Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/438230
30 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JANUARY 2015 " W AC member Christopher Mendez coaches the UW boxing team along with WAC boxing instructor Ricardo Acuna. Mendez says their fighters always look forward to The Main Event, an experience unlike any other during their season. "Most of our bouts are in a high school gym," he says. "But this is a big deal. It's under the lights, people are dressed up, and there's a ring announcer." That announcer is Joe Toro, a sure bet for a suit that stands out as much as his gravelly voice, pitch-perfect for his role at the center of the ring. "It's all the excitement you get at fight night on TV or at a casino—all right downtown," Toro says. The sideshow also impresses, right down to the ding of the bell calling the fighters out from their corners. As for the fighters, keep your eyes on the purple trunks. Washington's coach Mendez graduated from West Point, where he boxed and played football, and his boxers are always ready to go. "Only our best boxers are going to compete," he says. Husky boxers—men and wom- en—come from varied backgrounds and hold each other to high standards inside and outside the ring. "The UW boxing team doesn't just teach you how to be some amazing boxer," team member Taylor Williams says. "Coach Mendez has developed a program that is built on great character, leadership, and getting students ready for life outside of boxing." Williams also represents part of the evolution of The Main Event. Partici- pation of female boxers has brought a new crowd. "It went from a bunch of guys smoking cigars to about 30 percent women," Mendez says. "We are one team that does not distinguish male versus female teams. All squads are integrated regardless of gender." It's the best action in the Clubhouse all year. It's hard to put into words. It's one of those things you just need to experience." ENJOY THE SHOW At last April's National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships, a women's team champion was awarded for the first time. The Huskies won, and Taylor Williams was named most outstanding female boxer. DING, ROUND 2! Washington team captains Albert Ta and Taylor Williams.