REGION 8 in 2011 SILVER GLOVES!

Anyone who has a sibling knows what it’s like to have to share toys, wear hand-me-down clothes and fight for attention from mom and dad.

Well Ryan and Sean Garcia have it all figured out.

They have their own “toys” in title belts, wear their own satin boxing trunks and the only fighting they do is on the canvas while both earn plenty of attention from proud parents, Henry and Lisa Garcia.

Meet two amateur champs who don’t have to share their championship belts either. Each boy just won their own cool belt while battling the best boxers in the U.S. at the 2011 National Silver Gloves Tournament held in Kansas City this past weekend.

No sibling rivalry here, folks. Just ring rivalries amongst the toughest young 85 and 60-pounders out there.

The pair from Adelanto, California, nicknamed the “Bash Brothers,” are boxing phenoms who won their respective age and weight divisions in the prestigious tournament.

“The ‘Bash Brothers Garcia’ BOTH won!” came the announcement from the Garcia camp. “Ryan won the 12/13 years old division and Sean won the 10/11 division. And both boys were boxing to their disadvantage because Ryan is only 12 and Sean is just 10.”

Covering amateur shows in the Southland, I’ve literally watched the preteens grow up–in and out of the ring. And young Ryan is currently in a growth spurt–and I’m now seeing eye to eye with the taller boy. Both are already savvy veterans inside the ropes too. Older bro Ryan has over 80 bouts to his name while the younger Sean is no slouch with approximately 40 matches already fought.

The whole family, including sisters Kayla, Sasha and Demi, is dedicated to the sweet science while the two talented boys keep their focus on earning a spot in a future Olympic Games. The Garcias are one of the most enthusiastic, appreciative and friendly families I’ve ever met in the sport. Spending endless hours in the gym, the family also is very involved volunteering their time in USA Boxing too. And when Ryan and Sean aren’t fighting themselves, I have watched them support their fellow boxers at countless amateur shows as well.

The boxing duo is sponsored by James Ramos of San Manuel and are trained by their father, Henry and an uncle who co-trains them. For Ryan, his earliest chance for Olympic glory will be the year 2016 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The little power punchers are getting closer and closer to making these dreams a reality with each new belt slung around their shoulders.

Papa Henry and Mama Lisa are both happy the trip was a big success–and a lot of fun for their sons. They are also very proud of all the boy’s Region 8 teammates in a strong showing from the West.

“Both Bash Brothers take the National Silver Gloves Titles!” their enthusiastic parents told me. “And Gary Salazar and Brandon Lee take titles as “Outstanding Boxers” in their divisions too!”

Coach Joe Zanders and his western region in USA Boxing included many skilled California warriors including the Brothers Garcia, Evan Sanchez and Gary Salazar (Region 8’s “Outstanding Boxer” winners from the January finals), Ruben Villa, Mark Castro, Javier Padilla and more as you’ll see in these photos from Team Garcia and Team Sanchez. They are fellow fighters, friends and supporters while traveling and bonding as one team, one cohesive unit.

The icing on the cake was that Region 8 also clinched the team trophy in the tournament. “Region 8 takes team trophy!” Garcia shares. “Thanks to Joe and Pat Zanders who take care of our boys and have them looking the sharpest. Region 8 is like a family and we had a great time supporting each other out here.”

The dueling brothers agree, saying, “The tournament was awesome!”

Their parents echo their excitement. “It was awesome!” they express. “It was a tough tournament but priceless! A shout out to all of our friends, teammates, and also to Zimmie Dickinson, Jordan White, and Brandon Lee (who also won the 10/11 division ‘Outstanding Boxer Award’).”

Henry mentions that Ryan’s final bout is already on YouTube and that I’ll be surprised how much taller his son looks now. “The boys are growing up!” their father remarks.

At age 10 and 12, Sean and Ryan are growing up while inching their way closer and closer to their Olympic Dreams. Not only the “Best in the West,” their newest championships proved they are in the elite throughout the U.S.

Congratulations to Region 8 and all the Silver Glove competitors!

Photo courtesy of Omar Sanchez and Henry Garcia