Boxing helps eighth-grader change life
Amateur boxers enjoy event at Santos Boxing
LANCASTER — Brad Moreno said he was bullied in the fifth grade.
Moreno said he decided to take up boxing in order to defend himself should the need arise. Now an eighth grader, Moreno, 13, said it was the best decision he could have ever made.
“Ever since I took up boxing, it has changed my life. It taught me how to fight,” he said. “I’ve tried a lot of other sports, but I feel like boxing is my sport. Roman (Santos) is the best coach I ever had.”
Moreno and many other amateur boxers competed Sunday afternoon at the Southern California Association, USA Boxing amateur show hosted by Santos Boxing USA.
It was the 10th show hosted by Santos Boxing and owner, Roman Santos, a former professional boxer in the mid-90’s.
“It was a very good turnout today,” Santos, 49, said. “If some of these kids weren’t here competing, they may be on the streets.”
The event featured 10 bouts from 57 pounds to nearly 200 and ages 8 to 28. Ten different boxing clubs were represented including Santos’ and Grace Boxing of Palmdale.
“I felt confident and really good out there. I’ve always liked fighting. When I was younger I was in karate, but I love boxing,” said Ivan Franco, who defeated Sean Bates, fighting at 156 pounds. “I was nervous out there, but the nerves are what get me pumped up.”
Franco, 20, said his dream is to turn professional. The AVC student, who currently works for Northrop Grumman, said his backup plan is to finish school and work in the aerospace industry.
Moreno, who only holds eight amateur fights, was defeated by Sam Larios III, who was competing in nearly his 60th amateur fight.
“I felt like I got robbed. I hit him a lot,” Moreno said. “When I’m out there I feel like the king of the world. When I see people bleeding, I don’t let them breathe.”
All the bouts were limited to three rounds and depending on the age and weight, rounds can last from 1-2 minutes.
“Boxing is fun. I have learned how to defend myself. I don’t feel nervous out there,” said 9-year-old Ayden Rodriguez. “I just have fun. I’ve learned how to box and move my head.”
Of the 10 shows that Santos has hosted several former and current professional fighters have visited including
Roger Mayweather, and heavyweight contenders Gerald Washington and Dominic Breazeale. Former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Virgil Hill, who fought Roy Jones Jr. and Thomas Hearns during his illustrious career, and trains boxers out of his Quicksilver Hero Sports Academy in Simi Valley, was one of the judges and had two fighters compete.
“I just love working with the kids. I love being on this side of things. This keeps me young,” said Hill, who was a 1984 Olympic silver medalist in the middleweight division. “There are a lot of hard working kids out here. I see a lot of talent. We want to keep these kids off the streets and you don’t have to be a world champion, you just have to have your own goals.”
Santos Boxing is geared at reaching out to at-risk youth in the valley to give them an outlet to learn sportsmanship, life skills, teamwork, and confidence. The gym offers free boxing lessons to kids on Fridays from 4-7 p.m.
Some charter schools even pay for their kids to train at Santos Boxing and he offers free boxing lessons to all law enforcement agencies. Adults can join the gym as well, for $60 per month, from the hours of 4-8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“It’s just about giving back to the community,” said Santos, who had a 10-5 professional record in the light heavyweight division. “I feel so blessed and I just want to make a difference somehow. It’s good for many more years to come.”
Santos said the juvenile courts also refer those to train to learn anger management skills as well as life skills. He also visits schools to talk to kids about bullying in schools, which Santos has a zero tolerance policy.
His next show is this Saturday at his gym at 211 East Avenue K-6 #A in Lancaster. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the fights, which Santos said will be twice as many, begin at 1 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 and VIP tickets are $20.
For more information on Santos Boxing USA contact 661-390-0841 or visit www.santosboxinggym.com.