11-year-old Francisco Perez becomes first Yuma boxer to win National Junior Olympic title

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - An 11-year-old boxer from Yuma is bringing home national gold after capturing a championship at one of the most prestigious youth boxing events in the country.

Francisco Perez won the 154-pound division at the National Junior Olympic Championships in Wichita, Kansas, becoming the first boxer from Yuma to bring home a title of its kind.

The achievement comes just three years after Perez first stepped into a boxing gym at the age of eight.

"I started training when I was eight years old because I wanted to get into a new sport," Perez said. "I've been there for three years. It's a very good community. There’s very nice people there and they’re all loving over there. And they help me train."

The National Junior Olympic Championships feature some of the nation's top amateur boxers. Athletes must meet strict qualification requirements, including having more than 10 bouts and maintaining at least a 70% win rate to earn a spot in the tournament.

Perez was one of three Yuma boxers who qualified for the national event, including Skyler and Liam Bialecki. Skyler is a two-time silver medalist, while Liam is a one-time bronze medalist. Highlighting the growth of amateur boxing talent in the city. After spending three weeks competing in Wichita, Perez emerged as the national champion in his weight class.

While winning a national title was a major personal accomplishment, Perez said he was especially proud to bring the championship back home.

"It’s very exciting for me. I was so happy that I took gold back for Yuma, Arizona," Perez said. "Because I’m the first one to bring it home and I’m 11 years old. So that’s a very big accomplishment for me."

Despite already reaching the top of the national stage, Perez has no plans of slowing down.

The young champion says he is already focused on winning another national championship and ultimately hopes to pursue a professional boxing career.

"I’m trying to get another national. I’m trying to get to the pros," Perez said.

Perez's journey from a first-time boxer to a national champion in just three years serves as an example of how dedication, hard work and community support can help turn big dreams into reality.