It was a bout between Mexico and Puerto Rico.  One of Morton East’s own – senior Anthony Abarca – fought for fans this past weekend at Farragut High School in Chicago.  He won three matches, but ultimately lost in the final.  

Members of Chicago Youth Boxing Club gave their insight on the Power Gloves tournament and how they felt going into their fights and on finding out their opponents 

The CYBC is hosting its annual Power Gloves tournament this November 14-16. It’s a national tournament where fighters in distinct weight classes from all over the country come to compete for the Power Gloves championship belt. The CYBC has 5 of its fighters competing in the tournament. The preliminary fights are going to be held on Friday and Saturday with the championship fights being held on Sunday.  

It seems that many of the fighters are ready or prepared for their bought this upcoming weekend 

“I’m excited, I’ve been training hard these past few weeks. I’m ready to step in the ring.” Enrique, one of the fighters competing in the tournament. Enrique a boxer participating in the tournament said. 

Some fighters on the roster have won the tournament before and are hoping to retain their title. 

“I won it last year and I’m ready to keep the title under my name. I know what to expect from my opponents and it’s going to be a great competition, we’ve faced each other before and I know he’s going to want to beat me.” National champion Jorge Perez said. 

There also might seem to be mixed emotion in the locker room not necessarily from the boxers but from the coaches. 

“They’re training but I’m not sure if they’re training hard enough. Some of these boys already won the tournament and they think they already have what it takes to win. They must always stay hungry to succeed in this sport. Head Coach Gabriel said. 

There’s seeming to be mixed emotions coming from both sides of the locker room. One thing that’s certain is that these are going to be competitive and entertaining fights this coming weekend, and fireworks are almost certain when these fighters’ step into the ring.