2 young amateur Pittsburgh boxers receive champions' welcome upon return from National Junior Olympics
A pair of young Pittsburgh boxers received a champion’s welcome Sunday night when they returned from the 2021 National Junior Olympics in Texas.
Delbert ‘Sonny’ Taylor, 19, and Michael ‘Spoonie’ James, 15, represented 412 Boxing and Third Avenue Boxing Gym in the 10-day championships in Lubbock. Tailor and James both took gold — becoming national champions — in their respective weight classes.
“Now we’re on to the next escapade,” Taylor said in the arrivals terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport after their Southwest flight from Dallas. “It feels so nice to finally get recognized for our work. Now it’s time to work even harder.”
TV cameras and officers from the Allegheny County and Pittsburgh police greeted the two teens and their coaches.
“It’s almost daunting,” Taylor said. “It’s surreal.”
The nonprofit works in connection with the Police Athletic League, and Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert was on hand to be part of the escort from the airport to the Downtown Pittsburgh gym.
“They’re very good at boxing, but this past week they got to show the nation just how good they are,” Schubert said. “It’s just incredible, and we just want to welcome them home. They’re bringing pretty incredible championship belts with them and we want to show our support.”
The gym works specifically with under-privileged young people, providing them the equipment and the life experiences they need.
Tailor said he was at a low point in his life when he began boxing.
“It kept me from veering in the wrong direction,” he said.
James said the wheels-down celebration and police escort were unexpected, but it felt good to be recognized.
Schubert, who sits on the board of the nonprofit gym, said that was the goal.
“We do it for the Steelers and the Penguins; one day hopefully we’re do it for the Pirates again,” he said. “It’s just something for us to show, ‘We’re so proud of you, of what you’ve accomplished.’
“These are good kids.”
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