Local boxers set for first annual Central Calif. State
Championships on Sunday
GILROY – Amateur boxer Jacob Hernandez has watched the video on his opponent every day since agreeing to compete in the Central California State Championships on Sunday at Planet Gemini in Monterey.
Hernandez, 14, of the Bad Intentions boxing club, models himself after Gilroy’s undefeated pro boxer Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero, so it is safe to say he takes his trade very seriously.
“I’ve been studying his video, training real hard. I’ve even been coming in on Saturday and Sunday,” said Hernandez, who will be one of at least 10 amateur bouts this weekend. “I like to come in real early before school, too, so there’s no distractions and I can stay focused.”
Joining Hernandez on the first-annual amateur event will be cousins Rene Aguaristi and Yvette Aguaristi-Lozano, both out of Morgan Hill and members of the Stick & Move boxing club, as well as top amateur prospect Danny Hernandez, a Gilroyan who trains in Hollister.
“I’m pretty much going to go out there and make our family proud,” said Yvette, 21, who will be making her amateur debut in the 125-pound division. “I have to stay focused, do my best and make my our family proud.”
Rene Aguaristi, 21, is making his return to amateur boxing since stepping away from the sport 10 years ago. The 1991 Live Oak High School graduate has been attending Gavilan College, where he is majoring in business.
“I’m just trying to stay active, keep my body and mind healthy,” said Rene, who will fight in the 152-pound division. “A lot of people said I had good talent (when I was younger) so hopefully I can make some money to pull my way through school.”
There will be two divisions for seniors and juniors in Sunday’s amateur card put on by Stick & Move trainer Rick Mello. The winners for each age and weight division will receive championship belts, and have the chance to defend their titles in the second event scheduled for March 7. Some of those winners will then be selected to compete on a pro-am card in the works for Cinco De Mayo. Tickets for Sunday’s event run from $20 to $50.
“I’m trying to put this together to raise funds for the kids. It’s going to be the Super Bowl of amateur boxing,” Mello said. “We turned Kelsey Jeffries from an amateur to a world champion and we want to do the same with Rene and Yvette.”
After the first two amateur cards, the cousins, who are two months apart, both plan on turning pro for the pro-am card.
“When he was younger, I always wanted to do it with him. He said he was getting back into it and I said I’d do it with him,” Yvette said. “It’s just like another challenge for me”
Hernandez (20-4) is on a mission to avenge one of his losses to Central Valley’s Jerry Madrogone, who defeated him in their first encounter.
“He’s supposed to be one of the best around,” said Bad Intentions trainer Roy Ramon, who is assisted by Rene Garcia and Rich Santiago.
“I’ve got a big plan,” Hernandez said. “I watch the video every day and take notes on him. It’s kind of like school work. I just study it. I’m really excited. I don’t care about the belt. I just want to fight him again.”
