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Fighting for the kids

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I had the opportunity to interview a man who truly is giving back to Kern County. His name is Martin Barron, a local guy who grew up on the east side of Bakersfield. Martin works full-time for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and still finds enough time to train kids two to three times a week. His passion for boxing started when he was a kid training at a local landmark Munoz gym on East California Avenue. Martin would leave boxing for a number of years; it wasn’t until he joined the sheriff’s department that he started boxing again. Martin was a regular contender for the fundraising event that takes place every April. The event is called Battle of the Badges; it pits local law enforcement of different departments against each other. Having had his full share of getting in the ring, Martin now dedicates his time to SAL, the Sheriff’s Activities League of Wasco.
Martin describes his volunteer work as a win-win. He gets the chance to give back to kids as well as stay involved in the boxing arena. The kids are all welcome but must meet criteria. Initially, the kid must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for an initial interview. Martin stresses that this is a program to better the kid and learn structure, as well as discipline. Martin says he stresses to the adults that he is not there to run a babysitting agency. Martin maintains a great working relationship with the schools in Wasco; this helps him stay in tune with how his kids are performing in the classroom environment as well as socially. Martin does not tolerate misbehavior — grades he will work with — but any disciplinary problems or criminal mischief will buy you a one way ticket out of Wasco SAL. 
Martin’s kids have already been involved in many boxing events; they have had boxing competitions at Bakersfield PAL, Shafter PAL, Fairfax boxing club, and this May 1, will be Wasco SAL’s very own boxing competition! 
It is not all about boxing for Martin’s kids, oh no. They have performed a variety of community events including community cleanups, putting together food baskets and handing them out during the holiday season. These community events are mandatory; kids who do not participate will face the possibility of not being able to return to Wasco SAL program.
At this time, there’s a computer room, a recreation room, and a boxing gym. Martin sees his program growing beyond its current means. He would like to see the Wasco SAL grow out of its present building, have an afterschool basketball program, football program and a soccer program. He is very pleased with his progress thus far but has big plans for the future. 
Martin would like to point out that none of this would be possible without the generosity of the City of Wasco for letting the kids use their building, Ignacio Morales for tutoring the kids, and Robbie Miller, the owner of recycling centers of America and Jeff Martin who were able to donate two C-trains that were necessary to hold storage originally left in the Wasco SAL, as well as many volunteers who are too many to name.
Good job Martin from the people at MÁS.
Can you believe we’re just about done with the first quarter of the year? The world of boxing has not disappointed either — already we have had so many classic battles. My favorite thus far has been the Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz against Juan Manuel Marquez battle.  Everyone who is a true boxing fan knew that this had all the makings for fight of the year and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Juan Diaz, in all his youthfulness, started out like a ball of fire, beating Marquez to the punch early and often. Like a wily old cat, Marquez studied the young warrior and put on a beautiful show of defense and counterpunching, proving to be too much for the ever aggressive Diaz. Marquez would go on to beat Diaz by knockout in the ninth. 
OK, and by the time this column hits your door, the “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya will have made his decision on whether he will retire. He will make this decision on April 14. Now I may be a little confused on this but didn’t Manny Pacquioa already answer that question for him last December? Oscar has been a great champ and ambassador to the sport of boxing. His company, Golden Boy Promotions, teaming up with Affliction, a mixed martial arts organization, is genius in my opinion — if you can’t beat’em, join’em, right? Oscar’s best days of boxing are behind him; he is better served promoting up-and-coming fighters and legitimizing the sport. Do yourself a favor Oscar and hang them up — the competition has only gotten better and all that is left for you is further destruction of your legacy.

Upcoming Events:
• Friday, May 1
Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 6 p.m., Wasco, Calif.
Wasco Sheriffs Activities League boxing competition
 
• Saturday, May 2
MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Manny Pacquiao (47 W 3 L 2 D 36 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (45 W 1 L O D 33 KOs)