Golden Gloves title hopes high for Kalispell's Guzman

This time, Kenny Guzman wants to take it one step further.

The 25-year-old fighter/coach from Kalispell starts another quest for a coveted trip to nationals when he steps into the ring tonight at the Red Lion Hotel.

Guzman will box in one of the bouts on the 2012 Montana Golden Gloves fight card. He is one of 16 members of the Flathead Boxing Club hoping to capture a state title.

The first bell rings at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door are $20.

Burton Boxing is producing the event.

All Montana winners advance to regional competition. Regional winners then move on to nationals — April 30 in Mesquite, Nevada, at the Casa Blanca Resort.

Guzman barely lost out on his national aspirations a year ago, losing by decision in the championship bout at 132 pounds at regionals.

“I had a great experience making it that far,” Guzman said.

“It wasn’t really that frustrating (to be so close to advancing to nationals). It’s just the nature of the game. It takes a lot of hard work. I did use it to fuel me to work harder this year.”

Guzman has dropped a weight class, boxing at 123. He figures that move will be to his advantage.

“Last year when I fought (at regionals), everyone was 10 pounds heavier,” he said.

“This year the guys will be more my size.”

Weigh-in are at 10 a.m. So Guzman says he, along with the other fighters, will have plenty of time to bulk up on protein before he steps into the ring.

“I’m in great shape,” he said. “I feel awesome.”

Guzman has fought just three times since September, posting an 0-3 mark. But don’t let that record fool you.

“I was not fighting very well,” he said.

“I was sick a lot.

“I feel good ... better now. I’m ready to fight this weekend.”

Born in Southern California, Guzman has lived in Kalispell since he was 2 years old. He has been boxing for the last six.

He started his coaching career three years ago and is one of five coaches with Burton Boxing. The other four — Shelley Burton, Corey McFarland, Phil Moore and Jesse Uhde — all have professional experience.

“I want to compete at the national level (amateur before going pro),” Guzman said. “Anyone can go pro.

“I want to see how I do against national competition before I go pro.

“A long time,” he said of how much longer he plans to fight.

“Until it hurts too much.”

He says the coaching part has been rewarding, challenging.

“My attitude, the enthusiasm I put into it,” he said of what he brings to coaching. “I want to make it fun, exciting in the gym. I did it because it’s fun teaching boxing.”