For most fighters, the grind of training and competition leaves little time for leisure. But for junior middleweight Andreas Katzourakis, books provide a crucial escape and a source of inspiration, after he left his home in Greece in pursuit of a world title.
Katzourakis, now training out of Los Angeles, will fight Robert Terry in the OTX junior middleweight tournament as part of the Aug. 30 OTX 10 at the OTE Arena in Atlanta. The winner will face the winner of Brandon Adams-Francisco Veron in the finals.
Whether the subject is science fiction, history or financial wisdom, reading plays an integral part in the routine of Katzourakis (13-0, 10 KOs), helping him navigate the challenges of a career that mirrors some of the sci-fi novels that he picks up as often as any other texts.
“I’m reading everything from sci-fi to history,” Katzourakis said. “It really depends on my mood. The last book I read was ‘The Richest Man in Babylon,’ which I picked up while traveling. It’s a great financial read.”
A self-proclaimed sci-fi enthusiast, the 26-year-old Katzourakis says his favorites include “Thunderhead” and “The Toll,” part of a beloved four-book “Arc of a Scythe Series” by Neal Shusterman that captures his imagination. A main theme of the series may seem morbid for some and empowering for others. The lead character functions as the Grim Reaper, with the book essentially trying to make sense of something we all struggle with: death. Because death exists, the series proposes, life becomes that much more important.
“If I start talking about it,” Katzourakis said, “it’s a whole story in itself, but it’s the kind of reading that takes you to another world.”
Forris Washington, Katzourakis’ promoter, told BoxingScene that his fighter is far different than most.
“I’ve been around a lot of fighters but none like Andreas,” Washington said. “This kid is special. No one trains as hard and is more focused on the sport than him. His idea of a good time isn’t going out to bars or clubs. His idea of a good time is going to museums and going to the library. Truth is, I got called to Ronnie Shields’ gym to look at another fighter, but when I saw him, I told Ronnie ‘He’s the one. I want to be a part of this kid’s future.’”
Coming from Greece, which has a limited boxing history, Katzourakis often feels detached from what most fighters likely consider a traditional boxing journey – a surreal adventure, much like the stories he loves. While others turn to popular culture, Katzourakis buries his nose in books, viewing them as companions and reminders of life lessons from those who came before him.
“What I’ve been living in my mind, being a boxer from Greece and trying to become a world champion, is kind of sci-fi on its own,” Katzourakis said. “We’ve only had one world champion in our history, so it feels like I’m writing my own story.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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