Merced County boxers aiming for titles

Jesus Haro is the veteran of the group. The 12-year-old seventh-grader from Hoover Middle School is headed to the National Silver Gloves Tournament in Independence, Mo., with a goal of bringing home his third consecutive title.

David Avalos and brothers Jacob and Angel Chavez will compete in the same tournament for the first time. In fact, it will be the first time the trio will fly in an airplane. The Merced County boxers depart Wednesday and begin their quest for titles Thursday.

“I want to win really bad,” said the 60-pound Haro, who started boxing when he was 7 years old and enters the tournament with a 26-5 record.

How did Haro, who trains at Dethrone in Fresno, celebrate his title last year?

“We had root beer floats, and we went to the movies,” he said.

Avalos, 12, a sixth-grader at Rivera Middle School, was watching a boxing match a couple years ago and decided he wanted to try it. He liked it right away.

“It’s fun,” said Avalos, who trains at Merced United. “My favorite part is getting to know different people from different states.”

Avalos, who will fight at 115 pounds, takes a 12-1 record into the tournament.

Avalos won his first nine fights before sustaining his first loss. What did he learn from that loss?

“Not to get disappointed,” Avalos said.

Each qualified for the national tournament by winning at the district, state and regional levels. The boxers had to win one or two fights at each stop, depending on the number of competitors in their division.

Jacob Chavez, 11, and Angel Chavez, 13, attend Winton Middle School and train at the 51 Fifty Gym in Livingston. Their father got them started in boxing four years ago.

“My dad found his old coach and put us into boxing,” said Jacob, who will fight at 105 pounds. “I like running, punching and boxing in the heat. My friends at school think it’s pretty cool. Some want to join.”

Jacob brings a 12-9 record into the tourney. He said he often spars with his older brother. Who wins?

“We box every day,” Jacob said. “I win.”

Angel disagrees.

“I do,” he said. “I have to go easy on him. He’s my little brother.”

Angel admits one thing he likes about boxing is he can’t get in trouble for punching somebody in the face. He likes the physical aspect of the sport.

The brothers expect to bring home titles.

“I’m expecting to win,” Angel said. “I want to bring home a win and represent California well.”

This story was originally published February 2, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Merced County boxers aiming for titles."