Local family shares passion for boxing, competes alongside each other

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Boxing has a deep-rooted culture in the Coachella Valley, and it's become a passion for one local family. "Team Anzaldua," as they call themselves, is a trio of siblings who share a passion for boxing and compete alongside each other.

Kadri Anzaldua is the oldest, at 15 years old, and she's been boxing for four years. A passion inspired by her younger brothers: 13-year-old Rene Anzaldua and 11-year-old Roman Anzaldua.

“I just love that it keeps me in shape." "It gives me something to do. I like punching people," Kadri laughed. "I like sparring boys. I like punching boys.”

“I just like to punch people most of the time," Rene said. "I like to workout and stuff like that.”

“I like to hit people," Roman said. "Most of the time I like to punch, hit the bags, do pads.”

With countless hours of training and competing, boxing has become more than just a hobby for this family. Their success in the ring has made all three on "Team Anzaldua" nationally ranked junior boxers.

“I'm a two time SoCal champ," Kadri said. "I won, Oxnard International Boxing in Oxnard and state Golden Gloves.”

“This one's from Allen, Texas," Roman said showing his belts. "This one's from Jean Louis, Arizona, and this one is from Kansas.”

“This year I won Junior Golden Gloves, and then the rest of these belts are Jim Lewis and SoCal," Rene said. I'm a two time SoCal champion...I have more [belts] at home though.”

This summer, Roman won the 2026 National Junior and Youth Golden Gloves Championship, earning his second national title. Kadri and Rene also competed in the tournament, each earning second place in their respective divisions.

“We're all family, so we get to win belts and stuff for everybody." Rene said. "We get to win championships together. Be in the ring with each other.”

While "Team Anzaldua" continues to win belts, being in the ring has given them more than just awards. It's brought purpose and growth.

“My little brother, actually, he got me into it," Kadri said. "I saw him doing it and I was like, 'You know, it's pretty cool.' So, I wanted to try it out...It has really given me a lot of confidence outside the ring."

“It gave me a way I can defend myself and just give me confidence," Rene said. "A lot of confidence.”

Boxing takes dedication and persistence, it's no question these athletes have both. They're each determined to reach the professional level and keep representing the Coachella Valley just like those who came before them.

“When I turn 16 [or] 15, I want to be an Olympian," Rene said. "And I'm trying to go pro after I become an Olympian.”

"I want to be a pro," Roman said. "Maybe make it to Olympian as well."

“There's a lot of good boxers in this community, and it means a lot for me to be one of them and hopefully to follow in footsteps, like a lot of professional boxers to hopefully be one of them in the future,” Kadri said.