Spiders get behind defender with boxing background [Video]

The athletics history of UR sophomore Hunter Smith, from Rochester, New York, includes boxing and taekwondo (black belt), as well as soccer, track and lacrosse.

“I have been boxing pretty consistently for the last three years,” said Smith, who generally trains two days a week — while he is home — with the Nasty Knuckles Boxing organization in Rochester. “I’ve been sparring, never had any actual bouts or anything, but it’s a great time.

“I love to compete, so any area where I can compete, I just gravitate towards, and I want to put a real interest into it.”

Smith’s boxing training is limited to Rochester, ending when he is in Richmond to play defense for Spiders’ lacrosse.

“It keeps me on my toes,” Smith said of summer boxing sessions. “It’s a …