Olympic Dreams continue for these future champs
They may be just 9 years old and tipping the scales at only 55 pounds, but don’t underestimate the heart, desire and will of these little champions that came out to compete at this year’s Silver Gloves District Tournament held this past Friday through Sunday in Carson, California.
For over four hours, the best of the West faced off against each other in this prestigious state tournament that is one step closer to achieving their Olympic dreams. During 19 bouts of action (including one female bout), the amateur boxers fought to earn the judges’ points and hopefully have their hand raised in victory. Ranging in ages of 9-15, these future prizefighters represented all regions of the Golden State, including SoCal, Central, Northern and Cal Border. Watching over the matchups were USA Boxing’s Dick Jones, Joe Zanders, Fidel Briseño and their full staff of officials and doctors.
If they earn that coveted first-place medal, they get a berth in January’s Silver Gloves Regional Tournament, which will be held in Norwalk. This is an advancing tournament where only the district winners may participate, so each of these tiny sluggers really left everything in the ring. Wearing the mandatory tank tops and headgear required by USA Boxing, this small fry set really impressed all in the audience.
“Some of these fights are better than a lot of the pro fights I’ve seen!” was the common phrase heard throughout the day.
Seen in the crowd yesterday were many actual success stories that the kids could look up to. Former Olympic boxer Paul Gonzales was in attendance, lending his support to the youth. The former East L.A. amateur standout earned a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics, had a 16-4 pro record and is still very active in the fight scene. He greeted another E.L.A. neighbor, trainer Joe Estrada, who tells me he’s known Gonzales since he was a baby. Estrada’s teen daughter, Seniesa, is herself a well-regarded amateur fighter. She will be fighting this Thursday in Orange County and her goal is turning pro someday.
Trainer and boxing promoter Al Franco was also at the show. His three sons, Michael, Nick and Daniel, are all involved in the sweet science. His oldest son, the Mike “Lil Warrior” Franco, is a local crowd favorite who can boast of a perfect record with 16 wins and 11 knockouts since turning pro.
Inside the ropes, referee and judge Krysti Rosario has proven to be an inspiration for little girls who dream of a boxing career. The former 1998 Everlast champ was also a captain of the ’98 U.S. amateur team (versus Canada) and continues to be a voice in female boxing. Going to the Olympics was a dream of hers–and now beginning in 2012, this dream will become a reality for future young women in the sport.
Another familiar face at the tournament was official Delilah Rico, whose daughter Denise, just 18, is a Junior Olympic gold medalist who continues to make a name for herself in national shows and tournaments. The Ricos are just one example of the countless number of families who are fully committed to boxing in their passion and dedication.
And some of the youngest competitors inside the gym are already “veteran” fixtures in the amateur boxing circuit. The Garcia brothers Ryan, 11, and Sean, 9, are well-known in the scene, and both won their final bouts on Sunday. Now they can look ahead to advancing to the next level, as Ryan excitedly told me, “Now I get to fight in the Norwalk tournament! If I win there, next will be Kansas.”
The Silver Gloves Championships will take place in Kansas and only the winners of the Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah State Tournaments may compete in this tournament.
This schedule gives you just a hint at the hard work, dedication and long-term commitment of what it really takes to reach each new level toward ring success and a career in professional boxing. The young sluggers, and their families, must sacrifice so much to continue on their path toward Olympic glory. It’s not for everyone and you will sometimes see a couple of youngsters shed a tear or two after not winning their matches. But who could blame them? At their tender young ages, most kids have never had to face their fears and be so courageous in front of screaming fans like these young warriors.
For the amateurs who participated in this year’s state final, they’ve already won half the battle just by stepping into the ring.
Congratulations to all the fighters who took part in the Silver Gloves.
See you at the fights!
Photos by Michele Chong