Fighting for Glory & More!
On any given weekend, you can find a local amateur boxing show within miles of Los Angeles County. These shows are the bread and butter of each and every young fighter with dreams of going to the Olympics and/or turning pro.
Boys–and girls–as young as 8 years old lace up and step into the ring, full of courage, hope, dedication and determination. I recently checked out the final day of competition at the California Golden Gloves Tournament held at the Lincoln Park Recreation Center. This was a two-week event with the victors in their age/weight brackets moving on to the State Finals. For the kids competing, each win inched them closer to fulfilling their dreams.
Fighting with bravery that belies their young age, I watched each young combatant give it their all. “Keep punching, you got this!” the fans yelled. There were many close battles and several bouts that would rival any pro fight as these tough and tender gladiators traded leather. While the losers dropped their heads in defeat, the winners beamed knowing they get another chance for glory.
But win or lose, the youth are still learning invaluable lessons in and out of the gym. While the victors moved on to the new level of competitions, those defeated do not have time to hang their heads as the next show is just around the corner. These amateur shows continue to dot the Southland; boxing is alive and well.
And from this crop of youngsters fighting in the USA Boxing, our future pro champions will rise.
You never know which male or female will be the next superstar in the sport.
I see the desire in their young faces; I feel the tension and nervous excitement from the coaches in the corner and the parents sitting on the sidelines.
Boxing provides a way out for many kids with dreams of wanting more.
And you have to have a boatload of patience to compete in the amateur ranks. There are countless hours and endless days spent honing your craft.
This regional Golden Gloves finals held at Lincoln Park lasted two weeks from the weigh-ins on March 8 all the way to the last night of battles on March 22. After 14 days of watching and waiting, punching it out on the last night were some of the best in the west.
In one of the opening bouts, female dynamo Lisa Porter won her bout against Denise Moran. Porter stayed at the gym to cheer on her fellow stablemates from Gio’s Boxing Club. Fighters from Ten Goose, Wild Card, L.A. Sands, Outlaws, Henry Tillman Championship Boxing Club, Young Champions, Espada Boxing, Grampa’s Boxing, Broadway, Westside Boxing Club and more were also represented inside the ropes.
Golden Gloves’ John Hardin had a full house with fans packing the gym each night of competition. The referees and judges working the fights volunteer their time to ensure the safety of the kids and teens. I see many of the officials at both amateur and pro fights and their loyalty to the sport is unparalleled.
And on the night I attended the finals, there were many pro fighters supporting the kids including Olympian Henry Tillman, former amateur standout and current pro boxer DonYil Livingston, and welterweight contender Andy “The Hawk” Price.
Juan Funez, an amateur champ now fighting pro, was also there with his uncle and trainer Ricky Funez. Juan is a rising star fighting under the Goossen Tutor banner. He will be fighting next Thursday at Agua Caliente on the undercard of the Josesito Lopez-Aaron Martinez clash. The 20-year-old Funez will be looking for his fifth victory as a pro. Be sure to keep your eye on this talented southpaw from training at Ten Goose. I remember watching Juan fight as an amateur and now here he is on the path to success in the professional ranks.
Funez was once like these hungry young amateurs, dreaming of making it big time and fighting on TV. For the lucky few, their hard work, drive and dedication help their dreams become reality.
Please continue to support amateur boxing, these kids really give it their all.
Here are some exclusive shots from the Golden Gloves. Congratulations to all and keep swinging!
Photos by Michele Chong
