Top-seeded Damon “Pistol” Flores faced little resistance in claiming his 13th national championship in boxing this past month.

The 2025 Cesar Chavez Jr. High graduate won a gold medal while competing at the 2025 USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival, staged June 14-21, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

“I accomplished my goal,” Flores said.

“It’s a huge accomplishment and testament to who he is as a fighter,” stated Joseph Perez, Flores’ assistant trainer and Godfather. “As a team, we don’t pay attention to the seedings and what everyone else is saying. Our main objective is to win. Damon’s always raising the bar. He’s the best 14-year-old in the world.”

Flores compiled a perfect 4-0 record in the 119-pound Junior Male 15-to-16-year-old Division at nationals. 

“It’s a big statement,” Perez said.

Flores captured the championship with a 4-1 (28-29, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28) victory over Deray Dixon during their gold-medal match.

Flores collected unanimous 5-0 wins against Angel Balderas (30-26, 30-27, 30-24, 30-24, 29-27), Oscar Cisneros (30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27) and Da’traylen Frank (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

“He completely dominated,” Perez said. “I’m happy and very proud of him.”

“I fought smart and didn’t get hit,” Flores added. “Those were my main keys to success.”

Flores has moved up three weight classes, from 106 to 119 pounds, since finishing first for the second time at the USA Boxing National Junior Olympic Championships in June of 2024. He brought home the 13-to-14-year-old Male 106-pound Division crown from Wichita, Kansas.

He claimed the Pee-Wee 8-year-old 65-pound title in 2019 in Wisconsin.

“Making the weight cut is hard,” Flores said while talking about his transition from a youth to junior boxer. “I’m getting older. My body is growing. I’m getting taller. I put the work in.”

“For me, it’s normal,” he added. “I have confidence. I spar a lot of older people and great boxers. I get hit hard.”

Flores performs his best when the lights are the brightest.

“He’s very special,” Perez said. “There’s definitely a switch in the ring. When he’s outside the ring, he’s a kid. He likes to joke around. He likes to eat ice cream.”

Flores improved his overall record to 88-12.

He’s captured six international and nine USA Boxing titles.

“He’s like an old car,” said Damian Flores, Damon’s head trainer and father. “Once you get his motor going, he’s warmed up. He fires on all cylinders.”

“We don’t take too much time to celebrate,” Perez added. “We get right back in the gym.”

Damon trains at boxing gyms throughout California.

“He’s basically a man-child,” Damian said. “His sparring partners are grown men.”

Flores climbed to No. 1 in the USA Boxing Intermediate 106-pound Male Rankings in 2024. He’s making a name for himself in his current weight class.

“There’s a huge target on his back,” Perez said. “Everybody wants his spot. His ability to deal with that pressure comes from his upbringing. His father has raised him to be a strong, independent, confident young man. He doesn’t get babied.”

“I enjoy boxing and winning,” Damon added.

Flores plans to represent the United States at the Summer Olympics in the future. 

He also wants to join the pro ranks.

“He told me as a five year old, he wanted to be a world champion,” Damian stated. “That’s what we’re pushing for. He’s ahead of the game already. God gave him a gift.”

“I have to stay focused,” Damon added.

Flores will continue to open doors in the boxing world because of his work ethic, talent and marketability. 

“He’s a generational talent,” Perez said. “He’s a great athlete. On top of that, he’s a very talented fighter. He has power in both hands. His IQ in the ring is insane. There’s nothing in the ring he can’t do. He’s the complete package.”