With a boxing record of 3-0, sophomore Cross Potts has made strides as an early competitor. Potts trains with a boxing class called Jab-Lab, located at Grappling Concepts in Nixa, led by head coach Dejan Cvetkovic.

   “I never really knew why I started, but I always had an interest in the combat sports, and back in sixth grade, I just wanted to try it out,” Potts said. “I really had no reason to start, but I went one day, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.”

   Potts’ coach, Cvetkovic, has served as an important role in his success, whether on or off the mats.

   “It’s really great to have someone who knows more than you in your life to teach you new things every day. [They] make you a better boxer [and] in my case … a better person,” Potts said.

   For some boxers, finding motivation while training can be a struggle. 

   “You got to stay solid in your mind, keep bringing yourself up and saying, ‘Hey, I got this, man,’” Potts said.

    In addition to the mental game, people sometimes forget the physical effort that goes into a fight other than the fighting itself, making the sport much more strenuous.

    “12-ounce to 16-ounce gloves that you’re gonna be wearing in a fight,” Potts said. “People don’t realize how heavy those gloves get in 15 seconds. You know, you have to pace yourself. People think, Oh, I’m going to go out there and throw as hard and as fast as I can and hope for the best. But once you get in there with a real boxer, that’s not going to turn out too good.”