September 30, 2024 – The boxing world is buzzing with the name of Salvador Limas Jr, a 13-year-old prodigy from Chihuahua who just captured his third consecutive national title at the Olympic Boxing Festival in Mexico City. With unmatched skill and determination, Limas has become one of the brightest young prospects in Mexican Olympic boxing, and he continues to rack up victories while keeping his sights set on the ultimate goal: representing Mexico at the Olympic Games.
From humble beginnings to national champion
Limas’ journey to becoming a national sensation began early, with his first significant victory at the 2023 Olympic Boxing Festival in Leon, Guanajuato. On April 29, 2023, at just 12 years old, Limas won the children’s 40-kilogram category, becoming the only champion from the capital of Chihuahua. Competing against the best boxers in all of Mexico, Limas defeated his three opponents (Maximo Baltazar from Queretaro, Jonathan Hernandez from Hidalgo and David Siqueiros from Baja California) to secure his first gold medal.
“We are proud of the medal we obtained, this is thanks to Salvador’s great discipline,” commented his father and trainer, Salvador Limas Sr. The young boxer trains rigorously at the Cristian Bejarano Gym in northern Chihuahua, a gym that has become a breeding ground for future champions.
A dominant 2024 season
Fast forward to 2024 and Limas has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His latest victory at the Mexico City Olympic Boxing Festival, where he competed in the 46-kilogram category, cemented his position as a three-time national champion. Judges have praised Limas for his tactical brilliance, sharp movement and unparalleled discipline, which have allowed him to outbox his opponents with ease.
His training regimen, supervised by his father and Mauricio Gonzalez, has been key to his success. Limas’ daily routine involves three and a half hours of intense training, combined with a strict diet and a focus on both education and athletics. Her dedication has resulted in a collection of gold medals that reflect her hard work and perseverance.
Future stars join the fight in Oaxtepec
Chihuahua continues to develop top-level boxing talent, with three young athletes, including Limas, representing the state at the 2023 National Boxing Championship in Oaxtepec, Morelos. This prestigious event, which will take place October 1-7, will feature the best fighters from around the country.
Salvador Emilio Limas Robles, Carlos David Holguin Gonzalez and Erick Fernando Saenz Sanabria, all training at the Cristian Bejarano Gymnasium, will compete in their respective weight categories. Limas Robles, younger brother of Salvador Limas Jr, will fight in the 42 kilogram category of the Escolares division, seeking his second gold medal this year. “We are going for the gold. We have trained hard and I know I have the guard, speed and power to win,” said the young Limas.
“We go with these three young players with a lot of potential,” said coach Mauricio Gonzalez. “We worked psychologically with them, focusing on their counter attacks, which are vital in this sport. We hope Salvador continues to be national champion and that our three athletes take home the gold.”
Carlos David Holguín González, who competes in the children’s 52 kilogram division, and Erick Fernando Sáenz Sanabria, in the 66 kilogram division, are equally determined to take home medals. Both fighters have undergone rigorous training and psychological preparation to ensure they are ready for the national stage.
National boxing stars gather in Oaxtepec
The Oaxtepec Olympic Boxing Festival has become an important event on the national boxing calendar, attracting more than 200 participants from all over Mexico. Among the largest delegations are those from Chihuahua, Jalisco and Oaxaca, all competing for national glory and the attention of Mexico’s top boxing scouts.
In April 2024, the San Luis Potosi delegation sent eight promising wrestlers, including Anthony Mendez Rocha and Hugo Bernardo Santos Garcia, to compete in this prestigious tournament. Under the tutelage of coach Saúl Rojas, these young athletes aspired to achieve the best results and attract the attention of national selectors.
At the same time, Morelos fielded a team of 14 boxers in the Juvenile, Junior and Infantil divisions. With strong competition from states such as Jalisco, Oaxaca and Chihuahua, the Morelos athletes were determined to make their mark on the national stage.
The road to Olympic dreams
For Limas, the Olympics are not just a distant dream: they are a goal that he, his coaches and his family are actively pursuing. His recent domestic tournament victories are stepping stones on the road to global success. Next on the horizon is the 2024 Golden Gloves competition, followed by the Conade National Games, which are key opportunities for Limas to showcase his talent and move closer to qualifying for international competition.
“We’re preparing him for the long haul,” said Limas Sr. “Every day in the gym, every fight, every training session he’s focused on doing the best he can be. His goal is to make it to the Olympics, and with “Because of his discipline and drive, we know he can get there.”
At just 13 years old, Salvador Limas Jr. has already left an indelible mark on the Mexican boxing world. With three national championships under his belt and the full support of his family, coaches and community, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star. As he continues to climb the rankings, all eyes are on his next steps, and many believe it is only a matter of time before he represents Mexico on the biggest stage in the world.
