*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

Best of luck to the 17 local boxers and their teams as they compete in the 2017 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships & Junior and Prep Open in Salt Lake City, UT next week!

Junior Female
119 lbs. Mireya Marquez_Milwaukee, WI

Elite Male
152 lbs. Azeez Muhammad_Chicago, IL
165 lbs. Javier Martinez_Milwaukee, WI

Youth Male
108 lbs. Angel Martinez_Rockford, IL
132 lbs. Felix Gonzalez_Chicago, IL
141 lbs. Roberto Rosales_Milwaukee, WI
152 lbs. Daniel Blancas_Milwaukee, WI

Junior Male
101 lbs Carlos Reyes_Milwaukee, WI
114 lbs. Ricardo Gonzalez_Racine, WI
114 lbs. Jason Komanekin_Keshena, WI
114 lbs. Mario Martinez_Milwaukee, WI
125 lbs. Irving Alanis_Milwaukee, WI
132 lbs. Breeon Carothers Jr._Racine, WI

Intermediate Male
75 lbs. Kevin Ayala_Huntley, IL
125 lbs. Joseph Miranda_Delavan, WI

Bantam Male
70 lbs. Owen Miranda_Delavan, WI
90 lbs. Joseph Awinongya_Chicago, IL

#USABNC17

On November 17, 2017 the new USA Boxing Rankings were released, below is a list of the 35 local boxers that are currently ranked nationally, Congratulations!! #hardwork #dedication

Elite Women

119 lbs.
10th_Michelle Morales, IL
125 lbs.
12th_Olivia Hendrickson, WI
141 lbs.
12th_Dominique Barrios, WI

Elite Men

152 lbs.
6th_Azeez Muhammad, IL
165 lbs.
3rd_Javier Martinez, WI
10th_Osvaldo Vera, IL (Pro)

Youth Men

108 lbs.
1st_Angel Martinez, IL
123 lbs.
8th_Ezequiel Huaracha, IL
141 lbs.
2nd_Rolando Vargas, WI
201+ lbs.
5th_Luis Alvarado, WI

Junior Women

114 lbs.
1st_Mireya Marquez, WI
145 lbs.
1st_Summer Lynn, IL

Junior Men

101 lbs.
11th_Mario Martinez, WI
114 lbs.
10th_Jason Komanekin, WI
12th_Omar Perez, IL
125 lbs.
8th_Breeon Carothers Jr., WI
132 lbs.
3rd_Felix Gonzalez, IL

16th_Breeon Carothers Jr., WI

138 lbs.
9th_Jasper West, IL

12th_Deon Johnson, IL
17th_Jorge Perez, IL
145 lbs.
2nd_Daniel Blancas, WI
154 lbs.
4th_Daniel Blancas, WI
165 lbs.
5th_Leone Peters, WI

9th_Nikolas Casimiro, IL
176 lbs.
3rd_Oscar Ochoa, IL

Bantam Male

75 lbs.
12th_Kevin Ayala, IL
95 lbs.
5th_Alfredo Gonzalez, WI
101 lbs.
6th_Alfredo Gonzalez, WI
114 lbs.
1st_Joseph Miranda, WI
125 lbs.
1st_Joseph Miranda, WI

Intermediate Male

80 lbs.
3rd_Zachery Carter, IL
106 lbs.
6th_Ricardo Gonzalez, WI

138 lbs.
5th_Salvador Escobedo, IL

Pee Wee 9-10 Male

65 lbs.
6th_Xavvier Diaz, IL
70 lbs.
4th_Owen Miranda, WI
80 lbs.
1st_Aldo Blancas, WI
85 lbs.
1st_Joseph Awinongya, IL

Pee Wee 8 Male

           65 lbs.
           6th_Yahel Flores, IL

 #USABNC17

Danny Vaz da Costa first got into boxing as a way to learn self defense and stay in shape. At age 14, 8 years ago, Danny began training at Flo MMA where he has trained ever since. After 4 years of training, Danny decided he would begin to compete.

Since competing, he's won the 2014 novice division in the Chicago Golden Gloves, 2015 Chicago Power Gloves, was a runner up in the 2017 Golden Gloves, and 2017 SoCal State Championship. Of these victories, the 2015 power gloves is one he is most proud of. "the guy I fought was really good and had over 100 fights."

Looking to the future, Danny Vaz Da Costa only has one thing in his mind. The Olympics. "I'm not even thinking about the pros," Danny makes clear his goals are to be in the 2020 Olympics.
"Boxing is not about talent, what you put in is what you get out." If there's any truth to Vaz Da Costa's theory, he would be a living testament to it. One could argue though, he's pretty talented.

Like many amateur boxers, Maureeca Lambert-Stefanski also competed in a different sport prior to boxing. "I was a runner from 5th grade through college" she explained but due to several injuries and the growing frustrations that come from being on the sidelines her husband, then boyfriend, suggested a change could be helpful. "He thought I would enjoy something new and he was right!" Her husband eventually purchased a Groupon in 2012 to a boxing gym located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to test it out and right away she knew she wanted to compete. Her first fight ended up being only 4 months after stepping into the gym.

"I know I am directly responsible for the success I have." she states, this statement encapsulates the work ethic and dedication that Maureeca has developed over the years of competing at a high level. That mindset along with her athletic ability to continue to push herself to higher levels have earned her 3 Chicago Golden Gloves Titles, 2 National Golden Gloves Titles and her victory at the USA Boxing Nationals in 2015! Her National Championship win secured her a spot on Team USA that same year where she was able to compete and win internationally against China!

Nowadays you can find Maureeca perfecting her technique at the respected 'Oakley Fight Club' gym in Chicago when she is not caring for her twin 16 month old daughters. The satisfaction of noticing improvements from fight to fight and her competitive nature to continue improving is what has fueled her drive to keep coming back. "Even if someone wins a fight by KO, there is something during that fight before that point that they could have done better." she explains, "That is what makes this sport so special."
Looking forward, Maureeca is looking to close out her excellent amature career with a successful showcasing in the WBC tournament in Chicago before focusing on her transition into the professional ranks in early 2018. Best of luck in your journey Maureeca!

Michele Campobasso started boxing 2 years ago when he moved to the US from Italy. Being in a new country with no friends he started to consider what he could join to help him transition to his new home. "I always liked boxing from when I was a little kid and I always wanted to try but never got into it" he explained "when I got here I said now is the time." Michele found a family-owned gym in St. Charles, IL called 'Tri-City Boxing and Muay Thai' were he met his current trainer Pat White. "He taught me everything, great guy and he helps me alot!" he states.

Now at just 16, Michele has completely immersed himself into boxing having already competed in 17 amateur bouts. He competed and won his division earlier this year at the Illinois Junior Olympics as a novice but he was looking for the challenge against better more experienced open boxers. "Sometimes you fight someone that you've never faced before but I don't worry because all the hardwork pays off!" he exclaimed.

Moving forward Michele wants to gain as much as experience as he can as an amateur, he looks forward to competing in national tournaments before he focuses in his professional goals. Best of luck in your journey Michele!

At the age 14 Caleb Hernandez had participated in most of your typical team sports such as basketball, baseball and football but none of them really held his interest. He joined wrestling during middle school and liked the one on one aspect of the sport; after wrestling season was over Caleb was looking for a new challenge to focus on and he decided to try Boxing. He started training at the Octavia James 'One in a Million Boxing' Club in nearby Merrillville, Indiana where he met coach Rudy Costello Jr. "He threw me into the wolves" He recalled of his first days training with coach Rudy but he quickly described his appreciation of his coach "I tell everyone that I got lucky!". This type of mutual respect has kept this 'boxer and coach' team together for the last 8 years. 

For the first 7 years of Caleb's amateur career he competed in 15 fights which averages out to about 2 fights per year which is not considered to be very active. But during all those years he kept on gaining experience by constantly training and sparring with both amateur and pros. In 2016 Caleb moved to Las Vegas to train with a friend and current 132 lbs. amateur standout James Browning. During this time, he had the opportunity to train and spar with established pros like Shawn Porter and Caleb really started understand and accept the level of work ethic that is required to reach and be successful at the elite level of the sport.

Caleb ended moving back to Northwest Indiana at the beginning of 2017 and him along with coach Rudy can be found perfecting their craft at the Hammond Boxing Club located in Hammond, Indiana. 2017 has been Caleb's best year to date, he started by claiming the Chicago Golden Gloves 165 lb. Open Championship which earned him a spot on the Chicago boxing team that traveled to Louisiana to represent the region in May; where he made it to the semifinals. He also won his division at the 'King of the Jungle' National Tournament held by the NLABA in Aurora, IL during the Summer.

"I'm addicted to the challenge" He admits as he starts looking forward "I would like to compete in more national tournaments and get nationally ranked". But he doesn’t want to look too far ahead as he admits his excitement to compete in the WBC tournament this week then afterwards he'll begin his preparation to compete at a national tournament in the first quarter of 2018 in New Mexico. Caleb hopes to continue his momentum in the amateur scene next year and gain more experience before he beings his transition into the professional ranks. Best of luck in your journey Caleb!

Omar Perez started boxing at the age of 12 when he first stepped inside the Chicago Youth Boxing Club. As a natural athlete, Omar practiced soccer, baseball and basketball before he took up the challenge of learning boxing. "I learned the game quickly" he claimed "from the beginning I knew I wanted to compete and fight." This mind set along with his athleticism enabled him to excel in this sport rapidly.

Now at the age of 16 and currently ranked 12th at 114lbs., Omar has competed in several National Tournaments including the US Nationals, Ringside World Championships, the Junior Olympics and the Silver Gloves Nationals. He attributes his Ringside championship, taking bronze at the Junior Olympics and winning his first international competition in the WBC sponsored '2 Nations 1 Dream' competition versus Mexico as his biggest accomplishments to date.

When asked what the most challenging part about boxing is he answered "Learning how to lose and being patient in the ring." Moving forward Omar wants to compete in as many National Tournaments as possible to gain as much as experience as he can in pursuit of his Olympic and Professional goals! Best of luck in your journey Omar!

It's been four years since Danny Gomez first started boxing. Now, at the age of 25, Danny is looking to start bringing his amateur career to an end, and turn pro next year.

"Being kicked out of school I never had the chance to join team sports so growing up with no parents and a brother in jail I always did everything on my own. Boxing being a lonely sports, I felt it would suit me right. Tried it once and never looked back..." Gomez explains his attraction to the sport of boxing.

Danny has learned boxing under the tutelage of Genaro Mendez and Miguel Guadarrama at Pound 4 Pound boxing gym in Highland Park, Il. He as also been a trainer for almost as long as he's been boxing. "When I first came to the gym G saw how passionate I was about boxing eventually he offered me a job."

Working in the same gym that he trains in, Danny has been able spend his last four years fully engulfed in the sport. "I want to grow in every aspect of boxing I can from fighting to coaching to the business side as well"

Rolando 'Nano' Vargas Jr. was essentially born into boxing. His dad Rolando, who was a professional boxer in Mexico, trained his older brother and Nano would always be around. "I knew I wanted to be a boxer" he explained, "I seen my dad train my older brother and I really liked it!". He started to train at the age of 3 and he stepped into the UCC Boxing Gym in Milwaukee, WI when he was 6 and he first started competing at the age of 8. Nano also started competing nationally at 8 when he fought at the Ringside Tournament in Kansas City, having gone through that experience so young only motivated him to continue improving in this sport.

Now at 18, Nano has competed in several national tournaments including Ringside, Title, the Junior Olympics, the Power Gloves and is currently ranked #2 at 141 lbs. in the Youth Mens Division. All his victories are important but looking back, his fondest accomplishment to date has been winning his division at the Junior Olympics.

He attributes his success to his family which continues motivating him to excel in this sport. "I feel like I'm ready for the pros" he assured, "I've been training really hard these past years fighting with the best to become the best and I think I'm ready for this big step in my boxing career." Best of luck in your journey Nano!

Michelle Morales first started boxing when she was 12 years old after her brother had picked up the sport around the same time. She fell in love with boxing since she first stepped into the local Scottsdale Park Boxing Gym, but due to some circumstances she needed to step away from the sport after only 1 1/2 years into her training. During her 3 year hiatus, boxing was still on her mind especially following the success her cousin Jesse was having as an amateur boxer down in San Antonio, TX.

At 16, Michelle rededicated her self to boxing and began training and shortly thereafter she started competing at local shows and national tournaments. After Scottsdale Park closed their boxing program she transitioned to Sam Colonna's Boxing Gym where you can find her preparing for her upcoming fights.

To date, Michelle has competed in 5 major tournaments throughout the US including Nevada, Florida, Texas and Tennessee. This experience has helped her understand the importance of not only physical preparation but mental preparation as well. All while testing herself against the nation's best and learning what the judges are looking for in national competition to be successful.

Fast forward to the present Michelle won her division at the 2016 Chicago Golden Gloves and is currently ranked #10 at 119 lbs. in the Elite Women division! Best of luck in your journey Michelle!