James J. Corbett, a.k.a. “Gentleman Jim,” considered by many the “Father of Modern Scientific Boxing,” once stated, “If I were to advise the youth of America, I would say … ‘Put on the gloves.’”

With Corbett’s reign as World Heavyweight Champion having been at the turn of the 19th and 20th century — over a century ago — it would seem his message is a bit dated. But it’s not. The notion of character, fair play, courage, and humility is timeless.

And nowhere is Gentleman Jim’s patented advice more evident than here in our own region at Whaling City Boxing, Bank Street, New London. Gym owner Kent Ward certainly feels that wa

“In many ways this sport’s for everyone, whether the goal is competition or for recreation and self-defense. So long as you’re willing to put in the work and get along with everyone else, there’s a place for you here.”

In a vintage old fight facility that conjures images of bygone pugilists, Whaling City Boxing embraces the active participation not only of professionals like New London’s Cassius Chaney — a rising young heavyweight sensation — but anyone ranging in age from children through adults.

Into this remarkable mix, not two years ago, came the four sons of Cris Marrero, former member of the 1991 Puerto Rican National Team. His sons … Cristobal “Bazooka” Marrero (21), Steven “TunTun” Torres (16), Jancarlos Torres (14), and Derek Rivera (12) all train there diligently under their father’s tutelage.

All four hope to emulate his achievements, which Marrero fully supports.

“I want to see them competing in the ring the way they’ve imagined it all happening … and that it will bring them to their dreams,” said Marrero.

Cris Marrero Sr. understood commitment. He also knew if time and circumstance had been different, he might even have had a viable chance at being an Olympian.

But the 1990 Olympics had come and gone by the time of his top amateur years, so that opportunity never presented itself. Just the same, Marrero tasted solid success as a boxer and accomplished it without a dominant male role model in his life.

“I did not have a father to train or even encourage me when I started boxing in 1982 at 12,” he explained solemnly, his face in itself speaking clearly of how significant he felt a father’s influence could be in a child’s life.

Smiling warmly, Marrero added, “My four boys grew up around boxing in the years when we lived in Puerto Rico. They wanted to be a part of it like I had been.”

Cris Jr., known in boxing circles now as Cristobal “Bazooka” Marrero, had already begun boxing in 2000 at the age of 6. He continued at the family’s first stop in Worcester, Mass., and by then had compiled an impressive record of fights during his grade school years and into his teens, winding up with an amateur record of 72–8.

Now Cris Jr. has taken the dream further by turning professional last year, and has established himself as a potent contender in the 140 pound class with a sparkling 3-0 start. His next fight is on April 7 at Twin Rivers Casino.

“My dad’s my idol … in so many ways,” Cristobal said. “It’s how he treats people, how he works, and how he trains us. If I can follow in his footsteps, that alone will make me feel successful and proud.”

As for Cristobal’s very few amateur losses … “It’s more psychological than anything else,” the lithe and hardy 21-year-old explained. “I mean the losses did get me down a little, but that only made me stronger-willed and more inspired to train harder. My goal is a world title, and that’s the kind of thinking I’ll need to get there.”

It’s a philosophy he most certainly acquired from Cris Sr., one that pervades at Whaling City Boxing… and shared by “Bazooka’s” younger brothers too.

“When we first moved here from Worcester and my brother Cris found this gym — and liked it — my dad put my two younger brothers and me into the training program,” 16-year-old Steven explained. “It’s so much more than a sport. As a person, boxing helps keep me calm in situations where I’d normally feel pressured. ... You learn that there are consequences for everything, both in and out of the ring.”

Steven “TunTun” Torres, already a National Silver Gloves Champion, explains… “My dad’s my main trainer, but the first coach my younger brothers and I worked with when we got here was Rollie Pier. He taught us all the fundamentals perfectly: the correct stance, proper punching technique, footwork, defensive tactics … everything. And especially the left hook,” Steven added, his eyes aglow as he spoke of Pier’s classic power punch. “Rollie’s got the best left hook any of us have ever seen, and he passes it on to anyone who takes the time to listen.”

Watching Steven demonstrate that hook validates his assertion of Pier’s teaching prowess, acquired over the course of 108 fights. And the beloved elder of the Whaling City Boxing gym feels the same about these promising young gloves.

“They’re a good bunch, this family,” Pier said with an assuring nod. “The father’s a good role model and he’s teaching them well. And he’s for real,” Pier added firmly. “A lot of people tell me all kinds of tales of what they’ve supposedly done in boxing, and too many times not much of it’s true. But this man has the record to show for it.”

Never one to mince words, the wily veteran of over 60 years in boxing added, “These are the kind of young people you like teaching. They’re respectful, they listen, and they work their hearts out.”

“Rollie is the angel of the gym!” beamed Chris Sr. My three younger sons learned all the important fundamentals from him. I think this gym is a terrific place for young people to be, whether they’re interested in competing or not,” he added reassuringly. “I would leave all four of my sons here with Kent and Rollie and the rest of the staff, all day … no questions asked.”

Marrero’s two youngest sons echo those sentiments. Fighting at 132 pounds, 14-year-old Jancarlos reflects back on when they all started in Ward’s gym.

“When we first moved to New London almost two years ago, it was a chance for us to start a new life. This gym is helping us go after our dreams,” he added with a wistful air uncommon of one so young. “Boxing has actually kept me from getting into fights at school and outside too. The recognition you gain from your accomplishments makes you realize what things in life are the most important.”

The youngest of these four promising young gloves, 12-year-old Derek, is of the same mold as his siblings.

“I get to learn to defend myself … and being in a family of boxers, I have my dad and older brothers always willing to help me with my training. And seeing my brother Chris already succeeding as a pro has shown all of us it’s possible to live your dreams.”

Derek himself sports a winning record, like his three older siblings, and his work ethic is every bit as intense.

“This isn’t the first family of fighters we’ve ever had here,” said owner Ward. “Our gym draws people from a variety of backgrounds and I’m proud to say it also serves as a cultural bridge. It’s given people outside of New London a chance to reshape previously formed opinions and to work together comfortably with someone from an entirely different walk of life.,” he added. “We hope more people will turn out at fights to support this young pro from here in New London.”

For tickets to Cris Jr.’s April 7 fight, call 860-984-2621.