Outside The Ropes With Amateur Boxer 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.