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A punchers chance

Nine Outreach boxers headed to state competition

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  • Wes Bloomquist •
  • Originally published July 23, 2008 at 11:47 a.m., updated July 23, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.

Garcia’s Outreach Boxing Club is sending a mix of experienced and fresh faces to the Texas Amateur Athletics Federation’s Games of Texas this year.

The Victoria gym is being represented by nine boxers in the games in San Antonio with three having experience and six being newcomers to the statewide event.

“Fighters come from all over Texas and it brings great competition,” Outreach Boxing owner Johnny Garcia said. “We also use the event to have a good time. We’ll be up there four days and are going to meet people and have fun.”

Boxing will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Woodlawn Gymnasium.

Joe Hernandez is one of the experienced fighters making the trip to San Antonio.

He finished with a silver medal in last year’s games, but is ready to show that a year of hard work is going to turn silver into gold.

“Last year I wasn’t that good, but I still got to the top,” Hernandez said. “I think I’ll get it this year. I’ve been sparing with heavier people and getting in a lot of good work.”

Hernandez is entering the 10th grade at Memorial, and has already told his inexperienced friends at the gym what to expect. One of those new fighters to the Games of Texas is 12 year old John Ramirez.

He comes into the championships with a 1-1 record, but is already setting his sights on a gold medal.

“I’m real nervous,” Ramirez said. “I just try to picture what it is going to be like.”

Ramirez finished second in the Golden Gloves event this year and has already gained his coach’s respect.

“He sees every punch coming and he’s able to side step,” said Garcia of Ramirez. “Then he counters. He’s a hard worker and has a lot of potential. If he stays focused, he’s a great fighter. There isn’t too many people who can beat him.”

For Hernandez, who is fighting in the 112 weight division, a rematch against last year’s champion from San Antonio is in the front of his mind.

“He already whooped me twice, but I’m going to get him this time,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been working hard.”

His coach agrees.

“I think he can go out and get the gold,” said Garcia of Hernandez. “He’s just more focused. Last year he was young to it, but this year he is more focused and ready.”

Hernandez also knows from experience that the Games of Texas isn’t an easy event.

“People come from all over and are all really good,” he said. “From San Antonio and Corpus it brings a lot of boxers and a lot of styles.”

Other boxers headed to the Games of Texas are Ana Acosta, Gino Mireles, Christian Munoz, Arcelio Hernandez, Jessie Ray Martinez Jr. and Ricky Perez.

“I’m looking to win it,” said Acosta who is the only girl going from Outcast. “It’s going to be interesting because of all the new people I’ll see there.”

Wes Bloomquist is a sports writer at the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6509 or wbloomquist@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.



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