KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – Liberty High School senior David Arrieta brought home the 133-pound national championship belt to the Turner Boxing Club, known as “The Cradle of Champions” for producing national titlists.
“He’s a champion. I think it’s his 5th national championship,” said Turner coach John Brown.
The tournament provided a stiff test for Arrieta.
“He fought 5 nights in a row and he dominated every fight,” said David Arrieta Sr., the boxer’s father.
USA Boxing invited Arrieta to their pre-Olympic camp following his impressive performance.
“I’m going to go to Colorado Springs for 3 weeks of sparring, training and cardio and then after that we’re going to go to Thailand and compete internationally,” Arrieta said.
One metro boxer has made his way to Team USA.(KCTV5)Father-son boxing connection
Arrieta has been following in the footsteps of his father, David Arrieta Sr., a former national champion who has helped coach him.
“It’s going to be hard on me because me and my boy are very close. We don’t spend very much time away from each other,” he said.
The younger Arrieta acknowledged the upcoming separation will be challenging.
“Actually it’s going to be difficult because I’m going to be a little homesick,” he said.
Despite the distance, Arrieta expressed excitement about joining the national team.
“It’s something I’ve looked forward to- I’ve seen them on Instagram- all the fighters and I think it’s amazing that I’m on their team now,” he said.
Family support and future goals
Victoria Arrieta, David’s mother, initially had doubts about boxing but now sees the sport’s benefits.
“That discipline that it takes to be successful in this sport is something that he can take with him,” she said.
Arrieta’s ultimate goal is to turn professional and win a world title. His upcoming month-long trip could be a step in that direction.
“What a trip for a young man and what a payoff for all his hard work,” Brown said.
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