Boxing: Local gym sends nine fighters to state tournament

Combat Cardio Club is preparing nine fighters to compete in the North Dakota State Silver Gloves Tournament. The event is scheduled for Nov. 7 at the Ramada in Grand Forks. The gym will field five youth boxers and four adult amateurs on the card.

Victor Ramirez, the owner and head coach of Combat Cardio Club, said the local tournament offers a rare opportunity for his fighters to showcase their skills in front of family and friends. Ramirez noted that the gym, which moved to its current location on Washington Street last year, often has to travel to Minneapolis for regional bouts. He described the state tournament as a chance to let the community know the gym is active and competitive.

Brody Flood, a 15-year-old student at Grand Forks Central, will make his professional debut at the event. Flood started boxing one year ago and trains for two to three hours after school. He said he has not felt significant nerves due to the intensity of his training. "I feel like from when I started, I've grown like crazy," Flood said.

Felix Garcia will also make his boxing debut at the Ramada. Garcia said his family and gymmates will be in the audience supporting him. He expressed confidence in his ability to win, citing the encouragement he receives from watching him spar in the ring. The other youth fighters representing the club are Dominic Ramirez, Reed Friesen, and Carlos Carranza.

Dominic Ramirez, the 12-year-old son of coach Victor Ramirez, has several bouts under his belt. He qualified for the National Silver Gloves tournament last year. Ramirez said the senior fighters serve as leaders for the younger members of the gym. He encouraged the newer boxers to watch the experienced fighters work during kids' classes to learn the value of discipline and consistency.

The adult amateur card features Johnny Moreno, Robbie Kellogg, Matt Flanagan, and Miles Moore. Moreno will fight in the main event. Kellogg, who has 16 fights to his name, said it is a relief to compete closer to home after traveling long distances for recent shows. Moore, a 21-year-old from Crookston, Minn., commutes to the gym to train. He has been fighting for three years and will compete in his third bout.

Doors for the tournament open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. Admission is $20. The card includes 18 fights total. Teams from Canada and Wisconsin will also participate in the competition. The North Dakota State Silver Gloves Tournament serves as the first step toward the National Silver Gloves tournament for amateur boxers aged 8 to 17.