Golden Gloves Returns to Austin

About 100 fighters turned out for weigh-ins for the Golden Gloves regional tournament that begins Wednesday at the Travis County Expo Center. It is the first time in 25 years the tournament has been held in Austin.

Art Cardenas fought for two years to bring the tournament back. The Travis County Sheriff's Office Captain and former boxer knows the true value of Golden Gloves in the Capitol City.

"It builds a sense of community, excitement, and it's a part of our sports history,” Cardenas said. For a long time it was real popular here and we're gonna get it back to the status we had before.”

Back in the 1940's, Golden Gloves events packed Austin arenas bringing in top-flight fighters from around the state. Unfortunately, the tournament left Austin in the 80's and has not been back since.

"It's quite a sad thing that it left us,” Cardenas said.

One obvious benefit of the return is that Austin boxers can now train, sleep, and fight right here in town. They used to have to load up the van and drive all over Texas.

"I fought Golden Gloves in San Antonio one time,” said local fighter Moe Rodriguez. “It takes a lot out of you going down in the morning and then if you have to work, then go back over there, so I'm excited to have it here.”