MMA boxing team takes first in rookie division at Golden Gloves

Two cadets win first place in their weight division

The Marine Military Academy boxing team took first place in the Rookie division at the 2015 RGV Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament Feb. 13-15 in Brownsville. Additionally, two cadets beat out all other contenders in their division.

RGV Golden Gloves MMA 2015

Junior Luis Cervantes-Fabela of Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico, won first place in the Super Heavyweight division (218 pounds) as did senior Conor Knapp of Charlestown, R.I., in the Heavyweight division (197 pounds).

Two other cadets also took home Golden Gloves trophies. Freshman Daniel Garcia-Maldonado of Cordoba, Mexico, finished in second place at his matched weight (130 pounds) as did junior Aaron Hammer of Grand Prairie, Texas, at his matched weight (140 pounds).

The MMA boxing team is coached by Sgt. Maj. Fred Robertson and Sgt. John Elizondo.

To compete in the Rookie division, participants cannot be in more than five sanctioned fights. The MMA boxing team is the only high school boxing team in the nation officially certified by U.S.A. Boxing.