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Owing to his Italian heritage and dedication to being a diligent boxer, Christian Carto might appreciate the concept of sprezzatura, which Merriam-Webster defines as “perfect conduct or performance of something (as an artistic endeavor) without apparent effort.” Combining quickness and allegiance to tactics, the locally trained 17-year-old fighter displayed his version of the word Saturday, as he won the 108-pound Pennsylvania Golden Gloves championship in Chester, earning next month’s trip to Las Vegas for a shot at national glory.
“No matter what I go on to do, it’s something that nobody can take away,” the Deptford, N.J. resident said Monday at Rosati’s Gym, 1937 S. Chadwick St., which, along with the Grays Ferry Boxing and Fitness Club, 1500 S. 28th St., has sculpted his frame and affirmed his commitment. “Whatever success I’ve had has come through a lot of effort and hard work.”
The teenager had known heading into his bout with Tyrone Arzeno-Badlanz that his persistence stood to produce a victory, with a recent Cherry Hill-situated win over the same competitor as added inspiration. Carto won all three rounds against his foe, a 2013 National Golden Gloves runner-up, at the Delaware County-based Must Fight Boxing Club, relying on the coupling of physical focus and cerebral stability.
“Mickey says the mental side is more important,” Carto said of the Newbold site’s proprietor, who claimed 1981 Golden Gloves honors as a 132-pound pugilist. “I knew I needed to keep my mind on my goal and throw my punches. I always work hard, and I think that gave me a real advantage Saturday.”
Refusing to bask in his achievement, the Garden State denizen devoted part of Sunday to kicking off his next training regimen, running five miles and looking forward to returning to Rosati’s, where he preps six days a week.
“This kid really has it,” the owner, formerly of 16th and Jackson streets, said of the blossoming bludgeoner. “The talent and tenacity are there, so it’s going to be interesting to see how everything unfolds. I know I’ve been impressed so far.”
“I came here because I thought I could learn so much, and I’m doing that,” Carto said. “There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited.”
The forward-thinking thumper began boxing at age 8, gravitating toward it through a combination of his estimation of its character-building qualities and his lineage. His grandfather, Frank Carto, won the ’40 Diamond Belt and Mid-Atlantic Amateur title, with uncles Joe and Nunzio also lacing up the gloves, the latter also claiming Diamond Belt and Mid-Atlantic distinction in ’45 and ’46.
“My family’s history has been a big influence because I know I come from winners, and I want to be the best I can be, too,” the youth said. “I have a great work ethic, so I’m trying to honor their example.”
Commencing his amateur career by 11, Carto gradually grew more in love with gaining ring-centered renown and two years ago blended his enthusiasm for having fun with an urge to earn kudos. Traveling to Las Vegas for the National Junior Golden Gloves pageant, he split two bouts, with his efforts catapulting him to a ninth-place national ranking.
“In the beginning, I didn’t really have any plan, but getting ranked helped me to become more serious,” Carto said of his identity. “I knew I had it in me to be somebody.”
Others quickly received proof of that sentiment, as last summer included his winning the 15- to 16-year-old 106-pound division crown at the Missouri-situated Ringside World Championships, gaining Fighter of the Day acknowledgment at Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City and winning a Regional Junior Golden Gloves contest in Haverford. Joining Rosati’s Gym in September, he has benefited from his instructor’s wisdom by winning the Oxnard, Calif.-held National PAL Championships and splitting two fights at the Reno, Nev.-situated Junior and Youth Open.
“I really want to become better, so the fights I have lost are going to motivate me,” Carto said.
For his Saturday bout, which his beloved Uncle Nunzio attended, he did not need to worry about having another defeat from which to draw lessons, as he used a solid plan to upend his opponent. As a reward for his warring ways, Carto will travel to Nevada again for the May 11 to 17 national tournament, for which he has great expectations.
“It’s too early to know who I’m going to fight, but if I stay focused, I should be fine,” he said.
His parents and brother Frankie figure to lead the cheers, as Carto noted they have always offered tireless support. He has gained backing from his St. Augustine Prep classmates, too, meaning come the 2016 Olympics Games in Brazil, he stands to have plenty of fans if he represents his country.
“That’s the goal for my boxing career so far,” Carto, who has moved up to seventh in the land within his weight division, said. “I’m really excited about that possibility.” ■
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124. Comment at southphillyreview.com/sports/features.
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