By JONAMAR JACINTO
The Bulletin
LATHROP — Matthew Guerrero has dreamed about this moment since he was 10.
Now 19, the 2014 Manteca High graduate is gunning for a spot on the USA Boxing 2016 Olympics team.
“It’s crazy that it’s finally here,” Guerrero said. “I’m glad that I stuck with it this long. I really have a chance to go out and (achieve) the goal I set out for. This is it.”
He’ll have two shots at it. First is the Pathway to Glory Olympic Trials Qualifier II from Sept. 7-12 in Philadelphia, where the two finalists in each division advance to the U.S. Trials. Those who fail to make it there have another chance to capture the final two berths Oct. 26-31 in the last of three qualifiers in Memphis.
So far, up to four spots in each weight class are already occupied. Winners of the WSB and World Championship Team Trial and 2015 USA Boxing Elite National Championships have made it through, as have the top two placers in the Pathway to Glory Olympic Trials Qualifier I held in Colorado in late June.
With more than 90 amateur bouts under his belt, Guerrero is a three-time Junior Golden Gloves national champion and has bronze medals from the 2013 U.S. National Championships and USA Boxing Junior Olympics. He said he isn’t concerned for his lack of major-tournament competition in the last year or so.
“I feel like I’m in tip-top shape,” said Guerrero, who will compete in the 132-pound, lightweight division. “I’m at 100 percent and my mindset is at a good spot.”
Guerrero remains a student of Lathrop-based trainer Felipe Martinez. And when Martinez isn’t available Guerrero can look to big brother Kevin to help keep him sharp. Kevin, 26, was part of Manteca High’s 2005 Sac-Joaquin Section championship football team.
Matthew Guerrero is currently a full-time student at Sacramento State and has a part-time job with Bass Pro Shops, and he manages to train six days a week. He is majoring in business with a concentration in accounting.
“It’s very convenient over there (at Sac State) because they have this big gym they call ‘The Well,’” Guerrero said. “I’ll go use their treadmills, but they also have a little room that is used solely for MMA or boxing. I take my gloves out there and put in some work.”
Whether it’s at the Rio Games next summer or earlier, Guerrero plans on ending his amateur career before his 21st birthday. If things don’t pan out for the Olympics he’ll turn to the professional ranks at the end of the year.
His father, Rick, believes his son’s pro career can wait.
“He’s got a real good chance for this one,” Rick said. “We’ve seen the competition out there, and to be honest with you this is the best I’ve ever seen him. I don’t know if it’s his maturity in his body or mental state of mind, but it’s all coming together.”
The Guerreros are hosting an event at Woodward Park this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. to give the community a chance to meet Matthew and watch him train. Food will be served, and Rick said donations will be accepted to help offset costs for the trip.
“We haven’t seen something like this in Manteca,” Rick said. “He has a chance to do something positive for the community and put Manteca on the map, and it would be great for the community to get behind him.”
