OGDEN, Utah – Eleven-year-old mini-boxer Preston Tiffany of Ogden stepped off an airplane with his gold medal in hand Sunday after winning the boxing championship in the Junior Olympics in West Virginia.
“It was great,” Preston said. “I remember going up the ring and being so excited and getting checked by the doctor and going and taking pictures.”
His coach, David Foley, said it took hard work and determination to get him there, but his dedication and focus paid off.
“It’s very competitive,” Foley said. “There’s a lot of intimidation and stuff that goes on at these tournaments, with a lot of little kids who are really good--that have been training from all over the country. And so, for him to go out there and really believe he’s the best, and prove he’s the best, I can’t explain it. I mean, it’s a dream come true for me, as a coach.”
Foley says Preston’s competitiveness rivals most adults he has seen in the ring.
“I have not seen anyone, including myself, be able to channel the confidence and belief like he has, so, I’m really proud of him,” he said.
Preston's mom, Amanda, says the family was so proud, they were speechless.
“I can’t even explain,” she said.
Preston said he plans to continue boxing in regional championships around Utah and hopefully will be able to win more national competitions in the future.
