Three Carson City Students Punch Their Way to the Top

RENO, Nev. (775 Times, NV Globe) – Sixth graders from Carson Middle School (CMS) and two sophomore boxers from Carson High School (CHS) have punched their way to the top, taking home state and regional titles in Compton, California (Jan. 6–8, 2023) and Las Vegas, Nevada, respectively, and are now preparing to compete at the national level at the Independence, Missouri-hosted Silver Gloves National Finals. Feb. 9-11, 2023.

Ivan Manzano, a CMS sixth-grader from Callejeros Boxing Gym, advanced in the 110-pound weight division, and CHS sophomores Miguel Elizondo and Jimmy Sapien, both from Callejeros Boxing Gym and representing Carson City Boxing Club, advanced in the 138-pound and 125-pound weight divisions, respectively.

As a freshman the previous year, 15-year-old Sapien won the State and Regional Championships and went on to become a national finalist. He is now ranked first in the State and fifth overall by USA Boxing. As a finalist for the National Junior Olympic Quarter, he also went to his first ever Junior Olympic training camp at the Olympic Training Center (in Chula Vista, California).

Manzano, who is 11 years old, has won all six of his amateur battles. He and his 15-year-old cousin Elizondo will go to Detroit, Michigan after the Silver Gloves Nationals to fight in the National Qualifier for USA Amateur Olympic-style Boxing from March 18–25, 2023.

“Their dedication and hard work in the ring have paid off, as they have proven to be some of the best young boxers in the country,” said CHS Principal Bob Chambers. “Their coaches and school community are incredibly proud of their achievements and are excited to see what they will accomplish at the national competition.”

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