Damon Flores’ success as an amateur boxer didn’t happen overnight.

Dedicated to the sport since the age of 8, the Ceres 15-year-old accomplished a life-long athletic dream by earning a spot on Team USA this past month.

Flores accomplished the feat on the strength of his first-place finish at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships, staged Dec. 6-13 in Lubbock, Texas.

He posted a perfect 3-0 record in the Junior Male 138-pound Division. 

He earned wins against Texas’ Courtney Glover, Connecticut’s Troy Moore and California’s Carmelo Horta.

“I’m excited,” said Flores, a 2025 Cesar Chavez Jr. High graduate. “I’ve never won there before. I was pretty dominant (this year). I didn’t lose a round until the finals. I was able to stay focused. My coaches told me what to do. It was a pretty good experience, overall.”

“I’m very proud of him,” father/co-trainer Damian Flores said. “He stayed focused and did what he had to do. He was out there on a mission. He was there to seek and destroy. He wanted that belt and to be a part of Team USA.”

Flores improved his overall record to 103-12.

An 11-time USA Boxing gold medalist, Flores has won 18 national titles and six international championships.

“I’ll be satisfied when I get to 20 (national titles),” he said. 

Undefeated this year, Flores climbed from No. 9 to No. 1 in the USA Boxing’s 138-pound Junior Male rankings.

Glover, Moore and Horta are ranked second, third and sixth, respectively.

“I attribute his success in the sport to his maturity, experience and knowledge,” Damian Flores stated. “He’s been going to national tournaments since he was 8.”

“I enjoy winning,” Damon Flores stated. “Seeing myself grow over the years makes me proud of myself.”

 “The boxing world knows who he is,” Damian Flores added. “But the average Joe doesn’t know who he is.”

Flores rode a wave of momentum into the USA Boxing National Championships.

Unbeaten this year, Flores placed first in three prestigious tournaments this fall. 

He won both of his fights in the Junior Male 138-pound Division at the Sugar Bert USA Boxing Regional Ranking Amateur Tournament, Nov. 21-23 in Pleasanton.

The tournament featured boxers from around the world, including the Virgin Islands, Ireland, Pakistan and Hawaii.

Flores bested all three of his opponents at the Guerra En La Frontera International Boxing Tournament, Oct. 22-26 in Mexico.

He competed in the 132-pound weight class.

Flores captured the 15-16-year-old Male Open title at the 47th Annual International PAL Boxing Championships, staged Oct. 1-3 in Oxnard. 

He compiled a 4-0 record.

Flores won national championships in three different weight classes during the summertime. He claimed titles at 132, 125 and 119 pounds in a three-month span.

“He’s stayed grounded, driven and focused,” Damian Flores said. “He’s constantly working. It’s God-given talent, too.”

“I fight smart and I listen to the people in my corner,” Damon Flores added. “Sparring against older people helps me.”

Flores graduated with honors from Cesar Chavez Jr. High in June.

He’s being home-schooled during the 2025-26 academic year due to his busy schedule.

“It’s a big sacrifice,” Damian Flores said.

Flores will compete in the 17-18-year-old age group at boxing tournaments this this year.

“I’m focused on the future,” Damon Flores said. “My main goal is to go to the Olympics and win.”

Flores was introduced to the sport of boxing at the age of 3.

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 was born to do this,” Damian Flores said. “It’s in his gene pool.”

“I don’t feel any pressure because of my experience,” Damon Flores added.