the double doors at 718, and go up to the top floor, and through another set of double doors.

For more information on how to get started at Aces Boxing Club visit www.acesboxing.com.

Inside the Ropes With Women’s Boxer Trista Arnesen

This summer marks the first time women’s boxing will be held as an Olympic event, and in addition to showing the ongoing progression of the sport, it also shows that it is no longer a “Boy’s Only” club. 

While Stanhope resident Trista Arnesen may not have immediate plans to embark on a journey to prepare for the 2016 Olympics—although it is not out of the realm of possibility—the 28-year-old finds her way to Aces Boxing Club in Boonton six days a week where she laces the gloves up and works diligently at improving at her craft. 

Nearly five years ago Trista stepped into a boxing gym for the first time for the sole purpose of purchasing training sessions for her now husband.

“While I was there, I was told that they held women’s classes and that the first class was complimentary,” said Trista.  “Needless to say, I loved my first boxing workout; I was addicted after that first night, signed up immediately and haven’t looked back since.”

What began as a hobby and a means of training has quickly transformed into working towards a goal—Trista has her eyes set on August to make her amateur debut under the tutelage and watchful eye of owner and head coach of Aces Boxing Club—Joe Zabry. 

“I would love to step between the ropes and get my first amateur fight,” said Trista.  “I’ve been training daily and really try to listen to the advice from Coach Joe and the more experienced boxers, and implement it into my training regime.  If I’m able to  take on a few fights, I’d love to do it.”

Outside of the ring Trista balances a full-time job with her married life, and come the fall she will be returning to school to finish her last semester of nursing school.  Her genuine and personable demeanor she maintains with her fellow boxers is a testament to her character, although once she puts the gloves on it is all business. 

On several occasions she has proven she is there to get work in, never shying away from a chance to spar with one of her male counterparts.   

“I love boxing for a lot of reasons,” said Trista.  “The small club feel, feeling the team environment shared between the other boxers at the gym.  I like going in to spar and feeling like ‘one of the guys’ and not just some silly girl trying to do a ‘man’s sport.”

In any sport it is tough for a woman to feel at home when surrounded by a gym full of men, though Trista has established herself as a credible fighter with a vicious left hook and unrelenting desire to continue to get better within the squared circle. 

“Boxing is appealing to me because it is a great cardiovascular workout and I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me,” said Trista.  “I enjoy being pushed to train harder and in boxing, you can always be training harder.” 

There’s an old adage in boxing…You play baseball, you play basketball, you play football…you don’t play boxing…you fight.

Trista Arnesen displays that conviction and determination each time she steps into Aces Boxing Club and goes to work with her team.  A leader by example and someone other’s look to for motivation, the hard hitter with fast hands has the talent and desire to make a  big impact within the women’s amateur boxing scene, and undoubtedly will find success in any endeavor she embarks upon inside and out of the ring.

“I’d have to say that I was extremely lucky to walk into the boxing gym five years ago and meet Coach Joe Zabry,” says Trista.  “I’ve been lucky enough to be training and working out with him ever since; he’s an incredible coach and an all-around great guy.  I love that he pushes me and doesn’t care what the excuse of the day is.  He wants his fighters to train harder than anyone else, and he makes sure they do, that’s for sure.”

For more information on Aces Boxing Club and to stay afloat of when Trista Arnesen will be making her amateur debut, visit www.acesboxingclub.com.  

Outside The Ropes With John Facchinei

Discipline and dedication have become more than simply words to amateur boxer John Facchinei.  Those two words are embedded inside the mind of the 24-year-old, and each morning he wakes up he puts them into practice as he begins his training regime for the day. 

For over a year Facchinei has trained at Aces Boxing Club, and he made his amateur debut last October in the 178-pound weight class.  Although he lost, Facchinei gained a lot of experience and took a lot out of the fight. 

“It was a great learning experience,” said Facchinei.  “I went in there and was out of my element.  You hear what is said in the gym, but when you are actually in a fight and going through it, you realize what you have to do.  I learned how quick I need to be, and that 178 probably wasn’t the best weight class.  I cut a lot of weight since the last fight.  Coming off that loss I had that hunger, so I have been working hard to get better.”

Facchinei returns to the ring May 25 and will be fighting at 160 pounds. 

While playing linebacker for the Western Connecticut State University football team, Facchinei pursued a degree in Justice and Law Administration, and upon graduation in 2011, he sought out a new sport to remain active.

At a young age Facchinei was introduced to boxing.  He grew up watching fights with his dad and grandfather—who were tremendous fans of the sport.  Having much admiration for the dedication and discipline exhibited by boxers, Facchinei found his way to the boxing gym and began training.

“Through my life I have always had passion for boxing, and had much respect for fighters due to the hard work they put in,” said Facchinei.  “When I was done with football, I wanted to pick up this sport.”

The drive and dedication John Facchinei exudes in his personal life is clearly carried over into his boxing training.  The young fighter understands the demands of the sport and embraces them with open arms. 

As he chooses to box competitively, he accepts the responsibility of the lifestyle that is required of the sport. 

Outside of the gym Facchinei works full-time as a Security Officer, and is working towards becoming a Police or Corrections Officer.  On a daily basis he goes to work and then training, in addition to balancing a social life.

“It’s not really hard to balance because I want to do it,” said Facchinei.  “If you don’t want to do it then it can be real tough.  I am fortunate that my job doesn’t interfere with training.  The training is hard.  That’s one of the reasons why I chose this sport; Coach (Joe Zabry) always says that in order to be successful, it’s not just about coming to the gym.  When you get here it’s always going to be hard and you have to put the work in.  It’s about getting up early and running before work, going to work, watching what I eat throughout the day, training at night, then going home to bed, and waking up the next morning to do it again.  It’s sacrificing your weekends, coming in and sparring, and taking care of your body.  It is hard work, but if you want to do it, you do it.  I chose boxing because of the discipline and dedication the sport requires; for me it’s not a problem.”

To prepare for his bout May 25 John Facchinei is ensuring that his opponent is not training harder than he is.  His unrelenting work ethic and desire to improve all aspects of his fight game can be seen in the blood and sweat he leaves in the gym each day.  But while he strives to push ahead and improve, he is always more than willing to work with one of his teammates in the weight room or with the pads. 

John Facchinei is a class act outside the ropes and a work horse inside the gym, and has the desire and drive to have a future within the sport. 

Going forward in 2012, Facchinei is looking to stay active within the squared circle and fight consistently. 

“I haven’t really set any goals for myself inside the ring,” said Facchinei.  “I am just taking it one week at a time, continuing to learn, and just keep doing it and working.  If an opportunity presents itself to take it to the next level and the time is right with everything in my life, I would love to.  I want to stay active, and I don’t plan on stopping for a long time.”

John Facchinei prides himself on being a strong leader within Aces Boxing Club, and is anxious to step between the ropes on May 25 and go to work.

“I’d like to give a shot out to my grandfather Clem Facchinei.  He passed away when I first started boxing, and he is my inspiration for doing this.  I know he’s proud of me.”

For tickets to John Facchinei’s fight May 25 visit Aces Boxing Club in Boonton (718 Main Street, Top Floor).  The fight is May 25 at the Boonton Elks Lodge (125 Cornelia Street, Boonton, NJ 07005).  Doors open at 7 p.m. with the first fight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.