SoCal Amateur Boxers Represent!
Boxing continues to be a great avenue for keeping kids off the streets. Escaping a life of gangs and drugs, the sweet science offers many youngsters a brighter future by teaching discipline, perseverance, self defense, good sportsmanship and more. For many a youth from hardscrabble neighborhoods, boxing has offered them a chance to succeed at more in life. For you “Chatter Box” readers, it’s time once again to shine the spotlight on amateur boxing in this exclusive look at Team USA’s trip to Tahiti!
For this group of ten young athletes from Southern California, competing in amateur boxing recently took them all the way to the French Polynesian islands. A crop of the Golden State’s most decorated champs packed their bags, each getting a ticket to “Paradise” in an international competition taking place in the exotic islands. The power punching bunch, hailing from the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, boarded a plane to square off against some of Tahiti’s elite sluggers.
As you can see in these souvenir snapshots from the trip, I’d say the boys had the time of their young lives! After viewing the photos from their big adventure, I can also see the bond the team made as they traveled and trained together.
While they trained very hard in preparing for the challenge, there was also plenty of time to sightsee. After all, if you’re spending seven days in Paradise, you gotta take in the sights, right? In contacting some of the participants in the show, I’ve had a chance to hear about the grand adventure the guys were able to be part of–thanks to the sport of pugilism.
During their stay, the Mexico/U.S.A. team of amateur standouts sampled native cuisine, saw their first live banana tree, swam with stingrays and sharks, had picnics on pristine beaches, took ferry rides as they visited Papeete and Moorea, all while bunking in cool thatched huts.
Making the trek to Tahiti were: Xavier Montelongo Jr., Damien Rico, Marcos Vega, David Barragan, Emilio Sanchez, Manuel Robles, Luis Sedano, Anthony Flores, Jacobe Velazco and Herman Mariscal. The head coaches were Fidel Briseno and Manuel Nava.
I’ve seen Coach Briseno and the Pacoima Boxing Club at various USA Boxing amateur shows around town and I know how much hard work went into planning this boxing excursion. With generous sponsors and donations, the team of ten were able to travel to this tourney which took place at the end of October.
Upon their return, Briseno told me: “The show in Tahiti was one of a kind! The team had an unbeliveable time; we won the first night with six wins and three losses with one draw and dominated all the way.” The combat continued as the fire fights erupted inside the ropes.
“The second day we won eight (matches) to two,” the trainer says with pride. “‘Best Boxer’ of the tournament was Xavier Montelongo. And in my eyes all of our American boxers deserve a trophy.”
One parent I spoke with is thrilled that boxing has afforded her children the chance to travel worldwide. USA Boxing official Delilah Rico is mom to amateur stars Denise and Damien. The ebullient judge and referee said to me, “My kids have been all over the world through boxing.” She then joked, “I’m lucky if I get to walk to the corner in East L.A.” Delilah is an example of the dedicated parents who make sacrifices to ensure their children’s dreams come true. And it’s paying off with her two talented champs already headed to the top. “Damien is third in the nation,” she notes. “And Denise is fifth in the world and first here in our nation’s rankings.”
Another parent also very proud of how hard the fighters trained is Carlos Barragan. His son, David Barragan, was the only boxer coming out of San Diego. Fighting in the 165 division, the fierce 20-year-old is part of the sizzling S.D. boxing scene. “David and 140-pound pro prospect Antonio Orozco train out of the same gym; San Diego is doing some good stuff!” comments his father.
Carlos, who is the head trainer at the Community Youth Athletic Center (CYAC), along with his dad, Carlos Barragan Sr. and assistant trainer Jesse Tanner, also relays, “After seeing the photos, I wish I was one of the coaches! The coaches on the trip were Fidel Briseno and Manuel Nava from Hawaiian Gardens Boxing. And in hearing the stories, the kids had a great time.”
Before the bouts, the fighters met center ring and exchanged gifts in a sign of welcome and great sportsmanship.
Barragan says that was one aspect that made an impression on the young visitors.
“My son David really enjoyed the local kids that would hang out at the Rec Center,” Carlos explains. “They were not the richest kids, but they were always so happy and giving. He also mentioned to me that they left to come home at 4:30 a.m.–and when they opened the door the kids were waiting with gifts!”
One local L.A. boxer also raves about the exciting trip with the Team Boxing T.A.M. promotion. Just 18 years old, Xavier Montelongo Jr. is one to keep your eye on. The tough teen from East L.A. is also already a role model and inspiration for other young pugilists. He’s amassed 19 national titles while training out of Solid Rock Boxing. “My record is 175-17,” the humble young man says. “I train in East Los Angeles with my coaches Xavier Montelongo Sr. and Gilbert Valdez. His dream is to make the 2012 Olympic Team and while not in the gym also spends time at the Victory Outreach church inspiring others.
In regard to the Tahiti trip, Xavier was part of a brave pack of boxers, all from the West Coast. “Yeah, we were all from California!” he confirms. “All ten of us made the trip.” At the conclusion of the tournament, Montelongo Jr. received the show’s highest honor of being voted “Best Boxer.” Xavier also raved about the beauty of the islands, saying it looked like “Heaven on Earth.”
These young men–through boxing–have already traveled to a foreign locale that most of us may never get an opportunity to see. After checking out their pics and seeing the amazing landscape of the islands, I vow to add Tahiti on my list of “must-see” destinations.
I want congratulate all the fighters and trainers of Team USA on their victories in Tahiti’s “Night of Champions.”
Photos courtesy of Team USA, Fidel Briseno, David Barragan, Community Youth Athletic Center and Xavier Montelongo