GERALD SPICER of Milwaukee


Inspired by the skills and commitment of former champion boxer, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, a young Milwaukee newcomer in amateur boxing is rapidly gaining his own experience and skill and making a name for himself.  Training since the day of his 15^th birthday in August 2002, a quiet and low-key Gerald Spicer made his boxing debut in competition at the Eagle’s Club in Oshkosh on Saturday, March 15, 2003.  Not deterred by a loss in this first bout, Spicer went on to become the Wisconsin Junior Olympic champion at 125 pounds, win on his return to competition in Oshkosh on May 10, 2003, advance to the USA Boxing Junior Olympic regional finals, and also win, most recently, a competition in Green Bay on June 14, 2003, and at State Fair on August 1, 2003.  Perhaps a large factor in his early success is his attitude that boxing is a way of life and not just a sport.  This view has helped him commit to the hard work and have the dedication it takes to achieve top conditioning and skill.  Spicer acknowledges that training at the United Community Center in Milwaukee has been key to his development in amateur boxing.  Coached by former Olympic coach and boxer Israel “Shorty” Acosta and surrounded by other successful boxers, Spicer sees how the coaching staff and other boxers in the gym play a large role in helping him develop more quickly. 

Spicer lives with his mother and stepfather and a younger brother and sister.  He also enjoys playing basketball, reading, spending time at home, playing video games, lifting weights, and, most of all, learning more about computers.  Born in Milwaukee in August of 1987, Spicer has always been a resident of the city and attended schools there. He currently attends Messmer High School where he continues to succeed in academics as well.  He particularly enjoys computers and graphic work at school and calls Biology and World History his favorite subjects.  Spicer finds the study of the past to be very interesting to him and enjoys the sciences in general. His proudest moment in life thus far wasn’t in the ring but was becoming Student of the Month at Messmer in November of his freshman year.  This reveals his very balanced and well-rounded approach to life.  He not only wants to excel at boxing to earn a chance at the Olympics, but also wants to graduate high school with straight A’s and do the same in college.

In the gym Spicer stays very focused and gives his full attention to coaches and more experienced boxers who work with him.  His seriousness is obvious to any observer. He remains very committed to developing his boxing skills and achieving top conditioning.  Competition and his internal need to succeed keep him interested in the sport.  Spicer sees boxing as having given him much added discipline and knowledge to develop as a person.  With this he feels he can achieve superb conditioning in order to rise to high levels of competition.  He definitely recommends that other young people consider amateur boxing as a “way of life” to attain top conditioning and experience success.  Clearly, Gerald Spicer is focused and dedicated to becoming the best….in boxing and in life.