By Austin Killeen             March 7, 2016

(Click on thumbnails for larger images.)

There is an often used proverb which goes “mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” That saying could just as easily be applied to boxing. As the landscape of the sport is littered with inexperienced golden gloves novices, who grew into world class contenders. Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Joe Maxim, Sonny Liston, Cassius Clay, Jerry Quarry, Sugar Ray Leonard, Michael Spinks, JOHNNY TAPIA, Evander Holyfield, Oscar De LaHoya, Floyd Mayweather are examples of amateurs who first made a name for themselves in the Golden Gloves and went on to became world class stars. For amateurs from the “Land of Enchantment” the journey starts in Albuquerque, NM on April 1-3 and concludes May 16-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the 2016 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.

 

Johnny Tapia first won the National Golden Gloves Tournament in 1983, repeating in 1985. He would turn pro and become a world champion. Most youngsters entering the NM GG’s tournament are well aware of Tapia’s achievements both amateur and pro and have a dream of some day emulating him. Aaron Perez is one such boxer who might someday reach that lofty goal. This will be his third GG’s tournament and so far he’s two for two; winning the 108 pound division in 2014 and 114 pound division in 2015. This year he will be competing in the 123 pound class, hoping to reach the finals in Salt Lake City.

Aaron won born in El Paso, Texas on December 28, 1998 and moved to New Mexico when he was five years old. He was introduced to the sport in his back yard, boxing with his cousins. “I had my first amateur bout when I was seven and have been boxing ever since.” I asked about any tournaments he had done well in. “When I was twelve I won the Ringside tournament in 2009. I weighed 75 pounds and had to fight all five nights. When I was fifteen I won the National Junior Olympics title in Alabama.” He also won the prestigious Gene Lewis tournament in Arizona. When he won the 108 pound State GG’s tournament at the age of sixteen, he went all the way to the finals in Las Vegas; losing in the semi-finals. This year he fought in the Olympics trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado, losing in the semi-finals. “That was the first time I fought without a helmet and I liked it; you have better visibility.”

To say that Aaron has to be a big favorite to win his third straight GG’s title would be an understatement. At five feet four inches, Perez is well built and possesses some nice defensive moves. This year the regional tournament will be held in the Albuquerque and he likes the idea of fighting on his own turf. “I’ve had a lot of exposure fighting around the country, facing different styles.” As for his future, Aaron has not decided whether to try for the 2020 Olympics or turn pro this year.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Aaron’s younger brother Abraham who is sixteen and a junior at Atrisco Heritage Academy. Asked what his favorite class is, he responded “lunch.” Following up on his response, it turns out Abraham’s mother didn’t raised no fool; he’s taking AP Chemistry. Unlike his older brother, Abraham took five years off from boxing to try other activities. “I like basketball and decided to give it a try.” I first saw Perez fight at an amateur card a year ago and was surprised to see how polished he looked for having so few bouts. “Although I was doing other things, I still sparred with Aaron during my five year layoff.

 

Abraham hopes to have some show bouts at the GG’s tournament but will not be entering the tournament himself. “The Junior Olympics has added a 17-18 division this year and I plan to enter that tournament. Next year I hope to box in the golden gloves.” Perez estimates that he has had 34 amateur bouts but is not sure of the exact number. While we were talking his little brother Andrew walked by. The youngest Perez brother has had two amateur fights and looks forward to having the opportunity to box in a couple of show bouts.

The Perez Brothers, along with professional Jesus Pacheco train at Aaron Perez senior’s gym at 1020 Edith Boulevard SE in Albuquerque. It’s a nice facility with about twenty youngsters training there daily. There’s plenty of equipment and a nice ring for sparring. There is no pressure for new comers to enter tournaments, the emphasis in on having fun and exercise while learning the fundamentals of boxing.