AVONDALE — A century ago, in the 1920s and ’30s, boxing was America’s most popular sport. Here in Rutherford County, local gyms in Harris, Spindale, and Rutherfordton flourished, producing fighters like Dean Hufstickler who later went on to fruitful careers. However, over time, the ring's charm fades. Now, with the help of his new TJCA Boxing Club, Luis Hernandez is introducing the “sweet science” to a new generation.
Hernandez, director of school resources at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, said the idea for the boxing club began as a way to help students return to normalcy after COVID-19.
“Two and a half years ago, when the kids went back to school, I noticed something different in them,” he said. “They were anti-social and angry. I remembered how much boxing helped me when I was a kid and wanted to do the same for these students.”
Hernandez, who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, credits boxing for keeping him out of trouble.
“Boxing has been huge for me,” he said. “You get what you put in. When you work hard, you reap the benefits of self-confidence, discipline, hard work and determination, not to mention the cardiovascular benefits. Boxing naturally releases dopamine and ephedrine, which makes you feel great.”
Two and a half years of hard work came to fruition on Friday, May 17, as hundreds of spectators packed into the TJCA Middle School gymnasium for the first TJCA Boxing Club Tournament.
“Boxing is not an NCHSAA sanctioned sport, so we had to raise all the funding and support ourselves,” Hernandez said. “I came up with a plan and presented it to the (TJCA) board. They approved it and we started working. We received a lot of support from people.”
Once fundraising for the club began, Henandez began recruiting students who were interested in boxing or who he thought would benefit from it.
“These kids have never boxed before, so they came on day one like everyone else. All they want to do is knock someone out,” Hernandez said. “That's not what boxing is about. Boxing is a metaphor for life. Life may come with challenges, but you have to have the courage to keep moving forward. You have to have the courage to get in the ring and go head-to-head with someone. Challenges that you thought were impossible no longer feel that way. Boxing gives you the courage to face any challenge that life throws at you.”
After two and a half years of planning, the day of the first tournament arrived. A total of seven matches were held in this tournament, including three three-minute rounds (two-minute rounds for the women's division). A panel of three judges scored each match out of 30. Each fighter starts with a total of 30 points, and each time his opponent lands a punch he deducts one point from his total. (See table below for full results.) Medical professionals were on hand in case of injury.
“Safety is our number one priority,” he said. “There's a difference between getting punched and getting hurt. In that case we stop the fight.”
For Henandez, the night wasn't about winning or losing, it was about bringing people together.
“One of the biggest things for me is sportsmanship and respect,” he said. “These kids might box and spar with each other for three rounds, but at the end they hug and congratulate each other. One of my favorite moments of the night was after the main event match. Gabe Zuniga won, but he shared the belt with Elias Santiago. That's all.”
The tournament also brought together many different cultures, with some athletes entering the ring wearing the flags of countries that they or their families have a connection to.
“Boxing is a world sport. It's all about diversity,” Hernandez said. “There were some Latin American boxers and one boxer from South Korea. When you're from a certain country and you see someone coming out wearing that flag, it makes you feel included. I feel like there are so many people here.”
Looking to the future, Henandez hopes to continue to grow until boxing reaches every corner of Rutherford County and beyond.
“I know it says TJ Boxing Club, but it’s really not for anyone,” he said. “Next time we would like to have students from CHASE, East, RS, and Lake Lure participate. Then we can expand to the middle school and elementary school sections. Although the really young children will need additional safety equipment. , it's possible with the support. There's also a division for seniors. Boxing will be a great way for them to stay active. I'm definitely excited for the future.”
For more information about TJ Boxing Club, or for volunteer time or financial support, please email Luis Hernandez at lhernandez@tjca.org.
result
BOUT 1: Jude Fountain defeated Tyler Fedyshyn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 30-27)
Match 2: David Magana defeated John Calabro by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-28)
Match 3: Bella Hernandez defeated Yasmine White by split decision (30-27, 29-29, 30-29)
Match 4: Billie-O defeats Chris Byers in medical reason
Match 5: Dylan Twitty defeated Saxton Riggs on medical grounds
Match 6: Khalil McDowell defeated Cristian Escalera by split decision (29-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Match 7: Gabe Zuniga defeated Elias Santiago by unanimous decision (30-28, 30-28, 29-28)
