Semi Finals-63rd Annual Tacoma Golden Gloves

Today started off early at 6am when Oscar and Cory Hill cut weight by turning our bathroom into a sauna. 30minutes later both guys were on weight and rested until 8am when they weighed in and checked with the doctor. The rest of the day was just resting until we headed to the Tacoma Dome. Oscar was set to fight in the semi finals in the 2nd bout of the night.

Once at the arena we realized how packed this fight would be. It was held at the Tacoma Dome on the side venue and it was nearly a full house. After a great first fight, Oscar was up.

The first round was a very good round for Oscar he definitely dominated the round with a great jab led by fast and hard flurries. The second round was a little different, with his opponent feeling he was behind after the first round he came out hard and put a lot of pressure on Oscar. I gave the round with a slight edge to Oscar's opponent.

The third and final round was very close and exciting both fighters were leaving it all in the ring and had the crowd going crazy. As the judges cards were being tallied the crowd began to chant who they thought had won the fight by the color of the corners they were in.

It was hard to tell who they actually thought won the fight and it seemed the crowd was split. I personally did not know who won the fight and could see it going either way. As it was Oscar was slightly out pointed. As it would turn out Oscar's opponent who was from Thurston PAL ended up winning the Championship the next night.

Fisticuffs was very proud of Oscar's performance and is looking forward to a rematch at the Oregon Golden Gloves tournament on the 18-and 19 of February in Bend Oregon.

63rd ANNUAL TACOMA GOLDEN GLOVES

Oscar Hernandez did Fisticuffs proud today at the Tacoma Boys and Girls Club where he won the 152lbs division quarter finals. Oscar had a tough fight against German Sosa of Ring Sport Gym. The fight could have been held in a phone booth where both fighter stood there and banged it out with each other for most of the rounds.

When Oscar created space between his opponent he was able to hurt Sosa. Oscar hit Sosa in the body that stopped him in his tracks. Given the face that Sosa made, he clearly didn't like when Oscar went to his body. In the middle of the third round, Oscar put together a combination that sent Sosa slamming into the ropes. If the ropes weren't there, I don't believe Sosa would have been able to stay on his feet.

With this win Oscar advances to the semi finals at the Tacoma Dome tomorrow. Oscar will know who he will be facing tomorrow in the semi finals after he makes weight at 8am.

Sammy Perez, Oscar Hernandez, Tom Mustin and Leonard Gabriel taking time for a photo after Oscar wins the quarter finals to the 63rd Annual Tacoma Golden Gloves.

Battle of the Boat 80 Fight Night!!

The day started a little late since Virgil and I couldn't sleep and stayed up late watching Bully Beat down until 2am in the morning. At about 11am we finally got up and went down stairs to eat brunch. Virgil looked and felt good. After breakfast we headed back to our room to rest until it was time to leave for the venue and see the doctor for the pre fight examination.

Once the doctor was done I wrapped Virgil's hands and we started to warm up. Virgil was scheduled for the second fight of the night. We started warming up and I knew just how Virgil was warming up that he was on already. His punches were crisp, hard and fast. Virgil was ready!! Final adjustments to Virgil's gloves before his bout.

Now it was time for Virgil. Once the first round started it was clear that Nalo Leal was here to fight, being a veteran of 13 pro fights it showed. Nalo came right at Virgil not afraid to exchange with him. Virgil's speed and movement was a little to much for Nalo but he continued to come after Virgil.

Virgil using his distance and speed that set the tone of the fight.

Virgil working the body of Nalo Leal.

Nalo was able to frustrate Virgil a little at the beginning of the fight because he kept holding Virgil, then proceeded to hit Virgil during the break. It wasn't long for Virgil to get back on track and out box Nalo for four straight rounds, shutting Nalo out by winning all four rounds by all judges 40-36, 40-36 and 40-36.

Virgil getting the victory to improve his record to 2-0, over a tough and game Nalo Leal.

It was an impressive fight for Virgil considering Virgil had fractured his right hand during the 2nd round and continued to fight at the pace he did and still win the fight against a very game and tough opponent in Nalo Leal.

Weigh ins for Battle of the Boat 80

The day started with Virgil and I going down to Fisticuffs where he had to cut 4.6lbs before we headed to Tacoma for his weigh in. Virgil who had to lose 8lbs for his last fight in November made easy work of loosing the 4.6lbs to jump on the scale at 139!!! He was a pound under in 50minutes and we were off to Tacoma.

The ride down was uneventful, Virgil rested while I drove us there UNTIL, I missed the exit to the Casino. We tried going to the next exit and turn around but that didn't work so well with traffic and a blocking accident, we were running late. While we were trying to find the Casino, the match maker called and asked where we were. We were now 30min late for the weigh ins.

After finally making to the Casino Virgil completed his paper work and jumped on the scale. Right away it was immediately evident that Virgil had a major reach advantage. Virgil who is 6"2" towered over Nalo who is 5'6". After the weigh ins we dropped our bags in our room and headed to the buffet.

Nalo Leal, 139lbs. (left). Virgil Green, 140lbs. (right).

While we were eating I asked Virgil what he thought Nalo was thinking after standing next to him. Virgil said I don't know why don't you ask him he's right behind you. A few minutes later Nalo came to our table with two plates of deserts. He put a piece of cake on the table and told Virgil he brought a little something to fatten him up with.

When Nalo left the table I looked at the plate and told Virgil, "I guess he thinks your a piece of cake!" At that time I saw fire in Virgil's eyes (Hahaha, I like to fan the flames). Virgil just shook his head and said, "Damn!" Virgil didn't have to say anything more, I already knew that Nalo had just poked at the bee's nest by bringing that piece of cake to the table!!!!!

Virgil Green Fights at Battlle of the Boat 80, Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma Wa. Jan.8th, 2011

Virgil Green 1-0, of Vancouver, Wa. (Fisticuffs) to fight Nalo Leal, 3-9-1 of Arlington, Wa. in 4 round bout. This is to be Virgil's 2nd professional bout. Virgil has been training hard and very prepared for this fight. Good luck Luck Virgil!!!

Virgil Green, Aka: The Black Mamba getting ready to strike Jan 8th, 2011 at the Emerald Queen Casino. Nalo Leal (right), in gold and black trunks will test his skills against Virgil Green of Fisticuffs.