Raf and Mel and the National Qualifiers!

Hi, this is Coach Ryan O'Leary. I run a boxing gym in New Rochelle, NY, Champs Boxing Club. We have two amateur boxers that have come up through our program and are boxing at the highest level in the not-paid ranks. They want to compete at the National Qualifiers from March 20-25th in Detroit, Michigan. It is time for them to challenge themselves against the best in the country and we feel very strongly that they belong there.

Amateur boxers do not get paid and it takes a lot of time, money and sacrifice to be able to attend these tournaments. I have seen both of these athletes grow through the years and I don't know anyone more deserving. They show up every day, always give 100%, are humble and generous, help others around them and are good human beings. Melvin started as a little boy in our kid's class. Raf travels every morning at 6 am from Stamford, CT, rain or shine! They put the time in.

Rafael Castillo has won: 2019 139LB Metropolitan Champion, 2021 139LB Metropolitan Champion, 2021 132LB NYBT Champion and 2022 139LB Ringmasters Finalist.

Melvin Martinez has won: 2019 Ring Master Junior Champ, 2019 Junior Olympics, 2021 Metropolitan Championships Youth, 2021 NY Boxing Tournament Youth, 2022 Metropolitan Championships Elite, 2022 Sugar Bert Tournament and 2022 Ring Masters Open Finalist

The total for 2 boxers and a coach for flights, food, car rental and Airbnb will come out to roughly $2,800. If we can make that amount we are giving two gifted athletes a chance to realize their dreams!