Damon Flores is an accomplished boxer.
The Cesar Chavez Jr. High seventh-grader added to his resume by finishing in first place in his division while competing at the USA National Open this past month in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I think I did well,” said Flores, 13. “I’m proud of myself for winning the tournament. I’m really happy.”
Second-seeded Flores claimed the Intermediate 13-to-14-year-old Male 106-pound title.
He compiled a perfect 4-0 record.
Flores bested top-seeded Anthony Nance in the finals on March 14.
Flores won on points as he outscored Nance in the second and third rounds.
He took control after losing the first round.
“I was pretty confident,” Damon said. “I stopped playing around and stepped up.”
“He made adjustments,” headded.
Flores defeated Daniel Gonzalez by first-round stoppage in the semifinals on March 13.
Flores topped Jeremiah Macon by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals on March 12.
Flores beat Reno Busby by unanimous decision in the opening round of the tournament on March 11.
“If he listens and executes, these are the results,” said Damian Flores, Damon’s trainer and father.
Flores managed to take first despite being slowed by a cold.
“I wanted more output from him,” Damian said. “But he was sick. He did his job. I can’t complain.”
“It was hard for me to breath,” Damon said. “I didn’t let it get to me. I fought through it.”
Flores has an overall record of 74-10.
The 11-time national champion has claimed four international and seven USA Boxing titles.
He trains at boxing gyms throughout California.
Flores has climbed to No. 1 in the USA Boxing Intermediate 106-pound Male Rankings.
“I say this humbly,” Damian said. “Everybody knows who Damon is. People have labeled him the most feared fighter in the 14-and-under (division). He’s a decorated fighter. It starts with him having the drive, fortitude and aptitude. He trains properly and diets correctly.”
“I’m crafty,” Damon stated. “I’m slick. I hit and try not to get hit.”
Flores earned a spot on the Mexican Selection Team after winning his lone bout via stoppage in February in Mexicali. Mauro Flores, Damon’s deceased grandfather, resided in Mexico.
“Two kids dropped out of the tournament when the bracket was released,” Damian said. “He’s working on getting dual-citizenship. Our goal is to fight at the international level.”
“I’m excited for it,” Damon stated. “I’m going to fight for a different team.”
“Mexico is a big boxing country,” Damian added. “That’s another reason we’re going over there. By the time he’s 17 or 18, he’ll pick up the language. By the time he goes pro, he’ll have a fan base. It’s up to him if he wants to take his blessings and run with it or go another direction.”
Flores was introduced to the sport at the age of three.
Damon’s two older brothers, Damian Louis and Andre, were both accomplished youth boxers.
Their great grandfather Louie Jordan is in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Cousin Leonard Davis IV is a professional fighter.
“He (Damon) started sparring when he was 5 at the Salvation Army,” Damian said. “At 7, he started training. I’m enjoying this time watching him grow. He’s making a name for himself. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’ll be a success story.”
Flores will strive to represent the United States at the Summer Olympics in the future. He also wants to fight at the professional level.
“He told me as a five year old, he wanted to be a world champion,” Damian said. “That’s what we’re pushing for. He’s ahead of the game already. God gave him a gift. He listens. He has a pretty good arsenal. He can box. He’ll exchange with you. He can do it all. He rarely gets hit. He’s constantly moving. He’s different especially if you upset him. He kicks it into a higher gear.”
