Rollins boxing rolls with the punches

From the outside, the Uhde home in Rollins seem like any other home. Head down to the basement and you'll find a small gym and boxing ring.

On a recent day there was Jesse Uhde directing his young boxers during a training session.

Uhde, who has won his share of boxing matches over the years and even a belt that hangs ringside, is directing a handful of boxers. As they work on the punching bag or spar in the ring, he's giving tips and reminding them that training is important to stay in shape.

There's a lot of boxing at the Uhde home. Jesse, in addition to working with a handful of young boxers that include his daughter Shawna, he is also in training for his first professional fight set for this weekend.

Uhde runs West Shore boxing out of his home and also trains kids at Burton Boxing in Kalispell. On a recent day he was working with Skyler Eagle Deer, 9, Kevin Katon, 14, and Glenna Burke, 15.

“I wanted to get involved with kids,” Uhde said. “It's a good sport for those kids who don't fit in with team sports. You might be too small for football or too short for basketball, but in boxing there is all weight classes.”

Uhde works as a personal training and is attending Flathead Valley Community College with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher. He has two daughters, Shawna and Jessy.

At the Montana state Silver Gloves in Helena, Shawna recently won the most outstanding boxer award for her division.

Boxing is a family sport for the Uhdes.

“I've been boxing most of my life - since I was 15,” he said. “Growing up my dad, uncles and grandpa were boxing. I was kind of born into it.”

Uhde said Shawna has been handing out punches since she was in diapers. Jessy hasn't shown interest in boxing, but Uhde said he'll work to find her something she enjoys participating in too.

Uhde admits the first time Shawna stepped into the ring he was nervous.

“I've coached a lot of kids, but with her I was scared, worried,” he said. “After that first one it has not been as nerve-wracking.”

In addition to working with the kids, Uhde is also in training.

He is set to take on Jesus Vallejo in a professional fight Friday, Jan. 13 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

The boxers have faced off before with Vallejo coming out on top.

“This is a good chance for a rematch,” Uhde said. “I'm getting older and this could be my last chance at a professional match.”

Uhde said in the last five years he's been set to compete in a professional match a half dozen times, but the fights never came together.

“This time it feels good to have the contract signed and know I'll be competing,” he said. “I have a month off from school so I'm running five times per week. I've been in the gym sparring.”

Burton Boxing is hosting the Friday Night Fights on Jan. 13 with seven bouts and the professional fight, featuring Uhde and Vallejo, as the main event. Doors open at 7 p.m. and fights start at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 at the door. For more information call 871-1181.