Boxing News Boxing News
Starting with the ring of the bell on October 22, local area boxers will be fighting for a spot to represent the Gulf Coast Region at the USA Boxing National Championships as well as travelling to engage in international competition.
Weight categories will include: Pee Wee 8-9, Bantam 10-11, Intermediate 12-13, Juniors 14-15, Youth 15-16 and Elite 18-40 in both Open and Novice divisions.
Winners will represent the Gulf area at the 2016 USA Boxing Elite, Youth and Junior National Championships to be held in Kansas City Missouri December 4-10, 2016.
This tournament is a sanctioned event through USA Boxing the National Governing Body of Amateur Boxing and is a feeder to National and Olympic recognition.
The George Foreman Youth and Community Center was founded 32 years ago in 1984 by Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time heavyweight world champion George Foreman. The GFYCC is dedicated to providing a safe and secure location for youth to participate in sports and afterschool activities.
“This year for the first time in Houston boxing history, we are developing an elite international youth boxing team,” said George Foreman, IV. “The team will be selected for the sole purpose of training and traveling to other countries to gain experience on an international platform and promote cultural diplomacy!
“Utilizing grant and donor funding, this team will be representing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and will be announced Saturday October 22, at the Gulf Region’s Boxing Championship.
“The team will be reviewed by my father, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman Sr. The first international trip for this new Houston team is scheduled for Jan. 2017.”
Doors open for the Gulf Gloves Championships on Saturday October 22 at 11:00 am with announcements and the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Houston Recruiting Command Baytown Beaumont Company at 12:45 pm.
The national anthem will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Houston Brass Quintet. Boxing will begin at 1:00 pm. Championship finals will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday October 23.
Confirmed attendees for interviews will be:
George Edward Foreman IV: Son of two-time Heavyweight World Champion George Forman Sr and President of Foreman Public Relations
Marlen Esparza: 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, 2014 Amateur World Champion, 2006 and 2016 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, Nine-Time USA Boxing National Champion.
Rocky Juarez: 2000 Olympic Games Silver Medalist, 1999 Amateur World Champion, WBC Silver Featherweight Champion.
Raul Marquez: 1988 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, 1992 Olympic Games Quarter-finalist, IBF Light Middleweight Champion.
Frank Tate: 1984 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, IBF Middleweight Champion, NABF Light Heavyweight Champion.
Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: WBA, WBO, IBF Lightweight Champion.
“Sweet” Reggie Johnson: WBA Middleweight Champion, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion.
In addition to many Houston area professional boxers and Gulf Boxing Association alumni. Event is sanctioned by USA Boxing – Gulf LBC: 16-25-14268.
