EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is hosting some of the nation’s most promising young boxing talent this weekend.
The 2025 National Junior & Youth Golden Gloves Championship kicked off Sunday morning at Camp Jordan Arena, with top athletes from across the country competing.
We spoke with local pro Roger “The Hitman” Hilley, who turned pro in 2016 after medaling in the Olympic trials.
Here is what he told News 12:
“It’s a lot of hours that people don’t get to see. Most people, they just see you get your hand raised in the ring, but they don’t see the hours and dedication that not only the fighters but the coaches put in. With the fighters taking trips out of town to go spar and preparing to pick them up after school, we make sure they get done with their schoolwork and then they can start the training.”
The tournament features boys and girls ages 8 to 18, all fighting for national titles in their weight class.
