2013 Arizona Golden Gloves State Championships underway in Mesa (Photos)

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

Boxing amateur boxing Arizona Event Center

The Arizona Golden Gloves State Championships kicked off with a bang Friday, Mar. 1 at the Arizona Event Center in Mesa, Arizona. The 3-day event will showcase the finest talent Arizona has to offer and runs Friday-Sunday, Mar. 1-3.

The Arizona Golden Gloves is a rich tradition of boxing started by Al Fenn many years ago. Al Fenn passed away a few years ago, but the event is still run by the family and has produced many boxers that have gone on to professional careers.

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Former World Champion, Michael Carbajal was in attendance at Friday's opening, Carbajal had a record of 49 wins, 4 losses, 33 of his wins by way of knockout. He was the 1986 National Golden Gloves Light Flyweight Champion. Michael Carbajal was presented a trophy by the Arizona Golden Gloves for his dedication and contribution to the sport of boxing.

Carbajal fought Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez in 1993 in what would be the first Junior Flyweight million dollar purse.

Also honored in the ring was Super Middleweight, Jesus "El Martillo" Gonzales who will be fighting Sergio Mora on April 19 in Phoenix. Martillo, with a record of 27 wins, 2 losses and 14 knockouts is a beast in the ring. The fight is scheduled to televised from Phoenix.

The action continues Saturday, Mar. 2 at 2 p.m., and wraps up Sunday, Mar. 3 at 2 p.m. The Arizona Event Center is located at 1300 S. Country Club Drive in Mesa