DAVENPORT, Iowa — Davenport boxers are getting the chance to go all out, training for the Golden Gloves National Tournament.
12 fighters at the Davenport Boxing Club have been training hard, throwing punches and working out at the Lincoln Community Center on East 7th Street.
The athletes placed well at the recent state tournament in Iowa City, which qualified them for the Nationals.
"It's just a great opportunity, just to be able to show that I'm the best at my weight class," boxer Cederick Thomas said.
For many fighters like Thomas, it's not about a prize or trophy.
"The real goal is to be on top — to be number one," he said. "I fell up short a couple times, but this time obviously I plan to take off. My goal is to end up being a world boxing champion in my weight class. I want to be the best."
Jaylin Buckley had been out of the ring for almost six years.
"When I came back, I was 186 lbs., so I had to drop 40 lbs. to get to where I am now," Buckley said.
Now she's back — not just for fitness, but for family as well.
"I have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old — that's who I'm doing it for," she said. "Just showing them those healthy habits consistently day-by-day. Showing them what it's like to build and be great. Self-made, ya know?"
Da'Monte Smith had won several Nationals before, training hard and planning to pull no punches.
"Dialin' in and using all the pain that I feel for motivation," he said. "To motivate me to keep going."
For him, it's about being a positive role model to others.
"To let them know like 'Yo, if you put your mind to anything, sky's the limit,'" Smith said. "Anything's a possibility as long as you believe."
The fighters from the Davenport Boxing Club will leave May 6 for the national championship in Chester, PA which runs May 8 to May 13.