MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- "Every Marine is a basic rifleman and therefore a warrior." These are words that recruits hear many times over during recruit training, from drill instructors placed in charge of their respective platoons.
All throughout a Marine's enlistment or commission, there are many training tools in place to help hone their warrior skills. Whether it is annual rifle qualification, any of the various leadership courses, or the recently implemented Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, also know as MCMAP.
For three Marines stationed here aboard MCB Hawaii, they partake in all the required training and go a step further.
Jermaine Hayes, a Marine with 3rd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment's S-6 section; Gumaro Mata of Marine Forces Pacific's Cryptological Support Co.; and Amaury Torres of India Co., 3/3, compete in the sport of boxing in their off-duty time.
During the recent Hawaii Regional Championship held in Pearl City, these Marines competed against seasoned opponents. Both Mata and Torres competed to advance to the national championship in Colorado.
Hayes, who is part of the Nalo Boxing Club, fought in the first non-advance bout and was defeated on a judges' decision by Troy Hartman, a boxer for the Kailua-Kona Boxing Club. Hayes said this was his first bout in five years and that he did well but could have done better.
Mata, a boxer for the Kaneohe Boxing Club, fought in the fifth round for advancement to the national boxing championship in Colorado, and defeated Chris Hyatt, from the Palolo Boxing Club, with a knock out in the second round of the contest.
"I expected him to win, said Coach Todd of the Kaneohe Boxing Club. "He should've won last year but the official called otherwise."
In the ninth bout, Torres - also a member of the Nalo Boxing Club - competed against Peter Costa Jr. of the East Oahu Waimanalo Boxing Club (and formerly with Nalo's). Torres was defeated by a knock out in the second round with an upsetting right hand.
"I had greater hopes for Amaury this evening you know, but sometimes you just get caught, and that is what happened here," said Coach Felix Carzeras of the Nalo Boxing Club. "I told him the guy has a right, but you just can't get away from them all."
These competitors had varying reasons for beginning their careers in boxing.
I started boxing when I was 12 years old, said Mata. I like fighting. I was into karate for a little while, but it was boring and I wanted something more physical.
Hayes says he has been boxing for four years, and the reason he started was a boxer named Mike Tyson. Hayes added that he remembers seeing the Tyson versus Douglas fight, and that is what inspired him.
"I box to stay in shape and for the competition. I'm not trying to make a career out of it," explained Mata. "I want to pursue a job in law enforcement, possibly the Drug Enforcement Agency.
"So, I suppose the ultimate goal for me would be maybe to go Pan-American or even the Olympics," said Mata.
"My ultimate goal for boxing would be to make it on the All-Marine team and one day become the world wide champ," said Hayes. "There's no need to limit yourself."