By Mark J. Valentino
Editor and Publisher
Mike “Fly” Garcia found great success in the Chicago and national Golden Gloves boxing tournaments in the late 1980s, capturing the Welterweight 147 Senior Novice Division once and the Welterweight 147 Senior Open Division three consecutive years. The lifelong Little Italy resident went on to a successful pro boxing career, became a trainer, and opened his own boxing gym. The old saying “the apple doesn’t fall from the tree” applies to the Garcia family.
Marco Garcia, age 23, one of Mike’s two sons (Jake Garcia is 26), captured his first Chicago Golden Gloves Welterweight 147 Senior Novice Division title on April 14 over Alejandro Mendez in a three-round decision on the occasion of the 100-year anniversary of the Chicago Golden Gloves. The tournament was held at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, IL. The national Golden Gloves has its roots in Chicago and was sponsored for many years by the Chicago Tribune.
Garcia began his title quest on March 11 with a three-round victory over Adrian Ellison. A week later, on March 17, Garcia beat Ian Gueco in another three-round decision. To get to the championship, Garcia defeated Austin Smith on March 24, again in a three-round decision. The road to the title was challenging, not only due to the high level of the competition but with Garcia battling a cold that was difficult to shake.
“With matches every week, leading up to the championship, my body didn’t have time to recover,” Marco Garcia explained. “Fighting every week and training in-between, I had to take IV fluids to help maintain my stamina.”
His first experience in the Golden Gloves was in 2022. He made it to the championship bout but lost to a southpaw. After that stint in the ring, Garcia earned a degree at Columbia College and began working as a personal trainer.
Better prepared
“This year’s experience was intense, but I was better prepared,” explained Marco Garcia. “Last year, I lost in the quarterfinals. This time, I was more mentally focused. I was more confident in my training—dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
“I found more joy fighting in this year’s Golden Gloves tournament,” added Garcia. “I had the prior years’ experience under my belt and felt more confident as I progressed in this year’s tournament.
And what did it feel like to win his first Golden Gloves championship?
“It was awesome!” reflected Garcia. “It was a full circle moment.”
Mike Garcia recalled that Al Ortiz Jr. captured a Chicago Golden Gloves title in 1986 after his father, Al Ortiz Sr., did so in the early 1970s.
“I was nervous before Marco’s first bout,” said the proud father. “But as the tournament went on, Marco developed a strong approach. He was fighting smart, using jabs and movement to his advantage.”
Mike Garcia was honored to train his son. Jimmy Mango assisted in Marco’s training and the young champ worked out of Sam Colonna’s Boxing Gym in Bridgeport.
“It was nice having my dad as my trainer, “explained Marco Garcia. “Whenever I got to the gym, he had his eyes on me. I knew that I could trust him based on his level of experience. He developed a strong game plan for me.”
So, what does the future hold for the dynamic Garcia pugilist duo? After a well-deserved rest in May, Marco plans on getting back into the ring in June and having a minimum of eight bouts before the 2024 Chicago Golden Gloves tournament begins.
“Sam Colonna will help us identify some opportunities and we’ll see what’s available on the cards at local fight clubs in places like Aurora and Joliet and at the Athletic Club in downtown Chicago,” explained Mike Garcia.
Although Mike “Fly” Garcia never imagined either of his sons entering the ring for other than effective exercise, he’s proud of Marco’s work ethic and passion for the sport.
Mike Garcia had some legendary bouts in the Golden Gloves—having battled both Hall of Famer Oscar de la Hoya and Sergio Reyes. Both of those boxers went on to earn U.S. Olympic Team berths. He is comfortable in his own skin and letting Marco blaze his own path.
With a title under his belt, smarts, and a positive outlook, Marco Garcia also is excited for what the future holds in store.
The Sam Colonna Boxing Gym is located at 2600 W. 35th Street. Call (773) 847-6241.