Norfolk Sailor Boxer Trains in the Ring

NORFOLK (NNS) -- A Norfolk Sailor has spent much of his off-time training as a boxer with dreams of overcoming odds to find glory in the ring.

By day, Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Eric Chandler, resale operations management (ROM) II technician, carries out his duties with the Navy Supply (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Norfolk, Operations Department, Fleet Assist Team. When he isn't on duty, he is "putting in work" by running, lifting weights and other training to be the best boxer he can be.

"I'm up at 4:30 running before work," said Chandler. "After work, I'll lift weights or go to the gym to box. I train three times a day, six days a week."

Chandler, a six-year Navy veteran, trains at the Box-N-Go Gym in Norfolk. He has only been boxing for two years, and his first fight was barely over a year ago. Since then, he has won several fights including some by knockout. Last year, he was selected for the Navy's All-Navy Boxing Team.

His fighting weight is 201 pounds putting him in the heavyweight class for amateur boxing. As an amateur fighter, he participates in fights sanctioned by USA Boxing, the national governing body for Olympic-style amateur boxing. It is overseen by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Boxing Association (AIBA), formerly the United States Amateur Boxing Federation, that sets the rules.

"I really enjoy the mental aspect of boxing," said Chandler. "To me, boxing is like a chess match. When I'm in the ring, my job is to hit a guy who has trained to not get hit, without getting hit myself. You have to think two or three steps ahead of your opponent all the time or you won't win many fights."

Chandler's goal is to turn professional by the age of 28. His next fight is in Wilson, N.C., June 29.


For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/ .