SAN ANTONIO – The Golden Gloves boxing tournament, sponsored this year by the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio, has launched several boxers' careers.
San Antonio's own world champion, Jesse James Leija, was a Golden Gloves champion back in 1988 before turning pro.
Another local boxer is looking to follow in those boxing shoes.
Ronnie Cantu is competing in his second Golden Gloves tournament.
"I came up short last year, but this year, I'm 17. I've got more age on me (and) more fights. I am ready to go," Cantu said.
Cantu has been fighting amateur fights since he was 11.
He lost his first two fights but has been on a roll ever since. Entering his first Golden Gloves match, he was 55-19.
There is more to Cantu than just boxing skills.
He is a straight-A student at Harlandale High School and will be attending UTSA this fall -- the first in his family to go to college.
"I put 100 percent into my studies," Cantu said.
Cantu will study sports management and continue his boxing career.
After the Golden Gloves, Cantu will prepare for a shot at making the 2016 Olympic team.
Cantu's dad was a boxer in his younger days so he knows what it takes to be in the sport and he believes his son has it.
"You have to have that desire in you, that beast in the ring," Manuel Cantu said.
With those boxing skills and classroom skills dad couldn't be more proud.
"I tell you what, I am one proud daddy," the senior Cantu said.