377 MDG boxer takes Golden Gloves title Published March 28, 2013 By Adam Bailey Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Staff Sgt. Darrell Macklin, of the 377th Medical Group at Kirtland AFB, won the novice light heavyweight (178-pound) division at the San Antonio Golden Glove tournament in February. In boxing, the novice class is for fighters who have competed in fewer than 10 sanctioned USA Boxing matches. Macklin is one of nine people who make up the Air Force boxing team. "I've been training hard for the last two months, with eight-hour days that include two or three sessions," said Macklin. Macklin trains with a local coach at Jackson's Mixed Martial & Fitness Academy. The Golden Glove tournament was Macklin's first big boxing match. The regional competition featured teams from the San Antonio area, along with the Air Force team. The Air Force was down 0-4 before Macklin and a teammate secured wins. Macklin was matched against Vice Padron of Randazzo Brothers Boxing Club. The bout lasted three rounds before Macklin was declared the winner. "You get hit, you want to hit back," Macklin said about what helped motivate him to win. Macklin said he needs more fights under his belt to qualify for the USA National Championships in April. Macklin said he has enjoyed boxing so much that he's considering boxing as a second career.