Manny Contreras in the Red Gloves

Age: 19

Gym: Rice Street Gym

Coach: Johnny Johnson

Weight: 165 lbs

Stance: Orthodox

Record: 26 wins & 7 losses

Favorite Boxer(s): Roy Jones Jr. and Miguel Cotto.

Tournaments & Titles:  2008 Under 19  Bronze Medal, 2009 USA State Champion, 2009 Golden Gloves Region 2 champion, 2008 Region 2 champion.

Training:  Runs 3 to 5 mile twice a week
shadow box 3 rounds with 2 pound weights
jump rope 3 rounds
heavy bag 4 rounds
double end bag 4 rounds
pads 4 to 6 rounds
“I work out two 3 min rounds with 30 sec breaks.”

Info: Manny started boxing when he was 16 years old.  ” I always wanted to box since I was a little kid, ” he remembers,  “and my mom said I could start boxing when I  got my braces off.  So the same week I  got my braces off, I went to the Rice Street Gym.  A couple weeks later, Johnny told me I had a lot of heart and I was going to be a champion.”

Contreras, now a 19 year old college student, attends St. Paul College.  He likes to play hockey, football and baseball.  He also likes to fish a lot.  Manny “thinks” he’s an outgoing person and likes “making people happy.

Being a role model to his family is important to him.  “I have five little sisters and two little brothers.  I’m the oldest out of all of them and I try to be a good role model for them ’cause they all look up to me.”

His plans for the tournaments this year are to make it to Golden Gloves & USA Nationals and win.  He also plans to turn pro after the 2012 Olympics.

-Ryan Hamilton

*Editors Note* After witnessing his impressive win (by retirement in the 4th) over hard hitting Robbie Loyde (Uppercut) in the St. Paul vs Minneapolis Tournament, I’m convinced that Contreras will be the man to beat at 165lbs.