Wins for BabyFace Boxing: Garcia out-punches opponent - San Jose Mercury News Page 1 of 2
two-pound weight difference and an equal amount
Wins for BabyFace Boxing: of fights under their belt, this fight was on!
Garcia out-punches Garcia has been working out at least five days a
opponent week. She rides her bike, runs, and spends about
two hours daily in the gym for her bag and mitt
workout.
By Blanca Gutierrez
Special to the Pacifica Tribune
Posted: 05/20/2010 06:00:00 AM PDT As Garcia entered the ring, Alex's many fans and
friends were all cheering and screaming her name
as the announcer introduced the fighters.
Perez and Garcia opened the fight throwing punches
at a fast pace, ducking and weaving and throwing
more punches. Both girls set the pace and both
wanted to win this fight. As the first round ended,
Alex came to the corner and we went over
instructions. I told her to double jab and a right;
throw more punches. This was not about strength,
it's about throwing more combinations. On
weekends and occasionally during the week, I take
her and the BabyFace boxing team to other gyms to
spar and get ready for their bouts. Garcia has
sparred at least 50 rounds with different sparring
partners, and was definitely ready for her bout with
Perez.
In the training room, Paris Alexander, a former
Golden Gloves boxing
Blanca Gutierrez, trainer at BabyFaceBoxing, is proud of
her fighter, Alex Garcia, (right) who won a three-round
bout at Third Street Gym in San Francisco. (Contributed and professional California State champion,
photo) wrapped Garcia's hand. As we waited for the bout we
Last month at Third Street Gym in San Francisco had some time to warm up and go over our game
BabyFace boxer Alex Garcia faced her opponent, plan. As her trainer, I knew Garcia was fully
Gabriela Perez, in a three-round bout. prepared for this bout and was going to win. I had
complete confidence in her. I watched her sacrifice
her time and put in the hard work both in and out of
Both fighters showed up to the 12-fight show ready
the ring. She even follows a vegie diet. How could
to weigh in and get in the ring. Garcia weighed in at
she not win this?"
103 pounds while Gabriela Perez checked in at 105
pounds. Both boxers are 18 years old. With only a
Second round was just as exciting as the first. But
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Wins for BabyFace Boxing: Garcia out-punches opponent - San Jose Mercury News Page 2 of 2
this round was different. Garcia landed a straight
jab to her opponent's nose and Perez started to
bleed. Not even hindered by the blood Perez came
back with a strong defense and with varying
combinations trying to catch up on points. Blood
still streaming out of Perez' nose, Garcia rose to the
occasion and delivered more punishment. Both girls
were throwing good solid punches and Alex's
defense was absolutely on. She did not get hit often,
because she has excellent defense skills as she
ducked, blocked, and weaved out of the way.
In the third round both girls came out swinging as
Garcia delivered more blows to the bleeding nose.
Although bleeding, Perez didn't back down. Garcia
and Perez, showing the hearts of lions, showcased
the skills and sportsmanship of truly talented
fighters; however Alex threw the more telling blows.
As the scorecards were gathered both girls thanked
their opponent's coaches. Both girls then moved to
the center of the ring and the announcer said, "Let's
give these girls a hand. That was a very good fight.
Winner out of the Blue Corner: Alex Garcia with
BabyFace Boxing!"
The crowd cheered. There stood Alex, a diminutive,
pretty girl who goes to school, holds a job and
knows how to slug it out.
I am truly proud of her. I realized why I coach
boxing. I see the sacrifice and hard work it takes to
earn a victory. It takes guts to get in that ring and
fight, and my girl won it for BabyFace Boxing.
Blanca Gutierrez is a trainer at BabyFace Boxing, 640
Crespi Drive in Pacifica, to several youth boxers.
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