LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i boxers brought home gold medals and a little bit more from the Hawai‘i State Junior Olympic Championships March 16 and 17 at the Palolo Gymnasium in Honolulu. Jesse “The Punisher” Cardinas of Kaua‘i Police Activities League Boxing
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i boxers brought home gold medals and a little bit more from the Hawai‘i State Junior Olympic Championships March 16 and 17 at the Palolo Gymnasium in Honolulu.
Jesse “The Punisher” Cardinas of Kaua‘i Police Activities League Boxing Club picked up gold in the 101-pound division for the ages 11-12 championship, said Mark Ozaki, the K-PAL boxing coach.
Kristopher “The Real Deal” Alcos of Alcos Boxing Club Hanama‘ulu, picked up gold in the 110-pound class, 15- and 16-year-olds, and Keli‘i “Pretty Boy” Alcos, also of Alcos Boxing Club Hanama‘ulu, found gold in the 90-pound class for the ages 15-16 championship.
Cardinas was matched against a tough veteran Big Island boxer, Cy Ezra Borges-Apao of Hawai‘i International Boxing Club, Ozaki said.
“Jesse and Cy battled for three tough rounds with both boxers meeting in the center of the ring and throwing bombs at each other,” Ozaki said in an email. “Both boxers refused to take a step backwards and battled until the final bell sounded.”
In the end, Cardinas, given the title “The Punisher” by his K-PAL teammates due to his heavy hands and crowd-pleasing, hard-punching style of boxing, walked away with a split decision win, gold medal for his division.
“The bout was so close and crowd-pleasing, Jesse and Cy were awarded the ‘Fight of the Tournament’ trophies for their efforts,” Ozaki said. “Jesse is on a five-bout winning streak, and undefeated in his last four off-island tournaments on Maui, Hilo and twice on O‘ahu.”
Kristopher was matched in an exhibition-type match against Logan Yoon, the 15- to 16-year-old, 119-pound champion, of the Kawano Boxing Club on O‘ahu.
“Kristopher and Logan showed mastery in the sweet science of boxing, earning themselves the ‘Outstanding Bout of the Night’ award,” Ozaki said. “Kristopher’s efforts also earned him a spot on the Hawai‘i State Team to compete at the National Junior Olympic Championships to be held in Mobile, Ala. in June.”
Ozaki said Keli‘i took the 90-pound 15- to 16-year-old championship on a walkover.
“Keli‘i weighed in expecting to box twice, but when his opponents realized who they were matched up against, moved out of his weight class to avoid him,” Ozaki said. “Keli‘i is on a three-bout win streak in his last two tournaments.”
Cardinas is already in training for his next tournament, which will be a two-day tournament on O‘ahu in May, Ozaki said. From there, it will be the Ringside World Championships in Kansas City, Mo. scheduled for July.
K-PAL boxing is available to youth between the ages of 7 to 18 at locations in Lihu‘e and Hanapepe, states the Kaua‘i Family website.
The cost of the activity is $20, or for an annual fee of $50, a participant can participate in any K-PAL activity at any location throughout the year. Scholarships are available for youth who receive Free and Reduced Meals at school. Proof of qualification is required at registration.
Recruitment is continuous. Contact Ozaki at 652-6999 or email mozaki@kauai.gov for more information.
