The New Year, 2018, will be starting off on a strong note for the recently opened The Boxing Development Center. In November of 2017 the doors opened for the facility and welcomed Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton for a meet and greet and sparing event. On Jan. 1, 2018 Oakdale welcomes in amateur boxing champion Marc Castro.

Castro is a Fresno native and at the age of 18 has accomplished more than most boxers will in their careers. Castro is a two-time World Champion; 13-time National Champion; 2015 Junior World Champion and 2014 and 2015 National Junior Olympic Gold Medalist.

Castro holds a record of 114-6 and began boxing at the age of four. He is a member of Team USA Boxing and is looking to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. In 2017 he was named Inside The Ropes Amateur Boxer of the Year.

Castro will be at The Boxing Development Center on Monday at 2 p.m. for a meet and greet where he will sign autographs, speak with attendees as well as spar. Ana Julaton will also return to the facility on Wednesday, Jan. 3 for training, continuing through Jan. 5.

2018 appears to be promising for The Boxing Development Center. Coach Leo Pagcaliuagan and Coach Alfredo Perez have been working hard with aspiring boxers in the community.

“Our goal is to not only make great fighters, but to make great people in our community as well,” said Coach Leo. “We believe in growing and giving back at The Boxing Development Center. By that I mean having these guys and women grow as a boxer but also as pillars in our community by giving back to it.”

The Boxing Development Center is at 1275 E. F St., Oakdale, inside Fit Republic (formerly Fitness Evolution).