By Jose Hernandez
OSWEGO – Mike Tyson. Muhammad Ali. What do these two boxers have in common, other than being the most recognizable names in boxing? They both have nationals for the acclaimed tournament, the Golden Gloves. Oswego may soon have a national champion of their own.
“The Golden Gloves is 101 years old; it is among the oldest sporting events in the United States,” Don Patterson, president of the Golden Gloves for all upstate New York. The Golden Gloves has existed this long through the continuous work of its volunteers. The volunteers make up the officials for events. The officials are important figures to the event, and include the judges, timekeepers, and referees.
Andre Mendez and Edwin “Macho” Delgado are two members of OBC Athletics, located at 135 E. Bridge St in Oswego. They were both winners at the Golden Gloves event on Feb. 24th in Buffalo. Delgado was a winner in the sub-novice category, while Mendez was a winner in the open class category. The open class is reserved for fighters with at least 10 amateur fights and is a lot more competitive than the sub-novice and novice categories.
The open class category has a national tournament that is taking place in Detroit, Michigan on May 13th – May 18th. Mendez isn’t sure if he’s fighting another fight before nationals or going straight to Detroit. “We had four kids in our weight class, my opponent never showed up,” Mendez said, “And as for the person I ended up fighting, his opponent also didn’t show up, so we just ended up fighting each other.” Although his future Golden Gloves opponent is unknown, Mendez knows there are more rounds coming. “I’m definitely fighting, no matter what,” Mendez says.
Delgado’s category was for fighters with under 10 amateur fights. Delgado described competing for a prestigious event like the Golden Gloves as “Amazing. Not everyone can say they competed at Golden Gloves or won a fight at Golden Gloves. It means a lot. Because when people hear that you competed at Golden Gloves, they think ‘Wow you must be good!’” Delgado has the feeling of if it happens it happens when it comes to a pro career, while Mendez is all in on his dreams of becoming a pro boxer.
He has aspired to go pro since watching fights with his grandfather when he was young. Every year he’d go to the boxing hall of fame and meet professional boxers. He would bring gloves for them to sign, and his mother would ask the pros if he could shadowbox in front of them. He showed his combos to boxers like Oscar De La Hoya, and they were supportive. “They’d tell me ‘You’re gonna be great, keep it up, stick with it that’s all you gotta do.’”
Patterson said that it takes hard work and dedication to win the open class category at the Golden Gloves. “You must be dedicated to the sport and must train hard.” said Patterson. Mendez and Delgado both take this sentiment seriously, as when they are not at work, they are at the gym training. Winning the nationals at the Golden Gloves is a stepping stone to becoming a World Championship Boxer. The national championships are closely associated with the greats. Next to the Olympics, it is the most coveted prize in amateur boxing.
USA Boxing is the governing body of the Golden Gloves, and all amateur boxing events nationwide, including the Olympics. USA Boxing sets the criteria for judging, as well as the rules for the referee to enforce and how long the rounds go and how many there are. All amateur boxers, trainers and volunteers must pay a membership fee to be a part of official amateur boxing in the United States. This is how the events are funded. Funding also comes from Congress, and the organization also accepts donations to those gracious enough to donate. One thing all members of USA Boxing have in common is an undying love and support for amateur boxing.
Mendez will be fighting in the New York Golden Gloves Regional Finals on April 27th. With a win he will be going to the National Finals in Detroit Michigan.
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