Duarte Boxers Score Individual and Team Victories
at Manuel Torres Boxing Classic in Tulare
DUARTE, CA, OCTOBER 18, 2011 – The Duarte Boxing Club tested its strength against some of central and northern California’s most elite boxing teams and brought home the Team Trophy and four individual wins from the Manuel Torres Boxing Classic in Tulare. The amateur boxing tournament sanctioned by U.S.A. Boxing Federation featured 59 contests over two days on Oct. 15-16.
Duarte Boxing Club beat out Bakersfield by two points for the team trophy through the success of heavyweight Joseph Martinez, 21, who stopped his opponent, Joshua Tovar of San Francisco in the 3rd round of the three round bout; Jesus Gomez, 16, 125 pounds, won by decision over Matthew Guerrero of Tulare; Hector Valdez, 14, 119 pounds, won by decision against Jose Salinas of Fresno; and Andrew Sanchez, 17, 152 pounds, triumphed in his bout over 33 year-old Javier Cecilio of Fresno in a first round knockout.
“They trained hard and their hard work paid off,” said Duarte head trainer, Victor Valenzuela. “Ours is still a very young boxing team which makes me all the more proud of these kids and their tremendous accomplishments.”
Two other members of the Duarte Boxing Team were outmatched in their competitions. Yanely Serrano, 14, 100 pounds, was bested by Carol Lang Rios from Fresno. Victor Barajas, 17, weighed in two pounds over his 154 pound weight class and was overpowered by 165 pound David Lopez, 27, of Monterey.
Currently more than 60 Duarte youth, boys and girls 8 years old and up are active at the Duarte Boxing Club, a City of Duarte Parks and Recreation program operating out of the Duarte Teen Center. Assisting Valenzuela are coaches Louie Valenzuela, Eric Campugan, Joe Llamas, and Tim Rhambo.
On Nov. 19, Duarte boxers will travel to Las Vegas for a dual tournament against Las Vegas at Barry’s Gym.
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