Haro's performance garnering attention

Jose Haro Jr. isn't one to seek the limelight.

But the way he's boxing in the 2009 Golden Gloves National Tournament this week, the spotlight is unavoidable.

"I'm not really used to it," he said with a shy smile after winning his second-round bout against Jose Hilario, Upper Mid-West Club, Wednesday night at the Salt Palace. "I am a shy guy, especially on camera. It feels good, not really the attention, but the fact that people are getting to know me and know boxing. I want to open doors for people who want to do this."

Haro said he took up boxing at age 12 because his father thought he was "getting into a little too much trouble."

Interestingly, his desire to fight at school or in his neighborhood receded as he fell in love with fighting in the bounds of a boxing ring. Two other things keep him on the straight-and-narrow - his family and his coach.

"I have a wife and daughter," he said. "I found out today that I'm having another daughter."

His coach, Rick Montoya, has also helped him transform himself from an aimless teen to a fighter with a purpose. The 21-year-old said that without Montoya he would not be the competitor he is today.

"When ever I have problems, he talks to me," said Haro. "He gives good advice. He says a lot of stuff that keeps me positive. I think he's the best coach in Utah — hands down."

Isaac Aguilar couldn't agree more. The 19-year-old credits Montoya with turning him from an angry teen to a promising athlete.

"He's been in the game for a long time," said the 112-pound fighter who won his bout when officials stopped the contest at 1:20 in the second round. Aguilar had a bye in the first round so he started slower than he wanted to.

"The rest was good, but I want to fight," he said. "He came out strong, and I really didn't know what to expect. He was a southpaw, but I got him in the second round with my power."

He said he it was a left hook that knocked his opponent back so hard, the official gave him a standing eight count. Immediately after that, he called the fight.

"I don't know exactly what happened," Aguilar said. "I saw he was hurting; I knew I was going to win. It feels really good."