BOXING : Local Boxers Advance to National Golden Gloves

Four area boxers advanced to the National Golden Gloves with impressive performances at the California State Championships April 22 at Lincoln Park Recreation Center.

Oscar Lopez (12-3), who out-pointed Rosendo Sanchez (5-5) of Santa Rosa to win a unanimous decision in the 119-pound weight class, will be making his debut in the nationals. The 19-year-old trains at the Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club and is coached by Delfino Rodriguez.

Frank Carmona (125 pounds), boxed to a unanimous decision (5-0) against Gustavo Lopez (16-8) of Hayward. Carmona (42-23) is 19 and trains at the Resurrection Boxing Club under his coach, Manuel Montiel.

Although Carmona participated in the U.S. Championships and several international tournaments, it will be his first time competing at the National Golden Gloves.

Dwain Williams (147 pounds) won on a walk-over as his opponent, Richard Carsten, was unable to compete. Williams, 16, improved his record to 31-7. He trains under Andy Price at the Normandie/Denker Boxing Club.

Fidel Hernandez (156 pounds) won a unanimous decision (5-0) over Horatio Garcia of Sacramento (25-14).

Garcia, who participated in the U.S. Championships last month and stopped America’s top-rated boxer in his first bout, provided tough competition for Hernandez in the best bout of the evening.

Hernandez, 17, trains at the Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club and is coached by Jose Lopez.

Lopez, Carmona, Williams and Hernandez traveled with the rest of the 11-man California team to Boston on Saturday.

The National Golden Gloves Championships begin Monday with the finals set for Saturday.