I do believe you said that he has not been handled much. However he's still young. I think that if you give it time to settle in. And then try short handling sessions,you may have a chance at turning him into a calm boa. I bought a female boa that's about a year and a half old two month's ago. She was not handled much and it was a adventure trying to handle her. She thought I met her harm, and acted accordingly. However now when I open her cage she barely notices. And she's now pretty layed back with a small edge to her some times. However she's getting better. Boa's are smart enough to reconize their owners in my opinion. And the interaction you get from them is great. So give it a try I think you will be ok. Now that I've said how mine is behaving so great I bet she tags me today.