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Flores claims another title
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La Rosa fourth-grader Andre Flores placed first in the Pee-Wee 9-10-year-old 65-pound division at the USA Boxing Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championship this past month in New Mexico. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

La Rosa Elementary School fourth-grader Andre Flores put his perfect record on the line at the 2017 USA Boxing Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championship this past month in New Mexico.

Flores improved to 15-0 after winning both of his fights en route to capturing the Pee-Wee 9-10-year-old 65-pound title.

"He was the aggressor," said Damian Flores, Andre's father.

Andre topped San Diego's Gracen Hoopli by unanimous decision in the finals on March 22 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

"We saw him fight before," Damian said. "Andre had the height and reach advantage. Andre threw a lot of jabs and the kid walked into them. The second and third rounds, Andre was tearing up his body."

Andre earned a split-decision victory against Colorado's Donovan Garcia on March 21.

"The kid switched to southpaw," Damian said. "He got a couple clean hits in. For the most part, Andre dictated the pace and controlled everything."

Downtown Albuquerque has an elevation of 5,312 feet. The high altitude didn't bother Andre.

"The other kids got tired," Damian said. "Andre didn't have any issues. He's always in shape."

Flores captured the 65-pound crown at the 50th Annual Silver Gloves National Championships on Feb. 4 is Missouri.

He also won Regional-8 and California State titles.

Andre took first in the novice division at the Central California Association Jr. Olympics in Fresno.

Flores will have a busy schedule this summer.

He plans to compete at the Title National Tournament (Las Vegas), Ringside Worlds (Missouri), Jr. Olympics (West Virginia) and Jr. Golden Gloves (Las Vegas).

"He's a mentally-sound kid," Damian said. "He's always ready to go. We don't take anyone lightly."

Flores is a member of the Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield Center's Boxing Club. He trains five days a week.

"We have a team of coaches," said Damian, who also serves as Andre's strength and conditioning trainer and nutritionist. "Everyone has input. We all work together."

Damian is looking for sponsors to help pay for travel, hotel and expenses.

A gofundme accounted has also been created and is accessible at https://www.gofundme.com/andrefloreschamp.

Damian can also be reached at (510) 677-2014.

"Having to worry about money is stressful," he said. "We're not rich. We do what we can."