*FREDDIE'S BOXING*
- Posted Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
"This is a place that kids can train and stay out of trouble. My main focus is doing good for the kids and the community. It bothers me when I see kids in detention homes when they can be here instead of running the streets. We're open Monday through Friday 5-7 pm and any kids willing to apply themselves are welcome."
- Freddie Barreiro
Freddie is a pillar in the boxing community for Northeast Ohio where he travels all over to take his kids to the next show or tournament. He is easily recognized from his instant warmth and generosity towards others. Freddie has also trained notable professional boxers Ricky Quilles and Wilkins Santiago.
Left-to-Right: Anthony Osorio, Isaias Rosario, Izzy Rosario
Anthony Osorio (pictured above) has been training at Freddie's Boxing for almost a year. His older brother first got him interested in the sport. Anthony's father Freddy Osorio took it a step further by becoming an assistant coach at Freddie Barreiro's gym after an extended hiatus along side fellow assistant George Mills who has been coaching for 3 years. Anthony will be competing in the Lake Erie Boxing Association J.O.'s this weekend in the 90lb novice division where he will meet the winner of a preliminary bout for the championship. He has shown a lot of poise already and has a bright future ahead of him.
"We call him Anthony "Too Cool" Osorio because he is always calm and relaxed in the ring."
- Coach George Mills
Isaias Rosario (pictured above) has been training at Freddie's Boxing for 2 years. His father used to box and fostered a passion for the sport in Isaias. Isaias was featured in an article in the Youngstown Vindicator following his win last November that read:
'Rosario, a Lorain native, dedicated his win to his late grandmother, who passed away nearly three months ago.'
“This win is for my grandmother, Anna,” Rosario said. “I sure miss her so this is one way that I can honor her memory."
"Isaias started boxing 2 years ago and never looked back. He's our "little Pacquiao" in the ring. He's very determined in his training and rarely misses a day in the gym."
- Coach George Mills
Angel Figueroa
Angel Figueroa has been training at Freddie's Boxing for a year and 2 months. He boxed when he was 11 years old then took some time off. He is back now, competing regularly at the 141lb weight limit where he has proven to be a contender. Coming off of an impressive win this past weekend, Angel will be looking to avenge his closely contested loss against Cassius Foster in the Lake Erie Boxing Association ABF tournament on Saturday, May 15th.
"Angel is our 'Miguel Cotto.' He has great work ethic in and out of the ring and has loads of potential. Angel has a bright future ahead of him."
- Coach George Mills
Brandon Radiwiec
Brandon Radiwiec has been training at Freddie's Boxing for the past 6 months after a layoff from the sport. He had his first amateur bout in the Cleveland Area Golden Gloves when he was 16 years old. Brandon won 4 straight bouts to become the 165lb novice champion. Shortly thereafter he took a break from boxing to focus on school. He has since returned and the ring rust has worn off.
When asked who Brandon was matched against for his 178lb May 8th bout in Cleveland, Freddie Barreiro laughed and said,
"We don't ask for names, we beat 'em in the ring."
And that's exactly what Brandon did when he prematurely ended his bout with a crushing overhand right that haulted the contest.
Eddie Colon
Eddie Colon has been training at Freddie's Boxing for close to a year and a half. He was introduced to the sport by his father Eddie Colon Sr. who was also trained by Freddie Barreiro.
"Eddie has come a long way. He has great fighter instinct and is like a raging bull in the ring."
- Trainer George Mills on Eddie Colon.
Eddie Colon is also an honor role student.
Nathaniel Reynolds
Nathaniel Reynolds is a walking example of what faith and dedication can do. Nathaniel suffers from cerebral palsy, a motor disorder which renders many people disabled. Freddie's Boxing has given him a place to get exercise, learn discipline, and make friends. Most sufferers of cerebral palsy are confined to a walker or wheelchair due to the toll it takes on the body. Nathaniel, however is determined to not let that happen. He gets in the ring regularly and spars full contact with other kids in the gym. Boxing allows him to exercise his muscles and keep his coordination sharp.
"A lot of healthy kids aren't near as active as Nathaniel."
- Coach George Mills on Nathaniel Reynolds.
Nathaniel often serves as a sparring partner, referee, timekeeper, judge, and trainer at the gym.
Bruce Evans
Bruce Evans has been training at Freddie's Boxing for 3 months and has shown tons of potential.
"Bruce is very determined to win and takes instruction well. He finds ways to dig deep and push himself in training."
- Coach George Mills on Bruce Evans.
Left-to-Right: Bruce Evans, Alejandro "Alex" Zaca, Nathaniel Reynolds
Alejandro "Alex" Zaca has been training at Freddie's Gym for 2 years. In the ring he has shown to be indestructible, often walking through punches and never tiring.
"Alex does not let up in the ring. He has great stamina due to his work ethic in and out of the ring. He can spar up to 6 rounds with little or no sign of fatigue."
- Coach George Mills on Alex Zaca.
Daniel Calderas
Daniel Caldera trains at Freddie's Boxing under the watchful eye of his grandfather Daniel Calderas Sr. and his uncle Eddie Calderas (1994 National Golden Glove Champion). Daniel trains 5 days a week and will be competing at the Lake Erie Boxing Association J.O.'s this weekend. His dedication could one day pave the road for him to join his uncle as a National Champion.
Sammy Mass
Sammy Mass originally trained at Freddie's Boxing when he was 13 years old. After a layoff he has returned at age 19. He's been training hard everyday and should be ready for his first return amateur bout in 3-4 months.
George Mills Jr
George Mills Jr has been training at Freddie's Boxing for a year and a half. He has grown up playing all sports but boxing is his true passion. His long reach makes him extremely effective on the outside utilizing his strong jab. He often studies film of other boxers to pick up things outside of the gym. George Jr.'s dream is to one day become a champion. On top of his already busy schedule he is also taking early college courses.
Chase McElwayne
Chase McElwayne is a relatively new addition to Freddie's Boxing. His older brother boxed in the heavyweight division. Chase, however focused on school and didn't have much interest in boxing until one day he went to the gym with his brother. Since then he has remained very active and has gained a reputation for his toughness in the ring. He often overwhelmes his opponents with his whirlwind style punches.
Cristo Zaca
Cristo Zaca is the younger brother of Alex Zaca. He's been training for 1-2 years at Freddie's Boxing. He is currently 7 years old and is looking forward to beginning his amateur career. He excels in soccer which could mean trouble for his opponents with his footwork and southpaw stance, making him a very elusive target.
Coaches: Freddy Osorio & George Mills
Freddie Barreiro is aided by a great supporting cast of coaches and parent volunteers. They are all there 5 days a week to help the kids in the gym develop physically as well as mentally.
"It's all about the kids. It's great how we all come together as a community. We have some parents that don't have a boxing background but they are still willing to show up and help in anyway possible and it makes a huge difference. Their dedication is very much appreciated."
- Coach Freddy Osorio
Freddy Osorio has also been a judge with the Lake Erie Boxing Association for close to 6 months.
"I've learned so much through judging, it gives me whole different perspective on the sport. I would like to thank all of my fellow officials that have helped me along the way."
"I always tell these kids to leave whatever problems are going on outside and come in and escape it. We as parents and coaches are always here to mentor the kids and provide guidance. Our kids come from all over, have different backgrounds, different interests, and different attitudes, but when we come together we become a tight-knit family."
- Coach George Mills
Everyone involved at Freddie's Boxing in Lorain, Ohio should be extremely proud. They are a dedicated group of hardworking people who look out for each other. Their efforts will surely continue to have a positive impact in each of their own lives as well as their community.
Warming up
Freddie Barreiro wrapping hands
Alex Zaca ready for action
Brandon Radiwiec padwork with coach Freddy Osorio
Post Sparring
Angel Figueroa padwork with coach Freddy Osorio