Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 5/12/05)

Gregory ("Danny") Caballero, a junior at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, recently was honored as champion of the Golden Gloves boxing competition held at the Richmond Convention Center.

The 16-year-old Caballero has always loved boxing. "Ever since I was young, I wanted to participate in the sport and experience the glory involved," he said. However, he did not actually begin boxing until he was in high school due to his mother’s concern for his safety. She finally consented, to Caballero’s delight, and in just a few short months he was ready to begin fighting.

When he first began boxing, Caballero weighed 150 pounds. Today, as a result of vigorous training, he weighs 135 pounds and trains to fight at the 125 pound weight class. He previously fought in the 132 pound weight class.

If one looks at his training routine, it is not surprising that Caballero has dropped as much weight as he has. He begins by running 3-4 miles a day, followed by 3-4 rounds of shadow boxing, 7-8 rounds with the heavy bag, 2-3 rounds of hitting the speed bag, and 6-7 rounds of sparring. Sparring, Caballero explains, is "a simulation of fighting" used to practice for an actual fight, much like a scrimmage. His training does not end there. After sparring, Caballero proceeds to do about 50 pushups, 400 boxing crunches, and a series of dips, chin-ups and pull-ups. He wraps up his daily routine with some light weight-lifting.

Caballero is thrilled to be the Golden Gloves champion. "Being a champion feels great," he said. "It is refreshing to know I am not working hard for (nothing). In the end, the countless rounds of sparring and all the hard work, sweat, blood, and sacrifices geared me in the pursuit of my goal, and I achieved it. For me, there is no better feeling than to know that because of my work ethic and dedication, I can truly hold the title of ‘champion’ and nobody can take that away from me."

When asked about his plans for the future, Caballero says that his first priority is to continue his academic pursuits and attend college. He intends to continue boxing and hopes to possibly fight professionally during his junior or senior year. But for Caballero, anything is possible. "As of right now, it all seems so far away to me. I really just want to focus on my short-term goals, getting as many amateur fights (as possible) under my belt before I make any permanent plans for the future."