The French boxer doing it for the kids

The European Games boxer works for the city to take care of and help youths on the streets of Rueil-Malmaison.

"I was never a troubled kid myself, but I know how many of the kids out there feel today. I respect them, they look up to me and they respect me back," Amzile said. "I'm a sort of an educator for them."

Born in Paris 27 years ago to Moroccan parents, Amzile has his mind set on becoming a sports teacher, and finds a lot of inspiration at the Boxing Club Rueil-Malmaison, a club for elite sportsmen.

Amzile took up boxing 15 years ago, with the training fees paid for by his brother.

"I loved it from the very first moment, and I have never looked back. I love all sports, but nothing is like boxing," said the Frenchman.

The light welterweight won his first bout in the European Games in style against Naser Shala of Kosovo.

"I watched a lot of videos with my big boxing idol Tommy (The Hit Man) Hearns. He had long arms and knew how to use them. I have the arms and good speed. If I move my legs right, I'm hard to beat,"  said Amzile.

In 15 fights this season the boxer has been beaten only once, by Azerbaijani fighter Collazo Sotomayor, who won on points in the April test event leading up to the Baku 2015 European Games.

"I hope we'll meet again. Then I'll beat him," Amzile said.

 

(baku2015.com)