Tag Archives: Golden Gloves

Golden Gloves produces plenty of high-level bouts

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, WKTV Featured sports, , , , , ,



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Boxers from all across West Michigan descended into the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College for the 2025 West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals this past Saturday and a large crowd was treated to four hours of outstanding action.

A total of 16 bouts were on the card and nearly every one provided plenty of action as boxers fought it out for West Michigan titles and the opportunity to advance to the state finals at Aquinas College May 2 and 3.

Wyoming’s PK Boxing Gym sparkles

Locally, PK Boxing Gym of Wyoming enjoyed a productive night. PK Boxing had two boxers in the finals and the duo actually fought in back-to-back matches. In a pair of hard-fought matches, Sebastian Romo and Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez both came away winning decisions and West Michigan titles.


PK Boxing teammates Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez (third from left) and Sebastian Romo (fourth from left) celebrate with teammates and coaches following their wins at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Boxing in the 127-pound Youth Novice Division, Romo defeated Teodocio Magana of the Crown Boxing Club of Lansing. The bout was an intense struggle from beginning to end.

“It was exciting”, said Romo, a student at Jenison High School. “I love everything about boxing. It was intense. It was a good fight. I thought it was a war and I had a good time.”

Romo has been boxing for three years, and this is his first time competing at Golden Gloves. He became interested in boxing while watching the sport with his family growing up.

“I was basically just watching a lot of fights at home with my dad and my family,” Romo said. “We watched a popular fighter, Canelo Alvarez, and after that I wanted to start boxing.”

In the following bout in the 147-pound Youth Novice Division, Jimenez-Gonzalez defeated Jeremiah Henry, also from Crown Boxing, in another close, hard-fought match.

A student at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Jimenez-Gonzalez has been boxing for a short time and his match in the Golden Gloves was the first of his career. 

“I was nervous at first, but once I got in there, I was ready for war,” Jimenez-Gonzalez said. “It was exciting. My body shots were working the best, mainly my uppercuts.”

Like his teammate, Jimenez-Gonzalez grew up watching boxing and especially Canelo Alvarez.

“As a youngster I used to watch a lot of fights”, Jimenez-Gonzalez said, “especially Canelo. My grandpa used to fight, too. He never made it pro, but I wanted to follow his lead.”

Winning their bouts back-to-back was extra special for the teammates.

“We talked about it a lot,” Romo said. “It was fun to do it back-to-back.”

Floyd Santiago back

While Romo and Jimenez-Gonzalez were a pair of younger boxers making an initial name for themselves, Floyd Santiago was an older boxer who was back in the action after a lengthy span away from the sport. Boxing out of the Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) gym in Grand Rapids, Santiago was back in the Golden Gloves for the first time in eight years. Santiago showed no signs of any rust after the long time away from boxing as he won the 187-pound Elite Novice title by stopping Matt Rogein of Jet Boxing from Okemos.



Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title after an eight-year layoff from boxing. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Santiago displayed a relentless style piling up points and also recording a standing eight count in his victory. Getting the win after eight years of missing the sport was extra special for Santiago who thought about boxing the entire time.

“It feels great,” Santiago said. “Even through the eight years I had stopped boxing, I was doing body building, so I built up that discipline to be able to consistently do something every single day. But the whole time that I stopped boxing, I just regretted it. I love boxing so much. I regretted stopping. So now I’ve been back for six months, and I’ve been able to do this. It’s pretty great.”

In the Elite Open Division, another MGGA boxer, Siderio Mitchell (see below), came away with a championship. Boxing in the 143-pound Open Division weight class, Mitchell met a familiar face in the finals in his teammate from MGGA, Mike Guzman. In one of the most crowd-pleasing matches of the evening, Mitchell won a decision against his MGGA teammate in a bout that was full of action for all three rounds.



Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids defeated teammate Mike Guzman in the 143-pound Elite Open Division final. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



The two boxers were meeting for the first time in an actual match despite having sparred each other countless times at the MGGA gym.

“I probably have over a hundred rounds sparring with him,” Mitchell said. “He’s pretty good, that’s why I sparred him a lot. I told myself even though I sparred him this way, maybe I switch it up. I switched it up a few times in sparring, but tonight, I really need to switch it up.”

The plan worked out as Mitchell delivered his shots and avoided getting caught.

“I knew I couldn’t go out there and fight him the same way I did in sparring because he is going to expect that,” Mitchell said. “So when he was expecting to trade punches; boom, boom, boom, I hit him, then I got out the way. He wasn’t expecting that. Then the last 10 seconds, I know he’s a brawler. Last year I saw him brawling. He’s really good at that and he won most of those, but I made sure I hit and got out the way, finishing up my last 10 seconds doing laps around the ring and I won it. I did it.”

Another West Michigan title for Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson

The 132-pound Open Division final between Gentle Gibson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club and Aarkeyse Higdon of Crown Boxing was another match that had the fans involved. Gibson, who won a state title last year, added a West Michigan title this year as he won in the second round on a referee stoppage.

The final two bouts in the Open Division also were won by boxers from the Kalamazoo Boxing Club. In the 154-pound weight class Evan Jackson defeated Alejandro Hernandez of Anahuac Boxing while in the 165-pound open final Jermont Reece defeated Joseph McDaye of Westside Boxing in Kalamazoo.

In the Elite Novice Division, Davone Jones of Crown Boxing beat Harrison Hevelhurst of LaCasa Boxing Club in the 132-pound weight class. At 143 pounds Mohammad Aliyar of United Boxing Club defeated Mekhi Know of Muskegon TCB. At 154-pouonds in the Elite Novice Division Carlito Aggers of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated Mateo Diaz of Sakwamdo Boxing Club of Holland. Ontess Toliver of Blue Gym in Grand Rapids beat Joe L. Johnson of Crown Boxing at 176 pounds.


In the 165-pound Elite Novice Division, Tommy Watts of TCB Boxing of Muskegon defeated Nate Dotson of Crown Boxing. In the 198-pound Elite Novice Division, Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass Boxing of Lansing, while in the 198-plus Elite Division, Aiden Baker of MGGA defeated Robert Lathan of Kalamazoo Boxing.

In the long Bantam Novice Division match of the evening, Ricardo Emiliano of Westside Boxing defeated Ethan Edmonds of Crown Boxing, and in the lone Junior Novice Division bout, Tayshon Whitfield of Crown Boxing beat Ronald Salvador of Eli J Boxing Club. 

It’s back! Golden Gloves begins airing again on WKTV Saturday, March 9; check it out

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Sports, Sports, , ,





By Cris Greer

WKTV Sports Director

greer@wktv.org



There’s no more waiting! Golden Gloves is back.



WKTV is bringing you all the excitement of local boxing with our coverage of the Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.

 

Catch all the action on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 with a live tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts.

 

West Michigan Preliminaries

Saturday, March 9: Airs Sunday, March 10 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, March 13 at 5 p.m.

 

West Michigan Semifinals

Wednesday, March 13: Airs Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. and Tuesday, March 19 at 11 p.m.

 

West Michigan Finals

Saturday, March 16: Airs Sunday, March 17 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m.

 

State Semifinals 

Friday, March 22: Airs Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, March 27 at 5 p.m.

 

State Finals 

Saturday, March 23: Airs Sunday, March 24 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

East Kentwood’s Lacey-Pierce one of several area boxing champs at Michigan Golden Gloves finals Saturday

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Justin Lacey-Pierce (left) looks for an opening during his match against Jason Jackson in the 165-pound Elite Open class final at the Michigan Golden Gloves state finals Saturday at West Catholic. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

East Kentwood graduate Justin Lacey-Pierce led the list of area boxers who brought home state titles at the 2023 Michigan Golden Gloves state championship finals on Saturday evening at West Catholic High School.

Lacey-Pierce, a 2017 grad of East Kentwood, turned in a solid performance as he won a decision against Jason Jackson of the Holland Westside Boxing Club in the 165-pound Elite Open division final. Lacey-Pierce, who defeated Jackson in last week’s West Michigan Golden Gloves finals, took charge of the bout from the opening bell and carried the action throughout the match.


Lacey-Pierce, like all the other champions from the state finals, now heads to the Golden Gloves of America National Tournament from May 8-14 in Philadelphia.

“Winning the state title feels ok, but what I really want is the national championship,” Lacey-Pierce said. “I’ve won a national championship before and what I want is to win a Golden Gloves national championship. That is my main goal.”

Lacey-Pierce cleared the next hurdle in reaching that goal by taking care of business against Jackson which gave him his second Golden Gloves state title of his career.

“It was a rematch of last week,” Lacey-Pierce said. “It was pretty much the same thing again. He (Jackson) is a very tough fighter. He’s durable and tough. I just tried to keep jabbing and sneak in some body shots and try to wear him out.”

Junior Rios gets fifth state title

While Lacey-Pierce won his second state title, former Wyoming Pride Boxing Club boxer Aneudy “Junior” Rios won his fifth state title. Like Lacey-Pierce, Rios fought a familiar foe in the title match as he squared off against Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo who he defeated in last week’s West Michigan state finals in the 132-pound open division. Like the previous fight, Rios relied on his speed and quickness to carry him to the decision.

Junior Rios (right) squares off against Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo in the 132-pound Elite Open class at the Michigan Golden Gloves state finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)

“He (Gibson) was going for the knockout,” Rios said. “I used my quickness against him. I have quicker hands and quicker feet and I used that to my advantage. His gameplan was to land a knockout punch. It was definitely a good fight. He tried to knock me out but I knew I could outbox him.”

Winning a fifth state title meant plenty to Rios who plans to turn professional after making a run at qualifying for the 2024 Olympics.

“This feels great,” Rios said. “I have dreamed about this moment and to come out on top really means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to the national tournament and I feel right now I’m in better shape that I’ve ever been in during all the years of going to nationals. I feel way quicker, have way more experience and have a way better boxing IQ.”

Mo Mercado 125-pound open division champ

Like his training partner Rios, Guillermo “Mo” Mercado is another multi-time state champion and faced a rematch in his title bout in the 125-pound open division. Like he did the week prior, Mercado utilized his outstanding boxing skills to win a decision against Jason Wells.

Guillermo Mercado (left) looks to set up his shot during his match against Jason Wells in the 125-pound Elite Open class final at the Michigan Golden Gloves state finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



“I went into the match trying to stay focused and to get the job done,” Mercado said. “I knew that I could outbox him and that was my plan. He tried some different things but I just stayed composed and outboxed him.”

The state title meant plenty to Mercado who also plans to turn professional after the Golen Gloves.

“This is a tremendous feeling,” Mercado said. “I put my heart on the line for this one. I’ve went through a lot of adversity to get this one and this really means a lot to me.”

Catholic Central grad Ulysses Campos wins at 147 pounds

Ulysses Campos, a 2018 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School is another area boxer who was looking to add to his collection of state titles before turning pro later this year. Campos won a decision against Tyrone Welch of Saginaw in the finals at 147 pounds. The title was the sixth Golden Gloves title for Campos and the fourth Golden Gloves state championship on his resume.

“I won my first Golden Gloves title when I was 16-years old,” said the 23-year old Campos, who also was part of a state championship soccer team while at Catholic Central. “This one is pretty special. It is my last one and I knew it was going to be a tough one. My opponent is really tough and I knew it was going to be a big challenge.”

Bryan Caceres wins fourth state title

Bryan Caceres rounded out the area open champions. Caceres, who won a fourth state title for his career, needed to avenge a loss from last week’s West Michigan finals to earn his title. In a match that was just as hard-fought as last week’s title match at 139 pounds, Caceres won a decision against Marcos Saucedo Jr. of Holland. Like the other area open division boxers, Caceres is also planning on turning professional later this year.

Also claiming open-division titles were Nicholas Young of Flint at 156 pounds, KeiShawn Partee of Muskegon, 176 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Lansing, 203 pounds, and Shaquan Cox of Flint, 203-plus division.

Sarah Batenburg takes 146-pound title in the female division

There also were three uncontested open division champions all in the female division. Sarah Batenburg of Hudsonville won at 146 pounds, Zoe Hicks of Lansing won at 110 pounds and Kimberly Green of Lansing was the 178 pounds-plus champion.

In novice action, Michael Guzman of Grand Rapids won the 132-pound novice title with a decision against Gage Stafford of Flint.

“It feels good,” Guzman said. “I’ve loved fighting in the Golden Gloves this year. It’s a great feeling to be the last man standing.”

Guzman’s twin brother Mike Guzman just missed a state title of his own as he dropped a close decision to Brant Bowlin of Lansing at 139 pounds. 

In the 147-pound novice division, Alejandro Hernandez of the Anahuac Boxing Club, located in southwest Grand Rapids, won a decision against Stephen Ramirez. The bout was a rematch of last week’s West Michigan finals contest and Hernandez used a similar formula to get the win.

“(He) Ramirez was not as aggressive as last week,” Hernandez said. “Like I did last week, I just tried to outbox him. Winning the state title feel so good. It feels good to see all my hard work pay off.”

At 203 pounds, Zachary Brayton of Traverse City Significant Strikes won a decision against Austin Connors of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club in a rematch of their fight last week. Brayton, who improved his record to 7-0 over the weekend, also was named the Outstanding Novice Boxer for this year’s state finals.

Also winning state titles in the novice division were Van Davis (125 pounds) of Muskegon, Brant Bowling (139) of Lansing, Ndeye Diouf (female-146 pounds) of Flint and Monjuan Walker (156) of Flint. Uncontested novice champions included Sulliman Aamer (112) of Holland, Abel Vilchis-Mendoza (176) of Muskegon and Cody Leonard (203-plus) of Muskegon.

East Kentwood grad and other local boxers capture titles at West Michigan Golden Gloves finals Saturday at West Catholic

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Justin Lacey-Pierce (left) moves in during his match against Jason Jackson in the 165-pound Elite Open class final at the West Michigan Golden Gloves finals. Pierce won his division on Saturday evening. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor

Highlighted by one of the premier amateur boxers in the nation, area fighters claimed titles at the 2023 West Michigan Golden Gloves finals Saturday evening at West Catholic High School.

In the final bout of the evening, Justin Lacey-Pierce, a 2017 graduate of East Kentwood High School, claimed the final championship of the program after defeating Jason Jackson of the Holland Westside Boxing Club in the 165-pound Elite Open division final.

Lacey-Pierce is one of the top amateur boxers in his weight class in the nation and turned in a strong performance in the win against Jackson.

“I was a little rusty in the first round,” Lacey-Pierce said. “I felt like I was rushing things too much. Once I settled down and got my distance down and my timing down, I started connecting with my shots. He (Jackson) is a pretty tough guy and that had a lot to do with it, too.”

State Championships on April 21 and 22

A 2021 USA National champion, Lacey-Pierce is currently ranked fourth in the nation at 156 pounds and seventh at 165. Lacey-Pierce will be going for his second state title next week at the Michigan Golden Gloves state championships Friday and Saturday at West Catholic High School.

Lacey-Pierce (39-12 as an amateur) plans on turning pro after this year’s Golden Gloves tournaments.

 

Junior Rios 132-pound West Michigan champ

In the 132-pound Elite Open division final, Aneudy “Junior” Rios won a decision against previously undefeated Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo. Rios, who is on a quest for a fifth state championship, used his speed and quickness from the opening bell to take control of the match.

“It was a case of speed versus power,” Rios said. “I felt like I was in control of the fight from the beginning. I just used my speed and quickness to take the fight to him. I will fight him again in the state finals so I have to go back to the gym and work on some things.”

Mercado and Saucedo also West Michigan champions

In the 125-pound Elite Open division, Guillermo “Mo” Mercado continued his journey of winning a third state championship by winning a decision against his MGGA gym teammate Jason Wells. In a match full of action, Mercado was in control throughout.

“I just went in looking to outbox him,” Mercado said. “I moved around the ring and tried to cut him off. I had to change my style and try and outwork him. I have a few things I have to still improve on so I will go back to the drawing board.”

In the final Open Elite division bout Marcos Saucedo Jr. of Holland Westside won a decision over Bryan Caceres of MGGA in a close, action-filled bout.



Sarah Batenburg (right) fought Zamyla Thurman-Houston in the 150-pound Elite Female division at the West Michigan Golden Gloves finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



In the lone female bout of the evening, Sarah Batenburg, a Tri-County High School and Grand Valley State University graduate put on an exciting show along with Zamyla Thurman-Houston of Lansing Team Glass. In her first bout in several months, Batenburg shook off any rust and outpointed Thurman-Houston in an action-filled match that had the crowd heavily involved.



The West Michigan title was the fifth in her career and the second as an open-division boxer. Batenburg was boxing at 150 pounds, down from her previous weight classes of 165 and 156.

“I’m used to fighting bigger girls,” Batenburg said. “This was the first time I fought at 146 or 147 pounds. I think this was a good fight for me and gave me good experience. It was also the first time I have fought in nearly a year since boxing at the nationals last August.”

The entire card was filled with outstanding action with several bouts upping the decibel number several levels in a close to full West Catholic gymnasium.

One of those bouts came at the 139-pound Elite Novice division where Mike Guzman of MGGA outlasted Brant Bowlin of Lansing Team Glass. The highlight of the match was a flurry of action with both boxers unloading shots for what seemed like 30 seconds.

“He (Bowlin) was a tough opponent,” Guzman said. “In that second round we were just bringing it. We were both like mad dogs and it was a matter of who wanted it more.”

Guzman’s win came just after his twin brother Michael Guzman won a decision against Davone Jones of Lansing Crown Boxing Club in the 132-pound Elite Novice final.

The 203-pound Elite Novice final was another fight that had the crowd stoked the entire distance. Zachary Brayton, of Traverse City Significant Strikes, won a decision against Austin Connors of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club.

Forest Hills Eastern grad 156-pound Elite Novice champ

In the 156-pound Elite Novice final, Nasir Harris, a Forest Hills Eastern graduate, won a decision against Reynaldo Ortego of Lansing Crown Boxing. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Harris enjoyed his first title fight of his young boxing career.

“It was so exciting,” Harris said. “I never knew a feeling like this in sports before. Having everyone in the gym cheering for you and being one on one with your opponent in the ring with everyone watching you.”


 

Alejandro Hernandez (left) squares off against Stephen Ramirez in the 147-pound Elite Novice class at the West Michigan Golden Gloves finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)


In the 147-pound Elite Novice final, Alejandro Hernandez of the Anahuac Boxing Club, located in southwest Grand Rapids, won a decision against Stephen Ramirez who was boxing unattached.

“I think my boxing IQ made the difference,” Hernandez said. “Winning this title is really satisfying because I have had to fight every day of the tournament.”

In the 165-pound Elite Novice final, Jaier Morgan of MGGA won a decision against his teammate Matthew Moore also of MGGA.

Also winning titles at the West Michigan Finals were Elijah Knight of the ChampsDen Boxing Club in the 132-pound junior open division, Roy Garcia of Holland Westside at the 125-pound Elite Novice and Abel Vilchis-Mendoza of the Muskegon Boxing Club in the 176-pound Elite Novice.  

Golden Gloves: Area boxers clear hurdles to the West Michigan Finals Saturday

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WKTV reporter Greg Chrapek interviews local boxer Junior Rios after he beat Armond Bridgeford of Grand Rapids in the semifinals Wednesday. Rios is seeking his fifth state championship.



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor


A trio of multi-time state champions took care of business during semifinal night at the West Michigan Golden Gloves and are poised to take the next step to become West Michigan Golden Gloves Champions.

Guillermo “Mo” Mercado, Aneudy “Junior” Rios and Bryan Caceres all won their matches against some strong competition during semifinal action Wednesday evening at West Catholic High School. The wins send the trio, who have combined for nine state championships, on to the West Michigan Golden Gloves finals at 7 p.m. Saturday at West Catholic.



Guillermo Mercado squares off against Elmer Velasquez in the 125-pound Elite Open class at the West Michigan Golden Gloves semifinals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Mercado led things off in the Elite Open division at 125 pounds when he won a decision against Elmer Velasquez of Anahuac Boxing Club. In one of the most action-packed bouts of the evening, Mercado used his skills to wear Velasquez down in a bout that was full of action from both boxers. 

“This is the fourth time I have fought him,” Mercado said. “I knew coming in he is a very tough fighter. I knew this was going to be one of my toughest opponents here. I had to get on him with my jab and keep the pressure up.”

Mercado, who has been boxing for over seven years, is a two-time state champion on a mission to win a third state title before turning professional., Mercado has been busy fighting in some national tournaments this season and is primed for a long run in the Golden Gloves this spring.

Mercado’s coach, Anbrocio Ledesma, liked what he saw in the fight, but knows improvement needs to continue to be made.

“Mo has fought this guy several times,” Ledesma said. “He puts a lot of pressure on and Mo had to fight a little different fight. I asked Mo to do some different things and he pulled it off. Every opponent has a different style and you have to make adjustments and Mo did that.”



Junior Rios looks for an opening during his match against Armond Bridgeford in the 132-pound Elite Open class at the West Michigan Golden Gloves semifinals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



Rios, Mercado’s teammate who also is trained by Ledesma, is a four-time state champion and had a tough test in the next bout when he went up against Armond Bridgeford of Grand Rapids MGGA. After both boxers traded shots in the opening round, Rios began to take control of the match in the second round. By the third round Rios was in command of the fight and recorded a standing-eight count before the referee stopped the contest later in the round.

“This was the first time I fought him,” Rios said. “He is a taller fighter and in the first round it took me some time to get used to his size. Eventually I started to get inside and get off some good body shots. I was able to work the body and slow him down.”

The win moves Rios into a showdown Saturday against Gentle Gibson, an undefeated fighter from the Kalamazoo Boxing Club.

In the final match of the evening and in the Elite Open class, Bryan Caceres of Grand Rapids MGGA won a decision against Anthony Hurt of Team Glass from Lansing. Caceres, who has been boxing for nine years, is a three-time state champion looking for a fourth title before turning professional like both Mercado and Rios. Caceres has won his three previous state titles at 125 pounds and moved up to 139 pounds this year.



Bryan Caceres prepares to move in during his match against Anthony Hurt in the 139-pound. Elite Open class at the West Michigan Golden Gloves semifinals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)



“My goal is to win a fourth state title before turning pro,” Caceres said. “This was my first fight in over eight months. I’m boxing up at 139 pounds so it’s kind of tough because I’m actually a 125-pounder.”

Caceres will go after the West Michigan title Saturday evening when he faces off against Marcos Saucedo Jr. of the Holland Westside Boxing Club.

Five Elite Novice division bouts also took place Wednesday

At 147 pounds, Alejandro Hernandez of the Anahuac Boxing Club won a decision against Kardyea Williams of MGGA. Also at 147 pounds Stephen Ramirez, boxing unattached, won in the second round when the referee stopped the contest in his match against James McCullen of Crown Boxing Club of Lansing. Hernandez and Ramirez fight Saturday in the 147-pound finals of the Elite Novice division.

At 165 pounds, Jaier Morgan of MGGA won a decision against Ronald Taylor of the Muskegon Boxing Club. Also at 165 pounds, Matthew Moore of MGGA on a decision against Christopher McLaughlin of the Muskegon Boxing Club. Morgan and Moore will square off in the finals Saturday.

At 176 pounds, Isaiah Clay of Crown Boxing won when the referee stopped the contest in his bout with Paul Vaalburg of MGGA.  

Golden Gloves: Junior Rios looking to cap amateur career in a big way

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Local fighter Junior Rios (second from left) is aiming for a fifth state title this year and is carrying on the legacy of the Wyoming Pride gym that included from left: Coach Alex Fernandez, Junior, Coach Anbrocio Ledesma and Coach Dominic Marsiglia. (Courtesy, Junior Rios)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



Over the past several years, Aneudy “Junior” Rios has been one of the top amateur boxers in the Grand Rapids area. During his amateur career he has won 50 bouts and four Golden Gloves state championships.

Rios is competing in his final Golden Gloves this year, but before turning pro, he is looking to end his amateur boxing career in a big way.

Going for a fifth state title

Rios takes the next step in his quest to winning a fifth state championship in the open division at the semifinals of the West Michigan Golden Gloves scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Grand Rapids West Catholic High School.

“I feel like this year is my year for sure,” Rios said. “I won last year, but I feel like this year I am in better shape than I was last year. I’m at a different weight class and I feel more focused and more consistent. I’ve lost weight and I’m boxing at 132 pounds this year.”

Rios won his opening-night match April 1 and faces a challenge in the semifinals where he goes up against Armond Bridgeford of Grand Rapids MGGA in the semifinal match.

Not only does Rios have a goal of winning the state title this year, but he also wants to take it a step further at the National Golden Gloves tournament this May in Philadelphia. After that, Rios wants to earn a spot in the Olympic Trials where he will try to make the 2024 United State Olympic Boxing team.

Turning pro soon

“This is my last year of amateur boxing before turning pro,” Rios said. “My goal is the Olympics. I have one more national trial in December where I can earn a spot at the Olympic Trials.”

Rios, age 26, has come a long way in the sport of boxing since he first stepped foot in a gym 10 years ago. A four-time open division champion, Rios has fashioned an amateur record of 50-9. He also reached the semifinals of the National Golden Gloves in 2017.

Rios got his start in boxing at the former Wyoming Pride Gym that was open from 2012 to 2019.

Began boxing at 16

“I started boxing when I was 16-years old,” Rios said. “I was a street kid, and a lady, we call her Momma G, took me to the fights and introduced me to coach Alex Fernandez. I fell in love with boxing as soon as I stepped in the gym. I started going to the Wyoming Pride Gym and that was where I met my coach, Anbrocio Ledesma. Coach Ledesma has always been like a father-figure to me. I call him dad and he calls me son.”

Rios trained at Wyoming Pride until the gym closed in 2019 when the landlord needed the space for another venture.

Since then, Rios has sparred at other gyms in the area while also training at a gym coach Ledesma created in a heated garage on his property. Currently, Rios and Guillermo Mercado are both training under Ledesma.

“I’m a full-time dad, a full-time worker and a full-time boxer,” Rios said. “When I get out of work, I head over to Anbrocio’s and easily put in two to three hours a day working out. Anbrocio is a really good coach. He is great at strength and conditioning. Everything is precise and there is always a routine. I also get a lot of help from my sister, Andreina Torres, who helps watch my son (Gabriel) when I’m at the gym.”

Hard work paying off

The work Rios has been putting in over the years is paying off as Rios is one of the top amateur boxers in the state.

“Junior has put in a lot of hard work,” Ledesma said. “He also does what we ask him to do. He believes in my coaching style. Junior is very aggressive in the ring, but he also has a lot of skill, a lot of knowledge and a lot of quickness. Not only does he have very good hand speed, but he has very good footwork and that is hard to teach.

“You either have it or you don’t. He has the natural skills and he is also a hard worker who gets the most out of what he has.”

Ledesma believes Rios has what it takes to accomplish his goals.

“Junior looked pretty good in his fight last week,” Ledesma said. “As always, there is room for improvement and each opponent will test him in a little different way. Things are looking good for him as long as he keeps consistent in his training and his conditioning.        

Michigan Golden Gloves Championships begin 91st tournament; Opening night April 1 at West Catholic High School

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Sports, West Michigan, ,
Local boxer Junior Rios (right) and his coach Anbrocio Ledesma. Rios will be one of the top open division boxers to watch at this year’s Michigan Golden Gloves Championships. (Courtesy, Junior Rios)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



If it’s April in West Michigan it must be time for some Golden Gloves boxing and this year is one of transition for the fabled boxing tournament.

The 91st annual Michigan Golden Gloves Championships begin this weekend, Saturday, April 1. This year’s tournament will be held at West Catholic High School (1801 Bristol Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) as the DeltaPlex, which hosted the tournament the past several years, closed its doors earlier this year.





“The Golden Gloves is one of the most prestigious tournaments in boxing,” said tournament co-director Brian Lentz. “The Golden Gloves is an exciting five-day event. The first three days are the West Michigan Championships and the final two days are the Michigan State Finals.”


Began in 1923

The Golden Gloves began in Chicago in 1923 and the Chicago Golden Gloves is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. This year’s Michigan Golden Gloves will be the 91st running of the tournament that began in 1932. Over the past 90-plus years, the Michigan Golden Gloves has produced some of the greatest boxers to have ever come out of the state of Michigan.

Floyd Mayweather and many other big names were Golden Gloves Champs

One of the greatest boxers of all time, Floyd Mayweather, is a former Golden Gloves champion from West Michigan along with a host of other champions, including Tony Tucker, Buster Mathis Jr., Roger Mayweather, Chris Byrd, Tim Littles, Andre Dirrell, Anthony Dirrell, Ra’eese Aleem, Fabian Williams, Roger Turner and Peter Quillin to name a few.

38 gyms represented

There are a total of 38 gyms in Michigan and this year’s tournament hopes to have representatives from all of those gyms. The first three days of the event will be the West Michigan Championships where boxers from Lansing to the west will compete. The East Michigan Championships will be held for boxers from east of Lansing. The final two dates will be the state championships where the winner and runner-up boxers in each division from the east will square off against the top two boxers in each division from the west with a spot on the Michigan team for the National Golden Gloves tournament on the line. This year’s National Golden Gloves Tournament is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia, PA. from May 8 through May 13.

Three divisions

The Golden Gloves is split into different divisions. There is a novice division, for beginning boxers that have had fewer than 10 fights, and an open division for more experienced boxers. There also is a female division.  

WKTV will televise the tournament (see below)

WKTV will televise all five nights of this year’s tournament. WKTV commentator Bob Serulla is in his 23rd year of working the Golden Gloves and is excited about this year’s tournament. 

“I think we are going to have a heck of a year,” Serulla said. “There is a lot of good, young talent and some highly-ranked fighters this year. Obviously, the Golden Gloves is going through a transition with the closing of the DeltaPlex, but I’m looking forward to a big year.”

Among the open division boxers are some highly-ranked local boxers. Justin Lacy-Pierce is a former national champion who recently qualified to compete for a spot on the USA National team. Lacy-Pierce is ranked fourth in his weight class by USA Boxing in their recent rankings at the end of last year.



Local boxer Junior Rios will be one of the top open division boxers to watch. (Courtesy, Junior Rios)



Junior Rios is another local standout who placed second at the regional qualifier for USA Boxing that took place March 18-25 in Detroit. Maurice Davis of Kalamazoo is another standout in the open division to watch along with Ulysses Campos of Grand Rapids, while Zoe Hicks of Lansing is a nationally-ranked female boxer in the 114-pound weight class.

Another name to keep an eye on is Ryan Schmidt. A member of the famed Schmidt family of boxers from the west side of Grand Rapids, Schmidt is making a comeback to the Golden Gloves at age 38. Schmidt was a five-time state champion from 2001-2005 and also was a silver and bronze medal winner at the National Golden Gloves during that time. 

Along with the big names, the tournament is the birthplace of boxing dreams for young boxers making their first appearances in the ring.

“Opening night is a night you have some of the best fights,” Serulla said. “A lot of guys match up who have never fought before. You see people who come out of nowhere put on a show, especially in the novice division. I love opening night at the Gloves. You see some out and out wars on the first night.” 

The opening night of this year’s Golden Gloves takes place Saturday, April 1. Boxing begins at 7 p.m. Action continues Wednesday, April 12 and Saturday April 15 with the state finals scheduled for Friday and Saturday April 21 and 22. Bouts begin at 7 p.m. each day with the doors opening at 6 p.m.


WKTV Golden Gloves Schedule

Catch all the action on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 with a live tape delayed airing of each night. You also can stream WKTV at WKTV25Live 

West Michigan Preliminaries

Saturday, April 1 

 Airs Wednesday, April 5 at 5 p.m.

West Michigan Semifinals

Wednesday, April 12

Airs Saturday, April 15 at 11 a.m. and Tuesday, April 18 at 11 p.m.

West Michigan Finals

Saturday, April 15

Airs Sunday, April 16 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, April 19 at 5 p.m.

State Semifinals 

Friday, April 21 

 Airs Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, April 26 at 5 p.m. 

State Finals 

Saturday, April 22  

 Airs Sunday, April 23 at 12 p.m. and Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m.

WKTV to broadcast Golden Gloves boxing action starting this week

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Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied by Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing)

WKTV Contributor

WKTV is again in the ring, bringing viewers the excitement of local boxing with our coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.

Viewers can catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day.

The West Michigan Championships will be held at The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids.

The schedule for WKTV’s West Michigan Championships will have the Saturday, March 18, bouts airing Sunday, March 19, at noon; and the Wednesday, April 5, bouts airing Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m.

The schedule for WKTV’s state championships will have the Saturday, April 8, bouts airing Sunday, April 9, at noon; the Friday, April 21, bouts airing Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts airing Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.

The DeltaPlex will host more Golden Gloves boxing events that WKTV will cover. For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex, visit deltaplex.com

WKTV readies to air Golden Gloves for the 32nd straight year

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michigan golden glovesThe Golden Gloves have a long, outstanding history throughout the country in the sport of boxing. What started in New York in 1927 as an amateur boxing tournament has morphed into The National Golden Gloves, a boxing program with affiliates in all 50 states who focus in training young people for success.

 

Grand Rapids started their involvement in 1932 under the sponsorship of the Grand Rapids Press and the Furniture City Post of the American Legion to foster competing teams in Grand Rapids. In 2008, Grand Rapids and the Michigan Golden Gloves Association hosted the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.

 

Back in 1985, the Michigan Golden Gloves Association and WKTV formed a partnership to film the state championship boxing bouts. When the partnership began, the tournament was held at Stadium Arena (now known as the DeltaPlex). When Stadium Arena was no longer suitable, the tournament was moved to the Grand Valley National Guard Armory on 44th street.

 

2016 marks a return to the DeltaPlex and the 32nd year of WKTV’s coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. Catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evenings bouts the following day at noon.

 

West Michigan Championships
Saturday, April 9
Wednesday, April 20 (airing at 8:30pm)

 

State Championships
Saturday, April 23
Friday, April 29
Saturday, April 30