Belt wins national open championship
MADISON – After winning a boxing national title in the 198-pound weight class earlier this year, Bradley Belt can wear another gold medal around his neck, this time from his performance in the 187-pound division. The 27-year old former two-sport athlete from James Clemens High recently fought in Cleveland, Ohio at the USA National Open Boxing Tournament where he showed his boxing skills to perfection.
“I had a good tournament and I felt I had to make a statement in the ring as I didn’t want it to look like my bouts were close. I wanted to outclass them,” said Belt, upon his return to Madison.
The 6-foot-2 slugger seemed to cruise to his gold medal in his two bouts.
In his first fight, Belt took his time against his opponent who pressed the entire bout throwing bombs whenever the chance arose. Belt countered with several different punches winning a unanimous decision in the process. “I felt like a pro in that fight,” added Belt.
In the gold medal matchup, Belt faced a taller, longer fighter. “I didn’t know how he would come out, so I decided to attack him,” said Belt. His decision to be the aggressor worked to perfection as Belt scored a knockout in the first round earning his title in the pro- cess.
He not only continues his amateur career in the ring, Belt also uses his knowledge of the sport to teach others in his own boxing facility named BE Boxing & Fitness located in the Madison Mall Shopping Center at 8006, Suite 5, Old Madison Pike. He is co-owner of the facility with Emily McClain, who is also a competing boxer in both the 138 and 145-pound weight classes.
“I didn’t have a lot of people who inspired me growing up. I learned to work hard and go at it,” said Belt. “Now, I’m the inspiration for young boxers as I’ve learned it’s all about communication and trust. In my teachings, I feel I do well at those traits.”
The remainder of 2026 will be a busy time for the business owner, boxer and part-time worker at Vance Auto Shop, a family-owned business in Meridianville. Later this month, Belt is scheduled to travel to Birmingham to assist in sparring with former World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder in his preparation for his next fight set for Dec. 11. Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs) is scheduled to fight undefeated Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia (310, 24 KOs) as the co-main event on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua card at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The 41-year old Wilder, former WBC Heavyweight Champion, is coming off a split-decision victory over Derek Chisora in April.
Belt will continue his workouts for his own next action scheduled for Dec. 5-12 in Louisiana for the USA National Championships. “That will be the biggest of the year for me,” said Belt. “I have to stay focused as I’ll be facing higher-ranked boxers and I want them to know I’m coming and that I’m a threat, plus, that could be my last amateur bouts as I’m looking to possibly turn professional.”
