C-Falls boxer learns the ropes in first pro fight

Elijiah Weller stepped into the boxing ring for his first professional fight last week for a simple reason - he needed some Christmas money. The Columbia Falls 20-year-old said he could use the $300 winner's purse.

"I'm not going to lose," Weller predicted before the fight.

His opponent, Andrew Hawk, had other ideas.

While the two pummeled and bloodied each other for three rounds in the Nov. 12 fight, Hawk, who had longer reach and better stamina, won by decision. An exhausted Weller had to settle for the $100 payout to the loser.

The fights, held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds, were organized by Burton Boxing, of Kalispell. Burton is owned by professional fighter Shelley Burton, who also operates a training gym.

Weller started his boxing career three years ago with the now defunct Flathead Boxing Club and then began training at Burton.

"As a kid, it's always something I wanted to get into," he said last week.

He admits he's been in his fair share of "unsanctioned" fights before stepping in a real ring. He chose boxing over mixed martial arts for the purity of the sport.

"Boxing is old school and classic," he said. "It takes a lot more discipline."

Weller's body is covered in tattoos. It's a family thing - his father, Lancey Lough is a tattoo artist. He makes his living painting houses - interior and exterior. He started painting homes when he was 13.

His Montana roots go way back, Weller said. His grandfather grew up in Stanford, outside of Great Falls, and his grandmother came from Denton. His sister, Bryanne Hinz, graduated from Columbia Falls in 1991. Weller graduated from Flathead High School but now lives in Columbia Falls.