GR student gets MMA opportunity

A Green River High School student will get his first taste of mixed martial arts competition when he competes as an adult in Mississippi.

Beck Shields, 16, will fight in an amateur mixed-martial arts competition in Biloxi, Saturday at the Biloxi Civic Center for the Empire FC promotion. He currently trains at both Rocks Boxing and Wyo. Faction gyms in Rock Springs. “I’m more excited than anything,” Beck said about his upcoming fight.

His mother Jamie said they decided to take the fight because they felt it was a great opportunity for him. the appearance will be a homecoming for Beck, who was born in Mississippi.

Beck’s family are relative newcomers to Green River, having moved to the city earlier this year for his father’s railroad job.

Beck said he started boxing to be like his father, who was an amateur boxer. He later became interested in mixed martial arts, starting his training in grappling and other techniques two years ago.

He said he’s often shadowboxing during the passing periods at GRHS and spends several hours a day training, getting home in time for a meal before going to Rock Springs and working out at two training gyms.

Going into his fight Saturday, Beck said he’s fighting to honor both military and police, saying both are looked down upon in the current political climate.

“They’re doing what they’re supposed to do,” Beck said. “I just thank them for that.”

Beck’s mother, Jamie, said it’s hard to see her son taking part in a combat sport, but realizes it’s what he signed up to do.

“Seeing your kid up there training, mama bear comes out,” she said.

Beck says win or lose, he intends to stick with the program and wants to work hard enough to become a professional fighter.

“He’s just a small-town kid trying to live his dream,” Jamie said.

Jamie said they’re seeking community support to help with the costs associated with his training.