*SPOTLIGHT*

Jorge Carlos Jr., KS started boxing at the age of 10, "My aunt actually introduced me to the sport," Jorge explains, "...and ever since I started I haven't quit." Jorge began his training at the Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas, where he still trains, and after two years of training he had his first bout. Having practiced soccer for 4 years prior to boxing, he was able to rely on his competitive nature during his transition to this combat sport. "...when I started I knew I wanted to fight because there were people already competing at the gym I was going to." Jorge stated.

Now at the age 17, Jorge has competed in multiple National Tournaments and has come away with titles at the Junior Golden Gloves, Junior Olympics and the USA Quaifier!

Which has been your proudest accomplishment? we asked. "Probably the Junior Olympics," Jorge replied, "...because that's when I started taking boxing more seriously and that's when I started cutting weight." Boxing is a very demanding sport in many ways including making weight and just showing up ready to go, consistently. Jorge admits that those aspects are challenging for him at times but with his goals firmly on his mind he has been able to not only overcome but excel against the Nation's best and into the US National rankings.

Moving forward, Jorge continues to work hard to be able to win at the USA Nationals and earn the opportunity to travel and compete internationally as an amateur. Then he will put all his focus into becoming a world champion in the Pro ranks.

Good luck in your journey Jorge! 

*SPOTLIGHT*


The Marquez family have always been big boxing fans and naturally Mireya Marquez, WI developed an interest for the sport. "After sitting down and watching fights I grew more intrigued after each fight." Mireya explains, "I begged my parents to take me to a boxing gym." At the age of 11, Mireya's parents took her to the Medina Boxing Gym in Wauwatosa, WI. "My parents drove me there every single day coming from the south side of Milwaukee. It was a lot of back and forth every day so we looked for a closer gym in Milwaukee." A year later they found the AMC Boxing Academy along with head coach Alberto Mercedes.

Since the early stages of her training Mireya's passion for the sport of boxing only grew. "When starting at AMC, Coach Mercedes immediately saw the potential I could have in boxing and took my love for the sport seriously." Mireya affirms. 6 months after arriving to AMC, Mireya had her first bout and just 4 bouts later Mireya was already competing against the Nation's best!

To date, the nationally ranked #2 at 114 and #5 at 119 has competed in 6 National Tournament's and has earned 2 Junior Olympics silver medals, a Ringside World Championship Title, and what she attributes as her proudest accomplishment, a US National Championship Title in 2016!
"There is not a thing I would ever change about the sport! The sport is tough because it pushes you when you have nothing left." she acknowledges, "The most challenging part is the stuff you sacrifice for the sport. Without discipline it is impossible to keep improving." Wise words by this 15 year old young champion.

Looking ahead, Mireya has her sights on earning a spot in the US Olympic Team and having the opportunity to competing in Tokyo 2020. But along the way she wants to gain as much amateur experience as she can in order to prepare herself to win World Titles in the Pro ranks!
Good luck in your journey Mireya!

Trinidad Vargas started his amature boxing career at the age of 6, "My dad took me to the gym when I was little and I fell in love with the sport ever since!" he explains. Trinidad trained his first two years before he started competing at the age of 8. With both of his parents being certified boxing coaches, Trinidad was able to not only dedicate himself to boxing but he had the benefit of having quality training from his own parents.

Born and raised in Grand Prairie, TX Trinidad trains in nearby Dallas in the 'Heart of Champions' boxing gym. Now, at just 14 years old Trinidad has competed in several National Tournaments including the Junior Olympics, Junior National Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves, East and Western Qualifiers and the USA Boxing Nationals. The hardwork he has put into perfecting his craft is evident as he has won all of the tournaments I just listed in route to claiming 14 National Titles!!

When asked about his proudest accomplishment he answered, "[The] USA Boxing Nationals because winning that tournament earned me a spot on USA team and closer to my dreams." Currently, Trinidad is getting ready to compete in the Dallas Golden Gloves next week (1/22-1/28) before he heads to Colorado for training camp with the Junior Male USA Boxing Team. He would then get the opportunity to go back to Colorado in May to prepare with the Junior Team to compete in Azerbaijan in the Heyday Aliyev Junior Cup!

Looking forward, Trinidad hopes to earn his opportunity to compete for Olympic Gold when he is eligible, before he turns his focus to excelling as Pro.

Good luck in your journey Trinidad! 

Deon Johnson started boxing at the age 14 after he decided to try something different. "I used to watch a lot of boxing growing up, like Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward. I always wanted to try it." The work ethic and conditioning he had developed during his 6 years of practicing football prior to boxing, helped in his transition into the sport. He began his amature career at Pugs Boxing Club in Crystal Lake where he trained for a year before he competed in his first bout. A year and four bouts later Deon decided to switch to a gym that was closer to home, The Elgin Boxing Club headed by Coach Tony Molinar.

To date, Deon has stayed very active by competing in several tournaments including Ringside, WBC Amateur Tournament, Silver Gloves, and the Junior Olympics were he won in the Novice Division, claiming it as his best accomplishment so far. He keeps working in the gym, "...perfecting technique, working either on hand speed or footwork.", Deon explained as he prepares for a busy 2018. With 26 bouts under his belt he looks to challenge himself against the Regions and Nations best.

Looking forward, Deon wants to claim some National Titles and make a run at the Olympics before ultimately turning Pro.

Best of luck in your journey Deon!

On January 4, 2018 the new USA Boxing Rankings were released, below is a list of the 18 local boxers that are currently ranked nationally, Congratulations!! #hardwork #dedication

Elite Women
119 lbs.
11th_Michelle Morales, IL
141 lbs.
13th_Dominique Barrios, WI

Elite Men
152 lbs.
6th_Azeez Muhammad, IL
165 lbs.
2nd_Javier Martinez, WI
10th_Osvaldo Vera, IL (now pro)

Junior Women
114 lbs.
2nd_Mireya Marquez, WI
119 lbs.
5th_Mireya Marquez, WI

Junior Men
101 lbs.
13th_Mario Martinez, WI
114 lbs.
5th_Jason Komanekin, WI
125 lbs.
9th_Breeon Carothers Jr., WI
132 lbs.
3rd_Breeon Carothers Jr., WI
138 lbs.
8th_Jasper West, IL
176 lbs.
2nd_Oscar Ochoa, IL

Youth Men
108 lbs.
1st_Angel Martinez, IL
152 lbs.
9th_Daniel Blancas, WI

Bantam Male
 90 lbs.
1st_Joseph Awinongya, IL
95 lbs.
1st_Alfredo Gonzalez, WI
101 lbs.
4th_ Alfredo Gonzalez, WI

Boys Intermediate
75 lbs.
6th_Kevin Ayala, IL
80 lbs.
6th_Zachary Carter, IL
125 lbs.
2nd_Joseph Miranda, WI

*FIGHT ANALYSIS*

Jessica McCaskill vs Katie Taylor
WBA Lightweight Championship
York Hall, London
12/13/2017

A little over a week removed from one of the biggest Women's Lightweight bouts this year, Chicago's own (by way of St. Louis), Jessica McCaskill took a massive jump to challenge arguably the biggest name and recent World Champion, Katie Taylor from Ireland. Below are some of my takeaways from this entertaining headlining fight.

Katie Taylor is not invincible.

"It was a very very tough fight, probably the toughest fight of my career." Katie admitted in her post fight interview. I took that statement from Taylor as directly referring to the physical toll she took from her aggressive opponent. We all knew going into the fight that Katie had a massive advantage in experience and boxing technique as proven by her extensive amature career, my questions were about her defensive concentration. When I started to review some of her pro fights I noticed two things about her guard, her hands were habitually low and she exposed her body too often, both things that Jessica could capitalize on.

As early as the second round Jessica started to land some clean right hands that got Katie's attention and towards the end of the third, Jessica landed a left hand that slightly stunned Katie making her lean forward and hold. This consistent holding throughout the fight by Katie was used as a defensive strategy that ultimately cost her a point in the 7th round. But after a tough 6th and 7th round Katie took some great advice from her corner and finished the fight out-boxing Jessica in route to a well deserved victory.

Jessica McCaskill is a contender.

Going into the fight I had my concerns of Jessica challenging for a world title too soon due to her overall boxing experience. Jessica had her first fight in August of 2015 but didn't really get started until June of last year where she took a split decision loss to a debuting boxer. She ended up regrouping and picking up a couple of wins including a decision win over a good but undersized boxer in Carla Torres in January of this year. Torres was able to land frequently and could have really caused a problem if she wasn't a natural super featherweight. Those defensive deficiencies were definitely a concern for McCaskill supporters.

I have to give props to Team McCaskill and Jessica in particular for executing a solid strategy to compete and to win the fight. Initiating off the jab, working the body when close and maintaining consistent pressure throughout made it an entertaining bout. As I mentioned prior to the fight, Jessica could win in London even if she doesn't win the fight by giving a solid performance. Which she did! Even though it was her first 10 round fight, first world title challenge, and first fight outside of the US!

Moving forward.

Even more intriguing than the fight itself is the question of how these two boxers will develop moving forward. It's no secret that Katie is deservedly being maneuvered to be a female boxing superstar and I have no doubt that Team Taylor will review that tape and make the necessary adjustments in their pursuit.

Make no mistake about it, Jessica McCaskill is a contender in the lightweight divison and all the moves off this performance should be done with that in mind. At 33 years old her boxing future is now. Anything less than trying to get a fight with a ranked boxer or possibly one of the Argentinian champions will be a disservice to her boxing career.

_Puro
Three Rounds

#3R_Analysis

When Ezequiel Huaracha first started boxing, he always knew he would compete. Growing up always putting the gloves on and watching boxing with his brother, Ezequiel developed an itch for competition. At age 11, he began to train with Tony Molinar at his gym in Elgin, IL. Since he began, he has had a fruitful career to show for his hard work in the gym.

He took 2nd place in the Silver Gloves Nationals two years in a row. In 2013 Huaracha finally became the Silver Gloves National Champ. Won the Junior Olympics State tournament three years in a row, and Junior Olympics Regional tournament two years in a row, and is also a 4x Chicago Power Gloves Champ... Just to name a few of his achievements. Of all Ezequiel's accomplishments, listed or not, he is most proud of his 2017 Chicago Golden gloves Championship.

Moving forward, Ezequiel, also know as 'Zeke,' is planning to turn pro after 2020. Meanwhile, Zeke is looking to win the National Golden Gloves Tournament as well as other national and international tournaments. In 2018, be on the lookout for this young man, now 18, who admits none of his success would be possible without his father. "He’s always at my fights he makes sure I have everything I need in boxing he’s there 110%" Good luck on your journey, Zeke!

#3R_Spotlight

Isaac Guaderrama started boxing at the age of 13 when he arrived to the US from Mexico after he decided he wanted to try the sport. Isaac eventually talked to a friend of the family who was a former boxer that introduced him to head trainer at Beast Boxing, Reyes Hurtado.

"I knew from the beginning that I wanted to fight." he stated "But I also knew that I needed to train for a while to get to know the sport." Six months after Isaac joined Beast Boxing he had his first fight at the Illinois Silver Gloves Tournament and to date he has competed and won 7 different tournaments. Including the Junior Olympics, Indian Summer Festival (WI), City of Lights, Power Gloves, Arthur Johnson Invitational and NLAB's King of the Jungle where he won his open division and earned the 'Best Boxer' award which he attributes as his proudest moment so far.

In his 2 1/2 years of training he has stayed very active and has already competed in 24 bouts! Training along his younger brother (who's also getting ready to compete), Isaac stays hungry and is looking to get back in the ring after recently suffering a hand injury. "I want to stay active and hopefully be in a position to turn pro when I turn 18." Best of luck in your journey Isaac! 

#3R_Spotlight

About three years ago, Jazmin Reyes randomly stepped into a boxing group fitness class for fun. She enjoyed it so much, she became a regular and continued training in her coaches program, Izzy Does it Fitness Boxing at Extreme Kung Fu Martial Arts.

Hesitant at first, her coach encouraged her to compete. Jazmin has competed in the Golden Gloves and won the novice division in her first trip to the tournament.

Her very recent win of the WBC amateur tournament is a testament to her hard work. "I worked very hard for that fight. I spent so many hours preparing for that fight, more than I ever have for any fight."
Jazmin's New level of training has her ready to leave her mark on the upcoming Golden Gloves tournament.

Balancing training, working full-time and finding personal time, Jazmin aspires to continue working hard and would love to compete in the nationals and to even make it to the Olympics.

Congratulations on your new green belt and good luck on your journey, Jazmin!

#3R_Spotlight

Four years ago in 2013, Jose Luna first went to his Uncle's boxing gym to lose a little weight and gradually began to really like it. His father and uncle both boxed in their youth so it was fairly easy for Jose to pick up on the training at Luna Boxing Club.

With dedication, something that began as a way to get in shape, quickly grew into need to compete and improve.

Jose credits boxing for giving him confidence and teaching him to remain humble. Jose is a two time Power Gloves champ for 2013 and 2014, and 2013 Illinois Silver Gloves champ. He hopes to continue his success and go to nationals and possibly turn pro.

#3R_Spotlight