Rayonta Whitfield: Augusta’s Boxing Pride and Youth Mentor
Augusta, Georgia native Rayonta Whitfield combined a professional flyweight career with youth coaching at the Augusta Boxing Club, where he grew up and later served as director. USA Boxing’s Georgia profile lists his club and coaching roles; Augusta Magazine reports on his work keeping the club open for young boxers.
Whitfield won the light-flyweight division at the 2002 National Golden Gloves tournament. The official champions list records the result.
In February 2009, Whitfield challenged Argentina’s Omar Narváez for the WBO flyweight title. Narváez stopped him in round ten. The National’s report covered the fight.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Whitfield for their 2009 Community Quarterback Award for his volunteer work with the Georgia Amateur Boxing Association. The team reported that he had coached more than 100 Augusta Boxing Club youth members as a volunteer assistant. The Falcons’ announcement describes the award and his service.
From club member to director
Whitfield joined Augusta Boxing Club at age ten after his uncle introduced him to the gym. His relationship with founder Tom Moraetes later extended beyond training. Moraetes involved him in meetings, paperwork and the practical responsibilities of running the organization, preparing him to take a leadership role.
When the club faced uncertainty over public funding, Whitfield helped work toward a future in which it could continue operating independently. Augusta Magazine’s 2023 account described the club as a nonprofit under his leadership and reported a city contribution in 2020 to support its sustainability.
A legacy beyond fight results
Whitfield’s championship challenge and Golden Gloves success explain his standing as a competitor, while the club’s continued operation shows another side of his boxing career. Coaching requires turning personal experience into daily instruction and maintaining a place where new boxers can train. In Whitfield’s case, that work connected the gym that developed him with the next generation of Augusta athletes.
Sources
Career records and reporting: atlantafalcons.com; boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
