By Cris Greer Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell (former Golden Gloves champion) walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals at Aquinas College in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 2.
Five-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion Junior Rios joins in on the play-by-play analysis as well.
PART 2 features the best bouts of the Championships, boxer interviews, and a look inside the MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association) Boxing Gym. You’ll want to watch every bit of this boxing show.
Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you!
WKTV Hosts Bob Serulla (left) and Jordan Shimmell are joined by boxer Junior Rios.
By Cris Greer Managing Editor/Sports Director greer@wktv.org
WKTV Hosts and Boxing Announcers Bob Serulla and Jordan Shimmell walk you through the Michigan Golden Gloves Championships from the West Michigan Finals through the State Finals in this exciting Friday Night Highlights Golden Gloves edition PART 1.
PART 1 features the best bouts of the Championships, some boxer interviews, a look inside the La Casa Boxing Club, including a chat with owner Anbrocio Ledesma, and an interview with guest boxer Junior Rios. You’ll want to watch every bit of this show.
Our WKTV Truck crew got great highlights of the Golden Gloves Championships just for you. Part 2 will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Look for more great WKTV Golden Gloves coverage in the future!
Two years ago, East Kentwood High School graduate and current professional boxer Justin Lacey-Pierce was winding down his amateur career with a Michigan Golden Gloves state championship. Last Saturday evening at Aquinas College, a pair of East Kentwood graduates stepped up and carried on Lacey-Pierce’s Golden Gloves legacy by winning state championships at the 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves state championships.
Ontess Toliver-James and Aiden Baker of East Kentwood were two of the newly-minted state champions at the state finals that took place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
East Kentwood graduate Ontess Toliver-James (center, with trophy) celebrates his Golden Gloves win with coaches and staff from Blues Gym. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Toliver-James, boxing out of Blues Gym, located at 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. Se, won his title in the 176-pound Elite Novice Division. Coming out strong from the opening bell, Toliver-James took control of the bout with Zameer Rawls-Wallace as he peppered his opponent with body shots in the early going. The constant barrage of punches paid off in the second round when the referee stopped the contest. Toliver-James who reached the finals after winning his semifinal match the day before, came out with a little different plan for his title match.
“Yesterday I tired myself out,” Toliver-James said. “I was throwing too much so I slowed myself down and paced myself a little bit. I read my opponent and picked my punches.”
The win was his third in three bouts which is even more impressive considering that Toliver-James has only been training for boxing and picked up the sport just four weeks ago.
“I feel like anything is possible,” Toliver-James said. “I’m going to train hard and hopefully keep going along undefeated and get some more trophies under my belt.”
Toliver-James played football and basketball growing up, but just decided to start boxing a little over a month ago. He also knows about the Kentwood boxing legacy and especially about the accomplishments in the ring of Lacey-Pierce.
“I actually went to school with him (Lacey-Pierce)” Toliver-James said. “I was in school with him since elementary school. That’s actually another one of my motivations. I just recently saw a couple of posts of him on Facebook. Man, he’s doing good in the pros.”
In the next bout Kentwood’s second boxer, Aiden Baker, stepped into the ring and also brought home a state championship. Boxing in the 198-plus Elite Novice weight class, Baker defeated Santorie Jenkins of Team Boss when the referee stopped the contest in the third round.
East Kentwood graduate Aiden Baker won the 198-pound title at the Golden Gloves State Championships. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Baker, who won a West Michigan title last month, kept constant pressure on Jenkins from the opening bell and wore his opponent down with a steady barrage of punches. This year’s Golden Gloves was the first of his career for Baker who began boxing three years ago.
“I started training at MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association gym, Grand Rapids) and they essentially built me from scratch,” Baker said. “My older brother taught me how to fight and then eventually I went into the gym. From there, I just started to fall in love with the sport and take it seriously.”
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Comstock Park grad Emanuel Jimenez wins state title at 143 pounds
Toliver-James was not the only boxer out of Blues Gym that captured a state title. In the first bout of the evening, Emanuel Jimenez, a student at Comstock Park High School, won the 143-pound Junior Novice title when the referee stopped the contest in the second round against Carter Cobb of MGGA.
Jimenez, who just turned 18 years old, began training for the Golden Gloves six months ago at Blue Gym. A fan of Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, Jimenez fought in a style that would’ve made Alvarez proud as he came out aggressively throwing punches and didn’t stop until the referee stepped in during the second round. The match was the second of Jimenez’s young career as he won his first bout during Friday’s semifinals.
“To be honest I was very nervous,” Jimenez said, “but I just went out there and did my job. I did a better job of pacing myself in this bout. My first fight I just came out swinging, but this time I did a better job of pacing myself.”
Blues Gym head trainer Dino Newville congratulates Emanuel Jimenez on his Golden Gloves title. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Santiago wins state crown at 187-pound Elite Novice
Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title in a walkover.
Also winning titles in the Elite Novice Division were Mohammad Aliyar of Kalamazoo United, who won the 143-pound Elite Novice title, Hussam Ammar of Saginaw Boxing club (165-pound Elite Novice champion), and United States Navy veteran Nathaniel Williams of AAA boxing club (154-pound Elite Novice title).
A pair of Grand Rapids-area boxers claimed state titles in the open division.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title;
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Mercado wins state title at 121-pounds Elite Open; fifth state championship
Boxing out of the La Casa Boxing Club, Guillermo Mercado won the state title in the 121 Elite Open Division as he claimed a decision against Aarkeyse Higdon of Lansing Crown Boxing Club. The state title was the fifth for Mercado, who displayed plenty of heart and boxing ability in grinding out the win against a tough opponent in one of the most entertaining matches of the evening.
Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson wins second-consecutive state title
In the 132-pound Open Division, Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo Boxing won a decision against Nicolas Alonzi of Flint Town Boxing Club. Gibson won his second consecutive state title in impressive fashion as he recorded a pair of standing-eight counts on his way to victory. The state title was the third overall for Gibson who finished in third place at last year’s national Golden Gloves tournament where all of this year’s champions are headed.
“He (Alonzi) was tough,” Gibson said. “I really thought I was going to stop him, but he could take a punch. He didn’t know I had power like that. I can box and I have power. I can do both and I’m still getting better.”
Four more Open Division state champions were also crowned. Evan Jackson of Kalamazoo Boxing won the title at 154 pounds. Kyree Wiggins of Flint Town boxing won at 165-pound Elite Open, while Joseph McDaye of Kalamazoo Westside Boxing club won at 175-pound Elite Open. In the final bout of the evening, Sardius Simmons won his sixth state championship in the 198-plus Elite Open in a classic matchup against Maurice Davis, who came in as a former state champion as well.
A total of five boxers in the Open Division were also crowned as uncontested Open champions. Those five champions, who will head to the Golden Gloves nationals, included Michael Chester of Saginaw Boxing Club at 176 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Gideon Boxing Club (187 pounds), Zoe Hicks of Lansing Team Glass (112-pound Elite Open Female Division), Sarah Batenburg of MGGA Grand Rapids (132-pound Elite Open Female Division), and Asha Lake of Team Glass (143-pound Elite Open Female Division).
Uncontested Novice champions included Jaquan Wilson of Lansing Crown boxing at 110-pounds, Daniel Espinoza of Gideon Boxing (121-pounds), Davone Jones of Crown Boxing (132 pounds), Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing (198-pounds), and in the female Novice Division Emily Martinez of Eli J Boxing (132-pounds), Tamika Lofton of Lansing Team Glass (143-pounds), and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club (154-pounds).
When it comes to Golden Gloves boxing in the Wyoming and southern Kent County area, few people are as tuned into the sport as Anbrocio Ledesma.
A longtime boxing trainer in the Wyoming area who has taught many young boxers the fundamentals of the sport, Ledesma is currently expanding his teaching of the sport through his La Casa Boxing Club, located at 2241 84th St. in Byron Center.
Home to some of the most successful boxers in the Grand Rapids area, the gym is well represented at this weekend’s Michigan Golden Gloves State Finals that pits the champions and runners-up from the West side tournament up against the champions and runners-up from the East.
Aquinas College hosting Golden Gloves this weekend
The 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 at Aquinas College’s Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6 p.m. both days with boxing starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
Representing La Casa Boxing Club will be Guillermo Mercado and Junior Rios in the Elite Open Division, while Harrison Hevelhurst will box in the Elite Novice Division.
La Casa Boxing Club’s Junior Rios. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A former Golden Gloves boxer himself, Ledesma began his coaching career in Wyoming at the Pride Boxing Club which was located just north of 28th St. in Wyoming.
“I got into training boxers in my mid 20’s,” Ledesma said. “I actually had a couple of older kids who just wanted just to train, not to compete. I started training them at home, then they had a couple cousins come over and it kind of snowballed into that. Then my wife’s uncle took on a gym in Wyoming, called Wyoming Pride, back in the early 2000’s. I found out about that and took on a coaching responsibility there for the better of seven to ten years.”
La Casa Boxing Club’s Guillermo Mercado. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
After the Pride gym closed, Ledesma began training boxers in a gym that he named the LaCasa Boxing Club, and that he put together in a garage next to his home.
“After Wyoming Pride closed down I stuck around for a little bit longer,” Ledesma said. “We ended up at another spot for a year and half, two years, but at that time I always trained some separate individual kids that wanted individual work at my house in my garage. The journey of my gym started back at my home. That’s why it’s called La Casa. Basically I started training a couple of my older kids.”
The next step in the evolution of La Casa Boxing came when he moved to the current location in Byron Center.
“I took on opening up this gym back in 2023 and that’s where I am now,” Ledesma said. “I’ve had this portion of my gym here in Byron Center for about two years now. Now we’re just here trying to build out here and target the outskirts of the Wyoming area and the Byron Center area.”
La Casa Boxing Club Owner Anbrocio Ledesma (right) and Coach Jackson. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
Over the years, Ledesma has trained several boxers who have accomplished plenty during their amateur careers. Two of the most successful boxers that have trained under him are Rios and Mercado who are still adding to their legacies.
“Guillermo and Junior have been around the Golden Gloves for some years now,” Ledesma said. “They are past state champs who went on to the nationals several times. Coming through Wyoming Pride we had quite a few state champs as well. I’ve been around some really talented and dedicated fighters.”
La Casa Boxing Club Supplies. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
This year the gym has a total of 6-10 boxers that come in and train regularly. The gym had three boxers enter the West Michigan Golden Gloves and all three qualified for the upcoming state finals.
With the gym is still relatively new to the Byron Center location, Ledesma has been working at getting the word out. Not only does the gym plan on increasing the numbers of boxers, but it also serves as a place for local youth to come and work out even if they have no desire to become competitive boxers.
“We’re in the midst right now of trying to reach out to the community,” Ledesma said. “We are waiting to hear back from the school systems and then just putting up signs and flyers around the community. Hopefully word of mouth can start spreading around and even if the kids don’t want to come here and compete, that’s not what we’re about. We’re just offering a different type of exercise. A different way they can vent their frustrations. Just kind of get out and breathe fresh air and exercise at the same time.”
Ledesma is looking for the gym to grow and expand as much as possible in its new locations.
“I’m hoping the gym evolves into where there is no limit for us,” Ledesma said. “They don’t have anything like this out here. I’m hoping that we get 10-to-12 fighters out of the gym next year. More importantly, I want it to be in the community and advertised as a boxing, fitness club. It’s not necessarily that you are going to join this gym and we are going to turn you into a boxer.”
Gentle Gibson won the 132-pound open state title, defeating five-time state champ Aneudy “Junior” Rios. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
The final night of the 2024 Golden Gloves produced plenty of epic matches as state titles were on the line as well as trips to the Golden Gloves National Tournament for winners in the novice divisions.
Several West Michigan boxers are among those headed to the national tournament in Detroit after coming away with state titles at the finals that took place at the 4 Mile Showplace.
All open division boxers advance to the Golden Gloves National Tournament of Champions from May 13-18 at Huntington Place in Detroit.
Twins Mike and Michael Guzman grab state titles
Two of those fighters come from the same household as twins Mike and Michael Guzman from Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) completed the `Guzman takeover’ by winning state titles.
Mike Guzman won his title by coming away with a decision against Joshua Riley of Flint Town Boxing in the 139-pound novice final. Mike’s brother Michael earlier won his title in a walkover at 125 pounds.
Mike Guzman (pictured) won a state title at 139 pounds, while his brother Michael won a title at 125 pounds. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“I said when the tournament started that it would be a Guzman takeover,” said Mike Guzman. “It feels great. It went exactly as I predicted it would.”
Guzman kept a constant pressure on Riley throughout the bout that included plenty of body shots.
“My plan was to go to the body,” Guzman said. “If you kill the body the head will die. I just wanted to keep hammering away at the body.”
Guillermo Mercado won a fourth state title with his win at 112 pounds. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A pair of MGGA veterans also added to their collection of state titles as Guillermo Mercado won a fourth state title, while Ulysses Campos won a fifth state title.
Mercado won the 112-pound novice title in a big way as he defeated Joseph Swartz of Riverside Sports Academy when the referee stopped the bout in the second round.
Mercado came out applying heavy pressure in the first round and had Swartz in trouble at the end of the first round. Mercado continued the barrage in the second round before the referee stepped in and stopped the bout.
“This one was the most important one,” Mercado said. “This is my last year as an amateur and I wanted to go out with a knockout. I am going to make my pro debut after the nationals and I wanted to win this one to go out in style. This couldn’t have gone any better.”
Campos claimed his fifth state title when he claimed a decision against Jaylen Nichols of 475 Elite. The match was a slugfest throughout with the taller Nichols presenting a challenge to the veteran Campos.
“This feels pretty good,” Campos said. “No matter if it is the first one or the fifth one, it always feels great to win an open division title. He (Nichols) had some reach and he’s an experienced fighter. He knew what he was doing in the ring. I knew I had to do work on the inside and stay busy.”
Gentle Gibson gets first win over “Junior” Rios to advance
One of the premier bouts of the evening came in the 132-pound open final. That was where five-time state champion Aneudy “Junior” Rios was looking to win a sixth state title against Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo. Rios defeated Gibson in the West Michigan finals last week and also defeated Gibson at both the Michigan and the West Michigan state finals last year. In a bout that featured non-stop action from start to finish, Gibson came away with the decision to claim his first-ever win against Rios and earn a trip to the national tournament.
“He beat me three out of four times and every one of them were close,” Gibson said. “He has made me a better fighter. I respect him a lot. They say iron sharpens iron and that is what we’ve been for each other. This is the first time I’ve beaten him and this was the one for all the marbles. I would rather have lost to him last week than this week.”
EGR graduate Wyatt Alvarez wins first-ever state title
Another rematch from last week’s West Michigan finals came at 165 pounds where Wyatt Alvarez of PK Boxing won a decision against Michael Lynn III of Team Glass of Lansing. Like last week, the two boxers put on an entertaining show with plenty of punches thrown. Alvarez, a 2023 graduate of East Grand Rapids, however, applied more steady pressure and came away with the win.
East Grand Rapids graduate Wyatt Alvarez won his first-ever state title at 165 pounds in the open division. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“I knew he would come out and put the pressure on,” Alvarez said. “I knew I had to respond with a lot of pressure and throw a lot of punches. I just had to keep on punching.”
After winning his first-ever West Michigan title last week, Alvarez added a state title and is headed to Detroit for nationals.
Also claiming open titles were Nicholas Young of Flint Town Boxing at 156 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Gideon Boxing at 203 pounds and Sardius Simmons of Ultimate Boxing Club at heavyweight.
A total of nine elite novice championships also took place to start the evening of boxing off.
Forest Hills Eastern grad Nasier Harris gets state title at 156-pound novice
In one of the most exciting novice matches, Nasier Harris of MGGA hooked up with Gohan Estevez Marte of PK Boxing in a rematch of the West Michigan finals at 156 pounds. In what proved to be another three-round slugfest that resembled their last bout, Harris again came away with a decision.
Forest Hills Eastern graduate Nasier Harris won the 156-pound novice state title. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“It was a hard fight and I feel I could’ve done better,” Harris said. “He was a little more elusive this time and he put a little more pressure on me. I think that my jab made the difference for me. Winning this title feels great. I worked hard for this.”
West Michigan boxers also won novice titles at 132 and 139 pounds. At 132 pounds, Stephen Ramirez won a rematch when he claimed a decision against Davone Jones of Lansing Crown Boxing. At 139 pounds, DreAun Ellis of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club earned a decision against Vincente Jezrrel Mendoza Castro of Zuniga Boxing.
At 125 pounds, Daniel Espinoza of Bay City won a decision against Dominique Suggs of Flint Boxing Club. At 147 pounds, Joseph Gossett of Saginaw Boxing claimed a decision against Karon Cross of MGGA.
A pair of Lansing boxers also claimed novice championships. At 165 pounds, Ramadhani Haji of Team Glass won a decision against Keegan Morrissey of Gideon Boxing Club. At 203 pounds, D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass won a decision against Jaylen Milton-Cofield of Saginaw Boxing.
At 176 pounds, Kyree Wiggins of Flint Town Boxing won a decision against David Venn of Lansing Crown Boxing. In the novice heavyweight division, Devon Dear of Torque Boxing in Sault Ste. Marie made the long trip south pay off as he defeated Daonte Johnson of Riverside Sports Academy by a decision.
New venue next year
Local Golden Gloves fans also heard the news at Saturday’s finals that next year’s West Michigan and state finals will take place at Aquinas College Fieldhouse.
Michael Carbajal (left) and Mike Guzman staged the fight of the night at the West Michigan Golden Gloves finals at the 4 Mile Showplace. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
Championships were on the line Saturday night at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals and area boxers provided plenty of outstanding performances in front of a large and amped-up crowd at the 4 Mile Showplace.
The evening was highlighted by several high-octane bouts, but by far the most entertaining match of the 13-bout card was the battle for the 139-pound elite open title between Mike Guzman of Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) and Michael Carbajal of PK Boxing in Wyoming.
No strangers to each other, Guzman and Carbajal came into the bout having split their previous two meetings. With a West Michigan title on the line, the two boxers stole the show with a thrilling three rounds of boxing that saw both boxers unload big shots and flurries throughout. Time and time again the two fighters had the crowd on its feet cheering on the two pugilists who took turns delivering combinations and big right hands. In the end, Guzman had his hand raised in victory with a decision.
“He’s a brawler and I knew it was going to be a brawl,” Guzman said. “I tried to outbox him. He’s a tough fighter and I knew it was a going to be a battle of wills. It was a great fight, but I think my defense made the difference. I feel like I am built for this, but so is he.”
Mike Guzman won his second-straight West Michigan title. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The West Michigan title was the second straight for Guzman who now sets his sights on winning a Michigan state championship next weekend.
“The job isn’t done yet,” Guzman said. “I want to win the state title.”
A fourth match between Guzman and Carbajal may be in the cards as both the winners and runner-ups from the West Michigan finals move on to the state finals where the top two placers from the East Michigan Golden Gloves make the trek west for the state semifinals and finals on Friday and Saturday.
Another outstanding, action-filled bout took place in the 132-pound elite open final where five-time state champion Aneudy “Junior” Rios took the next step toward a sixth state title. Like Guzman, Rios faced a familiar face in the finals in Kalamazoo boxer Gentle Gibson. Rios defeated Gibson in both the West Michigan and Michigan state finals last year.
Aneudy “Junior” Rios is a five time state champ. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Relying on his speed and quickness and in excellent condition, Rios came out pressuring Gibson the entire three rounds. Rios piled up the points with his steady barrage of punches, but Gibson kept busy himself firing off combinations and flurries that kept the crowd entertained for the entire three rounds. The pressure of Rios eventually made the difference as he won the match by decision.
“It feels great,” Rios said. “I did what I was supposed to do. I stayed mobile and I stayed busy. He’s a good fighter so I knew it would be a good challenge.”
Rios will most likely meet up with Gibson again in the state finals.
“Going into the finals this year I feel I am in way better condition and more confident,” Rios said. “I feel like my conditioning keeps getting better. I’ve always wanted to win six state titles. That’s my goal and that is what I’m going for.”
In all, a total of four open division titles were on the line. At 147 pounds, Ulysses Campos of MGGA won a decision against Malcolm Jones of PK Boxing. One of the most experienced and productive boxers in West Michigan, Campos came into the bout with a total of six West Michigan titles to his credit and four state titles on his resume.
Taking on a boxer with a mixed-martial arts background, Campos knew the match would be a challenge.
At 147 pounds, Ulysses Campos won a seventh West Michigan Golden Gloves title Saturday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“Word on the street was he is a MMA fighter with a different style,” Campos said. “He was a little taller and he used his reach well. I used my experience and closed the gap on him and kept throwing punches. I think it helped that I was use to three-minute rounds.”
In the final elite open match Wyatt Alvarez of PK Boxing won a decision against Michael Lynn III of Team Glass of Lansing. The title was the first West Michigan title in his career for Alvarez.
A total of nine elite novice champions were also crowned during the card. One of the most entertaining bouts among the novices was between Forest Hills Eastern graduate Nasier Harris and Gohan Estevez Marte of PK Boxing at 156 pounds. Harris won by decision in a thrilling bout packed with plenty of action. He began to take control of the match in the second round and added a big third-round knockdown to help ensure the win.
Forest Hills Eastern grad Nasier Harris won the 156-pound novice title and the outstanding novice boxer award. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“I figured him out about the middle of the second round,” said Harris, who won the outstanding novice boxer award. “I took control after that and got the knockdown in the third round. I was really hyped after that.”
At 147 pounds, Karon Cross of MGGA won a decision against Kolbe Lewis of TCB Boxing. A first-year boxer who graduated from Grand Rapids Innovation Central High School, Cross kept up the pressure to come away with the win in another bout that featured plenty of action.
“This feels really good,” Cross said. “I’ve been boxing for seven or eight months now. My trainer said I have made a lot of progress and he’s real proud of me.”
A pair of boxers from Sturgis came away with titles in the first two bouts of the card. At 125 pounds Gabriel Munoz Hernandez won a decision against Andres Hernandez Gomez. At 132 pounds, Stephen Ramirez captured a decision against Davone Jones of Lansing Crown Boxing.
At 139 pounds, DreAun Ellis of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club defeated Tiburcio Hernandez IV of the Eli J Boxing Club via a decision.
A trio of Lansing boxers also claimed novice championships. At 165 pounds, Ramadhani Haji of Team Glass won a decision against Isaiah Clay of Crown Boxing. At 176 pounds, David Venn of Crown boxing won a decision against Caleb Balsitis of MGGA. At 203 pounds, D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass won when the referee stopped the contest in the second round of his match with Jeremiah Simmons.
In the final novice division match, Victor Napoles of Holland Eli J Boxing Club won a decision against Brendan Campbell of Crown Boxing.
Boxing resumes this week with the Michigan Golden Gloves state semifinals on Friday and the Michigan state finals on Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m with boxing to begin at 7 p.m. at the 4 Mile Showplace.
As usual, WKTV will be televising all five nights of this year’s tournament. Check this WKTV Journal Story to get dates and times.
Local boxer Junior Rios (right) and his coach Anbrocio Ledesma. Rios is a five-time state champion. (Courtesy, Junior Rios)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
For area boxing fans it’s the best time of year as the action is set to begin in the Michigan Golden Gloves Association state tournament on Saturday, March 9.
Change is taking place this year as the Golden Gloves has a new venue for the third straight year. After taking place at West Catholic High School last year and previously the DeltaPlex, this year’s Golden Gloves championships will take place at the 4 Mile Showplace located at 1025 4 Mile Rd. NW.
While the exact number of boxers is still unknown as many register as walk-ups on the day of the fights, the numbers are trending up for this year.
“We have 60 fighters signed up so far which is a few more than last year,” said Brian Lentz of PK Boxing and the Golden Gloves. “There will probably be quite a few walk-ups as well.”
As usual, WKTV will be televising all five nights of this year’s tournament. Check this WKTV Journal Story to get dates and times.
Familiar faces returning to Golden Gloves
Plenty of familiar names will be returning to the Golden Gloves this year including Junior Rios, a returning state champion, along with returning female state champions Sarah Batenburg of Hudsonville and Zoe Hicks of Lansing.
Female state champions Sarah Batenburg of Hudsonville (right) and Zoe Hicks of Lansing (not pictured). (Courtesy Photo)
For Rios, a five-time state champion, the end goal is winning a national championship. Rios lost a controversial decision in his opening bout at last year’s national Golden Gloves tournament and the loss has him focused on making it back to the national tournament and avenging that disappointment.
“I went to nationals last year and I felt I should’ve won my first fight,” Rios said, “but they took it away from me. I’m still holding a grudge from that. I was planning on turning pro last year, but I wanted a national belt. I decided to come back this year and give it one last shot and then turn pro.”
Rios will compete in the 132-pound open division, one of the largest weight divisions with at least six boxers already registered.
Rios enters this year’s tournament even more focused as he recently dropped a tough fight against Chris Young, a fighter from the Roy Jones Jr. boxing team in Florida.
“He was a pretty good opponent,” Rios said. “I lost that one, but that has made me even more hungry. I can’t wait to step into the ring again and fight even harder. I feel more confident this year and ready to go.”
Lee High School alum Carbajal returns
While Rios is an experienced boxer looking to add to his legacy, the West Michigan Golden Gloves is filled with fighters looking to make a name for themselves. One of those boxers is Michael Carbajal, a Lee High School alumnus who made his boxing debut at last year’s tournament.
Wyoming Lee alum Michael Carbajal made his boxing debut at last year’s tournament. (Courtesy Photo)
“I started training in September of 2022 and my first fight was February of 2023,” Carbajal said. “I will never forget that day. It was February 25, two days after my birthday. I won the fight in the third round and after the fight we went to Chicago to celebrate my birthday.”
Less than two months later, Carbajal had his first Golden Gloves match. While Carbajal lost in his first experience in the Golden Gloves, it taught him plenty and has him hungry to make his mark this year in the 139-pound open division.
“It was my first time in a Golden Gloves tournament,” Carbajal said. “It was something different. I was eliminated on the first day in my first match. It was the worst performance of my boxing career. I had a lot of personal issues I was going through at the time.
“Physically I was there, but mentally I wasn’t. Moving forward it was a big lesson learned. Every time I step into the ring I focus on boxing and not having any of those outside issues.”
Carbajal has picked up plenty of experience since last year’s Golden Gloves with nine wins and three losses, including winning five matches by stoppage while all of his losses have been by decision. Carbajal also has won his first two bouts while competing in the open division.
“I feel like I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in, both physically and mentally,” Carbajal said. “I feel like this is going to be my year.”
Win or lose, Carbajal is sure to be a fan favorite with his aggressive and attacking style that should win fans over.
“I come to put on a show”
“I’m an aggressive fighter,” Carbajal said. “I feel like I’m a fearless fighter and I’m always looking to apply pressure. Some people say I have an entertaining style. Three or four times I won the fighter of the night. A lot of fighters want to keep clean records and try to not get hit. I come to put on a show. The fans want action and power shots and that’s what I want to give them.”
Carbajal grew up a boxing fan watching professional fights with his parents Ranulfo and Andrea.
“My parents loved watching the fights and I would watch with them,” Carbajal said. “We’d get the pay per view and watch Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao. I liked watching all of those fighters.”
These days, his father and brothers, Ranulfo Jr. and Efren, and sister Candi watch his fights in person although his mother would rather wait to hear the results.
“My mother watched my first three fights, but after that she just got really nervous,” Carbajal said. “She just waits for that call or text telling her how I did.”
Carbajal, who played a year of soccer while at Lee High School, got his start in boxing while there.
“Tom DeGennaro and Jim Jenson introduced me to Brian Lentz at PK Boxing,” Carbajal said. “I trained for a year, but never had a fight. I eventually left boxing, but then a couple years ago I took a friend’s son to PK because he wanted to get into karate. I ran into coach Brian and he asked if I wanted to get back into boxing. One thing led to another and I’m back and loving it.”
Carbajal, Rios and all of the other boxers now set their sights on winning West Michigan titles and then going for state titles with the ultimate goal of making it to the national Golden Gloves tournament.
WKTV Golden Gloves Schedule
The opening night of this year’s Golden Gloves takes place Saturday, March 9. Action continues with the West Michigan semifinals on Wednesday, March 13 with the West Michigan finals set for Saturday March 16. The Michigan Golden Gloves state finals also takes place at the 4 Mile Showplace with the state semifinals scheduled for Friday, March 22 and the state finals slated for Saturday, March 23. Bouts begin at 7 p.m. each day of the tournament with the doors opening at 6 p.m.
With the 4 Mile Showplace being a smaller venue, boxing fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible before they sell out.
WKTV Community Media has been a broadcast partner with Michigan Golden Gloves for more than two decades, and Bob Serulla has been the announcing part of the team all that time.
So, as the West Michigan Golden Glove Preliminaries begin this weekend at the DeltaPlex Arena, with boxing set to begin Saturday, June 5, at 7 p.m., Bob and the WKTV team will be back ringside as well.
“I started broadcasting boxing 22 years ago for WKTV, and we have built a great team of broadcasters and staff and we put on a first class show,” Serulla said. “It has been a great pleasure watching the young talent grow into professionals and seeing the difference boxing can make in a young life.
“Trainers and coaches that act as mentors for these young men and women should be recognized and thanked for their service to the community. It’s always a pleasure to interview a young fighter and give them a chance to gain confidence grow as a person.”
WKTV’s recording of the bouts of Saturday, June 5, will be rebroadcast on WKTV cable television on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 on Sunday, June 6, at noon, as well as Wednesday, June 9, at 5 p.m. Video copies of WKTV’s coverage will be available for purchase by emailing kelly@wktv.org or calling 616-261-5700.
Tickets to the June 5 live event are available. The DeltaPlex Arena is located at 2500 Turner Ave. NW, Walker. For more information visit michigangoldengloves.com/events or call 616-784-0862.
The West Michigan Golden Gloves Championships will continue though June and into July, with WKTV there as well.
The West Michigan Semi-Finals will be Saturday, June 12, and airing Sunday, June 13, at noom, and Wednesday, June 16, at 5 p.m.
The West Michigan Finals will be Saturday, June 19, and airing Sunday, June 20, at noon, and Wednesday, June 23, at 5 p.m.
The State Semi-Finals will be Friday, July 9, and airing Saturday, July 10, at 11 a.m., and Wednesday, July 14, at 5 p.m.
The State Finals will be Saturday, July 10, and airing Sunday, July 11, at noon, and Wednesday, July 21, at 5 p.m.
WKTV sports crew airs the annual Golden Gloves tournament each year. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
It’s Golden Gloves Boxing time!
WKTV has been covering the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament for more than 25 years. Again this year, we will be at the Grand Rapids DeltaPlex Saturday, March 14, for the West Michigan Preliminaries, with replays of the bouts on our cable channels the next day as well as on select days and times, and they will also be available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.
We will continue coverage through the State Finals in April.
The Deltaplex Arena is located at 2500 Turner Ave NW, Grand Rapids.
The tentative coverage days/times and replay plan includes: West Michigan Preliminaries, Saturday, March 14; West Michigan Semi-Finals, Saturday, March 21; West Michigan Finals, Saturday, March 28; the State Semi-Finals, Friday, April 17; and the State Finals, Saturday, April 18.
WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 will show with tape-delayed airings of each evening’s bouts on the following day. For future broadcast schedule, check out our On-air Schedule.
Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied)
Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
sports@wktv.org
WKTV’s Mike Moll.
Many of the local schools have the first week of April off for their spring breaks, but after that, the spring seasons all pick up in full swing, mother nature permitting that is. The WKTV truck and crew will once again be visible at local events as they bring viewers a pair of girls’ water polo matches along with a softball game during the monthly schedule.
They will be busy outside of the local high school scene as well when they cover the GVSU Lubbers Cup, along with coverage of the Golden Gloves boxing. Be sure to check the weekly schedule to see when they will be broadcast.
Each will be broadcast live or replay on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.
The busy tentative April WKTV feature broadcast schedule with tentative day and time of broadcast, includes:
Tuesday, April 10, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Zeeland West (Tuesday, April 17, at 11 p.m. and Wednesday, April 18, at 5 p.m)
Friday-Sunday, April 13-15, GVSU Lubbers Cup (Live Saturday, April 14, 10-noon and 4-7 p.m.)
Saturday, April 14, Golden Gloves Boxing (Sunday, April 15 at Noon)
Wednesday, April 18, Kelloggsville softball vs Tri-Unity/Calvin Christian (Friday, April 20, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 5 p.m.)
Friday, April 20, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m.)
Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Portage Central (11 p.m. night of and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m)
Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.)
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of high school sports. (WKTV)
All games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvondemand.com .
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/
Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule:
Monday, April 9
Boys Lacrosse
South Christian @ Jenison
Boys Baseball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Girls Softball
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights – DH
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Soccer
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Barry County Christian @ West Michigan Aviation
Tuesday, April 10
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ Wyoming – DH
West Michigan Aviation @ Belding – DH
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood – DH
Potter’s House @ Barry County Christian
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Wyoming – DH
Cedar Springs @ East Kentwood – DH
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Wyoming
Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ West Michigan Aviation
Grand Haven @ East Kentwood
Hope Academy @ Potter’s House
Boys Golf
Calvin Christian @ South Christian
Wellsprings Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian
Girls Tennis
East Kentwood @ South Christian – Cookie Invite
Jenison @ Wyoming
Boys/Girls Track
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming Lee
Middleville T-K @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Water Polo
Zeeland West @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Event
Wednesday, April 11
Girls Softball
South Christian @ Caledonia – DH
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Unity Christian @ East Kentwood
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wyoming
Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville
Byron Center @ East Kentwood
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ FH Eastern
Boys Baseball
Godwin Heights @ Hopkins
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee
Girls Soccer
Hopkins @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Kelloggsville
Boys Golf
East Kentwood @ Grandville
Thursday, April 12
Boys Baseball
Wyoming @ South Christian
GR Crusdaers @ Wyoming Lee
Zion Christian @ Holland Calvary
Holland Calvary @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian – DH
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Potter’s House @ Western Michigan Christian
Girls Soccer
Wayland @ South Christian
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Saugatuck @ Zion Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Heritage Christian
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Boys Lacrosse
Muskegon Mona Shores @ South Christian
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Kent County Championships
East Kentwood @ Kent County Championships
Boys/Girls Track
Benton Harbor @ Godwin Heights
Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins
NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville
Grandville @ East Kentwood
Girls Tennis
Muskegon Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity Christian
@ East Kentwood – Quad
Girls Softball
Caledonia @ East Kentwood
Girls Water Polo
West Ottawa @ East Kentwood
Friday, April 13
Girls Soccer
Potter’s House @ Godwin Heights
Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Lee
NorthPointe Christian @ Zion Christian
Hudsonville Hornets @ Tri-Unity Christian
East Kentwood @ Northview
Boys Golf
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Boys Baseball
Zion Christian vs Potter’s House @ Cornerstone University
Barry County Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian – DH
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Saline – Invite
Saturday, April 14
Boys Baseball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Godwin Heights @ Wyoming – Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming- Invite
Union @ Kelloggsville – DH
Girls Softball
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Christian – Christian Invite
Kelloggsville @ Kenowa Hills – Wilson Classic
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
Kelloggsville @ Wyoming – Invitational
Boys/Girls Track
South Christian @ Unity Christian – Houseward Invite
Wyoming @ Comstock Park
West Michigan Aviation @ Lakewood
East Kentwood @ Mansfield/Mehock Relays
Potter’s House @ Big Rapids Crossroads Academy
Girls Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Saline – Invite
Monday, April 16
Girls Soccer
South Christian @ Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Wyoming Lee @ Belding
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood
Fruitport Calvary @ Potter’s House
Boys Golf
South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite
Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville
Girls Tennis
South Christian @ Wayland
Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids
Kelloggsville @ West Catholic
East Kentwood @ West Ottawa
Boys Baseball
Union @ Godwin Heights
Belding @ Wyoming Lee
Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian
West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian – DH
The Wyoming Pride Boxing Club is housed in a nondescript older building barely large enough for a ring, located off the street and in the back of other older buildings in Wyoming’s Porter street neighborhood — you can take a rock and hit the GM Components industrial area.
But on a recent Thursday evening, there were about 20 young boxers of various ages — and various ability to fit into boxing gloves let alone actually know how to use them — with club director Alex Fernandez and head trainer Dominic Marsiglia bouncing around giving instruction here and correction there.
Also at the club that day were three of the four boxers from the club who made the finals of the Western Michigan tournament and will be fighting for the Michigan State Golden Gloves title this weekend; each staying loose, staying sharp and focused on their individual goals.
“It feels great, yes (to have four boxers in the finals),” Fernandez said. “It is rare, to have four fighters going into the state (finals) tournament, three of them were West Michigan champions and they all have a chance to win the title, and three of them are in the Open Division. Any one of them can win a state title, in that Open Division, and move on to the nationals — and get nationally recognized.”
WKTV will continue its coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, with the state title bouts from The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center.
The start tournament has both Open and Novice divisions. The three Wyoming Pride boxers fighting in the Open Division are Aneudy “Junior” Rios in the 123-pound class, Cody Cross in the 178-pound class, and Monclairson “Haiti” Colas in the heavyweight (201 plus pounds).
Justin Pierce will be fighting for a Novice title. (WKTV)
Justin Pierce, the youngest of the four boxers at 18-years old, and with just two fights under his belt, will be fighting in as a novice in the 152-pound class.
For the 20-year-old Rios, the state tournament will be a continuation of a young career that already includes a novice title. For Cross and Colas, it is a chance to regain titles they held but lost.
For Pierce, it is all pretty new — he won both his Western Michigan tournament fights by decision — but he has learned some lessons quickly.
“It was a lot of nerves involved,” Pierce said of his first fight. “However, the nerves, that is always going to be there. That’s what I hear from the more experienced fighters. I don’t think that is ever going to go away, … (but) it was like a few pounds were lifted off my shoulders when I got the first fight out the way. It just made me feel good when I got my hand raised at the end of the bout.”
And what lesson will he carry into he finals?
“Stay relaxed and remain calm,” Pierce said. “Even if you lose one round, remember you still have two more rounds to go, to make up the difference. You don’t win a fight in one round, nor do you loose a fight in one round. A fight is all three rounds. You have to fight hard from round one to round three. That’s what I learned.”
Both Cross, at age 26, and Colas, at 25, have also learned lessons — titles and then lessons. Now they both have the goal of using those experiences to again gain titles.
Cody Cross will be seeking to regain a crown he once held. (WKTV)
Cross fought and won a state title as a novice in 2014 and was a 2015 Open state champion, but last year … “Last year, I fell short,” he said. This year, “I would like to repeat (his state open title), I hope so. Getting it is the goal now. Then from there, I’ll move on to another goal.”
Cross finished second in the Western Michigan tournament and will fight the winner of the Eastern Michigan tournament in this week’s opening round action.
Colas — then nickname “Haiti” comes from a past coworker who could not pronounce his French first name and, somehow, came up with “Young Haiti” — had a walk over in his first Western Michigan tournament fight and then won the title by abandonment (his opponent’s corner stopped the fight), so he will fight the runner-up from the Eastern Michigan side.
Haiti Colas will be going for a heavyweight title. (WKTV)
But he, too, was a 2015 Novice champ but he fell short of an Open title last year, learned some lessons, and also has a little something to prove this year.
“Now I have had more fights and we made adjustments for the (Western Michigan) tournament,” he said. “This year, I am more confident because I lost last year, so I am going to redeem myself.”
WKTV’s coverage will be broadcast on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day: the Friday, April 21, bouts will air Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts will air Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids, visit deltaplex.com
Michigan Golden Gloves Boxing action will again be covered by the WKTV sports coverage crew. (Supplied)
WKTV Contributor
WKTV is again in the ring, bringing viewers the excitement of local boxing with our coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.
Viewers can catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evening’s bouts the following day.
The West Michigan Championships will be held at The DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center, 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids.
The schedule for WKTV’s West Michigan Championships will have the Wednesday, April 5, bouts airing Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m.
The schedule for WKTV’s state championships will have the Saturday, April 8, bouts airing Sunday, April 9, at noon; the Friday, April 21, bouts airing Saturday, April 22, at noon; and the Saturday, April 22, bouts airing Sunday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
The DeltaPlex will host more Golden Gloves boxing events that WKTV will cover. For complete schedule see michigangoldenglovesboxing.com . For information about The DeltaPlex, visit deltaplex.com
The Golden Gloves have a long, outstanding history throughout the country in the sport of boxing. What started in New York in 1927 as an amateur boxing tournament has morphed into The National Golden Gloves, a boxing program with affiliates in all 50 states who focus in training young people for success.
Grand Rapids started their involvement in 1932 under the sponsorship of the Grand Rapids Press and the Furniture City Post of the American Legion to foster competing teams in Grand Rapids. In 2008, Grand Rapids and the Michigan Golden Gloves Association hosted the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
Back in 1985, the Michigan Golden Gloves Association and WKTV formed a partnership to film the state championship boxing bouts. When the partnership began, the tournament was held at Stadium Arena (now known as the DeltaPlex). When Stadium Arena was no longer suitable, the tournament was moved to the Grand Valley National Guard Armory on 44th street.
2016 marks a return to the DeltaPlex and the 32nd year of WKTV’s coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. Catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evenings bouts the following day at noon.
West Michigan Championships
Saturday, April 9
Wednesday, April 20 (airing at 8:30pm)
State Championships
Saturday, April 23
Friday, April 29
Saturday, April 30
The Golden Gloves have a long, outstanding history throughout the country in the sport of boxing. What started in New York in 1927 as an amateur boxing tournament has morphed into The National Golden Gloves, a boxing program with 