Oswego County TodayLocal Boxer To Represent Oswego in Golden Gloves National

By Jose Hernandez

OSWEGO – Andre Mendez of Oswego has beaten Cory Brooks from Rochester to win the state of New York’s Golden Gloves finals. He will be leaving May 11th to go to the National Finals in Detroit, Michigan that begins May 13^th and lasts until May 18^th.

“This is where the best fight the best,” said Derrick Falcetti, trainer of Andre Mendez and owner of OBC Athletics, the gym Menedez is a part owner of and fights out of. Falcetti has trained Mendez since he was a child and is filled with pride at seeing the fruits of their labors paying off. “Watching Andre win the open class New York State Golden Gloves is the biggest achievement to date. I was overwhelmed with pride. Not only does he represent himself and the gym, he represents the city of Oswego,” said Falcetti.

“It feels amazing knowing all the hard work and dedication I put into this is paying off,” said Mendez. This will be the first time OBC Athletics will be going to Detroit, Michigan, and the first time they will be having a fighter competing in the Nationals for Golden Gloves. Mendez will be fighting the best amateur boxers in the country at 147 pounds. There will be 3 days of preliminary fights, followed by days dedicated to quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finals, where a national champion will be crowned in each weight class.

Falcetti wants to thank two trainers from his gym who have been integral to Mendez’s success. Elain Schroeder for helping Mendez with meal planning a creating workouts for improved strength and speed. Jorge Delgado for shouldering more coaching the youth boxing program that he’d split responsibilities with Mendez, allowing him to focus on training. Delgado was also one of Mendez’s main training partners.

Falcetti will be organizing a fundraiser to support Mendez on his trip. More information can be found on his and OBC Athletics Facebook page.
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