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OGDEN — An 11-year-old with a dream of someday becoming a pro boxer moved closer to his goal after winning the regional boxing championship for his age division.
West Haven resident Amanda Tiffany said her son, Preston Tiffany, was introduced to MMA boxing in 2011. Tiffany said her son tagged along with some friends to Foley’s Mixed Martial Arts Training Center in Ogden and enjoyed the experience.
Since then, Preston has traveled to several states and competed in 53 amateur fights, including the recent Junior Olympic Four Corner Regional Championship held in Ogden May 22-23. Preston claimed the title for his 11-12 year old age group and weight limit.
“He wants to be a pro fighter. That’s his dream,” Tiffany said. “He eats, breathes and sleeps boxing. And that’s no lie.”
Tiffany said her son is inspired by boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and watches all of his matches. She said for the past four years, she has taken Preston and her family to watch the National Golden Gloves tournament.
“His dream is to meet Floyd Mayweather just one time and go to his gym,” Tiffany said.
Tiffany said, at first, she was scared for Preston to start boxing, but the children wear helmets and other protective gear during their fights, so it’s relatively safe.
“With this age, there is usually never a knockout,” she said. “It’s all protected. They wear headgear, which is why I like this sport.”
Preston will compete in the USA Boxing Junior Olympic National Championships held in Charleston, West Virginia, June 9-13.
Three other Utahns will also join Preston in competing at the national championships. Robert Chairez of Salt Lake City and Silas Quist of Payson will fight in the 13-14-year-old age group. Aaron Garcia of Payson will be competing in the 11-12-year-old age group.
The Tiffany family has set up an online fundraiser* to help them cover travel expenses.
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Amanda Taylor
