Zach Walters (Jungle Boy) boxeur

Zach Walters, alias Jungle Boy, (born February 4, 1981) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 2002 to 2009, holding the African and NABA light heavyweight titles. Walters is now a boxing trainer and promoter. He owns the Jungle Boy Boxing Gym, a non-profit organization in Duluth and promotes fights as Jungle Boy Fights.Zach Walters was born in Taolagnaro, Madagascar, and spent the first eleven years of his life in the country as the son of missionary parents. He now calls Duluth, Minnesota his home.Walters' professional career began on June 7, 2002 with a first round TKO victory over Lonzie Pembleton. The fight was part of a show staged at Wade Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota.After five wins to open his career, Walters suffered his first career loss to Robert Linton by unanimous decision. Another victory for the 'Jungle Boy' earned a shot at the vacant Minnesota Light Heavyweight State Title, where Walters (7-1) defeated Marty Lindquist (11-3) by Round 2 TKO.Walters strung together ten-straight wins before losing again to Hugo Pineda (38-3-1) in November 2006. Walters soldiered on and after six-consecutive wins to earn a shot at the vacant African light-heavyweight title. Walters' original announced opponent was Marlon Hayes, but Hayes pulled out and was replaced by veteran Carl Daniels (50-11-1). The fight took place on February 23, 2008 and resulted in an 8th round TKO win for Walters.On June 7, 2008 Walters defeated Aaron Norwood by second round knockout. In so doing, Walters claimed his second regional title, the vacant NABA United States Light Heavyweight belt. The victory improved Walters pro record to 23-2.