Youngsters dream of boxing glory

By JOHN SANDERS
Valley Press Sports Correspondent
 

"We're coming, so watch out," the brothers said. "The Zayas Brothers."

The Zayas brothers aren't quite there yet, however, they may well be on their way.

Cesar and Steven as well as other amateur boxers flaunted their skills Sunday afternoon at the Third Annual Power Gloves sponsored by USA Amateur Boxing.

Fans at Jackie Robinson Park enjoyed eight action-filled fights which included amateur boxers from ages 13 to 25 and from 93 pounds all the way 158 pounds.

"I love it. I'm just trying my best to make it to the top," said Cesar following his victory against Salvador Nungaray, in his amateur debut. "We're going to train as hard as we can. I want to go to the Olympics and then go pro."

Following Cesar's victory, younger brother Steven defeated Eric Grin and was equally excited about the victory.

"I've always wanted to fight. My dad was a boxer and I asked him if I could do it," said Steven who fought at 112 pounds. "I want to go to the Olympics or become a world champion. Maybe one day I'll get there. There's always been a desire for me to fight."

The brothers, who train out of the Durango Boxing Club in Lancaster, endure an intense 3 1/2 hour a day workout, which includes running, push-ups, sit-ups, hitting the heavy and speed bags, sparring and shadow boxing.

Boxing around the Antelope Valley has become more popular in recent years. Clubs include Durango, the Sparks Boxing Club in Lancaster, Grace Boxing Club in Palmdale, and the Jackie Robinson Boxing Club in Littlerock. Each club had at least one fighter on Sunday's card.

Other clubs competing came from as far north as Bakersfield to as far south as Long Beach.

"It's important for boxers to gain the experience in the amateurs in order to attain the highest level," said Joe Zanders, president of the USA Boxing Southern California Association. "Having a good resume is important. It's good to start early in any sport in order to develop skill. It's like playing an instrument. You develop a skill and become great."

Tommy Landeros, who won a tournament in Palm Spring last July, fought in his third amateur fight and defeated Victor Contreras. Landeros, who trains out of the Grace Boxing Club, said he will compete in a tournament in August in Kansas.

"I wanted to try something new. I tried basketball, football and soccer and I was best in boxing," said Landeros, who is a freshman at Palmdale High School. "I was a little more nervous today because I had a lot of my family here, so I didn't want to lose."

Jackie Robinson Park will host another amatuer boxing event on October 14 as part of the Dia de La Raza Festival.

"The fighters displayed good sportsmanship and good skills," promotor of the event, Peg Lee said. "I thought it was a successful day. I'm excited and elated, but I'm disappointed we couldn't match any women to compete."

There were a handful of women on hand ready to compete, however, none got to fight because they were not matched up equally. Fighters are matched basis of age and weight.

"I want to go down as a legend. I want to be the female flyweight champion of the world," said Tiana O'Neill. "I'm here to blow it up. Fighting gives you something to look forward to. I've learned a lot of self control."

Unfortunately there was no one to compete against O'Neill. O'Neill, who trains out of the Sparks Boxing Club, said she works out hard for several hours a day.

"I want to be the best boxer alive," said Wilbert Simpson. "That's my goal. I like Roy Jones Jr.'s mind, Floyd Mayweather Jr's. speed and Zab Judah's left hand."

Teammate Marty Davis too has high aspirations.

"I want to be a professional fighter," the 17-year-old Davis said. "I watched my friend box one day and I liked it. I know boxers make a lot of money. I just love boxing."

Sunday may have been a glimpse of the rising stars to come.

C. Zayas (138) def. Nungaray (130). S. Zayas (112) def. Grin (109). Huerta (144) def. Simpson (147). Ellis (93) def. Romano (95). Martin (116) def. Childers (113). Ruiz (145) def. Morales (151). Landeros (109) def. Contreras (107). Martinez (151) def. Davis (58).