Week two of the Chicago Golden Gloves brought two victories to DBB Boxing Gym, as “Mean” Jo Lee and Luis Martinez advance from the quarterfinals to the semifinals of the tournament!
A frustrating week one left all DBB fighters watching from ringside, as Lee and Martinez’s original opponents were unable to fight, automatically advancing them in the tournament. Esai Arenas had a bye for the week, while Justin Cardoza was unfortunately unable to compete due to a change in the rules that requires every fighter to be 17 years old at the start of the tournament. While the week ended without any of the fighters stepping into the ring, they more than made up for it with spectacular displays during the tournament’s second week.
“Mean” Jo Lee was the first to represent DBB, fighting in the 152 novice division on Thursday, March 16th. While the victory came as a split decision, Lee’s trainer and DBB President Justin Foster had no doubt that “Mean” Jo won the fight: “he was just so dominant with his aggression,” Foster says. Lee’s greatest strength is his ferocity, according to Foster, and he uses it to overcome opponents, even if they are more refined in their skills. Lee’s next match will be Thursday, March 23rd.
On Saturday, March 18th, Luis Martinez stepped into the ring for the first time and overcame a more experienced opponent for the win in the 141 novice division. “I feel like the crowd was into it,” says Foster of the fight. “I remember thinking they’d be really surprised if they found out this was his first fight and he’d only been training four months.” Foster credits the victory to Martinez’s ability to think in the ring and make adjustments on the fly, and his quick advancement in the sport with a “natural” ability. Martinez will fight next on Saturday, March 25th.
Esai Arenas also fought on the 18th, and while he didn’t come away with the win, Foster is quick to note, “He fought a very good fight.” Arenas, who Foster says has “incredible technique, great timing and counter-punching,” fought an opponent with a similar style who just happened to “squeak out” a couple more punches for the victory. Still, says Foster, “it was a very entertaining fight for the crowd; you could tell they were into it. Esai should feel good about it.”
All of DBB’s fighters should feel good about the effort they put into the tournament, and we’re proud of each of them for the hard work and dedication they bring to the ring. Follow the action in the semifinals and at Cicero Stadium, and check out this blog for updates next week!
dbbboxinggym.wordpress.com 