PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — Downtown Boxing Club member and professional boxer Quincy “Chico” Lavaris has been popularizing boxing in Panama City.
“When I started boxing, it's completely different now,” Lavaris said. “I'm fighting at a level that most people only dream of. When I started, I was the worst fighter in the gym, but I worked hard and became the best fighter in the gym.”
Lavaris' boxing career began at the age of 16, when he was a gritty teenager with a passion for combat sports.
Chico became a professional boxer in 2016. He has fought 16 bouts at the national and international levels, his biggest matches taking place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden in New York City.
He said he feels like he's where he should be when he's fighting in an arena with thousands of people in attendance.
“It's unbelievable,” Lavaris said. “I get goosebumps every time I think about it, even though I was there. Even when I watch the game on TV or watch the game on YouTube, I still get goosebumps just knowing I was there.”
Lavaris has officially moved up to the 160-pound weight class, and before he considers retirement, he wants to be crowned world champion in his new weight class.
As he works toward that goal, he trains and also teaches adults and children in Panama City.
“Coaching people has actually been very helpful,” Lavaris said. “Once I started coaching people, it's helped me with boxing. I've learned a lot more.”
Lavaris has been a member of the Downtown Club since its inception. He was scouted out of Louisiana after his first game on ESPN and is growing the sport with his new club. Now that he's established himself in his new home, he says it's been the best decision he's ever made.
“Coming from New Orleans with nothing to my own gym was a big change.”
His nickname Chico comes from his baby face, which is why his boxing name is Chico, since in Spanish Chico means boy.
Lavaris will be fighting in Panama City Beach on Sept. 28. The exhibition bout against other fighters is part of the “Gloved Glory” amateur boxing matches. Tickets can be purchased at the Boxing Club in downtown Panama City.
LaVallais teaches classes most days of the week at the Boxing Club. For more information on the club and schedule, click here.
