By: Austin Killeen – Ringside – April 22, 2016    (Click on thumbnails for larger images.)  

If you want to witness the best in amateur boxing make sure you have a ticket for Saturday at the Mountain View Community Center. The Colorado State Golden Glove team will invade the “Duke City” to face New Mexico’s best. It’s not often that the top P4P boxer on each team is in the same weight division. Some might argue with the previous comment, but the resumes of 123 pounders Aaron Perez and Shon Mondragon make for a compelling argument. Add to the fact that their first two meetings resulted in highly contested narrow decisions won by Mondragon and you have a dream matchup. I’ve interviewed both boxers and they’re eager to “get it on.” They have nothing bad to say about each other, showering each other with compliments. Sadly four of the divisions only have one combatant, meaning that only six divisions will be contested. Many of the promoters, managers and trainers blame this on young boxers turning professional too early.

Aaron Perez first caught the attention of the boxing community three years ago, when he captured the National Junior Olympics Tournament in Mobile Alabama. In 2014 as a sixteen year old he once again surprised by winning the state and regional golden glove titles. Traveling to the nationals in Las Vegas Perez would make it to the semi-finals before tasting defeat. There was high expectation last year when he repeated as state champion. But his trip to the finals was derailed when he lost to Shon Mondragon in the 114 pound division in last year’s regional tournament.

It was Mondragon’s turn to surprise boxing experts; the eighteen year old made it to the championship before losing a decision. But how much of a surprise was it, as he had previously won the National PAL tournament, twice captured the Ringside championship and defeated Perez in the World Games in Reno, Nevada. Mondragon is a veteran of over eighty five bouts against the best competition in the country?

So once again Perez and Mondragon find their paths intertwined as they hope to reach the finals in Salt Lake City, Utah. Perez stands about 5’ 4” and likes to counter punch, slipping punches effortlessly. Mondragon, a southpaw, has a decided height and reach advantage and likes to work at a distance to exploit his physical advantages. Speaking to Mondragon by phone yesterday, he stated that he can’t overlook Perez because of his two wins over him. When the opening bell rings on Saturday, those wins won’t be a factor on the judges’ score cards. For Perez, a veteran of over 100 amateur bouts, making the third time a charm has meant training smart. As a result he has spent many rounds working with undefeated pro Angelo Leo, who tried to duplicate Mondragon’s left handed style. The winner of the contest will be the fans who are lucky enough to be in attendance.

In the 201+ division, Leo Gracher of Colorado with face new comer Herman Ortiz. Ironically, Gracher used to box for New Mexico until he moved to Colorado two years ago. Standing over 6’ 5” and possessing a wing span that would make a condor jealous, Gracher resembles Ivan Drago from Rocky IV. For those of you that don’t know, Gracher was born and raised in Russian the first ten years of his life. Gracher has an excellent left jab and seemingly can land it without leaving his corner. The shorter, stockier Ortiz has had only two amateur bouts which took place in this year’s state tournament. He has a powerful overhand right but does he have the experience to deal with the commanding presence of Drago, I mean Gracher.

In the 201 pound division, Lorenzo Benavidez will win by walkover and move on to the nationals.

In the 178 pound division, Shawn McCalman of Colorado will face Aiseah Achessah of New Mexico. I’ve been told that McCalman was very impressive in qualifying for the regionals. I have absolutely no knowledge of Achessah.

In the 165 pound division, Cristian Escobedo of Colorado will win by walkover and move on to the nationals. New Mexico’s champ at 165 pounds, Gabriel Perea has taken sick and his opponent in the state finals Brandon Montoya is not available to replace him. That’s too bad because Escobedo is one tough customer having faced the toughest competition to qualify for the regionals.

In the 152 pound division, Andres Borrego of Colorado will face Adam Marquez of New Mexico. Like Escobedo above, Marquez faced the toughest competition to qualify for the regionals.

In the 141 pound division, Sergio Lujan of Colorado will face Marcus Ewing of New Mexico. Ewing is very adaptable, with the ability to evade trouble and solve opponent defenses.

In the 132 pound division, Efren Villalobos of Colorado will face Jaime Aguilera of New Mexico. Aguilera was unopposed at the states but has a solid reputation as a good boxer.

In the 123 pound division, Shon Mondragon of Colorado will face Aaron Perez of New Mexico which I already covered in detail.

In the 114 pound division, Zachariah Jaquez of New Mexico will win by walkover and move on to the nationals.

In the 108 pound division Salaam Gonzales of Colorado will win by walkover and move on to the nationals.

Hope to see you all at the regionals tomorrow at the Mountain View Community Center. May the best team come out victorious.