“The Gunslinger:” Local boxer set for trip to national competition
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — While his name is Jesse James and is otherwise known as “The Gunslinger,” he is more than just for show.
The high school senior is set to compete at Silver Glove Nationals next week in Independence, Missouri. This after the 17-year-old James won several state and regional titles to qualify at 154 pounds.
A confident combatant, he always felt from a young age that he could perform at a high level.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“I realized I was good at it,” James said. “I felt I had the talent and might as well take it to the top. I do a lot. I come here at like 11 in the morning and I stay until like 7-8 at night. We’re always training. Always got great coaches around me. Always helping me. Always breaking stuff down. I’m always prepared for whatever comes to me. I hope to win. I hope to beat anybody. Become victorious, come home with the belt.”
Among the coaches in his corner is UFC veteran Derek Brunson. James has been going to Brunson’s MMA & Fitness for nearly eight years.
While it can be hard to evaluate children, Brunson says James manages to stand out.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“It’s funny, you really can’t tell much when somebody first comes in,” Brunson said. “But you can tell the kids who really enjoy it, who are really consistent. I think the sky is the limit for Jesse. You got to have a passion for it. You got to be consistent over a period of time. He definitely has amplified those characters. I think he can definitely go far.”
The contest site is around 25 miles from where the historical outlaw Jesse James was born, but the modern “Gunslinger” has his focus on preparing for anyone he squares up against.
“Just seeing my opponents, trying to break down, trying to get a game plan for no matter what style I see,” James said. “Go there and just be victorious, work hard. That’s all I can do.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
James has competed in two national events before. He lost in the bronze medal match of the Junior Olympics two years ago followed by dropping a match in the opening day of competition in last year’s event. Both were to the same fighter, who will also be at next week’s competition in Missouri. James says he’s ready should that third matchup take place.
