AND NOW, THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH BOXER GOES FOR DREAM.

Byline: GIDEON RUBIN Special to the Daily News

QUARTZ HILL -- Matthew Villanueva began thinking big after winning last year's Golden Gloves district championship in Los Angeles.

But he never spoke about his ambition to represent the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and eventually turn pro, even with close friends.

``I didn't really know if I was good enough, so I pretty much just kept it to myself,'' Villanueva said.

Now he knows.

Villanueva's confidence got a major boost after winning the 119-pound division of the prestigious Desert Showdown in Coachella on July 15.

Villanueva, a 19-year-old Palmdale resident, said the Desert Showdown -- a tournament that featured top amateur boxers from across the United States and Mexico -- was the highlight of his career.

Now he's comfortable speaking freely about his dreams.

``If I go to the Olympics, I'll be recognized when I turn pro,'' he said. ``Even if I don't make the Olympics, I'll have the chance to fight against the best, and that'll make me better.''

He reached the title bout in three previous Desert Showdown appearances but never won.

Villanueva (12-3) is by no means an unknown in amateur boxing circles. But considering his experience level, his victory was a surprise.

Villanueva has been boxing for just four years. Before that, he competed in kick boxing and martial arts.

The tournament featured state champions in his division from Texas and Arizona. His championship bout opponent had logged 50 fights.

``A lot of my opponents had a lot more fights,'' he said. ``I was surprised.''

Villanueva ran track and cross country at Palmdale High before leaving his senior year for personal reasons. He completed his high school degree at Antelope Valley Adult School and is enrolled at Antelope Valley College.

His aspirations aren't so far-fetched, said his trainer, Mike Booton.

``He's a natural athlete,'' Booton said. ``If he just sticks to his training regiment, he's got as good a shot as anybody in his weight class.''

A key factor in Villanueva's development is a more aggressive approach he's developed working under Booton, who's coached him for three months.

Booton said the athletic Villanueva has learned to sit in the pocket, putting more of his weight into his punches. The result is a more powerful punch.

``Before he'd kind of slap out punches in a flurry,'' Booton said. ``Now he kind of sits in front and turns into his punches.

``He hits hard now, and that's made a big difference.''

Booton said Villanueva's unassuming disposition suits him well.

``I'll introduce new training methods and he won't say anything,'' Booton said. ``He just does it.''

Villanueva acknowledged there is no guarantee he will achieve his ambitious boxing goals. He is taking classes at AVC in preparation for a career as a radiologist just in case.

``I go to school as a second option in case I don't make it so I'll have something else to fall back on,'' he said. ``A lot of people don't make it.''

If Villanueva doesn't make it, Booton said it won't be for lack of effort.

Booton said he's never seen anyone push as hard as Villanueva, noting that he kept sparring with a partner even when it became apparent he was dehydrated amid last week's heat wave.

``He would pass out on the floor before he would complain about anything,'' Booton said. ``He's that type.''

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CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Boxer Matthew Villanueva, at Old School Boxing in Quartz Hill last week, kept his dreams of Olympic glory to himself. ``I didn't really know if I was good enough.''

(2 -- color) Coach Mike Booton says boxer Villanueva's Olympic ambitions are not so outrageous. ``He's a natural athlete.''

(3 -- color) Boxer Matthew Villanueva would keep sparring at the Old School Boxing in Quartz Hill recently, says coach Mike Booton, even during the heat wave. ``He would pass out on the floor before he would complain about anything.''

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer