Two members of local boxing club headed to national Golden Gloves tournament

IDAHO FALLS – Two members of a local boxing club are headed to the national Golden Gloves Tournament after taking the top spots in a regional fight over the weekend.

Mabel Ornelas, 19, of Idaho Falls, joined Razor’s Edge Boxing Club about a year ago, shortly after moving to the area. Over the weekend, she beat out a Utah competitor during a regional tournament at the Fullmer Legacy Center in South Jordan, Utah.

Saul Juarez, 20, of Victor, who joined the club about four years ago, participated in two fights at regionals. He defeated his opponent from Utah on Friday and the next day, was victorious in a bout with a Montana fighter. His participation ended up winning fight of the night.

“He fought two days to advance. That can be rare in a smaller, rural region,” Holly Gregson, the boxing club’s head coach, tells EastIdahoNews.com.

Both of them will represent the Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah Region at the national tournament, which is happening in Tulsa Oklahoma from May 12-17.

Juarez says both of his opponents in Utah were tough fighters and he’s thrilled with the victory. This will be his third national tournament since joining the club, but his first as an adult. He’s excited for the opportunity.

“I’m excited — working hard to bring home the national title,” Juarez says.

Ornelas expresses a similar sentiment, saying she worked “extra hard” for the weekend fight.

It’s her first year qualifying for the Golden Gloves tournament and she’s excited to be part of it.

Both of them will square off with fighters in different divisions who are in their weight class. The goal is to become the national champion.

Razor’s Edge Boxing Club is a nonprofit organization that provides an outlet for at-risk youth. It was formed in 2006 and there are at least 75 active members of the club between 8 and 35. Practices are held weekly at 757 South Woodruff.

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Juarez joined the club in 2021 after playing soccer for years. He says he was disappointed with his teammates’ unwillingness to “give it their all and try and win tournaments.”

“I wanted (a sport) where it was up to me if I wanted to win,” he says.

Ornelas’ has been involved in boxing much longer. She started about eight years ago at a gym in Jerome. She moved to Idaho Falls in 2024 to attend College of Eastern Idaho and joined Razor’s Edge.

Her victory at the regional tournament earned her a scholarship to pay for college tuition.

Both athletes have enjoyed their experience with Razor’s Edge and appreciate Gregson for all the time she invests in training each club member.

Gregson describes Ornelas and Juarez as “hard workers” who “take the sport seriously.” She’s proud of them for qualifying for this tournament.

“They’re focused, dedicated and driven and I think they’ll have great success over there,” Gregson says.

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