Local boxer heads to Golden Gloves state tournament

Isaiah Camat, trained by his father Christopher, aims to win at the prestigious competition.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:21pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes depicting the dynamic movements of a boxer in the ring, conveying the raw energy and emotion of the sport.Isaiah Camat's journey back to boxing under his father's guidance exemplifies the transformative power of the sport.San Diego Today

Isaiah Camat, a San Luis Obispo native, has overcome personal challenges to pursue his passion for boxing. After a brief detour into football and the Navy, the 22-year-old has returned to the sport he grew up around, training under the guidance of his father Christopher, a former professional and Olympic boxer. Isaiah recently won his first fight with a first-round knockout and is now set to compete in the prestigious Golden Gloves State Tournament in Pasadena.

Why it matters

The Camat family's story highlights the power of perseverance and the positive impact that mentorship and a supportive community can have on a young athlete's journey. Isaiah's path serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing obstacles in pursuing their dreams.

The details

Isaiah Camat grew up around boxing, as his father Christopher competed professionally and at the Olympic level, facing off against renowned fighters like Gennady Golovkin. However, Isaiah's initial passion was football, which he played throughout high school. After a brief stint pursuing football at a junior college in San Diego, the COVID-19 pandemic and some past legal troubles led Isaiah back to San Luis Obispo, where he reconnected with his father and the sport of boxing.

  • Isaiah moved back to San Luis Obispo in November 2025 and began training multiple times a week with his father.
  • A few weeks ago, Isaiah won his first fight with a first-round knockout.
  • This weekend, Isaiah will compete in the Golden Gloves State Tournament in Pasadena.

The players

Isaiah Camat

A 22-year-old boxer from San Luis Obispo who is training under the guidance of his father, Christopher Camat, a former professional and Olympic boxer.

Christopher Camat

Isaiah's father, a former professional and Olympic boxer who is now training his son at the JLD Boxing Academy in San Luis Obispo.

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What they’re saying

“Everything just clicks with him. So it's so it's so easy for us to just develop fast just because he picks up stuff so easy.”

— Christopher Camat, Isaiah's coach and father

“Football was kind of like my first love, I started playing when I was like 8-years-old. Played all throughout high school I was on the FCA All-Star team, second team all-league.”

— Isaiah Camat

“It definitely pushed me as a father because you know he's at that time he was I would say going on depression. You know he was going depressed and I said 'Hey son let's go back to basics.'”

— Christopher Camat, Isaiah's coach and father

What’s next

This weekend, Isaiah Camat will compete in the prestigious Golden Gloves State Tournament in Pasadena, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially advance to the national competition.

The takeaway

Isaiah Camat's journey from football to boxing, and the guidance and support of his father Christopher, a former professional boxer, demonstrates the power of perseverance and the positive impact that mentorship can have on a young athlete's life. His story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing obstacles in pursuing their dreams.