Dan Carlton squares off with Ivan Moya

The National Amputee Boxing Association

is without a doubt comprised of men who do not know the meaning of quit. Comprised of primarily former service men who lost lower limbs in war time these athletes are serious about competing in the squared circle. You can knock these guys down but you can't keep them down.

Mike Marsh hits the canvass at Alcocer's Boxing Gym.

Some of the men use prosthetics that resemble the foot they lost while others, like retired Marine Sgt. Eric Morantes uses a "blade runner" style.

In front of Alcocer's Boxing Gym Eric Morante jumps rope.

Some of the boxers have one healthy undamaged limb while others have a second limb that was severely damaged by a bomb blast. Some who have lost their limbs did so in vehicle accidents but whatever the situation that brought them together was they are bound by the same determination, to compete in the ring. With limited resources they do what they learned to do in the military, overcome, adapt and achieve.

Joey Banegas wraps his hands before a work out.

The first time I encountered these men, led by their able bodied trainer Shaman Owensby, an Air Force veteran and Physical Trainer, was at Randazzo Boxing Gym. The old school gym located on the north east of San Antonio was hosting an amateur boxing tournament with the South Texas Boxing Association. During the intermission several boxers climbed into the ring, did mitt work, jumped rope and sparred. I was amazed by these guys.

Don't be surprised to see Army Captain, retired, Michael Taylor
 on a fight poster at your favorite boxing gym soon.

The State of Texas has recently licensed them to be an amateur boxing association and conduct public tournaments. Their first one is Sept. 27th, 2014 at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio. For information call 210-294-0252 or visit their website at http://www.nationalamputeeboxingassociation.org/