Georgetown Middle’s Jourdy Perez-Lopez begins boxing career

As the sports scene continues to grow in the Cape Region, a former high school runner is hoping to bring the sport he excelled at as an adult – boxing – to the area.

Larry Woodall graduated from Cape in 1995 with a cross country county title and a track & field state title. After discovering his prowess in boxing while serving in the Army, Woodall eventually became Central PA Boxing Champion and Regional Golden Gloves Champion before moving back to Lewes. 

“Sports gave me a lot of discipline and a lot of respect for authority and grownups,” he said. “It helped me become a great athlete, deal with growing up and become a great person.”

The father of a Cape Henlopen student, Woodall wanted to give back to his community through boxing.

Woodall’s first group of boxers comprises Jourdy Perez-Lopez, Dashiell Perez-Lopez, Ozil Perez-Lopez, Gerad Perez, Edbert Lopez and Anthony Costello. He said they’re all good kids. 

“They just need a place where they can go at night,” he said. “We don't have much in the area to offer, so maybe this boxing can do just that.” 

Jourdy made his USA Boxing debut Dec. 15 in Cherry Hill, N.J., after first picking up the sport in February. While he was nervous at first, once he got in the ring, he barely noticed his nerves. The 13-year-old enjoys the personal challenge of boxing.

“You motivate yourself, and you have to work harder by yourself,” Jourdy said.

The Georgetown Middle School eighth-grader explained his strategy in the ring is to keep his hands up and keep punching. Woodall said the first bout was a learning experience for Jourdy and that there are no losers in amateur boxing, just experiences to grow from. Jourdy will get his next shot at a fight Saturday, Jan. 13, at the 2024 Region 2 Silver Gloves Tournament in Philadelphia. Making his debut that night will be 8-year-old Dashiell.

“I like when the match starts and we get to start hitting each other to collect points,” Dashiell said. “I enjoy getting points, and I’m looking forward to hitting someone.” 

Although the group is small, with just two boxers filling out cards, Woodall is hoping to partner with local organizations to gain access to a larger facility and eventually offer more resources for the youth.

“We need a bigger space to grow,” he said. “We don't have much right now, and we have a lot of kids who want to join in the area, but we just don't have enough room to have people come to get this experience that we're offering. If there’s any way that we could get some different companies in the area to participate, it would help. It would be great to work with them.” 

For those skeptical about boxing, Woodall makes it clear that the sport is much more than just throwing and taking punches. It requires tremendous discipline to win and progress in the sport, leading boxers to develop helpful habits outside the ring and gym.

“They're learning discipline and learning how to get up in the morning and do their daily chores,” he said. “They're learning how to speak properly to people, to not get involved in and to notice different peer pressure, as well as ways to avoid those pressures.”

Anyone interested in helping Woodall expand his youth boxing program or enrolling in the program may call 302-362-6073 or email larryawoodall@gmail.com.