Duarte Youth Boxing Club Boxers Racking Up Wins Around Southern California

Duarte Youth Boxing Club boxers, from left are Johnny Barragan, Luis Sedano, Jacobe Velasco, Joseph Martinez, Ryan Coulter, Kirk Scoby, and Paola Arana.

Young boxers from the Duarte Parks and Recreation Duarte Youth Boxing Club have been racking up wins all around Southern California this year. 

According to head trainer, Victor Valenzuela, Duarte boxers Ryan Coulter, Johnny Barragan and Luis Sedano won their matches in two boxing shows in San Diego. Luis Sedano was named Outstanding Boxer in one of the shows. At a show in San Fernando, Kirk Scoby won his bout on a first stoppage. Two Duarte Boxing Club members, Paola Arana and Joseph Martinez won the USA District Championships in Pacoima. Paola Arana will advance to the Regional Championships in Coachella on Feb. 21-22.

In the past four years head coach Victor Valenzuela and assistant coaches, Eric Campugan and Louis Valenzuela have developed a highly competitive youth boxing program, with some 30 to 40 youths training out of the boxing ring at the Duarte Teen Center. Last year at the National Invitational Desert Showdown in Indio with over 600 of the top amateur boxers from around the country, Mexico and Canada competing, all seven Duarte Youth Boxing Club boxers came home with honors. Five, including Paola Arana, Ryan Coulter, Steven Salinas, Jacobe Velasco, and Tino Dominguez won championship belts. Joseph Martinez received a silver medal and Luis Sedano, a bronze.

To compete in amateur boxing, boxers must be certified by USA Boxing Federation. 

The Duarte Youth Boxing Club is open to Duarte youngsters from 8 to 18. For more information, call the Duarte Teen Center at (626) 303-0863.