Despite its size, Colusa County has a long, rich athletic history, and while educational-based athletics tend to dominate the sporting headlines, there are other sporting opportunities that exist, but are perhaps not as well known.
Such is the case of the La Corona Boxing Club, a labor of love for Merced and Lupe Corona, who for the last 24 years have provided young boxers a place not only to hone their skills in the ring, but also to develop work ethic, confidence, and relationships, all which will transcend their fighting careers.
Tucked away at the end of a dirt road on the outskirts of Arbuckle, the Coronas have turned their former shop into a full-fledged training facility, complete with two rings, weights, various types of punching bags, and all the other equipment necessary to helping the athletes progress and ensure their safety as well.
“Ours is a free, private club,” Merced Corona said. “We’ve seen what a difference boxing can make in the kids that come here and so our saying is ‘Giving kids a fighting chance.’”
Lupe Corona, a teacher in Arbuckle, concurred, explaining that she has seen not only physical transformations in those who belong to the club, but emotional growth as well.
“Some are so shy when they first come here that they don’t speak to anyone,” Lupe recounted. “But they develop positive attitudes and self-esteem. We have people tell us how much of a difference this place has made in these kid’s lives and that is ultimately the reason we do it.”
Of course, a love of the sport, particularly for Merced, who learned the sweet science from his father, Florencio Corona, is another motivating factor in continuing the boxing tradition.
“My father fought and had about 10 professional bouts, my three brothers boxed as amateurs, and I fought in the Army and the Police Olympics.”
Thus, it came as no surprise when Merced passed his affinity for being in the ring down to his own family, starting his coaching career by training three of his four daughters.
It was his second oldest, Jackie, that took it the farthest, however, going on to compete in the National Police Athletic League and Jr. Olympic programs.
So, what began as a small enterprise with just six athletes, now has 33, hailing from Arbuckle, Colusa, Grimes, and Williams, and ranging in age from 8 to 20.
One of the most experienced boxers, with 10 bouts under her belt, is Leilani Bravo, who has been with La Corona for nearly five years and described how she is motivated by the opportunity to box.
“I like the conditioning we do and I love to compete, “ said the 12-year-old, who is fresh off another win.
“My goal is to get as many amateur fights as I can and hopefully go pro. I want to keep going.”
What some don’t understand, however, is that being a boxer is more than just punching.
There are long hours of training to not only build stamina, but also to develop mental toughness and learn the nuances of the sport.
To this end, La Corona athletes spend two nights a week conditioning and working on their technique, and one night sparring.
It’s a community effort at the club, from the volunteer coaches to the parents, who turnout to support their children, and it’s evident that everyone is there because they want to be.
Thus, in the organized chaos that engulfs the facility three nights a week, a new generation is channeling its energies into a positive experience.
“It’s not just about the boxing,” Merced says, “We teach self-discipline and respect. For some, it can be life-changing.”
La Corona fighters put themselves to the test in tournaments throughout Northern California and Nevada.■
