Broncos Take Home Two Victories In 2026 Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts
Jason Portales ’29 (left) celebrates his first boxing win at the 2026 Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts at the Malley Center in Santa Clara, Calif on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Two Santa Clara University students and one alumnus competed in the 2026 Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts—among the only free-to-watch bouts of the year— at home on Sunday, Feb. 15.
The event featured seven collegiate club boxing teams, along with the San José Police Activities League, which included recent University alumnus Jose Magallanes ’25. Competitors came from a variety of West Coast schools and were divided between the traditional blue and red corners.
The first bout kicked off with Nicholas Peterson of the University of Southern California facing Raghav Dhandi of the University of Washington at 125 pounds, with Dhandi securing the victory. The second bout followed at 156 pounds, as Javi Alejo of Sacramento State took on Rick Yu of UC Berkeley, with Alejo emerging victorious.
The Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts took place on two of the Malley Center’s basketball courts. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
The first fighter representing Santa Clara University was Justin Nubla ’29, stepping out of the red corner to face USC’s Faris Haddad in the blue at 165 pounds. The fight got off to a fast start, with Haddad showcasing quick footwork and a sharp jab. Nubla struggled to keep up in the first round, taking heavy contact to the face.
Audience members hold up signs while cheering on Justin Nubla ’29. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
“I normally go against people who are better than me,” said Nubla when asked about the fight. “You’re ready for anything. You get to learn from them.”
Nubla made a slight comeback in the second round as Haddad’s pace slowed, but the blows to his face were relentless.
Justin Nubla ’29 throws a punch that his opponent dodges. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Unfortunately, despite landing significant contact in the second and third round—Nubla suffered a home loss.
“It definitely is an honor to fight,” said Nubla in a post fight interview. “Honestly it just feels really good to be at home. It hits you with energy and a big motivation.”
Following Nubla’s unfortunate defeat, Sac State’s Sebastian Perez faced UW’s Evan Lee, with both fighters weighing in at 139 pounds. Lee secured the win, marking UW’s second victory of the day in the fourth bout.
Bout five—the finale before a brief intermission—featured UW’s Zeke Harmon and San José State’s Mohammad Giovanni in the heavyweight division, with Harmon further solidifying UW’s undefeated run.
The next Bronco fighter was Jason Portales ’29 from the red corner, coming to the ring with only five months of experience against SJSU’s Adan Nevel at 160 pounds.
Jason Portales ’29 prepares a punch. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Portales was incredibly quick in the first round, landing several hits on Nevel who failed to block in time with the hits—particularly to his body.
Although Portales slowed in the second round, allowing Nevel to gain back some of the momentum he lost in the first round, Portales—with speed and impactful shots to the trunk—took Santa Clara’s first victory.
Jason Portales ’29 listens to his coaches in between rounds. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
“Honestly, almost surreal,” said Portales when asked about his home victory. “I’ve never boxed before. Got to secure my first win. It’s like an unreal moment.”
Portales shared that he was on his way to call his mom following the victory.
Jason Portales ’29 bites his medal after winning his first boxing match on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 at the 2026 Dodge Ackerman Memorial Bouts in the Malley Center. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Coming off the excitement of Portales’ home victory, bout six featured UW’s Daniel Fang and UC Davis’ Juan Sanchez, both fighting at 147 pounds. The matchup resulted in another UW win, this time in Fang’s favor.
Uniquely, bout seven showcased two female fighters at 125 pounds: USC’s Zaynab Ali and UW’s Apple Tran. Tran secured a decisive victory, backed by her team’s relentless support throughout the fight, also marking a UW sweep.
University of Washington boxer Apple Tran throws a punch as USC’s Zaynab Ali puts up her arms to protect her head. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
The final fight of the afternoon featured recent Santa Clara alumnus Jose Magallanes, who recently competed at 190 pounds on behalf of the San José Police Academy, against Jarek Escobar from UC Berkeley.
Magallanes and Escobar employed a more restrained style, relying on strategic blocks and intentional feints rather than speed or chasing. Magallanes dominated the first round, landing strong, audible blows to both the body and face of his opponent.
Jose Magallanes ’29 throws a punch. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Jose Magallanes ’29 and his opponent UC Berkeley’s Jarek Escobar fight to make contact. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)
Although his energy waned in the second round and he took some hits, Magallanes remained a strong opponent, fighting confidently as Escobar showed signs of dizziness and unsteadiness. The referee deemed it safe to continue.
Ultimately, Magallanes secured a decisive victory, having thoroughly worn down his opponent. After the fight, the alumnus celebrated with a crowd of supporters, posing for a group photo with family, extended relatives and friends.