Del Rio Teen Boxer Throws Punches At Junior Olympics This Week

Carlos Muñiz, 17, competes at the National Junior Olympics this week in Las Vegas, NV.

Carlos Muñiz stepped into No Quit Boxing Club when he was 12 years old with a bad attitude. Carlos’ parents brought him to coach Salvador Pascacio’s boxing gym, located on Dr. Fermin Calderon Boulevard, hoping to see a change in him — but what they got was so much more. The gym soon became like a second home for Carlos, a place that would push and mold him into what he’s become today: a nationally ranked boxer and a humble spirit. Now, he’s looking to dominate in Las Vegas at the Junior Olympics this week.

At 17 years old, Carlos has reached a #2 ranking in the country, yet maintains a respectable attitude — these days.

“The first day he came in he gave me a little bit of his attitude, and I gave him a little bit of the ‘No Quit’ attitude adjustment,” says Salvador Pascacio, Carlos’ coach and mentor. Along with his wife, Karina Pascacio, Coach Sal runs No Quit Boxing Club almost like a temple, a place to reflect on who you are and what you want out of life. 

Coach Salvador Pascacio

“Once I give kids the lecture, the majority don’t come back.” Coach Salvador gives his newcomers a firm talking-to upon meeting for the first time, and asks them provoking questions like “What do you want out of boxing? Why are you here?” This introduction seems to weed out those who aren’t cut out for his coaching style: winning. 

“Most of them don’t come back, that’s the truth of it. But the young man, Carlos, kept coming back. Then the next day. The weeks turned to months. And before you know it here we are 4 years later. [He’s] 6 feet something, 185 pounds. Down from 338 pounds at 12 years old.”

That’s right. On top of the attitude replacement, No Quit has also dramatically transformed Carlos’ body, proving beyond doubt that something special is happening inside their gym. 

“They push me to do my best,” Carlos shares. “Every time I’m here everybody tells me to keep going. They want me to succeed.” Carlos converts the love and support from the Pascacios and his No Quit family, and from his actual family, into explosive performances in the ring. 

Last year Carlos traveled to Richmond, Virginia to compete at the USA Boxing National Championships where he won against multiple opponents and made it to the championship bout. In the end, Carlos was bested by his opponent by decision, though earning himself a silver medal in the process. Carlos says he looks forward to getting back to the national stage.

“I’m going over there with the intention to win,” Carlos tells Del Rio News Network. 

And behind Carlos, stand Coaches Sal and Karina Pascacio, who believe their boxing pupils can “put Del Rio on the map.”

“So many people think you got to be from a big city to do big things,” says Coach Salvador. And they’re in the fight to prove that heart hits harder than hometown size.

The Junior Olympics National Tournament runs from June 16 to the 21st. More on the event, including livestreams of bouts, can be found here.