Grant High Boxer Has Olympic Dreams
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Angel Rios' wings have yet to fully take flight, but he's well on his way.
The 16-year-old Grant High School student has punched his ticket to enter a big ring—the National Junior Olympics next month in Alabama. His ultimate goal is gold at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Each morning he's up at 5 for a workout. After a day of school, he's back to the gym for more.
His coach of six years likes what he sees.
"I see a champion. I see a world champion. I see an Olympic champion," his coach, Azell James, Jr., said.
The aspiring golden boy is humble, solid—strong in mind, body and spirit.
"I'm doing this for a reason, like God blessed me to do this for a reason," Angel said.
His sparring partners know what he means. Because he is so gifted, Angel has to find older boxers to practice with.
Angel thrives on the pressure.
"In boxing, if you don't work hard, you only got one man to blame, and that's yourself."
There is little blame to go around, as he goes round after round chasing a dream. Angel's ready to fly.
"I think this boy is going all the way," James said. "I think we have our first Olympic champion for Sacramento."
