The 2026 Golden Gloves Team

Fighting for Southern Illinois

Behind every champion is countless hours of sweat, discipline, and heart hidden away in the gym. The athletes of the Pharaoh Boxing Golden Gloves team have dedicated themselves to the sweet science, preparing not just to fight, but to represent Marion, Carbondale, Carterville, and our entire community on the regional stage.

The 2026 Challenge

The road to the championship looks different this year. The 2026 tournament features a new, demanding split-weekend format:

Round 1: March 7th & 8th
Round 2: March 21st & 22nd

To meet strict mandatory morning weigh-in requirements on consecutive days, daily travel is impossible. Our team must stay on location for both weekends. This shift has significantly increased our need for lodging, safe transport, and fighter fuel.

Meet the Fighters

143lbs – Welterweight

Eyes on the Sky, Feet in the Ring.

Originally from Ecuador and raised in Ohio, Isai now calls Carbondale home. At 20 years old, he is pursuing a degree in Aviation at SIU, bringing a global perspective and sharp focus to everything he tackles.

143lbs – Welterweight

Taking care of business, inside and outside the ropes.

22 years old. SIU Marketing Major. A Nevada native with strong family ties in Carbondale, Jamarion combines business savvy with a passion for his local community.

198lbs – Heavyweight

Big Business.

A 21-year-old Kinesiology major at SIU, Tyson means business inside the ropes. Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, this 6’3″ Heavyweight defies expectations—pairing raw power with exceptional speed and movement.

154lbs – Super Welterweight

Ringing in 21 in the ring.

A Carterville native and SIU Exercise Science major, Crawford is a homegrown talent dedicated to the next generation as our Kids Class Assistant Coach. At 20 years old, his commitment runs deep—he will even be celebrating his 21st birthday in the ring during this tournament.

In Our Corner (Our Sponsors)

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We believe financial barriers should never stop a dedicated young athlete from chasing a title they have worked for.

That is why we are incredibly grateful for our “corner”—the local businesses and community leaders stepping up to ensure our team gets to the fight.

Please support the businesses that support our youth: