Tribal team triumphs

Scott Csernyik

7/5/2005 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Boxing Club landed a triumphant trifecta with all three of the group's amateur fighters winning during the Rez Rumble on March 12 in the Tribal Gymnasium.

The undefeated venture was sealed by a devastating left hook delivered by Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member Andrew "Dewey" Mejia (1-1) seconds into his bout with AJ Johnson.

An intense Mejia was rewarded for his hard work and dedication after official Steve Daher made the technical knockout over the ABAA fighter in the 175-pound Novice Division official. Scores of community youth lined up ringside to congratulate the 15-year-old after the quick night of work.

"He worked so hard for this, you don't even know," stated Head Coach Rick Meyers. "He dropped 10 pounds to into this fight with only two, two-and-a-half-weeks. I wished the fight would've last longer because he was so dedicated in his training and made time for the sport."

Anthony Nerio and Erick Sizemore both scored wins by way of decision in the amateur debuts. Nerio scored his 120-pound Junior Division victory over Christian Ayala (Azteca) and Erick Sizemore (165-pound Novice Division) beat Don Pena (Suttons Bay).

"All of the fighters worked very hard to earn what they received," added Meyers. "They also realize there is more to do in developing their skills as fighters so they can hopefully continue their successes."