Championships Held in South El Monte
Who says the sport of boxing is fading away?
While mixed martial arts has, arguably, taken a huge chunk of fans and a new generation away from the sweet science, pugilism is alive and kicking in many amateur gyms across the land.
Amateur boxing shows and tournaments frequently take place in various regions dotting the U.S. and this weekend was no exception as the prestigious 2012 Blue & Gold National Amateur Boxing Tournament was held at the South El Monte Community Center in California during Labor Day weekend. After a brief hiatus last year, this annual tourney is back–and the venue was bursting with local talents waiting for their chance to claim victory.
Boxing stars Shane Mosley, 2012 Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr., L.A. Matador David Imoesiri and others came out to lend their support for the amateurs. The show was presented by USA Boxing, Tournament Director Joe Zanders, Chief of Officials Delilah Rico, Host Ben Lira and Administrator Pat Zanders.
I caught up with many of the young champs, their trainers and families all coming out to watch Sunday’s finals. These fighters and their coaches are some of the most dedicated athletes around. Beginning with Wednesday’s mandatory registration, there were also daily physicals and weigh-ins leading up to the championship rounds. Brackets were made from ages 8-34 and age 35 and up in the Masters Division with hundreds of gyms represented including The Rock, Eddie Heredia, La Colonia, Azteca, Knucklheadz, Mosley Boxing, Oxnard PAL, La Habra and more.
“We had about 500 fighters this year,” USA Boxing Official Henry Garcia told me as we watched the youths trade leather. “These kids are the ‘best of the best’ in these finals and it’s been a great tournament.” Henry’s wife, Lisa, is also a USA Boxing volunteer and their two sons are multiple amateur champions. Ryan, 14, and Sean, 11, were just crowned the Desert Showdown champs. “We’re preparing for the Silver Gloves in October and also the National PALS that will be in Toledo next month,” their father/trainer Henry added. Sean and Ryan were at the fights with another pair of championship brothers, Daniel and Albert Gonzalez. The kids proudly listed all their recent achievements including the Desert Showdown, Junior Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, National PALS and more.
And the young fighters who won their final bouts on Sunday had a lot to celebrate. With their hard work paying off in the gym, the trainers and their students took pride in their victories. I chatted with trainer Rudy Hernandez, who had a couple of future stars with him. Sixteen-year-old Christian Gonzalez (Grampa’s Boxing) and Israel Ortiz, 12, (Teiken Boxing) are two talents to look out for says the veteran coach and UFC cutman. “Christian won by a knockout in the first round,” Rudy nods. “It was a liver shot.” The two have been working together for four years. Remaining focused, the team will next start training for a fight in October.
During this weekend’s Blue & Gold, I also noticed there were many second and third generations of families involved in boxing.
Trainer Jack Mosley was in the corner with son Shane and grandson Shane Jr. as the next generation squared off at the bell. Shane Jr. went toe to toe with Rowdy Montgomery in a spirited rematch. Boxing is a family trade for many of these familiar faces I caught up with in the crowd. Many of the parents first got involved in boxing when their children competed; now with their kids grown up and fighting pro, the loyal judges and referees remain stalwarts of USA Boxing.
Stella and Don Livingston still volunteer their time as judges as their son DonYil Livingston continues his career in the pros. Official Krysti Rosario is a former Blue & Gold Champ herself and at this show, her son Nico got to see both his parents inside the ropes–Krysti as an official and his father in the corner training one of the fighters. And Referee/Judge Ray Chavez has been involved in amateur boxing for decades, ever since his son Michael Chavez racked up countless amateur trophies, belts and titles. These same faces continue to work at these amateur shows, their passion never dwindles.
And one parent (and fighter out of the Highlanders Boxing Club) really scored some extra applause from the audience. Coach Joe Zanders introduced Tony Cifuentes’ championship bout while explaining to the fans that Cifuentes AND his two sons both fought in this weekend’s Blue & Gold.
Joseph Diaz Sr. was also there to catch the action as his son and 2012 Olympian JoJo Diaz was announced in the ring. The teen told me that the Olympic bouts were the last time he’d fight as an amateur. He and his dad say JoJo will go pro soon and are excited about the future. Diaz also reconnected with his World Series of Boxing (WSB) teammate, David “The Dream Catcher” Imoesiri.
A lot has changed for both boxers since their days of fighting through the AIBA WSB league. Diaz made it all the way to the London Olympics and Imoesiri, also still an amateur, shared some exciting news too.
The heavyweight just got married and has had a busy summer in and out of the ring. “I just started taking classes at Long Beach to one day be a Sports Nutrition Major and athlete recovery trainer,” Imoesiri says. “Also, my wife Tiffanie and I have been busy building our organization with USANA Health Sciences.”
Imoesiri was at the tournament in support of Long Beach coaches Joe Zanders, Adam Thompson and Sportscene’s Dorian Anthony, who won in Bout #24 of the day. The team celebrated the win in one of the very last matches of this four-day competition.
As this year’s bash comes to a close, the young warriors will continue to sharpen their skills, always training for the next victory.
Check out the scene at the South El Monte gym in these snapshots from the day!
Photos by Michele Chong