Young Warriors Boxing

On October 28th, Curai White (4-1) has brought another win to the Young Warriors Boxing Team. What made this one a special one was that it was a rematch, and we won (for the second time) by an unanimous decision. White is a tough kid, he never stops bringing the heat. His opponent kept coming, but White kept getting stronger, stunning his opponent 3 times and finally leading to an 8 count in the second round. The fight in White is a wonderful thing to watch in the ring, you can feel the passion and love he has for the sport. With coach Paco Santiago, who has many years of experience training/coaching the pros in the Golden Gloves & on HBO, at his side, they create a force to be reckoned with. Can't wait to see what's ahead of us this upcoming year.

!!PSA!! For those who may not understand, amature boxing comprises of 2 valuable components: A disciplined coach and more so a disciplined kid. One that comes to the gym every day to work hard and not ask questions. When the coach gives orders, they follow with faith. You work with that kid for 3 or 4 months, to get them to the level of a competitive fighter, once they get there/you got them there, then comes hard part and the hard part is when you take them to a fight. No ma...tter where the fights are, even if you have to travel 2, 3, 4+hrs away, get stuck in traffic, sacrificing your weekends/summers for a show when you were awaiting a beach trip or a visit to the river, or when winter comes and you're having to battle a blizzard because your fighter may be disqualified for being late or his opponent doesn't show up and you realize you made that drive/flight just to not fight. Sometimes, it may causing disputes with your girlfriend/wife, family, friends, even contributing financially from your personal finances takes a toll. There is a lot that goes into this art/world of boxing that not many get experience. And here is one of the saddest moments in this field, when that kid you spent so much time, effort, energy on has to move out of state or too far to be a part of your team anymore, but they walk into another gym with the skills, talent and that discipline engraved inside of them, that new coach having the easy job of maintaining, because he didn't have to face the trails and tribulations of the original coach, he was inherited a well trained, well disciplined kid with experience. Some coaches should be grateful for the foundation the previous coaches have built. Me as a coach, if I didn't make them, I wouldn't take the credit for it. I'd call their previous coach and thank them for their hard work on a job well done. A good coach never leaves another coaches work in the shadows. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to see where the journey takes all fighters, but I'm putting this together for those who may not realize just how much goes into the art of boxing, no matter what age you enter in. As all things in life, it's always going to be filled with good and happy moments, but also sad ones as well. To my good fighters, they know who they are and they know who I'm talking about. Good luck in Tennessee.

(Sept. 15th at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center) After working hard for this fight, @Curai finally fought and won by unanimous decision. The opponent had a couple of 8 counts and White came out victorious. Now we're training hard again for October 28th at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center in Newburgh NY... After a long day of working hard at Johnson's Toyota and training hard with the Young Warriors boxing team, Coach Paco likes to wind down and relax the best way he know how, and that is playing 2 hand touch on the field with the NY Giants at the MetLife Stadium. Big thanks to his boss and life long friends Steve Jardine and family. Goes to show that hard work always pay off.

More photos from the fight.

On August 18, at the Puerto Rican Parade in Jersey City, our Young Warrior left with another win under his belt. Curai White, 19, (2-1) went toe to toe with a 26yr old. For a new fighter, an age gap can seem intimidating, but from the start of the first round, you could see the eagerness in White. That eagerness is what left his opponent stunned from a vicious head blow in the first round, resulting to his opponent being unable to continue on with the fight, ending in a TKO. ...White, before his first fight, was extremely talented and you could tell from how fast he learned and the discipline he exerted in the gym, leaving many in awe at the young talented Warrior. His adaptability for every fight, his hard hitting, and his dedication are all factors he takes with him in and out of the ring. I have had many people question him being a rookie (in a good way) and that was something I never imagined. He truly was a hidden talent and I am proud to be able to show him what he is truly capable of. White had a few words to share as well: "Thank you to everyone that came to support and my hell of a trainer that put me in the position I am. Grateful and blessed to have the team I do." We are excited to see what the future has in store for White and may he be an example for all Young Warriors with any doubt or new to the sport. Thanks to all of our friends and family who show these kids the support they may need to be able to keep on fighting.

Young Warriors, Stephen Rodriguez and Curai White, will be at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center (Saturday, Sept.15, 2018) at 8pm for an exciting night in the ring. This will be Stephen's first bout, and Curai is eagerly awaiting the competition. We hope to see these 2 fighters surrounded with love and support from friends and family. Address: 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601