At 13, Austin Sanchez is already a champion

Before the gloves come off and the praise sets in, Austin Sanchez hears a question from the man in his corner. 

“Do you want to hear it as your dad, or do you want to hear it as your coach?” 

Inside House of Pain Boxing and Youth Fitness Gym in Las Cruces, that distinction matters. At 13 years old, Sanchez is not only one of the top young fighters in the country, but he is also a son growing under the steady direction of a father, Adan Sanchez, who refuses to let success blur the lesson at hand.  

Competing in the Intermediate 13–14, 110-pound division, Sanchez owns a 56-14 record. He is a six-time national champion, a five-time Junior Golden Gloves champion and a five-time state Silver Gloves champion. He is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation, after recently moving up in age and weight class 

The accomplishments are significant. The expectations inside the gym remain steady. 

Austin began boxing at four years old after watching his older brother train. What started as admiration quickly became routine. By 2021, he stepped into the ring for his first official fight, and the wins began to stack up.  

Despite his titles, his approach remains simple. 

“When the bell rings, it’s just get the job done and get out of there safe,” Austin said. 

He admits he feels nerves before major tournaments or championship rounds but says he does not feel pressure carrying success at a young age. Winning, however, continues to be the driving force.  

“Winning national championships,” he said when asked what he enjoys most about boxing. 

His long-term goal is clear. He hopes to one day earn a spot on an Olympic team. Turning professional also remains an option. For now, the focus is immediate. He is preparing for the Junior Golden Gloves in March, followed by nationals in Kansas City later this year.  

His training is consistent. The gym operates five days a week, and the travel often fills up the weekends. Balancing school and boxing requires real discipline beyond the boxing ring.  

“I focus at school all day, trying to get my work done,” Austin said. “Then, I get ready to go to practice.” 

Maintaining weight at 110 pounds presents its own challenge. Cutting weight, he says, is the hardest part of competing at a high level. Still, he approaches it with the same mentality he carries into his fights. 

For his father, the challenge looks different. Balancing being a parent and coach demands awareness, especially with his son just turning 13. 

“At a young age, they don’t always know when I’m being dad and when I’m being coach,” his father said. “So sometimes I’ll tell him the coach part first, and then as a dad I make sure he knows I love him and I’m proud of him.” 

Losses can be the most difficult moments. 

“The toughest part is when he takes a loss hard,” his father said. “For them at that age, it feels huge. As a father, you want to reassure him that it's going to be okay and that he’ll get the next one.” 

The sacrifices extend beyond the ring. His father mentioned boxing tournaments often mean missed family gatherings and time away from home. 

“You miss weddings and birthday parties,” he said. “I just missed my wife’s birthday because we were winning a championship in Colorado.” 

Still, he believes that the investment is worthwhile. 

House of Pain Boxing and Youth Fitness Gym has grown into more than a training facility. It serves as a structured outlet for young athletes across Las Cruces, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and character alongside competition. Coach Sanchez leads the program, working alongside Coach Carlos Romero, who also helps develop fighters preparing for national competition.  

The success is not limited to one athlete. Alongside Austin, Carlos Rodriguez and Deandra Santos are also ranked among the top five in the nation in their respective divisions. The results reflect a program built on consistency, travel, and long hours inside the gym. 

“With so much going on across the country and even here locally with youth violence, it’s important to shine a positive light on kids who are accomplishing things,” his father said. “We try to keep them busy, keep them focused.”  

For Austin, representing Las Cruces carries weight. 

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I get to go out to a lot of places and represent where I’m from.” 

Beyond championships and rankings, his father says what makes him most proud has little to do with medals.  

“Outside of boxing, I’m proud of how he’s growing up as a young man,” he said. “He’s kind-hearted. He cares about his teammates and his friends.” 

The immediate goal is to move from No. 3 to No. 1 in the nation. The long-term dream remains the Olympics. But years from now, long after the tournaments are finished and the rankings reset, the measure of success may look different. 

More than titles and national rankings, the goal inside House of Pain is simple. Build disciplined young men and women who carry their city with pride.