Chris Ardis, right, throws a punch while boxing with Wilbert Adams in the 74-pound Junior Open weight class at the Georgia Games CHRIS THELEN/STAFF

He casually talks about how it's usually cold in the deep end of the YMCA Family Center pool. Or about how the class gets to play a game called Torpedos.

And don't even get him started on the cleanliness of the pool - according to Ardis, it leaves a little to be desired.

Never mind that Ardis just dominated the Columbus Blazers' Wilbert Adams in the 74-pound Junior Open weight class to win the Georgia Games Championships boxing title Saturday at the Augusta State athletic complex.

Right now, he's more interested in talking about his many other hobbies.

"If my kids want to do something, I'll let them do it," said Ardis' father, Harry Ardis. "Every opportunity he can get at a young age, that'll only help him in the future."

So Ardis, whose 12-year-old sister Ashley is a national Golden Gloves champion, has dabbled in tae kwon do, played the violin for the past two years and wants to take up gymnastics.

On Saturday, though, Ardis - representing Augusta Boxing Club - showed Adams he's a competent boxer, too.

"He's a typical work in progress," said Tom Moraetes, the executive director of Augusta Boxing Club. "But he's got tremendous ability."

And he's got five state championships. But that doesn't mean he is going to box forever. He talks about taking up basketball when he gets to high school, which would live him little time for in-ring training.

At this moment, he insists he loves to box.

"It helps build your abs," Ardis said, pointing to his stomach. "My mom's been saying that it'll help me live longer. And another reason is because you get to hit people."

That's not to say, however, Ardis isn't loving. After Saturday's fight with Adams, the two wrapped their arms around each other's waists as they exited the ring.

"He's a very intriguing kid," Moraetes said. "He's almost too nice a kid. He's got no attitude. He's just a sweetheart."

Reach Josh Katzowitz at (706) 823-3216 or josh.katzowitz@augustachronicle.com.