Amateurs in TAM Competition
Most people dream of escaping to a tropical island where they can soak up the sun, swim in sparking waters and take a relaxing break while swinging on a lazy hammock.
Most of us can only dream of this exotic fantasy.
For a group of young amateur boxers from the Southern California, they will be “livin’ the dream” as the fly to Tahiti THIS Thursday to compete in the “Team Boxing TAM” show featuring Team USA vs. Team Tahiti.
Coach Fidel Briseno from Pacoima took a group of athletes last year and is happy to once again be able to make a return trip to this faraway location.
I caught up with the busy boxing trainer to hear all about their exciting travels to the lush French Polynesian island.
It must be a tough job to decide which teens and young talents get the chance to fight internationally. “How does the team get chosen?” I ask Fidel. “And how do the families afford the trip?”
“We give everyone an opportunity if they have some experience and they’re ready to compete,” Briseno (USA Boxing’s Vice President, Southern California Association) replies. “And the trip gets sponsored by Sergio Bordes, President of the TAM Boxing Association in Tahiti. It’s a great experience for some of our athletes that don’t get the opportunity to travel outside the country.”
The boxing bunch have also been part of local fundraising parties, T-shirt sales and more–whatever it takes to ensure the kids have the best time ever. All are anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
“We are looking forward to having an incredible boxing experience with a young team,” the head coach, who’s overseen the Pacoima boxing program for over 15 years, says. “This is a young and competitive team. This time it’s a team of 10 men and 3 girls going on April the 5-15. We will be competing in Moorea and Papeete.”
Fidel and assistant coach Manny Nava are geared up for a memorable time while on Tahiti soil. In between bouts, the youth will have the opportunity to sample the plentiful food and fresh fruits of the island, get to know their Tahitian counterparts while enjoying the sights of the picture-perfect Polynesian beaches.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
For the lucky 13 amateur fighters and their two coaches, their dream will be a reality beginning Thursday. Through the sport of boxing, these young warriors will see their hard work paying off in this unforgettable competition.
Coach Briseno is already proud of this spirited group of boxers. “We have Rahim Gonzales (15), Faith Franco (20), Denise Rico (21), Aracely Tinoco (18), Adrian Gutierrez (17),
Edwin Sandoval (19), Emilio Sanchez (17), Daniel Ramirez (21), Ismael Fernandez (17), Bryan Rangel (19), Furgan Raschke (15), Smbat Bagdassarian (26) and Bryan Ruelas (21),” Fidel mentions. And one young member even has championship DNA. “Bryan Ruelas is the nephew of the champs,” Fidel confirms, in regards to Bryan’s relation to Gabe Ruelas and Rafael Ruelas.
“Only one, Emilio Sanchez, has gone to Tahiti before,” the trainer adds. “The rest are brand new in going over there.” And the U.S. pugilists will all be wearing a new team shirt designed just for this trip.
I, myself, have known a few of these kids for several years now and I’ve watched them literally grow up in the gym. Many casual fans may not realize the true dedication–both mentally and physically– that it takes to become a boxer. And it all begins in the amateur ranks. This young team of fighters have a multitude of national titles, championship belts and a boatload of medals and trophies amongst them.
But on the flip side, Fidel also expresses that some of the kids have been runner-ups, “the second best” or even “third best” in national tournaments and shows and therefore, haven’t been given the chance to travel and compete like the elites. His goal in this Tahiti adventure is to allow these hard-working boxers their own chance to shine. He also says boxing keeps many of the youngsters out of trouble and is a positive way to build skills in and out of the ring and develop good sportsmanship in the process.
“This will be a blast for the kids–and that’s what it’s all about,” the veteran trainer tells me this morning. “I’m just putting the finishing touches on the trip. This is gonna be a great, positive thing for the kids. And a lot of their parents are going too; they can witness the beauty of the islands while getting to see their children box. We are ready!”
Now they are Tahiti-bound in hopes of bringing home USA braggin’ rights while embarking on a trip of a lifetime.
“Have fun over there!” I say to the coach as we sign off.
“Thank you for your support, Michele!” Briseno says with emotion. “From the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone who has supported us. I’m SO happy for these kids who get to go to Tahiti!”
Next up will be a spotlight on the youngest slugger heading to the TAM event.
Good luck to all the fighters in the show!
Ia manuia le malaga and Ia Manuia (Bon Voyage and Good Luck)!
Photo courtesy of Dominic Serna Sr.