Tag Archives: amateur boxing

Is USA Boxing Nationals Champion Jared Anderson America’s next great heavyweight?

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (December 21, 2017) – Christmas came early for Jared Anderson, who not only won the heavyweight title at the recent USA Boxing National Championships, the 18-year-old also captured the Most Outstanding Boxer Award in the Elite Division.
Seeded No. 7 in an eight-boxer field at The Nationals, Anderson, in order, defeated No. 2 Jesus Flores in the opening round, 5-0, edged No. 3 Adrian Tillman in the semifinals, 3-2, and upset five-time national champion Cam F. Awesome, 5-0, in the championship final.
In USA Boxing’s most recently listed heavyweight ratings (Nov. 17, 2017), Tillman and Awesome are ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively, Flores is No. 5, and Anderson is unranked.
“I think that’s going to change,” Anderson noted. “Winning the heavyweight title and Most Outstanding Boxing Award meant the world to me. Maybe some people had never heard of me, but I’ve been boxing since I was eight, and I’ve faced a lot of different styles.
“I had a vendetta going with Tillman and, instead of boxing, I tried to take his head off. Simple work allowed me to beat Awesome. He is a good fighter. Cam does what he wants in the ring — throws jabs, sits there and builds up points – and intimidates some opponents. I took the fight to him. Not wild, though, because he’d have been there in the ring, calm and smiling, and I would have lost. I used my jab more than anything against him.”
One of 11 siblings in two households, Anderson is another USA Boxing success story. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson was constantly getting into trouble in school and boxing eventually saved him. His mother convinced her son to meet a local boxing coach, who introduced Jared to boxing, drilling discipline into him, something Jared desperately needed at that point in his young life.
Boxing in Toledo has also aided his overall development in boxing. “We push each other,” Anderson explained. “We support each other and perfect our crafts. There’s a lot of support here at all the gyms in Toledo.”
Anderson represented Team USA at this past August’s 2017 Bradenburg Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, at which Anderson won the heavyweight title, as well as the Most Outstanding Boxer Award, which should have been a warning for other leading U.S. heavyweights.
As a young boxer, Anderson admired three legends who were all products of USA Boxing, U.S. Olympians and Olympic medal winners: 1. Sugar Ray Leonard – “Fast hands, speed, a phenomenal boxer.” 2. Evander Holyfield – “A warrior who could bang or box. Moved up successfully from cruiserweight to heavyweight.” 3.Muhammad Ali — “Not just because he was a great boxer, but more so because of his life.”
Right now, Anderson stand 6′ 2 and weighs 200 lbs., but he’s only 18 and should continue growing even larger. Ultimately, he wants to be heavyweight champion of the world, but Jared does have a plan.
“I want to stay as active as possible next year, competing in tournaments, and turn pro but not until after the (2020) Olympics,” Anderson concluded. “I’m not turning pro until after the (2020) Olympics. I want to win a gold medal, turn pro and win the world heavyweight title, so I can move my mother out of the ‘hood.”
Remember the name, boxing fans, Jared Anderson has the potential to be America’s next great heavyweight.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
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.
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2016 Olympic Silver Medalist  SHAKHRAM  GIYASOV Arrives in U.S.A. to Start Pro Career

 
LAS VEGAS, NV (December 18, 2017) – Uzbekistani superstar and 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, Shakhram Giyasov, has landed in the United States, and will settle in Las Vegas, NV, to start his pro career.  As a professional, Giyasov will campaign in the welterweight division, where he was a sensational amateur standout.
At age 24, Giyasov who stands at 5’9″, is one of the most talented boxers to enter the professional ranks in the last decade.  This past summer in Hamburg, Germany, the right handed Giyasov captured Gold (Welterweight) at the 2017 International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Championships.  Giyasov’s victory in the finals against Cuba’s Roniel Iglesias, the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, came to no one’s surprise, as the Uzbekistan was the #1 seed entering the tournament.  Shakhram was voted best boxer of the tournament by his peers, winning 56% of the AIBA online poll.
“I have arrived in the United States of America and plan to establish myself as the next great champion from Uzbekistan,” said Shakhram Giyasov. “My goal is to conquer the welterweight division and become a pound-for-pound champion.  I set my goals high because I believe in myself and the team I’ve put around me.  Together we will go to the top.”
Giyasov, who is a mega-star in his native land of Uzbekistan, is managed by Ruslan Khusinov, an international sports agent with ties to some of the best amateur boxers in the world.  His reasoning for bringing Giyasov to the bright lights of Las Vegas was easy, to establish his brand in the mecca of professional boxing.
“We are very please with our decision to bring Shakhram Giyasov to Las Vegas,” said Ruslan Khusinov. “Everyone recognizes Las Vegas as the mecca of boxing and this is where we want to build our foundation.  I have big plans to make Giyasov a super-star here in the States, just like back home where his popularity is undeniable.”
Training Giyasov, will be Justin Gamber, who guides the corner of undefeated world ranked contender, Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (16-0, 10 KOs).  Gamber believes Giyasov can jump on the fast track to a world title.
“In today’s boxing game, you have many boxers with high amateur pedigree’s, fighting for a world title before their 15th pro fight,” Justin Gamber stated. “I believe Giyasov fits that mold.  I can see him fighting for a world title early in his career.”

Popular winter tradition continues 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship

Central N.E. preliminary round starts  
Jan. 5 at Lowell Auditorium
LOWELL, Mass. (December 14, 2017) — The 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship commences Friday night, January 5, with Central New England (Greater Lowell) preliminary-round action, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium. See the complete 2018 Central N.E. and All-New England Championship schedules below.
Leading boxers expectED to compete in this year’s Central N.E. tournament include national-rated Jess Flores(Methuen, MA), Zachary Calmus(Gloucester, MA), Rashida Ellis(Lynn, MA), Kim Wabik (Everett, MA),Melanie Costa (Norton, MA),Jennifer Perella (Boston, MA), along with a pair of Chelmsford boxers from West End Gym in Lowell, Brandon Higgins and Nathan Valakin.
Season tickets for all nine events are reasonably priced start at $75.00 (general admission). To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online atwww.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required).
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
“This is the continuation of a great Lowell boxing tradition,” New England Golden Gloves Executive Director Bobby Russo said. “We’re all excited about this year’s 72nd edition of the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. I’m very proud to be part of this tradition. So many outstanding boxers have fought in the Greater Lowell Golden Gloves over the many years such as hometown hero ‘Irish’ Micky Ward, Hall of Famers Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, John ‘The Quietman’ Ruiz, Dicky Eklund, Beau Jaynes, Manny Freitas, Nate James, Danny O’Connorand so many others.”
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
Central New England (Greater Lowell)
Preliminary Rounds – Friday, Jan. 5, 12
Quarterfinals – Friday, Jan. 19
Semifinals: – Thursday, Jan. 25
Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 1
New England Tournament of Champions
Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 8
Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 15
Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials: Lauri Purcell
Ring Announcer: John Vena
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves

Barrientes Twins From Pound-4-Pound Boxing Program   Win Belts at 2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championship

LAS VEGAS, NV (December 11, 2017) – This past week, the “Pound-4-Pound” gym, Las Vegas’ # 1 amateur boxing program, sent eight members to the 2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championships & Junior Open.  The Barrientes twins, Chavez and Angel both qualified to represent Team USA in the Junior Division, by winning belts at the tournament.  Angel Barrientes was voted most outstanding boxer of the tournament.
The five-day tournament, which took place in Salt Lake City, UT, at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, had the best amateur boxers fighting to see who would triumph and represent Team USA.
“I’m very proud of our entire team who all fought hard and had tremendous success in this tournament,” said Pound-4-Pound head coach Richard Barrientes. “Although everyone didn’t come home with a belt, they all gave it their best, and gained a lot of experience.  Angel and Chavez were outstanding, winning belts in their divisions.  We competed against the best amateur boxers in the USA and held our own.  Words can’t describe how happy I am with everyone’s performance.

Attention USA Boxing Alumni

   
Attention USA Boxing Alumni:
 
Help support our boxers.

On November 1, 2017, USA Boxing launched the USA Boxing Alumni Association as a way of connecting former and current boxers, coaches and fans with the goal to raise money for current and future boxers.

As a local gym that is the home to many USA Boxing members we are requesting that if you are a USA Boxing Alumni, please join the Alumni Association for the annual donation of $40.00 to support the 31,924 boxers.

Not only will you support boxers from grassroots level to World Class competition, you will receive:

· Opportunities to attend national, regional and local events
· December 8: Inaugural Alumni Association Hall-of-Fame Reception in Salt Lake City, UT
· USA Boxing Alumni Association T- Shirt, Key Chain and E-Wallet
· Subscription to USA Boxing Alumni Association quarterly newsletter
· Opportunity to sponsor a USA Boxing boxers
· Select discounts on USA Boxing merchandise

It takes less than three minutes and you can make a huge impact on the lives of our young boxers just click the link below:

USA Boxing – Alumni Association

As a recently appointed member of the USA Boxing advisory board, this is a cause close to my heart and I hope you can help spread the word.

Sincerely,

Joe Hand Jr.
Director
Joe Hand Boxing Gym & Computer Lab

Vito Mielnicki, Jr wins United States Junior National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah

Nutley, NJ (December 11, 2017)–This past week in Salt Lake City, Utah, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. captured the United States Junior National championship in the 145-pound division.
Mielnicki of Roseland, New Jersey moved up an unprecedented 10 weight classes where he competed at 106-pounds at the 2017 tournament, and defeated the number-two seed, Adam Calixto of Tampa, Florida in the semifinals.  In the finals, Mielnicki defeated top seeded Obed Bartee-El of Huntsville, Alabama.
With the title, Mielnicki gained a spot in the 2018 United States Junior National Team,  Where he will be heading to train with teammates on February 4th at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado to get ready for international competition.

Mielnicki is trained by Ahmad Elliot and Willie Moses, as well as strength and conditioning coach Fred Caruso.
Mielnicki is the son of the GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

Eight Elite Boxers From Pound-4-Pound Boxing Program Head to  2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championships & Junior Open

Pound-4-Pound Boxing Program sends 2017 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior Open
(L-R, 

Angel Barrientes 15-yrs (101 lbs), 

Jordan Aguilar 18-yrs108 lbs, 
John Armstrong 10-yrs (65 lbs), 
Chavez Barrientes 15-yrs (106 lbs), Lesley Soto 18-yrs (125 lbs),
Gabriel Soto 13-yrs (85 lbs),
Anthony Torres 13-yrs (80 lbs), Dorian Khan 15-yrs (110 lbs)
LAS VEGAS, NV (December 4, 2017) – Eight members from the “Pound-4-Pound” gym, Las Vegas’ # 1 amateur boxing program, will compete in the 2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championships & Junior Open.  The five-day tournament will take place in Salt Lake City, UT, at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, more commonly known as the Salt Palace, starting December 5th through December 9th.
Only the best boxers from around the United States will compete to see who is the best amateur boxer in the nation.  All 15 and 16 year-olds who win this tournament will make the USA Boxing Team.  All others will be ranked #1 in their respective weight classes.
“This is the big tournament that our team has been waiting to participate in,” said Pound-4-Pound head coach Richard Barrientes. “Only the elite amateur fighters from around the country will be competing.  All my kids have worked extremely hard to get here.  I’m very proud of this group and everyone knows what it’s going to take to come out on top.  Competing in these type of tournaments is what builds self-esteem. Win or lose, these kids will never forget these moments.”

Field set for 2017 USA Boxing Men’s Elite National Championships

Dec. 5-9 in Salt Lake City, Utah
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO (November 28, 2017) – Following a year of highly-competitive national events, US amateur boxers are set to compete in the 2017 USA Boxing Elite National Championship, December 5-9, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
With up to six spots in each division already secured, based on the results of the 2016 Elite National Championships, 2017 Elite Western Qualifier and 2017 Elite Eastern Qualifier, the remaining spots have been filled based on the wild-card application process to complete the field of elite boxers.
A total of 88 boxers applied for a wild card qualification with 35 allocations awarded to finalize the Elite National Championships brackets.
“With this being the first year of the new elite athlete selection process, we are excited to see the top talent in the country compete to represent Team USA in 2018,” said Matt Johnson, USA Boxing High Performance Director. “We are looking forward to a high level of competition during these championships, and are confident that the increased competitiveness at the national stage will translate to further improvement of USA’s performance internationally on the road to Tokyo in 2020.”
Leading contenders include bantamweight Marc Castro (Fresno, Calif.), light welterweight Delante “Tiger” Johnson (Cleveland, OH), welterweight Quinton Randall (Katy, TX), bantamweight Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, OH), heavyweights Cam F. Awesome (Lenexa, KS) and Jared Anderson(Toledo, OH), middleweight Troy Isley (Alexandria, VA), light welterweight Freudis Rojas, Jr. (Las Vegas, NV), super heavyweights) Nkosi Solomon (Brooklyn, NY) and Richard Torrez (Tulare, CA.
Below is the final list of elite boxers, in order of ranking, who will contend for the title of national champion:
USA BOXING ELITE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD
LIGHT FLYWEIGHTS (108 lbs.)
Nicholas Scaturchio – 2016 National Championships
Efrain Sanchez – 2016 National Championships
Xavier Rodriguez – 2017 Western Qualifier
Timothy Jarman – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Jordon Aguilar-Sanchez – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Salaam Gonzalez – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Stephen Acosta – Wild Card Selection
Jonathan Rodriguez – Wild Card Selection
FLYWEIGHTS (114 lbs.)
Fernando Martinez – 2016 National Championships
Guillermo Gutierrez – 2016 National Championships
Michael Angeletti – 2017 Western Qualifier
Saleto Henderson – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
John Atiles – 2017 Western Qualifier
Charles Williams – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Jonas Persaud – Wild Card Selection
Timothy Longoria- Wild Card Selection
BANTAMWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Duke Ragan – 2016 National Championships
Shon Mondragon – 2016 National Championships
Dominique Crowder – 2017 Western Qualifier
Marc Castro – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Isaac Martinez – 2017 Western Qualifier
Raymond Ford – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Jesus Vasquez – Wild Card Selection
Daniel Bailey – Wild Card Selection
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Aaron Perez – 2016 National Championships
Bruce Carrington – 2016 National Championships
Jemiah Richards – 2017 Western Qualifier
Keyshawn Davis – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Tyler Herberger – 2017 Western Qualifier
Kevin Montano – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Joseph Macedo – Wild Card Selection
James Browning – Wild Card Selection
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Freudis Rojas – 2016 National Championships
Charlie Sheehy – 2016 National Championships
Israel Rodriguez – 2017 Western Qualifier
Delante Johnson – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Ismael Gutierrez – 2017 Western Qualifier
Jeremy Hill – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Bryson Nuckles – Wild Card Selection
Cristian Roman – Wild Card Selection
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Quinton Randall – 2016 National Championships
Brian Ceballo -2016 National Championships
Marcus Davidson – 2017 Western Qualifier
Jaquan McElroy – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Anthony Franco – 2017 Western Qualifier
Sean Charleston – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Josniel Castro – Wild Card Selection
Azeez Muhammad – Wild Card Selection
MIDDELEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Troy Isley – 2016 National Championships
Javier Martinez – 2016 National Championships
Austin Williams – 2017 Western Qualifier
Rahim Gonzalez – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Joeshon James – 2017 Western Qualifier
Nikita Ababiy – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Kiante Irving – Wild Card Selection
Miguel Hernandez – Wild Card Selection
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (178 lbs.)
Sean Hemphill – 2016 National Championships
Antwan Jones – 2016 National Championships
Khlalil Coe – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Jorge Tovar – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Atif Oberlton – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Darius Fulghum – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Miguel Teo – Wild Card Selection
Abel Gonzalez – Wild Card Selection
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Cam Awesome – 2016 National Championships
Jesus Flores – 2016 National Championships
Adrian Tillman – 2017 Western Qualifier
Marquise Williams – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Gaspard Pierre – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Deangelo Leachmen – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Jared Anderson – Wild Card Selection
Demek Edmonds – Wild Card Selection
SUPER HEAVY WEIGHTS (201+ lbs).
Nkosi Solomon – 2016 National Championships
Daniel Bean -2016 National Championships
Michael Graves – 2017 Western Qualifier
Ramel Clasablanca – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Eric Brigs – 2017 Western Qualifier
Leonid Grachiv – 2017 Eastern Qualifier
Richard Torres – Wild Card Selection
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Citlalli Ortiz Wins Welterweight Youth World Championship Title

Isamary Aquino Brings Home Bronze Medal

GUWAHATI, India (November 26, 2017) — Coachella, California-native Citlalli Ortiz closed out her impressive 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships campaign with a split decision victory over Russia’s Nataliya Sychugova to take her first major international title in Guwahati, India.
“Today feels like one of the best days of my life,” stated Ortiz following her win. “After the fight, I doubted myself, but I am extremely happy I pulled out the win and it feels amazing being a world champion.”
Ortiz gold medal closes out a strong showing from the young American delegation. Team USA’s other medal, a bronze, was won yesterday by Isamary Aquino of Universal City, Texas.
“I am extremely proud of my performance at my first international tournament,” said Aquino following her medal ceremony. “It was an honor to be able to represent Team USA and bring home a world championship medal.”
The remaining members of the team included: Aidyl Cardenas (Calexico, Calif.),Diana Estrada (Hillsboro, Oregon), Heaven Garcia (El Monte, Calif.), Roma Martinez (Humble, Texas), Sharahaya Moreu (Albuquerque, N.M.) and Amy Salinas(Las Cruces, N.M).
This year’s Youth World Championships brought 160 of the world’s top youth female boxers from 36 different countries all vying for one of the 10 world titles up for grabs. Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and assistant coaches Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jeff Mays (San Antonio, Texas) guided Team USA throughout these championships. The boxers and staff of USA Boxing will begin their journey back home to the United States tomorrow.
Team USA Results:
69 kg: Citlalli Ortiz, Coachella, Calif./USA, dec. over Nataliy Sychugova/RUS, 3-2
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

Citlalli Ortiz Grabs First Win of Women’s Youth World Championships

Team USA finishes 1-1 on second day; six Americans to enter ring today
GUWAHATI, India (Nov. 21, 2017) — Day two of the 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships in Guwahati, India brought two members of Team USA into the ring looking to advance one step closer to a world title.
Welterweight Citlalli Ortiz (Coachella, Calif.) grabbed Team USA’s first win of the championships with a split decision victory over Nadezhda Ryabets of Kazakhstan. She will return to the ring on Wednesday, Nov. 22 for a quarterfinals match-up against
The second American in today’s field, middleweight Sharahya Moreu (Albuquerque, N.M.), fell short of taking the judges card over Russian Anastasiia Shamonova.
Tomorrow the remaining six members of Team USA will make their tournament debut, including 2015 Junior World Champion Heaven Garcia (El Monte, Calif.) The other five boxers will all be making their international debuts.
Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Jeff Mays (San Antonio, Texas) are guiding the American delegation in India. This year’s tournament has brought 160 boxers from 31 different countries looking to take one of the ten World titles up for grabs.
Continue to follow USA Boxing on social media for more coverage of the tournament.
Team USA Results:
69 kg: Citlalli Ortiz, Coachella, Calif./USA dec. over Nadezhda Ryabets/KAZ, 4-1
75 kg: Anastasiia Shamonova/RUS dec. over Sharahaya Moreu, Albuquerque, N.M./USA, 5-0
Tomorrow’s Schedule
48 kg: Amy Salinas, Las Cruces, N.M./USA vs.Gloria D’almeida/FRA
51 kg: Heaven Garcia, El Monte, Calif./USA vs. Chaewon Kim/KOR
54 kg: Isamary Aquino, Universal City, Texas/USA vs. Kateryna Rohova/UKR
57 kg: Roma Martinez, Humble, Texas/USA vs. Emily Mauermann/GER
60 kg: Diana Estrada, Hillsboro, Oregon/USA vs. Fatia Benmessahel/FRA
64 kg: Aidyl Cardenas, Calexico, Calif./USA vs. Khongorzul Batbold/MGL
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing