Local boxers test skills in Grand Forks

Five youth boxers and four adult amateurs from Combat Cardio Club will face opponents from Canada and Wisconsin at the North Dakota State Silver Gloves Tournament. The event will take place on Nov. 7 at the Ramada in Grand Forks. This local card serves as a qualifying step for the National Silver Gloves tournament, which is open to amateur boxers aged 8 to 17.

Victor Ramirez, the owner and head coach of Combat Cardio Club, stated that hosting the event locally allows the gym to showcase its talent to the community. He noted that the club often sends fighters to Minneapolis for regional bouts. The state tournament is the first step toward those regional competitions. Ramirez said the local show gives families a chance to watch their children compete without the need for long travel.

Brody Flood, a 15-year-old student at Grand Forks Central, will make his professional debut in the tournament. He began boxing one year ago and trains at the club for two to three hours after school. Flood said he is not nervous because he has put in many hours at the gym. He plans to test his training against opponents in the state competition.

Felix Garcia is another youth fighter making his debut. He said family and gym regulars will be in the audience supporting him. Garcia expressed confidence in his ability to win the fight. Carlos Carranza will also compete and has one previous fight. Dominic Ramirez, the 12-year-old son of the head coach, has several bouts and qualified for the National Silver Gloves tournament last year.

Victor Ramirez encourages his younger fighters to attend classes and work hard during the training week. He said that seeing experienced fighters work hard and bring home belts motivates the rest of the group. He told his young fighters that success comes from hard work, discipline, and consistency.

The adult card features four fighters representing the club. Johnny Moreno will fight in the main event. He said he is dealing with nerves but will go with the flow. Robbie Kellogg has 16 fights to his name and said it is nicer to fight at home. He noted that the club has been in Grand Forks for four years. He previously traveled five and a half hours for his last show.

Miles Moore, 21, commutes from Crookston, Minnesota, to train at the club. He has been fighting for three years and will compete in his third bout. Moore said he is not nervous and will fight harder than his opponent. Matt Flanagan is the fourth adult fighter on the card.

The tournament card includes 18 fights in total. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. Admission is $20. The gym has roughly 25 kids and 15 to 20 adults training. Combat Cardio Club moved to its current location on Washington Street last year. Victor Ramirez has trained fighters for 10 years and has owned the gym for six.