A father's tough love mixed with a son's talent puts boxer Carlos Balderas in the Olympics

By David Wharton

July 25, 2016 3 AM PT

Reporting from SANTA MARIA, Calif. —

The boxer dances across an empty ring, moving to a beat only he can hear. His punches snap with a grace honed by years of hard work.

All the times he rose early as a boy, running cold streets while classmates watched from a passing school bus, made him quick. All the times he trudged across town, lugging a duffel bag full of gear, made him strong.

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

A father’s tough love mixed with a son’s talent puts boxer Carlos Balderas in the Olympics

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