Rock aims to keep on rolling

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This article was published 18/12/2024 (493 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Daniel McIntyre

Isaiah Rock’s boxing story is one of persistence, maturation, and a coach who believes in him. That combination could take him to the Olympics someday.

The 21-year-old Central Winnipeg resident won a silver medal last month at the 2024 Boxing Canada national championships in Sarnia, Ont., dropping a close, 3-2 decision to a Quebec fighter in the 55-kilogram gold medal bout.

Rock was introduced to boxing by a friend when he was just 13. He was attracted to extreme sports, and once he entered Jerome Peters’ Power Boxing Club (now locate at 653 Sargent Ave.), he caught the bug.

Peters remembers a kid with a bit of sass to him and recalls telling Rock more than once to leave and never come back, only to find the youngster there the next day, hoping for another chance.

“He’s come a long way,” Peters said. “I’m happy he’s here in the gym and not on the street getting into trouble. We try and get a lot of kids in here, and he’s one of the kids who wants to be here.”

Rock said he appreciates the many second chances.

“Jerome taught me patience and how to think,” the soft-spoken Rock said. “He taught me to not take things personally and how to be a man.”

Rock had his first bout three years ago. Since then, he’s competed across Canada and throughout the United States, earning top billing and best fighter at several events, including his first match, which he won.

The Sarnia tournament was Rock’s first without Peters, his primary coach, trainer and mentor, in his corner. Peters said that moment is an important milestone for a young athlete. Rock said he will take his loss as a learning opportunity.

“It was close, but I could have done more,” Rock said. “I was upset when I lost, but when I came back to Winnipeg, I cut myself some slack because it was my first nationals. I was way less experienced than the guys I was in the ring with.”

Rock said he models himself after Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He’s drawn by Stevenson’s efficiency and Mayweather’s overall approach. He describes himself as a slick boxer who likes to stay outside and use his range to jab while drawing his opponents in for counters.

“I like taking people’s things away from them,” he said.

And Rock keeps on rolling. On Dec. 13, he flew to British Columbia to face a former national silver medalist with world championship tournament experience. Peters said the opposing coach asked for Rock, believing it would be a good test for both fighters. That coach happens to be on the staff of the national boxing team.

Peters said Rock has what it takes to make the national team, which would mean fighting in Cuba, Europe and beyond.

“He’s close to that point to go,” Peters said. “The main thing is the funding they have to find to get out there.”

Peters marvels at the change Rock has undergone over the eight years they’ve worked together. Rock is equally adept fighting right or left and knows when to use which one. Equally important is the young boy is turning into a man.

“He was in trouble as a kid, then he changed his life around,” Peters said. “This makes me want to train him because he wants it badly. I think Isaiah can make it to the Olympics if he puts his mind to it.”

The maturing Rock smiled at the praise but said he prefers to focus on the next training session, the next bout.

“It feels good, but I want to focus on what’s in front of me.”