Three Win Top Prize at Junior Golden Gloves
Posted: July 29, 2008

In an era of high fuel prices and a declining local economy, a handful of Michigan hopefuls ventured westward in quest of gold. No, this is not a page from your school history book about the gold mining efforts of days gone by but rather of five young men that sought a gold emblem to wear around their neck. At least momentarily, until it then takes its place on the bookshelf with their other trophies, belts and awards.

On Saturday, the 2008 National Junior Golden Gloves wrapped up after three days of action at the Casablanca Events Center in Mesquite, Nevada. It was the second year that the venue held the national invitational tournament for boxers aged 9-16.

Edgar Saenz won the 138-lb Bantam division unopposed.

Zach Shamoun won the 119-lb Intermediate division with a points win over California’s Mario Martinez. It was his third fight of the tournament. In the semi-finals on Friday, Shamoun defeated California’s Robert Antunez, Jr. following a win Thursday against David Figueroa, also of California, in the prelims.

Zach Shamoun (rt) in action during last week's tournament where he claimed his first national title. Photo courtesy of the Shamoun family.

Shamoun trains and fights out of the Casa De Boxeo gym in Lincoln Park.

Alejandro Hernandez took the 110-lb Senior division title with a points win over David Sandoval of Washington state. Hernandez is a member of the Warriors Boxing Club of Detroit as is Saenz.

It was their first national championship title for all three young men.

Two other Michigan boxers were less fortunate but gained valuable national competition experience. Romelio Garcia lost his bid for national gold at 101-lbs losing the judges’ decision to Isaac Gurule of New Mexico. Sergio Garcia lost his 132-lb match with Ohio’s Kenny Todd. Both boxers are also members of Warriors Boxing.

(c) 2008, Sportssummary.com