This week’s Athlete of the Week is Ben Holmes, who won the Adidas National Boxing Championship title in his division May 16 and helped his Malibu Little League team, the Red Sox, win their first round playoff game last week.
At the boxing championship, Holmes knocked his opponent down three times for a standing eight counts, earning him the title for 13- to 14-year-olds in the 155-pound class. He also helped his Oxnard Police Activities boxing team earn second place in the team championships out of more than 220 boxers from throughout California and several other states.
Holmes has been boxing for nearly three years. He is the godson of two-time Heavyweight Champion George Foreman.
In addition to boxing, Holmes had a successful week in baseball. He helped his Little League team, the Red Sox, earn a decisive 13-4 win in their first round playoff game. Holmes hit a single, going one for one, walked twice, stole a base, scored two runs and got one RBI.
The all-around athlete is also on the track and field team and has played football for the Westlake Braves since he was six years old. He has earned shot put medals at various track meets, including the Catholic Youth Organization Championship meet two weeks ago. Additionally, Holmes plans on playing for the Westlake Senior Youth Football team next season, playing both defensive tackle and offensive left tackle.
Holmes is in the sixth grade at Our Lady of Malibu School and lives on Point Dume.