Nick Rezek: Changing the Narrative of Boxing in Northeast Ohio
- Kelly Coyne
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Nick Rezek is on a mission to shift the narrative surrounding boxing in Northeast Ohio.
A former collegiate football player, Rezek spent four years as a cornerback at Ohio Northern University, tallying 37 tackles with two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. With a strong athletic background, it was only natural for Rezek to continue pursuing competitive sports after college.
He found his calling in boxing, a passion that first sparked in 2019 and evolved into a professional career by 2023. Rezek’s interest in combat sports stemmed from years of watching MMA on TV. In 2019, he watched Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson take on Anthony Pettis with a friend. In response, they took a kickboxing class that same weekend. That class lit the fire, and he’s been committed to the sport ever since.
His biggest boxing inspirations include Canelo Álvarez, Mike Tyson, and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns.
Rezek believes Ohio plays a crucial role in shaping the sport. Rezek said, “...Ohio runs boxing. It comes through here. Northeast Ohio, Toledo, Columbus—we all have great boxing here and I think you see a lotta great guys comin’ from the Cleveland area specifically.”
Boxing is known for its mental and physical demands. It’s a sport that requires grit, consistency, and resilience. Rezek’s advice for up-and-coming boxers? He exclaimed, “Stick to it. There’s a lotta people that start it and they maybe get a couple bumps or bruises or it's a big time commitment and they fall off the wagon and so you just gotta stay committed. Find that drive and stay committed…it’s not about making big strides all at once, it’s about the little…”
Currently, Rezek holds a professional record of 5-1. He is coached by Bryan Gedeon out of The Fight Factory of Cleveland. Rezek made his pro debut on October 28, 2023, and most recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Joseph Thompson on April 12, 2025. He competes in the Super Middleweight division, weighing in at 166.5 pounds.
What’s next for Rezek? Stay tuned.
Follow Rezek:
Instagram: @ricknezek4