If you’re curious about a 10-year-old’s dedication to boxing, Masen Keltner’s answer was as quick as one of his right-handed jabs and right to the point.

“It’s the discipline,” he said of what he enjoys the most about his gym time at the Burton Boxing and Fitness at 905 Center St. in Kalispell.

“Hanging out with friends” is second on his list, followed by “doing something I really love.”

With that said, you can pretty much expect to find him at the Burton Boxing every day after school from 4-8 p.m. You’ll see him shadow boxing, jumping rope, just being active ... or doing whatever it takes to sharpen his ring skills.

“He’s one of the most dedicated that I have ever seen,” Keltner’s boxing coach and gym owner Shelley Burton said.

“He’s more dedicated than some of the pros I know.”

The soft-spoken Keltner, who has been boxing for a year and a half, has posted a modest 8-4 record to date. He punctuated that somewhat in December when he won a Montana Silver Gloves title in Helena.

Now he will find himself on the biggest stage of all when he takes his talents to the National Silver Gloves tournament in Independence, Mo., Jan. 30-Feb. 2.

Keltner, a fourth-grade honor student at East Evergreen Elementary School, stands 4-feet-6 inches and tips the scales at 67 pounds. He fights in the 65-70-pound weight class.

“They think it’s pretty awesome,” the very polite and soft-spoken Keltner said of how his school classmates feel about his boxing.

His is one of 20 youngsters, between the ages of 8-18, training at Burton Boxing. Seven went to Helena for the state competition and three won titles — Keltner, Zeb Bedoian and Jake Bedoian.

Keltner beat Kory Robinson of Butte, who had beaten him twice previously, in their final.

“I kept my hands up and worked on my lateral movement,” he said of that bout.

“I knew after the first round I had him. I knew I won.”

The bout was three one-minute rounds.

Montana’s state winners moved on to the Regional Silver Gloves tournament in Hillsboro, Ore., earlier this month. Keltner was uncontested at his weight class, but fought an exhibition match to gain valuable experience against an Oregon boxer who was 1 1/2 years older and had 40 fights to his credit. Keltner lost by decision, but made an impressive showing.

“I thought he won,” Burton said.

“It’s a mental game, a physical game,” Burton said of boxing.

“He’s 10 times better than last year.”

Keltner’s mother, Megan, says his willingness to work and help others is what impresses her the most.

As an example, Masen spends quality time once a week with a 13-year-old boy at Burton Boxing who has Down syndrome.

“He works with him, pretends to be hit, falls down and rolls over,” Megan said.

“That’s one of my favorite parts. He’s always working with that kid.”

She’s also impressed with his goal setting.

“After his first boxing match he said: ‘That’s what I want to do is be a national champion.’ 

“He also wants to go to the Olympics and turn pro. He’s already met one of his goals.”

Masen will step in the ring one more time for an event in Kalispell before he leaves for nationals. On Jan. 24,  he will be one of eight fighters participating in a special sparring event at Burton Boxing to help raise $2,000 for his trip to Missouri.

The Burton Boxing amateur team will be on display at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 at the door. Donations will also be expected.

An account in Masen’s name has already been established at Mountain West Bank for those who wish to donate that way. 

And on the Burton Boxing facebook page there is a link to a silent auction for Keltner.