USA Amateur Boxing: results from first shows of 2015

(photo, left) Trainer/show co-ordinator Bobby Lopez presents Dr. Brenton Wynn (l) a plaque in appreciation for his unwavering service and support of the local USA Amateur Boxing Program. On countless occasions he has helped insure the safety of the competitors. (photo, right) Highly ranked Pro Boxer, featherweight Chris Martin (r) was on hand to present the “Outstanding Boxer of the Show” trophy to super middleweight Robert Lutrique from the Gladiator School of Boxing.

The 2015 USA Amateur Boxing program is off and running as two Southern California Boxing programs hosted shows on Saturday, January 31, 2015.

First, the results from the show promoted by Bobby Lopez at the Intensity MMA & Fitness Gym in South San Diego.

In Bout #1, it was 27 year-old Ulises Zumaya (156 lbs.) of the Alliance Training Center, Chula Vista going up against 24 year-old Armando Tovar of the House of Boxing Gym in Paradise Hills, San Diego, CA (157.8 lbs). In this one you had the more patient but often busier boxer, Tovar, slugging it out with the taller, often more powerful Zumaya. On this day, the judges gave more credence to the power behind Zumaya’s punches.

(bottom photos, l to r) Between rounds it was Armando Tovar talking over strategy with coaches Carlos Barragan Jr. and Carlos Barragon, Sr. In the red corner, boxer Ulises Zumaya of the Alliance Training Center received his instructions from head coach Sergio Melendrez (r) and coach Brian Llano.

Armando Tovar (blue trunks) is shown ducking under another of Ulises Zumaya’s powerful and damaging left hooks. All photos: Jim Wyatt

(bottom) At the conclusion of their bout Ulises Zumaya (r) has his arm raised in victory by veteran referee Rick Ley after defeating Armando Tovar (l).

In Bout #2, you had light heavyweights 20 year-old Justin Lang of North County Boxing (170.2 pounds) going up against 24 year-old Robert Lutrique of the Gladiator School of Boxing, Spring Valley (167.8 pounds).

In the early rounds, Lang clearly had the advantage and kept dominating the action by peppering Lutrique with stiff jabs and the big overhand rights to the head. 

Despite being shorter and battered for two straight rounds, Lutrique remained confident and stayed true to his game plan of waiting for the proper opening. That opening came early in the third round when he caught Lang with his hands lowered. He followed that first straight left with a combination that soon had Lang backed up in the neutral corner for the first of many standing 8-counts. Soon after, while again pressuring Lang, Lang lost his balance and fell on his keister.

From that point on, Lutrique was all over Lang. The straight lefts to the head came one right after another. Lang’s nightmarish ending came after the third in a series of referee stoppages (standing 8-counts).

Early on, it was Justin Lang (red trunks) looking impressive and on his way to an easy victory. The only thing his coach Tony Contreras was concerned about was the way his boxer was getting a bit cocky and starting to drop his hands.

At the end of the second round, there was far more concern in the Robert Lutrique corner who kept telling him it was time to get busy and unleash that straight left.

Here it comes, the beginning of the end for the surprised Justin Lang (r), shown here receiving his second 8-count.

(photo, right) Referee Rick Ley stops the contest after it appears Justin Lang is a bit wobbly as he gets back to his feet after the second knockdown.

After the referee’s stoppage, Robert Lutrique (r) has his arm raised in victory, while the look on Justin Lang’s face tells us he still can’t believe what just happened.

In Bout #3, it was 18 year-old Samuel “TCK” (The California Kid) Fontan of Pride & Glory, San Diego, CA (122.4 pounds) going up against 17 year-old Alexis Villareal of the National City CYAC (121.6 pounds). For both boxers this was their second USA Amateur competition. 

Both rounds one and two were a slugfest as both boxers took their turn unloading the hard, looping punches. As wild as they were, it was rare when a punch didn’t land. With Fontan slightly ahead on the scorecards after two rounds, Villareal showed his mettle by taking control in the final round. When Fontan missed, Villareal made him pay. The bout was won by attrition as the relentless Villareal kept pouring it on, maintaining the pressure, until the punch stats had him ahead.

Early on, the boxers in Bout #3, Alexis Villareal (blue) from the National City CYAC and Samuel Fontan (red) of Pride & Glory took turns pummeling each other.

By round #3, Samuel Fontan began to tire somewhat and that’s when Alexis Villareal began to pour it on and score the consecutive 8-counts.

(photo, right) The joyous Alexis Villareal has his arm raised in victory by referee Will White. All photos: Jim Wyatt

That same day, representatives of the United Boxing & Fitness Gym of Chula Vista traveled north to compete in the USA Amateur Show hosted by the Sweet Science Boxing & MMA Gym of Hawthorne, CA. The owner and head boxing coach Marcel Acevedo gave us this report: “Regarding Team United’s debut in LA, we want to say thank you to everyone for the positive vibes and blessings sent our way! Just want to let everyone know the two United boxers that competed, got the win! Congratulations to Eduardo”Fearless” De La Torre who won by an unanimous decision and Brayan “El Machete” Garcia who won by way of TKO!!!!! Sincerely, we thank everyone for their support!!!!”

At the Sweet Science Boxing Show in Hawthorne we see Eduardo “Fearless” De La Torre (l) having his arm raised in victory after earning an unanimous decision victory over Jose Cruz of the highly touted Robert Garcia Gym of Oxnard, CA.

Brayan “El Machete” Garcia (r) has his arm raised in victory after defeating Erick Sierra of the Hardcore Boxing Team by way of a TKO.” The complete list of the bouts and winners is shown below. Take note, there were a total of 10 boxers from San Diego who were invited to compete in this boxing show. A yellow highlighter was used to show the winners and how they won.

And finally, well respected boxing trainer Joe Vargas, who recently began his tenure at The Arena in Point Loma, took his first fighter into competition. Together, they came away with the victory. “Very proud of my fighter Charlie Brown (l) who fought a tough fight, but won!!” said Vargas. “The first one is now out the way.”

Charlie Brown commented later: “Thank you Coach Joe! I am very lucky to always have the best coach in my corner.”

(photo, top, left) coach Joe Vargas of The Arena with his fighter Charlie Brown after the big win. (top, right) Samuel Fontan pre-fight. (photos below) Ulises Zumaya is joined by his support group from the Alliance Training Center.

For the date and time of the next USA Amateur Show, you can always check the updated schedule at: http://sportofboxing.com/4usa-amateur-boxing-schedule-update-2-2-15/