Damon Flores shook hands and posed for pictures with fans following his latest accomplishment. 

The La Rosa Elementary School second-grader claimed the 65-pound title in the Boys Pee-Wee 8-year-old division at the 2019 USA Boxing Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships this past week in Reno.

“He was like a little celebrity,” said Damian Flores, Damon’s father. “The positive attention he drew from it (winning) was amazing. He’s on the right path. We have to keep him humble and hungry.”

Flores won both of his matches by unanimous decision.

He beat Ivan Salazar in the finals on March 27 and Darren Mendoza in the semifinals on March 26.

Salazar and Mendoza both train out of the same gym in Longmont, Colo.

“I’m excited that I won,” Damon said. “I impressed myself.”

“He stepped up in a really big way,” Damian said. “I’m proud of him.”

Andre Flores, Damon’s older sibling, captured the Pee-Wee 9-10-year-old crown at the same event in 2017.

“I wanted to win the whole thing like my brother,” Damon said.

“Damon tries really hard to compete with Andre,” Damian added. 

Damon improved his overall record to 10-1.

He won the 8-year-old, 65-pound division title at the National Silver Gloves Tournament on Feb. 2 in Missouri.

“Seeing him box, it’s like art,” Damian said. “He puts on a show. He’s aggressive and strong. He’s agile. He’s a southpaw. That’s an advantage. He has a lot of attributes other fighters don’t have.”

Damian introduced Damon to the sport of boxing at the age of 3.

“I let him hit my hands,” Damian said. “He started sparring when he was 5 at the Salvation Army. 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.”