Jon Quinit earns spot on Canadian National Boxing Team

I recently talked to Jon at the United Boxing Club in Winnipeg where he trains with coaches/owners Kent Brown, JT Smith and Ryan Savage. Jon took some time out of a sparring session with junior champions and coach Brown. Here is what he had to say about his boxing career so far.

Midas Gonzales (MG): When did you realize boxing was your future?

Jonathan Quinit (JQ): Well, I was always into the art of combat. At age 5, I joined Sikaran and loved it. My lolo who I visited in California when I was 13 was also a boxer in Guam and California. He always wanted my brother and me to be like him. Actually, my brother took boxing at Orioles gym and he would teach me some skills when he got home. I decided to try it out and trained a little at Gojo Gym and then I found myself here with United Boxing Club. I’ve been competing for one year from a novice to open division.

MG: Who were your boxing inspirations?

JQ: Of course, Pacquiao is one of them because he continues to give Filipinos hope, but those fighters before him like Pancho Villa (a.k.a Francisco Guilledo, the first Asian world champion) and Flash Elorde (longest reigning World Jr. lightweight champ) were some of my heroes.

MG: Take me through a typical training day.

JQ: I usually train for four days, rest for one and then train another 4 days and so on. I wake up around 5:00 a.m. and I either do sprints or long distance running (four to eight miles). Depending on the day, I either help my dad at the printing shop from 7a.m. to 3 p.m., or school. I go to the gym from 3 p.m. to 7-ish and I work on techniques and strategies – for example, proper punching and footwork.

MG: Tell me about your strengths.

JQ: My passion and speed with both hands. My favourite punch is the left hook though I like to switch it up!

MG: What are your short and long term goals?

JQ: Experience is definitely a goal of mine and to compete in the Olympics in 2012… I am heading into my second year at the U of M and I am planning to get into the Asper School of Business to get a degree.

Jon definitely has a bright future and according to coach Brown, “the kid has a chance. He is phenomenal and smart.” He will continue to train at United Boxing Club, which has produced two other National Team members, Brandt Butt (64 kg) and Hanz Hassler (57kg).

Good luck to all, from the Pilipino Express!

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