Boxer Chris Colbert didn’t have the 2020 he wanted, but he learned more about himself and the type of man he wants to be.
Super featherweight boxer Chris Colbert fights for the second time of the year against Jaime Arboleda on Saturday, Dec. 12, on Showtime. The pandemic caused his boxing activity to decrease greatly but Colbert gained in life.
In 2019, Colbert (14-0, 5 KOs) fought four times, knocking out two of his opponents. He started 2020 strong by outpointing Jezzrel Corrales to win the interim WBA super featherweight title, but the pandemic brought his career to a halt.
“2020 was supposed to be a big, busy year,” Colbert told FanSided. “Everything happened for a reason. There’s people out here counting 2020 out. We still got to count our blessings and make the rest of the year count. I’m going to start with…whatever this guy’s name is.”
Colbert made me chuckle with his response. Later in our conversation, he clarified that he never knows his opponents’ names until he defeats them. They have to earn his respect in the ring to be recognized.
“I never know nobody’s name until I beat them,” said Colbert. “I promise you. The only person’s name I knew first was Titus [Williams] because me and Titus was training together.”
Regardless if he knows their name or not, Colbert leaves nothing to chance. He trains hard, but COVID-19 restrictions in New York greatly hindered his training.
“The hardest things is like finding a gym,” said Colbert. “All gyms were closed. Sparing partners—no one wants to come out because they’re scared of sparring because of corona. That’s been the hardest thing. I haven’t gotten any sparring [with someone] that’s the same weight as me. Not even close. I’ve been sparring people 147, 154, guys like that. It all comes to my advantage when it comes time to fight.”
Chris Colbert had difficulty training during the pandemic, so he made his workouts fun
When not in the gym, Colbert had to get creative with his training. Pickup basketball and football games supplemented his cardio workouts while he bought bikes to ride with his brothers and cousins.
With the limitations on his physical activity, you might think that he lost something, but the opposite occurred. He grew as a person mentally and emotionally.
“I gained during the coronavirus lockdown,” revealed Colbert. “I gained wisdom. I opened up a business. I got a house. I bought a new car. I gained a lot. I invested in myself.”
Colbert is the owner of Primetime Chicken in New Jersey, which bears his boxing nickname “Primetime.” More important than business, Colbert set his focus on being a father and preparing for his and his son’s future when his life in the ring is over.
“Preparing for my future, for my son’s future,” said Colbert. “Setting myself up for boxing, really. Before, I was just like these young fighters out here, spending their money on jewelry and going to the club and wasting my money on unnecessary stuff and clothes. Now, I’m thinking about businesses long-term, so when I retire at the age of 30, God willing, I can be good after that. You’ll never have to see me come back.”
Colbert loves boxing, but it is a means to an end. He’s currently 24 years old. According to his timeline, Colbert has six more years to accomplish all of his dreams in the ring before the show is over.
There’s a lot that Colbert still wants to achieve in boxing, but Arboleda is the boxer next in line. Colbert is very confident he will take care of Arboleda.
“He knows he’s gonna get his a** beat bad,” said Colbert. “I train hard. I come in shape. I’m ready for whoever. I’m ready for war. I’m ready to box. I’m ready to bang. I’m ready for whatever he brings. I know I’m going to put on a dominant performance. It won’t even be close.”
Chris Colbert does battle with Jaime Arboleda on Saturday, Dec. 12, on Showtime. Coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET.