By Lorenzo Recupero
Everett boxer Ryan Pietrantonio already cemented himself in Everett lore after punching his way to the New England Golden Gloves Championship earlier this year. Now, with his 12th victory coming by way of unanimous decision over Josh Raineri at the annual Fight Night at Dilboy event in Somerville this past weekend, he’s looking to spread word of his talents and knock down the competition at USA Boxing’s largest tournament of the year.
“I plan to pick up my training, do a lot more strength and conditioning and focus a little less on the skill part. I wanna be in super shape and strong [for nationals],” said Pietrantonio after getting the fight at Dilboy Stadium Saturday, his last before going to compete in USA Boxing’s National Tournament in October is n Ohio.
Until then, Pietrantonio says he’s got to ramp up the workload if he plans to come back home a national welterweight champion.
“More running and using the bike,” said Pietrantonio of what he’s got to do to be ready before taking part in the biggest tournament of his boxing career. “I was fully locked in, but I need to do a lot better if I want to win nationals. I did good [at Dilboy], but I know I could do better,” he said, recognizing that a win at such a widely known competition like USA Boxing’s tourney could spur him in his quest to become a name known outside of New England as well.
Pietrantonio, who fights out of the Somerville Boxing Club with trainer Alex Rivera, will be traveling on October 5th and will represent the New England Region in the tournament.
In just over two years in the ring, he’s already carved himself 12-1 overall record. His only loss was at the Dilboy Fight Night two years ago.
Some notable names to have championed USA Boxing’s Nationals include “Sugar” Shane Mosley (1989,1990) and Oscar De La Hoya (1991).