WINNING PUNCH BOXING PROGRAM HAS RING OF SUCCESS.

Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer

NEWHALL -- The founding father of Newhall's boxing program started celebrating Father's Day a little early this year -- in the ring -- surrounded by a couple hundred people.

After Saturday's ceremony honoring Arthur Magana for establishing the program a dozen years ago, he hung tough in the corner behind his young boxers, coaching them in an amateur boxing show.

Fourteen-year-old Rubi Valerio, who swapped her boxing shoes for powder blue high tops after she scored a knockout in her first match, gave him high marks.

``He supports me in every way,'' she said.

A.J. Morales, 17, may not have won his first bout, but he knows what it feels like to be a winner.

``For me (boxing's) harder mentally. You want to keep your focus in the ring but you're nervous and excited,'' he said. ``Anyone can throw punches and hit somebody, but to keep your cool and stick with your game plan -- if you can do that you should be pretty proud of yourself.''

Magana -- affectionately known as Chico -- has helped build his self-esteem and gives good advice and encouragement, Morales said.

The program started in Magana's carport in 1991, when neighborhood kids gathered to watch the former Golden Gloves champion pound punching bags. Gang members were well-represented.

Magana connected with the gangbangers; he knew the life firsthand.

``My life has been tough. I used to do that before,'' he said. ``Boxing has been good for me ... teaching me how to exercise, how to be a better person. It has taught me a lot of discipline. It's the same for the kids.''

After about three years, city officials heeded his plea for an official program and provided space in the old center where Magana set up his own equipment.

The boxing program moved into the new Santa Clarita Community Center when it opened in January. A gym outfitted with ample equipment stations and a long mirrored wall welcomed participants, who number about 250. A conditioning room sits alongside.

A man who has coached boxing for 46 years and has counted Magana a friend for 20, says Magana imparts far more than technique.

``Chico relates very well to young men ... to kids that are at risk,'' said Willie Flores, who manages the Police Activity League boxing program in Santa Maria. ``I have noticed throughout the years a lot of kids really look up to him. You can tell by the quality of boxers that he brings.''

Magana's son Donny, 24, who trained with his dad in earnest at 12 and now trains with him for fun, says he willingly shared his father with other kids during the many evenings and weekends as he grew up.

``I think my dad has opened their eyes,'' Donny Magana said. ``Rather than being in trouble and just hanging out ... they're joining a program where they're able to visit other states, in tournaments.''

For Donny the spillover includes discipline, motivation and relaxation.

Magana's boss, boxing coordinator Gilbert Amaro, said Chico gets ``kids in a safe environment and mentors them.''

At the national office of USA Boxing in Colorado Springs, which is the national governing body for amateur boxing, the staff works with elite athletes and Olympians. But the story is the same.

``When I ask how they got started in boxing, they say they got in trouble and an aunt, uncle or mom took them to a gym and gave them a positive outlet,'' said the organization's spokeswoman, Julie Goldsticker. ``The boxing program provides many critical aspects to them -- discipline, focus ... it gives them something positive to put their energy toward.''

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Photo:

(1 -- 3 -- color) Fernando Florez and Ruben Espinoza, above, both 14, trade punches during a bout at the Santa Clarita Community Center. The Santa Clarita Boxing Program sponsored an amateur event at the center Saturday. Below left, Justin Baragha holds up his hand while Arthur Magana tapes him up, while, below right, Magana gives instruction to Rubi Valerio, 14, before a bout.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer