Horton’s Gym has a home. A very large home with room for Duluth’s finest to train and grow, or train and shrink, depending on what you are looking for. Horton’s Gym isn’t just for those who want to compete in boxing, but also for people who just want to get the most out of their bodies. I believe their doors opened to the public this past Monday.
For more information get in contact with Chuck Horton or stop by the gym. Address for gym below.
Horton’s Gym
614 East First Street
Duluth MN
Update: I have just been informed by MSC that they have pulled their bid for the Joey Abell/Raphael Butler fight and are not pursuing at this time.
With so much action in the local boxing scene, I thought I would go over whats been talked about and whats been signed. During iFan.tv’s webcast of Bridge Battle II, Tony Grygelko and I had some time to talk about all the super fights to come in the next 6 to 12 months, and I thought I would share what we talked about as well as the one confirmed big fight.
Matt “The Predator” Vanda vs Phil “The Drill” Williams / Sept. 26 Target Center / MSC
This fight is signed and has a date at the Target Center. I am looking forward to seeing how Phil fairs against the very tough Vanda. Matt’s had trouble with the bigger fellas in the past but they had much more experience than The Drill does. Great match up of size and style. Really looking forward to this one.
Andy “Kaos” Kolle vs “Golden” Caleb Truax / date and place of a ?/ Horton’s Gym Promotions and Seconds Out Promotions?
The fight is not signed but there has been a gentleman’s agreement between Tony Grygelko and Chuck Horton. Andy Kolle is the Minnesota Middleweight champ with victories over Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante and Matt Vanda. “Golden” Caleb Truax is thought to be one of our states future stars as well as the top contender to Kolles title. I love this fight. Its always great to see the best against the best.
Jason Litzau vs Wilton Hilario /date and place ?/ rumors for both MSC and Seconds Out Promotions
Jason Litzau, courtesy of SnapLocally.com
No matter who the promoter ends up being or where it is fought, this is a must see match up for all true boxing fans. Jason Litzau has gone further in the national scene than any current Minnesota fighter. Wilton Hilario just got done taking care of Allen Litzau and is ready to bring his name to the top of the MN fighter list. The rumors are that this could be part of the Sept 26 card at Target Center, but I have also heard it could headline a date at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul for Seconds Out Promotions.
Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell vs Raphael Butler / date and place?/ rumors for both MSC and Seconds Out Promotions
A fight Minnesota boxing fans have been waiting on for a long time. Nothing brings out the people like a good heavyweight match up. And as far as Minnesota heavy’s go, it doesn’t get any bigger than this. Rumors have had this fight taking place at the Target Center for MSC, but it is also rumored that Seconds Out Promotions will be handling the affair. Again, either way, I can not wait to see the big fellas in action.
Zach “Jungleboy” Walters vs Phil “The Drill” Williams / was to be this fall / Horton’s Gym Promotions
Phil had been very vocal about this fight for the last few months. Not really sure why he decided against it but his Target Center date would be hard to pass up. I really hope The Drill wasn’t just all talk. I really like Phil and the times I have been able to talk with him have been a pleasure. I think he is a good guy and was given an offer he could not refuse. Hopefully if Phil can beat Vanda he will be ready to step in there with somebody his own size. He has been asking for Zach and Zach has been saying yes. It will be interesting to see if Phil really has meant all he has said.
Zach “Jungleboy” Walters vs Matt “The Predator” Vanda/ Vanda just called out Zach the day of Zach last fight
I’m sure if the offer was serious, Zach would give him the opportunity. Well, that’s my thought.
Courtesy Walters Photography, all rights reserved
My first experience with Chuck Horton came 8 plus years ago. I was about 40 pounds over weight when I moved to the twin ports from the twin cities and from my prior boxing experience knew there was no better way to take off weight and get the best workout than going to the boxing gym. At that time, Horton’s gym had a huge sign looking onto 35 and I knew that’s where I needed to go.
The same fear I had entering a boxing gym in my early twenties was again upon me as I entered Horton’s gym. Chuck was in the front lobby and asked what I was doing there. Intimidated would be a big understatement. Once Chuck found out that I used to box and had spent plenty of time sparring in twin cities gyms, I felt right at home. Now I would like to say that I got in there and worked out with Zach Walters and some of the other great boxers at the gym but that would not be telling the truth. Fitness boxing with mostly ladies is where I could be found. From time to time I went to the competitive boxer workouts, but knew I was no where near ready to play with the big boys. My workouts with Chuck and the ladies helped me to shed those 40 pounds and more. A new job forced me away from the gym shortly after.
Ever since that time in the gym and watching Chuck work with his boxers I have had a ton of respect for Mr. Horton. I have been lucky enough to live in the twin ports for most of Zach “Jungleboy” Walters career and Horton’s promotions events. Again, for most of this time, I had a healthy respect and sometimes fear of Chuck. When I say fear, its not that I ever felt threatened but always respected Chuck’s abilities. When I would see him around town his comment to me would be, “When are you going to get your fat ass in the gym.” Some would be offended by such a comment, but I think Chuck knew who he was speaking to and those are the type of comments that motivate me. If you work out with Horton, the only way you get to stay is by giving it your absolute all, whether you are trying to lose weight or working towards a big fight. The magic of Chuck is that he can read each person and know exactly what they need to hear and do to reach the goals set.
I have been accused at times of being a “homer”. Guilty as charged. I am a “homer” for all Minnesota boxers, but have a special place for those fighting out of Horton’s gym. As most know, Duluth is not a major city. We are a fraction of the population of the twin cities and yet the Best boxer in Minnesota, Andy “Kaos” Kolle, and the Best super middleweight and light heavyweight, Zach “Jungleboy” Walters, both fight out of Horton’s gym in Duluth Minnesota. Those close to Horton know, pros Gary Eyer, RJ Laase, and some of the amateurs have bright futures in the years to come. I take nothing away from these fighters when I say its more than a coincidence they box out of Horton’s gym. All of Chuck’s fighters know and agree that Chuck Horton is a big part of who they are as boxers and men.
A few weeks back I talked to Chuck in an effort to continue my series of “meet the promoters”, this talk resulted in me joining team Horton. This really shows who Chuck is. The reason he wanted me to join his team is the fact that I have the utmost respect for every boxer who enters that ring. He knows that I am a big fan of Seconds Out Promotions, he knows that along with being a HUGE Andy Kolle fan, I am also a big Caleb Truax fan and supporter. There is no problem with the fact that I get almost as excited for the next Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell fight as I do to see Zach “Jungleboy” Walters in the ring. My point, the man they call “Shark”, loves boxing and what is best for those in the ring. Yes, his fighters will always be the most important to him, but he respects all the guys that get in to the ring and give it their all. He respects the fact that all fight cards are needed and he cannot be a part of them all. These are portions of Chuck that do not always get conveyed. When Caleb, Joey, Phil, Jason, Wilton or any other Minnesota fighter takes on an out of state foe, team Horton wants them to win. In the big picture, success for any Minnesota fighter is good for everyone involved in Minnesota boxing.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Chuck Horton has his guy’s back. Andy, Zach, Gary, RJ, etc, will always be priority number one for Chuck and team Horton. But with the recent agreement with Tongy Grygelko of Seconds Out Promotions, some misinformation and rumors have been squashed. He is putting his money where his mouth is. Its great to see guys who have spent their entire lives in boxing taking control of Minnesota’s boxing future. It is very fitting that Chuck Horton, Tony Grygleko, Ron Peterson, and others who have actually trained some of the very best boxers and have tasted leather themselves are all willing to work together to give the fighters the best opportunity to reach their goals.
Chuck Horton is a man with a passion for boxing. Chuck Horton is one of the very best boxing minds and trainers in the state and can hold his own with just about any in the country. I am proud to say I am working with Chuck now. And I am even more proud to say that we are and will continue to work with others who have brought so much to Minnesota boxing.
Todd
Photo Courtesy of Walters Photography, all rights reserved
A verbal agreement between Chuck Horton and Tony Grygelko has been made. They plan to have a super showdown 
between Andy “Kaos” Kolle and “Golden” Caleb Truax this fall. They will each have two fights before they meet each other in the ring. Minnesota’s Champ and the top contender, That’s what I’m talking about! More to come shortly.
Yet another great reason to get to Hinckley Grand Casino June 5th, I believe you just may see both Walters and Kolle there as well. The possibility of both, Zach Walters vs Phil Williams and Andy Kolle vs Caleb Truax this fall, what more can a boxing fan ask for? These fights will be co promoted by Seconds Out Promotions and Horton’s Gym promotions.
I have been a huge fan of Seconds Out and Horton’s gym from day one. I could not be happier. Thank you both for BRINGING IT.
Jorey helping set the ring up for what would be his last amateur fight.
Jorey Olson and Anthony Wallace will be making their professional debuts against each other May 21, in Duluth MN. Those that don’t think boxing is a team sport have not talked to Jorey. This bright, strong boxer can be seen hanging heavy bags, building boxing rings, and helping fellow Horton’s Gym fighters prepare for upcoming events. Anyone who has met the powerful boxer would be hard pressed to find a reason to root against him. His work rate and never stop action in the ring have made him a crowd favorite at past amateur events. Jorey Olson and Al Sands had the most memorable performance in Grandma’s Sports Garden boxing history, their fight to a draw would be Jorey’s last as an amateur and a fitting way to enter his next faze as a boxer. Below Jorey answers a few questions for us.
M….. What brought you to the sport of boxing?
Jorey….. “I originally came to boxing because I was looking for away to develop confidence in myself and something that would strengthen my body and my mind. Boxing definately does that. It’s like trial by fire, and when you come out the other side, you’re stronger for it. Over the last three and a half years training at Horton’s, I’ve gone from the worst shape of my life to the best. I can say without a doubt boxing has helped shape who and where I am today.”
M….. Are there any professional boxers you pattern yourself after?
Jorey….. “If there were anyone that I pattern myself after it would be the other pros in the gym. Guys like Zach, Andy, Gary, and RJ. I came to the sport as an outsider and didn’t know very many specifics. I pattern myself after what I see day in and day out in the gym– that’s hard work and dedication. I watch the way others at the gym train and push themselves, and it’s like osmosis. Hard work is contagious.”
M….. How did you come to the decision to turn pro?
Jorey….. “It seemed like the natural progression. Boxing is all about taking on tougher and tougher chalenges. Also, at 27 years old, its kinda now or never. I want to live out this part of my life before children come along, because when my wife and I have kids I know that’s going to be the focus of my life. So while I can, I want to fight to the best of my ability.”
M….. How cool is it to be able to have your first pro fight in front of your hometown fans?
Jorey….. “Amazing! I’m so pumped to fight at the Sports Garden in front of my friends and family. When you get to fight for your hometown it really validates all the hard work that goes into the training. Most of my amatuer fights were there at the sports garden as well, so it’s a very comfortable location.”
M…… What are some of your other interests?
Jorey….. “Nutrition. I love it. Finding out the science of food and how whatever you eat works with your body is amazing. I eat that stuff up, literally haha. I do computers too. I’m a bit of a closet nerd. I’m as at home inside a computer as I am in the ring.”
M….. In your last fight as an amateur you and Al Sands put on one of the best shows I have seen in the ring. Do you think your style will be any different as a pro?
Jorey….. “I loved that fight. That was a blast. I needed to be pushed like that, and I couldn’t have found a tougher guy to find my limits. Al Sands is a tough guy, a heavy hitter, and I’m sure that one of these days he’s going to be an awesome pro. I looked forward to that fight as a test to prove to myself that I had it in me to go pro. As far as changing my style, I’m not sure that it will. I’d like to think that my style will change to the situation I’m in at the moment. I think I’ll be able to adapt and come out with the winning tatic and attack.”
M….. How has training with pros like Zach Walters, Andy Kolle, Gary Eyer and RJ Laase helped you progress?
Jorey….. “I think that it has helped me immensely. To be able to have guys with that kind of skill and boxing knowledge, and to be able to train with them everyday is a huge asset to my improvement. They clean up my bad habits, teach me better techniques, and show me things that they’ve learned.”
M…… Have you changed things in your training to get you prepared for professional boxing?
Jorey….. “I’ve really stepped up my intensity and conditioning. I have put in alot of miles in on the road, and put alot of focus on correcting my “bad habits”. I feel awesome right now.”
M…… What can we expect to see from Jorey the professional boxer?
Jorey….. “I think what you’re going to see is a great fight. I always try to leave everything I have in the ring, and I don’t quit.”
M….. Do you have a ring name?
Jorey….. “Norwegian Nightmare. It’s like a bad viking dream come true. haha”
I would like to thank the “Norwegian Nightmare” for taking time out to let us get to know him better.
Todd
First off, I want to take this time to publicly thank Zach Walters. He granted me an interview back in December, before I had done any proving of myself. I had worked out at Horton’s in the past, but so had countless other boxing hopefuls. I really wanted to be able to show my admiration for this man, and thankfully we set up a meeting at a local coffee shop, Zach even bought my cup of joe. It’s my belief that Zach being willing to give me a chance opened many doors for other interviews. Thank you Zach.
Courtesy Walters Photography, all rights reserved
It was about a month ago when we made the announcement that Walters was going down to supper middleweight. It’s Zach’s opinion along with his team’s that supper middle is the ideal weight for him. Jungle’s last fight against Byron Mitchell, he weighed in at 172lbs, only 4 pounds off of his new 168lbs fight weight. Zach told us while he tried to put on some muscle bulk and weight, his body was more naturally suited for supper middle. As hard as Walters would try, he could not stack on the pounds while training. This is one of my favorite things about Horton fighters, they tend to walk around very close to their fight weight. In doing so, there is no drastic steps that need to be taken in cutting weight. This is probably one of the reasons Horton’s fighters are always exciting no matter the round.
This brings me to the conversation I had with Walters. He wanted to talk about some of the things he had been doing since his fight with Byron Mitchell. “Since my last fight, I’ve been overlooking some of what’s going on in the local boxing scene. Instead, I’ve been focusing on improving my boxing game as well as helping the other boxers in the gym. We have a lot going on at Horton’s Gym for the pros and the amateurs, not to mention collecting titles (Andy Kolle winning MN State title). The other boxers in the gym have been preparing themselves to make waves of their own in the boxing scene and I have been doing what I can to help them along. Some are debuting as pros and others are stepping up to tougher fights.”
As most know, I put up a post a few days ago about possible instate fights. Zach Walters vs Phil Williams was one of the match-ups suggested, and, I have to admit, it’s a fight I had been interested in seeing. I asked Zach about his thoughts on this fight. “While keeping my attention on my own boxing business, some of the finer points in the local fight scene have gone un-noticed. Things like Phil Williams’ continued cries about wanting a fight. He sees me as the man to fight if he is to make a name for himself. Sure, I can see that. Yes, I have the MN State title and nobody denies that I won it fair and square. I even retained it in defense. Our place in the fight scene has been in disproportion with me being an established fighter with proven drawing power and Phil being a boxer on the rise with minimal pull. I don’t think I need to educate anyone about how hard I have worked to get where I am. It has been a true blessing from God to have accomplished what I have in my boxing career. Phil, on the other hand, has not put in the work I have. I look at Phil as needing to prove himself. I don’t think he has, but none-the-less he won’t shut up about a fight.”
Picture of Zach at Super Middle, courtesy of Walters Photography
These statements really do make a lot of sense. Sometimes the fan in me gets carried away. I, like many others, have mentioned the possibility of a showdown between what I see as the two best lightheavies in the state. But, just because they are the two best lightheavies doesn’t mean it makes sense for them to fight. Zach has put in quite a bit more time and fought stiffer competition. Walters, (23,4), has been fighting profesionaly since 2002, Phil Williams, (10,1), made his debut in 2006 on an undercard of one of Horton’s events at Wessman Arena in Superior WI.
Zach Walters has heard much of the comments made by Phil, including ones after his ill-fated fight April 18. At weigh-ins for the bout, Phil left in disgust after having been given an opponent that weighed 10 pounds less than Williams fully clothed. He questioned aloud why Zach Walters wouldn’t fight him and if going down to 168 was a way to avoid him. Here are Zach’s thoughts on Phil’s constant requests to fight him. “You see, Phil had his pro debut on one of my undercards so I have not payed much attention to his crying about a fight. I’ve been hearing him talk for some time now. He’s been talking since he had two fights. Talk, talk, talk. Nobody would have payed to see us fight back then. But now we have a different scenario. He’s built up his record and has now become annoying.”
Phil Williams has a very big fight coming up June 5 in Hinckley. He will be facing Jaidon Codrington (19,2) in a major step up for The Drill. Zach Walters, being the class act and inteligent fighter he is, wants Minnesota to shine that night. “I don’t want to take away his focus from his upcoming bout on June 5th. I want him to win. He is a Minnesota fighter and when one of us succeeds we all rise up with them as fighters. I have my business to take care of as well. On June 18th I am fighting at Super-middleweight and I’m set to fight. I am already sharp and the fight is still a ways out. Super middle is where I belong. But since I already had the Minnesota Light Heavyweight title before all this, I feel obligated to move back up to defend it. I know Phil has wanted the title for some time now, but there is no way I’ll give it to him. I’m not just going to vacate the title for him to deface it by fighting a journeyman to get the honors of State Champion. I busted my tail to get that belt and I don’t like the idea of letting the title go.”
It looks as though Zach “JungleBoy” Walters is willing to do the same favor for Phil as he did for me, admittedly a much more painful favor. Zach is ready to put his status as Minnesota’s best lightheavyweight on the line, even though his foe has yet to truely prove himself. Although, a win for Williams June 5th does make him much more qualified. Jungle wants to give The Drill this message:
“Message to Phil:
Well, OK then. Let’s do it Phil. You know my people so call them up. Lets make this happen. Have your management call up mine and lets do this. You are a man that likes to speak for himself. So, if you like, you can contact Shark yourself, if that is what you want. Need a place and date? This fall in Duluth at the DECC Arena. There you go. It seats 8000. Let’s pack it up and scrap it out. You know how we do things in the Northland. We treat fighters good and you’ll get the same fair treatment you always have, minus going home with a win. I told you, Phil, we’d fight when the dollars made cents. Remember that? This is fight business. Money talks. It’s time to do business. Get Some!”
I spoke with Chuck Horton about the prospect of another major show this fall. Horton’s promotions already have a card May 21 and announced an historic card Grandma’s Marthon week. Chuck seems quite excited about the prospect of a showdown this fall at what will be a newly renovated DECC. “Zach Walters vs Phil Williams headlining that show would be great. That is the sort of card where we could show off the wares of several different camps. I would love to bring in fighters from Seconds Out and In Step promotions as well as other camps. We as promoters can work together to put on one of the finest shows in some time.”
2009 is really a great year to be a Minnesota boxing fan. We are lucky to have some great proven boxing profesionals along with a growing list of boxing prospects. With names like Zach Walters, Andy Kolle, Caleb Truax, Phil Williams, Joey Abell, and so many more, there are lots of shows to be made. And, fortunately for us fans, it looks like those putting in the work are looking to make them.
Todd
Another busy month in Minnesota’s boxing world is finished. May has one pro boxing card set for Minnesota, in Duluth. Below is a quick rundown of whats happening in MN boxing.
April’s bouts:
Seconds Out Promotions April 4th recap
Horton’s Gym Amateur April 16th recap
Midwest Sports Council’s April 18th recap
Upcoming events:
Seconds Out Promotions June 5 Hinckley Grand Casino
June 18, Duluth MN, Main event, Andy “Koas” Kolle. Also featuring Zach “JungleBoy” Walters.
Interviews:
I have a number of interviews in the works. RJ Laase is taped and ready to be transcribed.
Our continuing series of meet the promoters also has another taped and ready to be transcribed. Horton’s Gym Promotions.
Look for RJ’s interview to be up Sunday or Monday, along with another part to our Jim Erickson interview.
Todd
Click here for directions to Uppercut Gym
Duluth boxers displaying their skills at this event are Al Sands, Mark Pogorelskin, Rodney Rinas, and Winston Anderson. Those four fellas box out of Horton’s gym in Duluth.
Another fun night was had thanks to the efforts of Horton’s amateur boxers. The Lost Isle in Carlton MN was full with enthusiastic fans. This event was another public workout for Duluth’s amateur boxers to prepare for their upcoming Golden Glove events. Again the winner was chosen by fan reaction at the end of the fight. Below is a rundown of how Carlton MN saw the action. I apologize for any misspelled names, I wrote down the fight list and had some trouble figuring out my own handwriting. Crowd favorite is in bold.
Justin Seehus vs Dakota Spry – These two fellas put on a great show and they have only been boxing for about three weeks.
Dawson Wrazidlo vs Mark “Magic” Pogorelskin – Due to the fact nobody in their age and weight range wants to step in the ring with the Wrazidlo boys, Dawson stepped in the ring with Magic. While Dawson gave up weight and age he came through victorious as the crowd favorite. Special thanks needs to be given to Mark Pogorelskin for giving the much feared Wrazidlo work.
Cole Wrazidlo vs Mike Monchamp – The circumstances for this bout were the same as the prior fight. Cole was declared crowd favorite. Thanks to Mike for giving Cole some work in lieu of finding a foe willing to step in with Wrazidlo.
Matt Mchgregor vs Riley Rinas – Riley’s left hook was cooking as he went on to be the crowd favorite.
Cody Lund vs Zack Overfors – This was a brawl. Almost every shot had bad intentions. Up close bang, bang fight.
Trevor Marman vs Sam Sanchez – I believe this was Sam’s first time in the ring and he made a nice showing for himself. The crowd seemed torn between the rookie and Trevor and in a show of great sportsmanship Sam declared Trevor winner.
Alex Eskola vs Matt Mchgregor – This was Alex’s first of six straight rounds, due to that fact there was not crowd victor in this fight.
Alex Eskola vs Zach Carrie – Really good fight. There were chants for both combatants throughout this tough brawl.
Mike Monchamp vs Winston Anderson – Winston brought the POWER jab. This was another fun fight with crowd ruling a draw.
Rodney Rinas vs Mark “Magic” Pogorelskin – My notes say “meaningful shots”, this one had many of those. The magic man put on a great effort but the crowd went Rodney’s way. Rodney showed some great combos and was not afraid to unleash some big left hooks.
Horton’s Gym again did not disappoint in this public workout.
An announcement that RJ Laase would be joining the April 18 pro card at Wessman Arena in Superior WI was also given.
Todd
