Fairfield PAL Boxer, Brandon Angulo, Heads to Fight Night at the Duke

Brandon, a senior at Armijo High School, started boxing at the PAL Center almost three years ago thanks to a friend who suggested that he check it out. “Boxing was something I always wanted to try” he said. He initially joined the PAL Program’s boxing club at its previous location, but had to take a break while it was closed as part of its move. True to form, though, he didn’t give up and waited unit it reopened at its new location at 2256 North Texas Street. “It’s not really in my nature to quit,” he says. “Training is hard, but I like how I feel about myself when I don’t give up - when I keep trying.”

Brandon was considering a career in the trades, particularly as an electrician, after graduating high school, but boxing has him thinking about other options as well. “As a boxer, I found out that I really like being disciplined, having a work ethic—making my parents proud.” “I saw videos on the internet and am now thinking I might want to serve my county – maybe as a Marine.”

Brandon also takes the PAL Boxing Club’s reputation for excellence outside of the ring seriously. Others look to him as a positive role model. “He trains hard. He doesn’t waste time,” says fellow boxer Percy Contreras, 14-years-old. “But he still finds time to offer advice on how to improve my jabs, head movement or footwork and help me see how little things can make a big difference!” Others agree that Brandon shines most as a role model. “He is a lot better than me—but he still makes me feel like I am part of the team,” another teen says.

The Fairfield PAL Boxing Club is led by Head Coach Pete Padilla, who started the club in 2009. Together with Coach Anthony Marquez, they believe that boxing is uniquely positioned to help students not only get and stay in shape, but improve decision making, learn to anticipate consequences, manage stress, and handle strong emotional responses. Both also agree Brandon “is a dedicated and talented athlete. He has worked hard to get ready for this” says Coach Pete. “He is very disciplined for his age. He puts in the hours and you don’t often find that for someone his age.”

Fight Night at the Duke is being hosted by the City of Vacaville. The Georgie Duke Sports Center is located at 720 East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville. Doors open at 3:00PM. All tickets are general admission and $25.00 per person. Follow Fairfield PAL social media for more information on the weigh-in and event updates.

ABOUT FAIRFIELD PAL

The Fairfield PAL Program is open to Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis Students ages 13-18 who are enrolled in school. Membership is FREE and can be applied for at the Fairfield Community Center (1000 Kentucky Street) with a current ID and parent / guardian signature. The PAL Center’s drop-in program is currently closed as we prepare to re-open at after a remodel. Fairfield PAL uses the fun of recreation to engage teens and build great qualities. For more information about PAL, please call (707) 330-8757, visit the program’s webpage at Fairfield.ca.gov, or follow us on social media by visiting the program’s Facebook page at @Fairfieldpal1, Twitter at @pal-fairfield, TikTok at @fairfieldpalteencenter and Instagram at @ff_pal_center.