SAN ARDO — Fourteen-year-old boxer Bryan Cruz made the San Ardo Boxing Club proud as he won the championship title in the 90-pound weight class at the National Junior Olympics Boxing Tournament in Wichita, Kan.
The tournament ran from June 22-29.
Cruz, with nearly 50 fights of experience under his belt, displayed his skills throughout the tournament, according to Coach Rodolfo Tapia.
Tapia has been coaching boxing since 1989 for the San Ardo Boxing Club and more recently at the King City Boxing Club.
“Bryan completely dominated in the title match against a boy from Texas,” Tapia said. “His performance in the quarters, semifinals and finals were super good. In the championship fight, he was dominating and forced a standing eight-count in the third round.”
Grettel Cruz, the 15-year-old sister of Bryan Cruz and also of the San Ardo Boxing Club, fought well and reached the medal round at 101 pounds.
Andre Mosqueda of the King City Boxing Club lost in the quarterfinals at 90 pounds.
Unfortunately, Miguel Hernandez of the San Ardo Boxing Club and Joel Lozoya of the King City Boxing Club were unable to compete in the tournament as the brackets were full.
The local boxing clubs will be busy the rest of the summer with fights coming up in Hollister, Salinas and Bakersfield.
