Boxer “Showtime” Willett Returns to “March Madness” in Franklin Square

“I just thank God I'm still here and still able to do what I love to do.”

Less than one year ago, Bellport’s Adam “Showtime” Willett, was fighting for his life, but next week, the 2006 U.S. amateur heavyweight boxing champion and 2008 U.S. Olympic team alternate returns to the sport he loves to face Sharieff Hayes.

Willett, 1-1 as a pro, was working as a security guard last April at South Country High School in North Bellport when he noticed two students in an altercation with two older men at a nearby shopping center.  Willett pursued the incident and was shot in the chest by one of the men.

After spending a week in a medically induced coma, the southpaw regained consciousness and was fueled by his father’s assurance that he will be able to fight again.

Willett says in a Star Boxing press release, “I made a decision that day lying in the hospital bed that I didn't just want to come back to come back, I wanted to come back and be the world's greatest.  I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream become a reality.”

Just four months after the shooting, Willett was back in the gym.

“I always loved boxing, but after being shot I realized I don't just love it, but I can't live without it.”

Click here for more info on Willett’s return and the rest of the March 17 “March Madness” card at the Plattsdeutsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square.