David Polanco started boxing to ward off bullies, now he’s a New York Champion headed to Nationals

David Polanco, a Bronx-based amateur boxer who originally took up the sport to defend himself against bullies, has been crowned the best amateur boxer in his weight class in New York City. He trains at John's Gym under coach Gene Garcia, who taught him to box switch-stance, a skill credited with accelerating his development. Polanco will now represent New York at the National Golden Gloves Tournament.