Special Pictorial from 2011 Championships!
Arguably, the crown jewel in the ranks of the amateur boxing world is the Ringside World Championships. Held every year in Kansas City, this tournament which lasts for days features multiple rings in several sessions, over 60 weight divisions with almost 1200 boxers and an estimated 230 new champions crowned. It’s the granddaddy of all tournaments, folks.
I’ve attended this legendary competition once and it’s quite a sight to see so much raw talent all converging in one place. John Brown and Ringside put on a great show; if you enjoy amateur boxing, I encourage you to attend this event at least once. You will be hooked after seeing all the pure passion, heart and determination from all the male and female warriors in the tournament.
This USA Boxing tourney features the best of the best with our future Olympians and pro champions all honing their craft inside the KCI Expo Center. The 11th Annual Ringside World Championships was held recently in Missouri but it’s not just for fighters heralding from the U.S. This year, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, Australia, Switzerland, Ireland, Puerto Rico and even the exotic locales of the Cayman Islands all came out to represent in bringing forth their elite boxers in the sweet science.
In this special pictorial by boxing photographer Dominic Serna Sr., here is a look at this year’s competition. If you weren’t able to catch the action in person, this is the next best thing. Check out the triumphs and tribulations inside the ropes between the combatants of all ages. Note that each victory came with a price–the countless hours spent training in the gym, early morning roadwork, giving up junk food, and for the youth, balancing school work with gym work.
No pizza and fast food for the kids who need to stay in shape for the weigh-ins.
Sacrificing so much, the pugilists have to stay strong both physically and mentally as marathon hours tick by while waiting for your fights to begin.
But in the end, the reward is worth it as a hand is raised in victory.
For photographer Serna Sr. (by way of Arizona and now residing in California), shooting amateur boxing is a real “labor of love” for him.
Two of Dominic and Michelle Serna’s sons are a couple of kids quickly gaining more and more recognition in the amateur ranks. Fighting out of the Indio Boys and Girls Club Dominic Serna Jr. and Blane Serna already have a huge treasure trove of championship belts, trophies and medals. Their coach is pro fighter and former world title holder Antonio Diaz, the pride of the Coachella Valley.
In addition to the Serna siblings, also bringing home to championship title to the Indio region was Javier Padilla and Aaron Morales from Oklahoma (whose family has been a houseguest with the Sernas). The foes competing also quickly become friends outside the canvas as good sportsmanship and safety of the fighters is always promoted first at amateur bouts.
These boys listed above are just four of the talented young victors that came home with a belt after squaring off at Ringside.
All deserve credit for stepping into the ring. This year’s installment showcased over 1000 male boxers, over 150 female fighters, and 130 veteran sluggers competing in the Masters’ brackets. Open and novice fighters, ages 9-34 and Masters divison, ages 35 and up all laced up in hopes of bringing home the championship strap.
For the last ones standing, they claimed stake as the 2011 Ringside World Champ.
Hard fought victories, long lasting memories.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
For more info:Here.
Photos by Dominic Serna Sr.
