While it may not have been for a world title, it was a big first
step for two Hollister boxers.
By Andrew Matheson Sports Editor
Hollister – While it may not have been for a world title, it was a big first step for two Hollister boxers.
Phillip Bribiescas, 9, and Noe Lopez, 10, both of Hollister, won their very first matches by decision last Saturday at the Central California Championship, a weekend smoker tournament in Clovis.
The two train at Bull Dog Boxing Gym in Hollister under the guidance of Zeke Lopez.
“It’s a very big step,” Zeke said. “They both fought kids who had more experience than them.”
While it was the first fight for Bribiescas and Noe, it was the fourth fight for both of their opponents.
Bribiescas (1-0), in the 65-pound weight class, defeated Jose Ramirez (2-2) of Orosi via decision.
When asked how he was feeling in his first fight, Bribiescas said, “Nervous. I felt scared because I never had a fight in my life before.”
The 9-year-old did, however, say the fight got easier as time went by, but his nervousness diminished through the fight.
“This was a test for them. Both kids they fought had four fights, which is more experience than they had,” Zeke said. “They both did what I told them to. They both listened and performed very well.”
The righty said he wanted to badly win the fight, and when asked what Zeke told him prior to the fight, Bribiescas responded, “To train a lot and be in good shape. And throw a lot of punches.”
Bribiescas’ Bull Dog partner, Noe Lopez (1-0), beat out Evan Sanchez (2-2) of Parlier by decision in Clovis as well.
Noe said he too felt nervous entering the ring for the first time, but after a couple of punches, the nerves went away.
“I just wanted to throw a lot of punches and win this match,” Noe said. “Throw a lot of punches and take this one home.”
Noe added that he felt both confident and prepared coming into the match.
“The nerves,” Zeke said, “it’s like being on a stage. It is nerve-racking.
“For a 9- or 10-year-old kid, to do that at that level, it’s a real hard thing to do.”
Zeke added the two fighters had been training for approximately six to seven months prior to the fight, and said they looked natural in the ring.
“For a little kid to go out there, seeing a bunch of people yelling and screaming and then to listen to your coach, it shows a lot of discipline,” Zeke said. “It’s a very big confidence booster … I am very proud of them.”
