Two Local Youth Capture Silver Gloves Regional Championship Titles

NORTH VERSAILLES, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — Over the weekend 2 local youth boxers became 2019 Silver Gloves Regional Champions and now move on to compete for the Silver Gloves Nationals in Independence, MO at the end of the month.

Maximus Ruiz, 8 and Cruz Cunningham, 8  both fighting out of the USS Fight Academy in North Versailles, will represent Pittsburgh at the tournament which starts January 30th and they are looking forward to bringing home Championship trophies.

“I’m so excited to be a Silver Gloves Regional Champion” said Cruz who lives in Monroeville and attends University Park Elementary School.

“I can’t wait for the Nationals, I like to go on the road… and win!” shared Maximus who goes by Chino, lives in Brookline and attends West Liberty Elementary.

These titles come after lots of hard work training daily at the gym and staying focused.  “We are so proud of the boys, they work hard and show dedication that is truly remarkable to be only 8 years old.  Our goal at the USS Fight Academy is to instill confidence, hard work and determination into our members at all levels and we want to put Pittsburgh back on the map at the amateur level of boxing which will lead to Champions in the professional ranks down the road” said Steve Cunningham, gym owner and 2x Crusierweight World Champion who along with Coach Alexander Ruiz, run the amateur training program at the USS Fight Academy.

The boys are currently raising money to help fund their trip to Missouri and for more information, please visit the gym’s Facebook page; USS Fight Academy (www.facebook.com/ussfightacademy)