MESQUITE, Nev. — The prestigious 2018 Junior and Youth Nationals boxing tournament has been scheduled for July 18-21 in the CasaBlanca Resort Event Center.
Hosted by Barry’s Boxing, a Las Vegas staple in youth boxing for the past 30+ years, the Golden Gloves attracts about 350-400 boxers from states all over the United States each year.
For the first time in the Golden Gloves history in this city northeast of Las Vegas, the Ranking Tournament for the Juniors will include youth males and females boxers ages 17-18.
Among the top performers this year is 12 year-old Curmel Moton, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, who has lived in Las Vegas for five years. He competes in the Intermediate 80-Pound category.
Moton has a long list of wins that include a triumph at the USA Junior Olympics in West Virginia in June where he took home the Outstanding Boxer Award. He is also a past Junior National Golden Gloves champion returning to Mesquite to defend his title.
With a 79-5 record, the student at Kenny Guinn Jr. High School is looking forward to the next event in Mesquite. Moton has 15 knockouts.
Moton stays in shape running every day.
“My dad (Curtis) got me interested in boxing,” he said. “He had me hit the bag and also had me watch videos. I plan to go to the Olympics and become a professional champion.”
The Youth Nationals will attract the best youth boxers in the country.
“People are more serious in tournaments like this,” Moton said, whose strongest punch is a right hand. “They come to Mesquite in search of the big win.”
Doors will open at 5 p.m. each evening with boxing set to start at 6 p.m.
“This is a very prestigious tournament,” said Dawn Sanchez, the tournament director and executive director of Barry’s Boxing Center.
For tickets, call 1-800-585-3737 or visit www.startickets.com. Further information can be found by visiting the CasaBlanca front desk.
Barry’s Boxing is located at 2664 S. Highland Ave., just south of Sahara Avenue. The gym was founded by the husband and wife team of Dawn and Pat Barry, who have operated the facility for the past 35 years.
Barry’s Boxing is a 501C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to keep kids off the street and in the boxing gym.
Further information can be found by visiting www.barrysboxing.vegas; or by calling 702-368-2696(BOXN).
Additional information can be found by visiting jrgoldengloves.com; or by visiting either the Barry’s Boxing or Junior Golden Gloves Facebook pages.
CONTACTS: Dawn Sanchez, executive director of Barry’s Boxing and tournament director; 702-301-6415; Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; Dave Meador, photo journalist, 702-249-2492.