Imperial Valley Boxers Set Sights on Regional, National Titles

EL CENTRO — Over the past 15 years, Sparta Boxing has produced dozens of state title holders, national champions, and a handful of professional boxers. This summer, Sparta Boxing hopes to continue its legacy by taking 24 young athletes to two major tournaments.

Sparta will send two teams to the USA Boxing National Junior Olympics Summer Festival in June and the Southern California State Amateur Boxing Championships in July.

“We are taking the kids that are more advanced to the Junior Olympic tournament,” explained Jorge Muñoz, Sparta Boxing co-founder and coach. “Winning this tournament will make them a national champion and allow them to be ranked by USA Boxing for a chance to be a part of Team USA.” Eight elite boxers from Sparta will travel to the 10-day tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Unlike the Junior Olympics, the SoCal State Championship will have a novice, beginner division and an open division for the advanced kids,” Muñoz explained. As a result, they will take all 24 of their licensed boxers to the Southern California tournament, including 11-year-old Sam Lemus, who will compete in his first official bout.

The Sparta boxers, regardless of their age or experience, have their eyes on the prize. “I want to win,” 12-year-old Maximus Ruiz said when asked what he’s looking forward to most. His 9-year-old brother, Timothy Ruiz, confidently answered, “I am looking forward to bringing home the belt.”

The young boxers are also excited about honing their skills and gaining new experiences in and out of the ring. Twelve-year-old Julian Valdovinos said, “I’m really excited since this is my first Junior Olympic tournament. I am excited for the exposure and the experience.”

“I am looking forward to being exposed to different boxing styles to improve and see more than the Valley,” added 17-year-old Marie Ruiz Tabarez, who will be attending both tournaments.

Alan Ruiz, boxing coach and parent, explained that many of Sparta’s boxers have had little exposure to life beyond the Imperial Valley. “There’s not many things to do in the Valley nor are there many opportunities,” said Ruiz. “Many of these kids have spent their entire lives here. They don’t know anything outside of our community.”

“We try to take these kids to different places and expose them to different things like taking them hiking or to the beach,” Muñoz added. “Some of these kids have never done that.”

In Imperial County, and throughout the country, boxing has served as a positive outlet for the youths, providing structure, discipline and community. Monday through Friday, nearly 100 young boxers train at Sparta in hopes to learn self-defense, lose weight and compete for glory.

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“Back then, boxing helped us make sure we were not outside doing drugs or gangbanging, but boxing is important today because it makes sure they have a break from video games, Tik Tok and junk food,” said Coach Ruiz.

For the 24 boxers on the road to gold, this is their opportunity to see years of their hard work pay off and bring pride to the Imperial Valley.

Sparta Boxing accepts enrollment year-round and is currently welcoming new students. Because of its mission to help the youths of the Imperial Valley, Sparta serves the entire community regardless of socioeconomic status offering need-based financial aid to those who need it.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Sparta Boxing relies on fundraising and the generosity of sponsors to carry out its mission and attend tournaments like these. Those interested in enrolling your child or sponsoring the gym may call 442-231-9692.