Many mothers would be reluctant to hear that their children were getting into fistfights, but Kevin Ercolano's mother was actually the person who encouraged him to take up boxing.
The all-around athlete was musing about ways to get faster reflexes when his mother mentioned something she had read in a book.
"I was playing football and I needed to work on my feet to be more agile, quicker," said Kevin. "My mom read this book that boxing was better and makes you better at football so I joined it and surprisingly I have a lot of talent at boxing."
Kevin fought his way to his first provincial championship three years ago, and earlier this year the 17-year-old won the Golden Gloves in a bout in Chicoutimi.
Getting in the ring did help Kevin on the gridiron -- so much so that several schools have approached him with possible scholarship offers.
But Kevin is very good at boxing and his pugilism coach wants Kevin to stay in Quebec.
"Sometimes he misses boxing to go to play football and I don't agree with him because I want to keep him here with us," said Claude Mercier.
He's also confident that Kevin could represent Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games.
As for his parents, there are times they have regrets about seeing their son step into the ring for a fight.
"We are still nervous, very very nervous when we watch. It is hard to stay still and not move when you watch it," said Eddie Ercolano.
Kevin says he loves training multiple times a week and being physically fit. He also loves the chance to push himself hard.
"Before the fights my training is intense. I take it very seriously and I push myself to the max every day," said Kevin.
"I mentally prepare myself, that I know I'm ready for the fight so that I go into the ring confident."
Fundraiser next weekend
Kevin's next big match in in Warsaw at an open competition from November 20-27, and his family and team are raising money for the trip.
A fundraising breakfast takes place November 4, 2012 at Bistro Le Rossignol, 5580 Boulevard Des Rossignols in Laval.
Anyone wanting to buy $10 tickets can contact Kevin's father, Eddie Ercolano.
If you know a great amateur athlete in your community, email Randy today and they may end up being profiled as one of Randy's Rookies.
