A pair of local boxers are trying to punch their ticket to nationals.
Coaches and athletes from Brothers Boxing & Fitness, out of Elkhart, are in Cleveland for the USA Boxing National Qualifiers.
The gym opened a year and a half ago, now training about 30 active youth boxers. Two of its amateur boxers, heavyweight Christian Rodriguez and 101lb-boxer Joel Fortoso, are fighting in this week's tournament for a chance to head to the national championships, in Texas.
Talking to ABC57 from their hotel room in Cleveland, head coach Juan Fortoso said sports is also a way for young athletes to see the world.
“The main thing for us is to try to keep the kids off the streets,” Fortoso said. “Try to let them know that we have a gym, and we can work with them and try to help them.”
Anyone interested in amateur boxing can find a gym here: Find A Club (teamusa.org)