PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Cain Elizondo Jr., a 13-year-old from Vancouver, is the reigning regional boxing champion. But this weekend he starts his quest to be named the best as he competes in the first of six tournaments around the country that determine who becomes national champion.
“It takes a lot of discipline, it takes training,” said Elizondo, known as Junior to friends and family. “I probably put in around four or five hours a day in boxing. I do that five, six, seven days a week.”
“Junior is a kid who has a lot of heart, he’s got a lot of discipline,” said Junior’s coach Diego Gutierrez. “He’s passionate about it, so that makes him different than other kids.”
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Even his father, Cain Elizondo Sr. is impressed, praising his son’s growth and success.
“He’s matured well, he’s getting bigger, stronger, faster,” he noted.
Junior says his ultimate goal is to go to the Olympics when he turns 18.
“I want to be the world champ one day,” he added. “I want to be in that ring raising my hand.”