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Pendleton News

Invitation to Lejeune a hit for boxers

Wayne Short

There’s happy — and then there’s the outright jubilation Camp Pendleton Varsity boxing coach Will Braley felt last week after learning his squad would be traveling to the All-Marine Boxing trials at Camp Lejeune, which started on Friday. Having taken over the team less than four months ago, Braley believes his squad’s hard work has helped it improve dramatically — and the boxers deserve a shot at making the All-Marine Boxing team.

“We’re right where I thought I would have them at this point,” said Braley. “They’ve all had five or six competitive fights, and they’ve been able to handle themselves in the ring.”

Braley (2nd Battalion, 5th Marines) will compete in the Middleweight division. Joining him on the trip will be Light Heavyweight Pablo Gutierrez (1st Combat Engineer Battalion) and Featherweight Braylin Jamerson (Marine Air Support Squadron 3).

This will be the first time any of the boxers have tried out for the All-Marine squad, but Braley is confident.

“I know they’re all ready for competition,” said Braley. “I know how hard they push, and how much they want this.”

Physically, the Marines are more than ready, Braley said. But the boxers will have to focus on the mental aspect of the competition, he said.

“Your biggest enemy is yourself,” said Braley. “You have to keep it together mentally.”

If the bouts come down to fitness, Braley believes his team will have an edge.

“Our fitness is insane,” said Braley. “Someone with good fitness and a big heart can beat someone that may have better technical skills.”

Gutierrez said competing in the trials is a dream come true.

“I went to watch the tryouts when I first came into the Marine Corps, but I never dreamed I would be competing in it,” Gutierrez said.

The Pendleton boxers will participate in the three-week camp Feb. 9-March 4 at Camp Lejeune. The top finishers will represent the Marine Corps at the Armed Forces Boxing Championship, March 5-10 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

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Thanks to his big punches, like the one shown here, 1st CEB’s Pablo Gutierrez (right) was invited to tryout this week at the All-Marine Boxing trials at Camp Lejeune.

The Scout