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Wise decision 4 years ago finds “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams 15-0 as pro today instead of elite amateur

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Mykquan Williams (Photo by Emily Harney / Team Williams) 

MANCHESTER, Conn. (September 9, 2019) – If not for a critical decision four years ago, 21-year-old “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams could very well be elite amateur training to compete for a spot on the 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team, rather than the 15-0 rising star that he is today in professional boxing.
 
Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), who lives in East Hartford (CT), has overcome life-altering obstacles in which his father was murdered when Mykquan was only eight months old, and the family house burned to the ground when he was 10.
 
Ineligible to compete for a roster spot on the 2016 USA Boxing Olympic Team because he was too young, Williams had two choices: remain an amateur for four years without any guarantees of qualifying for the Olympics, or get a jump start on his professional career. He chose the latter route and hasn’t looked back.
 
Williams was a decorated amateur whose style, in retrospect, is much better suited for pro boxing than the amateurs. He had a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to capturing top honors at the National PAL and National Silver Glove championships.
 
“I was too young for the last one,” Williams explained his decision to turn pro when he did.” Williams explained. I ended my amateur career after there were scoring changes. I lost some tough decisions. I decided to take the next step and go pro to get paid. My style was more suitable for the pros. I don’t throw 100 punches a round; I pick my spots when I have openings.
 
“I didn’t want to wait several years. I chose to turn pro (when he was a senior at Prince Tech). I’m already 15-0, climbing the rankings, and I’m getting paid to do this. I was meant to do this.”
 
Williams is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion, rated No. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), and No. 12 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).
 

 
“I believed that Mykey was ready to turn pro,” Kallen commented. “Under Paul’s tutelage he was far enough advanced and eager to tackle the pros. His style was perfectly suited for the pros and at 18 years old he was ready to take the leap. His youthful good looks made him an ideal young prospect.”
 
My concern at that time was the Olympic Team was no sure thing,” added Cichon, who has trained Williams for the past 10 years. I had the confidence in Mykey, but the risk wasn’t worth the gain. We decided to go pro.”
 
Four years later, instead of competing against America’s elite amateur boxers in his weight class – Keyshawn Davis, Bruce Carrington and Dalis Kaleiopu — at the 2020 Olympic Trials and USA Boxing’s National Championships, December 7-15, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Williams is one of the top 21-and-under prospects in boxing.
 
INFORMATION:
 
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen
boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

Javier Martinez making Milwaukee proud on the way to World Championships in Russia

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 19, 2019) – Milwaukee isn’t known as one of the leading producers of world-class boxers, however, Team USA middleweight
Javier Martinez may be the rare exception.

 
“Milwaukee isn’t really a great place for boxing,” Martinez agreed, “but (coach) Izzy Acosta always had a great program that produced a lot of national champions. Hopefully, one day I can do what he’s done for my city. We do have a few good fighters coming out of my gym who are still on the rise. Look out for my boy, Luis Feliciano, a former USA National champion (the 26-year-old junior welterweight is 12-0 as a pro with eight wins by knockout).”
 
The most famous fighter to come out of Milwaukee is world kickboxing champion Rick “The Jet” Rufus. There have been a few Milwaukee boxers of note over the years, including Myron “Pinky” Mitchell, who became the first junior welterweight champion of the world in 1922, Robert “Caveman” Moha (1910-15), former national champion Tyrone “The Butterfly” Trice, and Pan American Games bronze medalist and two-time national amateur champion, LeChaunce Shepard.
 
Martinez is currently training in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center for the World Championships, September 7-21, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
 
“It’s a good feeling and I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Martinez spoke about competing at the World Championships. “I love coming to Colorado; it’s like therapy for me, keeping me away from the distractions back home. I’m very excited to be going to Russia. I’m thankful to USA Boxing for all the opportunities I’ve had, and I hope to bring back a medal from Russia.”
 
Martinez says he didn’t have a normal childhood, explaining that he looked up to the wrong people. His life changed for the better when his father introduced him to boxing and meeting Coach Acosta, who was recently honored by the USA Boxing Alumni Association for his contributions to amateur boxing as a boxer and coach for the past half-century.
 
“I don’t know what I’d be doing today (if not for boxing),” noted Martinez, who turns 24 on August 24. “I just know that boxing was my way out of the ‘hood. Coach Izzy is a very loving person, and a great person to have around. He had a very good boxing career and it’s great to have a person like that in my corner.”
 
Martinez, who is the No. 2 ranked middleweight in the U.S., captured a gold medal at the 2018 Elite National Championships and silver at the 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. He’s also brought home bronze from the 2013 National Junior Olympics and Feliks Stamm Tournament.
 
Self-described as an awkward southpaw who can give anybody problems, Martinez’ short-term goal is to be an Olympic gold medalist, long-term to be world champion.
 
Javier Martinez is making Milwaukee proud by punchin’ his way to the top.
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
 
boxing, USA Boxing

Legendary Air Force Academy boxing coach Ed Weichers coached perfect storm

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 8, 2019) – Boxing coach Ed Weichers, a charter member of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, guided the United States Air Force Academy from 1976-2014 to a record of 19 national collegiate boxing team championships.

Coach Weichers’ Fighting Falcons’ squads produced a remarkable 258 All-America boxers and 97 individual champions.  His teams never finished lower than second in the nation for 27 years and he also served as president and vice president of the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA).

Coaching sports at a military school is much different, largely because student-athletes in most cases, especially boxing, are not professional prospects.  “Our Cadets were not trained to be elite level amateurs or pros,” the now 68-year-old Weichers explained.  “In 1976, the cost to put one Cadet through four years at the Academy was $80,000 but, in 2014, the year of my retirement, that figure was $417,000. Cadets are trained to go forward and serve.  They fly, fight, win and defend freedoms that we all enjoy.  Boxing at the next level is not part of the discussion.  I got calls at the time about our boxers going to the next level, fighting in Tough Man Contests, etc.  My answer is and has always been consistent: ‘You are not trained to be a boxer in the Air Force. Do not jeopardize your pilot qualifications or commission ability with a boxing injury.’ The Air Force has an investment in them, and I urged them to go forward and serve.  I send them back to the real purpose of the boxing class/program at AFA. It teaches them how to handle press, stress, fear and anxiety.  Boxing gives them the self confidence and self esteem to make good decisions in combat under pressure.  The ability to handle these pressures and make good decisions are the difference in life and death in combat.”

Coach Weichers, of course, attributes a large share of his success to the Cadets, who are intelligent, disciplined and team oriented.   All Cadets take a mandatory core curriculum boxing course (10 lessons) their freshman year, followed by an intramural boxing program comprised of 40 squadron teams with a minimum of eight to a maximum of 16 boxers per team.  

Not only did Weichers work with this incredible feeder system, the next step was the AFA Wing Open Boxing Championships, in which Cadets voluntarily signed-up to compete in one of 12 divisions to box for the No. 1 spot, earning a roster spot on the AFA Intercollegiate boxing team that competes in regional and national tournaments.  The advancing 12 Cadets represented the entire Air Force Academy.

“Bottom line,’ Coach Weichers noted, “this formula was a perfect storm.  I must give credit to and thank two Physical Education Department heads, Col. Don Peterson and Col. Larry Fariss, and two athletic directors who were instrumental to our support and success, Col. John Clune and Col. Randy Spetman.

“I was blessed with young men who I describe as overachievers.  Cadets are tenacious.  We built on an individual sport with a team concept.  I had great assistant coaches, the best training facilities, and an environment of being surrounded by quality people in all phases.”

After he retired as head boxing coach at the Air Force Academy, Weichers led Team USA in 2014 and 2015 to five medals, including two golds, at the Pan American Games in Toronto.

“The plan was to hire Billy Walsh, who was the head coach of Team Ireland,” Weichers added. “I committed to sponsor Coach Walsh upon his arrival and make his transition smooth.  I did that and Coach Walsh and I have become good friends.  He is the correct man for the job, and he brings a great resume and reputation.  He has helped turn the program around and created a winning culture.  Team USA is back, ranked among the top 10 in the world, and that is a direct result of Coach Walsh.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Weichers joined the USA Boxing Alumni Association because he is a huge supporter of John Brown, former President and current Vice President of USA Boxing.

“John had the idea or concept (to form the alumni association) and I looked at the purpose and thought it would be a way to honor and recognize those who contributed over the years,” Weichers remarked.  “I hope that successful professionals from the past and present recognize those who contributed over the years.  I also hope that they remember their roots were with USA Boxing and give back.  We all had help and our start and success did not happen alone.  Be humble and grateful and give back.”

Weichers is high on Team USA, especially its overall potential in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, saying, “We’re solid going into 2020. The key to success, in my opinion, is head coach Billy Walsh.  He is very experienced.  His reputation and resume are top shelf.  Coach Walsh is well known and respected on the international level.  He has the ability to reach out to other countries and make positive things happen for our athletes.  He has adjusted the culture in our boxing program, identifying our strengths, and making adjustment where weak.  Coach Walsh brings leadership and credibility.  Bottom line, we have the right coach for the job in place.”

Weichers’ association with the NCBA led to his relationship with USA Boxing at various levels and capacities.  He has always felt gratified to give back to boxing, as well as an obligation to grow the sport at every level. 

“I was lucky/blessed to work in a place I refer to as Camelot,” Weichers concluded.  “It’s an athletic paradise; core values, honor code, and a mission that anyone can connect with and admire. I can say that I am a better person for my experience at the Air Force Academy.

“I love the sport of boxing, because of what it did for me, in terms of molding my life. The gratification that comes with seeing how young men and women grow and mature, as a result of their experience with boxing was very positive.

And countless Cadets are better people because they were coached by Ed Weichers.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States.  The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States. 

boxing, USA Boxing, women's boxing

Oshae Jones Makes History at 2019 Pan American Games

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LIMA, Peru (August 2, 2019) — Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio) made history on the first night of finals at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru by becoming the first ever women’s welterweight Pan American Games gold medalists. This marked the first time in Pan American Games history the women would have five weight classes, compared to the two previous Games having three weight classes.

Jones defeated Myriam DaSilva of Canada by unanimous decision, winning all three rounds, 10-9, from two judges, and two of the three rounds, 10-9, from one judge. 

This marked the second time Jones and DaSilva went head-to-head, with Jones defeating her 5-0 at the Pan American Games Qualifier earlier this year.

Jones’ previously defeated Atheyna Bylon of Panama in the quarterfinals and M. Moronta Herand of the Dominican Republic in the semifinals to make the finals of these championships. 

Team USA will look to close out their most successful Pan American Games since 1983, tomorrow night with four boxers going for gold, Keyshawn Davis (Norfolk, Va.), Virginia Fuchs (Houston, Texas), Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, Ohio). Their four medals will be added to Jones’ gold medal and the five bronze medals won earlier this week by Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Mass.), Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio), Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.). 

Follow the Americans final day of boxing by clicking here: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Boxing/2019-Pan-American-Games

Results

69 kg: Oshae Jones, Toledo, Ohio/USA, dec. over Myriam DaSilva/CAN, 5-0

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring Patriot, Olympian & now World Champ

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USA Boxing Alumni: (L) Jamel Herring and his stablemate, Terence “Bud” Crawford
(picture courtesy of Mikey Williams / Top Rank)
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 13, 2019) – Newly crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring has been a fighter practically all his life as a U.S. Marine and elite boxer.
 
The 33-year-old Herring (20-2, 10 KOs), fighting out of Cincinnati, has come full circle since he started boxing at the age of 15. “I started because I was doing poorly in school, cut from the basketball team,” he explained on why he chose the Sweet Science. “I didn’t want to be in the streets. It was not my character, so I had to find something else to do. A friend introduced me to boxing and I stuck with it. I eventually got my grades back up and made high honor roll.”
 

Herring also developed into an Olympic boxer, mostly while he was serving nine years in the U.S. Marines, and even when he was deployed twice in Iraq.   He compiled an 81-15 amateur record, including top honors at the 2011 & 2012 Armed Forces Championships, 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials and 2012 US Nationals gold medalist, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Military Games. He was the first active duty U.S. Marine to qualify for the US Boxing Team since 1992, as well as the first U.S. Marine to compete in the 2012 Olympics.
 
“I boxed a little during my second deployment during free time,” he noted. “I came back from my second deployment toward the end of 2007 and began boxing for the Marine Corps in 2008. Most of my amateur career came under the Marine Corps. I learned a lot traveling with the Marine Corps. I got to see more styles and competed in national tournaments as a Marine. They also had the funding to send me.”
 
The highlight of his amateur career was representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London as captain of Team USA. Although he lost (19-9) in the opening round to two-time Kazakh boxer Daniyar Yeleussinov, who won gold at the 2013 World Championships and later at the 2016 Olympics, the opening Olympic ceremonies was the most memorable moment of his entire amateur boxing career for a special reason.
 
“That was the anniversary of my daughter’s passing,” Herring said. “It let me know that no matter what, you can still accomplish anything, even through ups and downs.”
 
Other members of the 2012 USA Olympic Team Herring captained included present day world champions in the pro ranks such as Errol Spence, Jr., Claressa Shields and Marcus Browne, former world champion Rau’Shee Warren, and world title challengers Terrell Gausha, Michael Hunter and Dominic Breazeale.
 
 
Herring remains close to USA Boxing, saying: “USA Boxing helped me because of the relationships I created, many of which still remain today. I met other fighters from around the world that I kept good relationships with. It also helped me become more of the people-person I am today. Being team captain taught me patience, because I had to deal with a lot of personalities, I still use those traits today. And I’m still close to my Olympic teammates today.”
 

USA Boxing Alumni Association
 
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
 
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
 
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
 

 
“Jamel is the perfect example of resiliency and persistence,” mentioned Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “His hard work, sacrifice, and inability to quit no matter what obstacles he encounters will continue to inspire the next generation of champions for many years. The USA Boxing Alumni Association wants to thank him for all that he has given to others, both in and out of the ring.”
 
Nothing has ever come easy for Jamel Herring, especially his remarkable turnaround after the tragic loss of his infant daughter, Ariyanah, which happened three years to the day prior to the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.
 
“My road wasn’t easy,” Herring added, “I had my ups and downs. I’m an Olympian, but nothing was ever handed to me. I had to fight for everything I’ve gotten. This is my time!”
 
It certainly is, particularly after he defeated defending WBO super featherweight champion Masayuki Ito, this past May 25, to become world champion. Proof that good things do indeed happen to good people.


INFORMATION:www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing standout bantamweight Duke Ragan fighting for his daughter’s future

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 29, 2019) – Boxers fight for a variety of reasons. Team USA bantamweight Duke Ragan is driven in the gym and ring by his two-year-old daughter, Kennedy Ragan.

 
The 21-year-old Ragan trains with his fellow elite squad members in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which is a long way from his home and daughter in Cincinnati.
 
“It is difficult being away from her,” Ragan admitted, “but she motivates me. I’m boxing for our future.”
 
Ragan’s future in boxing is bright. He is the No. 1 bantamweight in the United States, who plans to cash-out after the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
 
Although he had his first amateur match when he was seven, Ragan was practically born to box, evident by pictures of him as an infant wearing baby boxing gloves. His father and coach, Derek “Duke” Ragan, who named his son with his own nickname, had a lot of friends who were boxers. When Duke’s older brother by six years, Lewis Walker, trained at their uncle Sean Singleton‘s gym, young Duke was being trained in the house by his father.
 
“I played other sports when I was young, but I didn’t in high school,” Ragan said. “My father started training me when I was six and a year later, I was at the gym training and sparring. I didn’t want to play any sports other than boxing.”
 
Ragan has a 151-19 amateur record, highlighted by his silver-medal performance at the 2017 World Championships. He captured gold at the 2016 & 2018 Elite National Championships, qualifying him for the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing, as well as at the 2016 National Golden Gloves Championships.
 

In addition to winning a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships, Ragan has been successful in other International competition, taking top honors at the 2017 Chemistry Cup, runner-up at the 2018 Presidents Cup, and third place finishes in the 2017 Continental Championships and 2019 Pan American Qualifier in Nicaragua. In the latter tournament, Ragan lost in the semifinals to Ecuadorian Jean Caicedo, 3-2, to qualify for the Pan-American Games, July 27 in Lima, Peru.
 
Ragan is looking forward to avenging his controversial loss to Caicedo at the Pan-American Games. “I was the No. 1 seed at the Pan American Qualifier, and I think I’ll be the No. 1 seed at the Pan American Games,” Ragan commented. “I think I got a bad decision in the semifinals. There will be some good competition at the Pan American Games, but nobody for me to worry about.”
 
Self-described as a pure boxer who enjoys moving around the ring snapping jabs, Ragan also has sufficient power to put opponents to sleep. He wants to become part of Cincinnati’s rich boxing history, which has produced all-time greats such as Aaron Pryor,Ezzard Charles, Adrian Broner, Rau’shee Warren and Tim Austin, among others.
 
“Pryor and Charles boxed in the same community where I grew up,” Ragan noted. “I really haven’t done anything yet, but it would be cool to be world champion like them.”
 
USA Boxing has played a major role in Ragan’s young life and, if he gets his wish, it’ll continue to be for at least another year or so. “My main focus is 2020, I’ll worry about turning pro after that,” he remarked. “Amateur boxing has brought me a long way. I’m more disciplined, better focused, and a much smarter boxer. I have a higher boxing IQ. I’ve also had to learn to make sacrifices, because I’ve got to be a man to make time for my young daughter. All of this is getting me ready to be a professional.
 
Ragan has traveled around the world as a Team USA boxer having been to Germany and Kazakhstan (twice apiece), Poland, Bulgaria and Nicaragua. Ultimately, Duke Ragan wants to continue representing his country and traveling all over the world, hopefully, booking a trip to Tokyo next year.
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @Duke1Ragan
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
 
boxing, USA Boxing

Lightweight Keyshawn Davis preparing to go gold digging next year in Japan at 2020 Olympics

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 20, 2019) – Team USA lightweight Keyshawn Davis has been preparing all of his young life to represent his country in the Olympics. If everything goes as planned and remains on schedule, the Norfolk, Virginia native will be boxing for gold next year in Japan.

 
The 20-year-old Davis, who sports a 110-15 amateur record, is racking up medals at such a torrid pace that he desperately needs to expand his display case. He is a two-time Elite National (2017-18) and two-time National PAL (2013-14) champion, as well as a gold medalist at the 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier, 2017 Youth Open and 2017 National Golden Gloves.
 
Internationally, he’s done some serious damage, too. The highlight of his amateur career, to date, is winning gold at last year’s Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria. Davis recently captured silver at the 2019 Pan-American Games Qualifier in Nicaragua, in addition to the 2018 Chemistry Cup in Germany.
 
“I won my first International gold medal in Bulgaria,” Davis agreed with it being the highlight of his amateur career. “I was also selected as the Most Outstanding Boxer.”
 
His victory at the 2018 USA Nationals qualified him for the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing, while his silver at the Pan American Games Qualifier qualified him for the Pan American Games (July 27-August 2) in Lima, Peru. This year he will also be competing at the Elite Men’s World Championships (Sept. 7-21) in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
 
“Qualifying for the Olympic Trials really wasn’t much of an accomplishment for me because it was expected,” Davis noted. “For me it was to get on Team USA, again and this is my second year on the team.
 
“There’s no real competition for me to qualify for the USA Olympic Boxing Team. My last fight in The Nationals was a little bit of a challenge (vs. Dalis Kaleiopu), because I slipped and got up.”
 
At the Pan American Games, Davis could very well face the Cuban boxer who defeated him by a score of 3-2 at the Pan American Games Qualifier, Andy Cruz, setting up a possible rubber match between the two elite boxers next year at the Olympic Games.
 
“There’s a very good chance we’ll fight again at the Pan-Am Games, most likely in Japan, as well,” Davis added. “We have to win two rounds to qualify for the finals and for me to get my revenge. Cruz has a lot more International experience than I do. He’s 26 years old and World Champion in our weight class.”
 
Davis started boxing when he was nine when, tired of Keyshawn and his two brothers fighting each other and in school, his mother asked if they wanted to go to the gym to learn how to box. They did and today, his older (Kelvin) and younger (Keon) brothers are also amateur boxers.
  
Not long after that he met Troy Isley, who is a fellow member of Team USA, and today they’re as close as brothers.
 
“I met Troy way back, after I first started boxing,” Davis remembered. “We’d meet up at the Nationals and other tournaments and hang together with my brothers. My coach retired, so I went to Troy’s gym (Alexandria, VA) and started working with Coach Kay (Koroma, USA Assistant National Boxing Coach). We’re getting close to our dream (representing the USA in the Olympics) that started so long ago that it seems unreal to be getting close. You can expect two boxers from Virginia to come back from Japan with gold medals. We’re like brothers.”
 
“Coach Kay first cornered me when I was 13. He’s a great coach who wants us to succeed in life, not just in the ring. He wants the best for us. We have one of the best U.S. boxing teams in a long time and it’s going to show in Japan. We always help each other out and this is a very exciting time for us right now.”
 
Another close friend of Keyshawn’s is, 2018 Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson, who has been through what Keyshawn is approaching, and is now at the level as a professional prospect in which Davis aspires to reach.
 
“Shakur has always supported me,” Davis continued. “We talk a lot. Honestly, it’s hard for me not to think about turning pro, because my amateur career will be over after the Olympics. I’ve always been taught to have a plan, so I’ve been preparing, business-wise, looking into my options (manager and promoter), and to stay on the right track from the amateurs to pros.”
 
If he wasn’t a boxer, Davis figures he’d be a realtor, but he’s thoroughly enjoying the life as a boxer.
 
“This has been a great experience,” Davis spoke about his amateur boxing career, “especially this year getting ready for the Pan AMs. I’ve had opportunities to travel and meet people, but the best part is being part of a team like this. Boxing is an individual sport but, outside the ring, we’re always pushing hard for each other.
 
“I thank God every day when I get up for putting me in this position. All I want to do is provide for me and my family. At my age, I’m ahead of the game.”
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Troy Isley coming off biggest win, Preparing for 2020 Olympics

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 6, 2019) – USA Boxing middleweight Troy Isley is coming off the most significant victory of his young career, when he defeated the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Cuba’s Arlen Lopez, at the recent Pan American Games Qualifier in Managua, Nicaragua.

 
Lopez served as a positive barometer for Isley in terms of his potential 2020 Olympic run. “Beating Lopez is my biggest win so far,” Isley admitted. “He won a gold medal at the last Olympics. I avenged my loss to him in 2017. We almost fought in The Continentals, but he lost in the quarterfinals, and I lost in the semifinals. We could face each other again in July at the Pan American Games.”
 
In 2017, Isley captured a gold medal at the Elite World Championships, which marked a first for an American elite boxer in six years. He’s progressed year-by-year, taking top honors at the 2012 & 2013 National PAL Championships, 2014 National Junior Olympics, 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. So far this year, in addition to winning at the Pan American Games Qualifier, he also took gold at the Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria.
 
Not too shabby accomplishments for a kid who really didn’t like boxing, especially compared to football, which was his favorite sport growing up.
 
“When I returned to the gym I trained at, Alexandria (VA) Boxing Club,” USA National Team assistant coach Kay Koromba remembered,” they needed help with a young kid, Troy Isley. I had a simple conversation with him. He said he’d come back to the gym if I was there coaching. I didn’t go back for a little while and he didn’t return. I eventually took over the gym when the coach left, and Troy returned.
 
“Troy is friends with Keyshawn Davis (USA Boxing’s No. 1-rated lightweight). They both live in Virginia (Troy in Alexandria, Keyshawn in Newport) and train with me at the Alexandria Boxing Club, when we aren’t living and training in Colorado Springs. They fought as kids and became good friends. All of the other boxers here look up to them.”
 
“I was only 8 and at first I really didn’t like boxing,” the now 20-year-old Isley spoke about his introduction to amateur boxing. “I was more interested in team sports like football, but I gave up boxing when I chose to compete in the Box-Offs. I just wanted to be a kid and you can’t play boxing. I went back to the gym and beat up everybody. Coach Kay told my father that he could make me into a national champion, and that gave me a lot of self-esteem.”
 
A self-described boxer puncher, Isley is an intelligent, well-spoken boxer with eyes on the future, outside of boxing, taking on-line business courses through DeVry University. “I can do it all,” he offered about his boxing style. “I’m working on using more jabs to be a better all-around boxer. The jab sets the offense up. I’m working on my jab because you can win fights with a jab.”
 
Promoters are lining up to pitch their companies to sign Isley, who has a definitive plan that involves making the 2020 USA Olympic Boxing Team, medal in Japan, and then turn professional.
 
“The Olympics is only a year away,” Isley noted. “I’m close with Keyshawn and Shakur(Stevenson, 2016 Olympic silver-medalist and an 11-0 pro prospect). Training with them makes things easier for all of us. We drive each other and train against different styles. I’m always picking up new stuff. We help each other training, sparring, and just talking. We’re always together, either in Alexandria or Colorado Springs. Shakur still goes there for good sparring.
 
“Shakur tells us a lot about his experiences in the Olympics and now as a pro. Me and Keyshawn have always talked about being together on the USA Boxing Olympic Team. We keep working hard and staying focused. It’s been our dream.”
 
Dreams do come true but, first, Isley is preparing for the Pan-Am Games and, possibly, his rubber match with the defending Olympic gold-medalist, Lopez.
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
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boxing, USA Boxing

Elite Men Kick Off 2019 Western Elite Qualifier

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RENO, Nev. (March 26, 2019) – The 2019 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships kicked off last night with 96 elite boxers taking to the rings to begin their journey in hopes of punching their ticket to the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing this December. 

The three rings saw 16 exciting bouts in each ring to give a preview of what is to come during the week-long tournament at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nev. This year’s edition of the Western Elite Qualifier is the second event of the USA Boxing Olympic Trials Qualifying Series, which will see two boxers in each elite Olympic weight class advance to the Trials. 

 
Action continues today with two sessions of boxing, beginning at noon with the prep and junior divisions, while the youth and elite men and women’s divisions will take to the ring beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST. 
 
Follow all the action this week, including our free live stream, by clicking here.   

INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
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amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Graham and Torrez Jr. Win Gold; Coe Takes Silver in Finals of 2019 Strandja Tournament

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Team USA Leaves Sofia, Bulgaria with eight medals

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (February. 19, 2019) — The 70th edition of the Strandja Tournament came to a close today with Team USA winning two gold and one silver to add to the five bronze medals they won in yesterday’s semifinals in Sofia, Bulgaria.

2018 Elite Women’s World Championships bronze medalist Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added another medal to her impressive international resume after defeating Sweden’s Love Holgersson by split decision. This marks the middleweights fourth international medal since the beginning of 2018.
 
Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.) closed out the tournament in spectacular fashion to take another international gold medal. Torrez took all five judges’ cards over the host countries Petar Belberov to earn his second elite international gold medal. At the conclusion of the tournament, Torrez was named on the Boxers of the Tournament. 
 
2018 breakout star Khalil Coe (Jersey City, N.J.) picked up a silver medal following a walkover win by Russia’s Imam Khataev.
 
Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio), Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) and Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned bronze for Team USA in yesterday’s semifinal bouts.
 
Team USA began the tournament with 25 boxers with Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) leading the American delegation throughout the tournament, along with USA Boxing National Assistant Coach Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Rasheen Ali (Cleveland, Ohio), Tim Back (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kevin Benford (Cincinnati, Ohio), Joe Guzman (Fountain, Calif.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas) served on the coaching staff during the tournament. This year’s tournament saw over 300 boxers from over 30 different countries step into the ring.
 
The delegation will return to the United States tomorrow.
 
You can look back at the United States performances throughout the tournament by clicking here.
 
Finals Results
 
75 kg: Naomi Graham, Colorado Springs, Colo./USA, dec. over Love Holgersson/SWE, 3-2
81 kg: Imam Khataev/RUS won by walkover over Khalil Coe, Jersey City, N.J./USA, WO
91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Calif./USA, dec. over Petar Belberov/BUL, 5-0
 
INFORMATION:
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Twitter: @USABoxing
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Facebook: /USABoxing