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Machabie emerged victorious in the Golden Gloves State finals at 146 pounds while Martinez, Eng and Cole won without throwing a punch as they were unopposed in their categories.
However Fausto De La Torre, head boxing instructor at the Villa Parke Boxing Gym said of the four, Martinez is the only one advancing to the nationals to be held in Pennsylvania from May 8-13. Winners at the nationals will potentially earn a spot at the Olympic qualifiers.
The three will not advance due to lack of experience.
“They lack experience because this would be their first national tournament. [Martinez] has gone to the qualifiers. [She] has been to international tournaments. [Machabie] is new to the team. She’s been boxing for a few months, so it is very important to consider the lack of experience that they have for their safety,” De La Torre said.
“Being the Olympic year, just the best of the best is coming. I don’t want them to face someone that has all the advantages, especially experience, over them. It’s a decision that we all made – to sit this one out for those reasons and for their safety most importantly.”
De La Torre said in the meantime, training continues for the “Golden Girls.” They will compete at local boxing matches on April 8 and 22, and future boxing matches, in order for them to gain the experience they need to earn a spot at the next Olympic qualifiers.
“That is one of my personal goals in life — to bring Pasadena a gold medalist,” said De La Torre.
Recalling her recent bout, Machabie said it was the support of people around her that helped her win.
“All my teammates went up there with me. Most of them were up there with me, pushing me and supporting me, so it was great.”
“My foster mom was able to come out. She didn’t see me fight, but all their support just kept me in the right mind frame.”
Prior to boxing, Machabie played basketball. She started boxing in 2018 but it was only in summer last year when she got into competitive boxing and truly dedicated herself to the sport.
From her last fight, she learned that whatever was thrown at her at the ring, she will be able to withstand it because of the many things she had learned from her teammates and coaches, and the rigorous training she is undergoing.
Just like the other girls, Machabie will continue to train to be able to reach her Olympic dream.
“The game plan is the same: to go in the gym and work hard, maintain my weight, get stronger, get wiser, do mitts with my coaches and teammates, and listen to any feedback they have for me and be ready to go if and whenever there’s a next fight,” said Machabie.
To know more about Villa Parke boxing program, visit: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/athletics/adult-athletics/adult-boxing/ or contact De La Torre at (626) 744-6531, or by email fdelatorre@cityofpasadena.net.
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