Tahlequah, OK — In a town steeped in tradition and community pride, Anthony Vazquez is making his own mark with gloves on and head down, grinding toward greatness in the ring.
The 22-year-old amateur boxer from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has become a standout in the state’s fight scene. Known for his fast hands, sharp footwork, and relentless focus, Vasquez is more than just a local talent—he’s a name to remember.
At the center of his rise is longtime coach and mentor Arlow Jumper, a respected figure in Oklahoma’s combat sports community. Jumper, a former fighter himself, saw something special in Vasquez early on.
“Anthony has heart. That’s something you can’t teach,” Jumper says. “He’s coachable, he listens, and most important—he shows up every single day.”
Vazquez began boxing at 18, walking into a local gym just looking for a way to stay active. Under Jumper’s guidance, that spark quickly turned into serious potential. By 19, he was entering tournaments. Now, with an amateur record of 6-4 with one stoppage, he’s preparing for bigger opportunities—state competitions, Golden Gloves, and possibly the pro ranks down the line.
Training under Jumper is no walk in the park. Early morning roadwork, hours on the mitts, and grueling sparring sessions are the norm.
“Coach Arlow doesn’t let me slack,” Vazquez says. “He holds me accountable. He’s tough, but it’s all love.”
Beyond the ring, Vazquez works a steady job and helps train younger fighters at the gym—a habit Jumper encouraged early on to keep him grounded.
“He’s not just becoming a fighter,” Jumper adds. “He’s becoming a leader.”
For Vazquez, it’s about more than winning. It’s about representing Tahlequah, honoring the people who’ve supported him, and proving that greatness doesn’t need a big-city backdrop.
“I fight for my town,” Vazquez says. “I fight for my family. And I fight to show that you can come from a small place and still chase big dreams.”
With Arlow Jumper in his corner and the drive to keep climbing, Anthony Vazquez is a name we’re going to be hearing more of.
And come fight night, he’ll be ready.
Photo Credit: Roberto Villa
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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