Tag Archives: boxing

Men’s Field for 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing Set

November 29, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 26, 2019) – Sixty-four of the nation’s top male amateur boxers will compete at the upcoming 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, December 9-16.

A total of 479 boxers competed in the four qualifying tournaments with hopes of advancing to Lake Charles. The top two boxers in each weight division will advance to the next stage of the selection procedures this January in Colorado Springs and compete for a chance to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Here is a closer look at the boxers stepping into the ring in the eight men’s weight divisions.

Flyweight/114 lbs./52 kg

The flyweight division will feature multiple exciting matchups, as all eight boxers will be looking to represent Team USA next year and follow in 2016 Olympic bronze medalists Nico Hernandez’ footsteps. 2019 World Championships team member and 2018 Elite National Champion Michael Angeletti (Spring, Texas) has hopes of using his great deal of international experience he gained this year to lead the pack, while two-time flyweight national champion (’16 and ’17) Fernando Martinez (Phoenix, Ariz.) will want to return to the top of the podium. 2018 Elite National Championships runner-up Abraham Perez (Albuquerque, N.M) has hopes of redemption to take the title. Youngster Ray Ray Robinson (Cincinnati, Ohio) punched his ticket to Lake Charles by winning the Eastern Elite Qualifier in his home state and his elite debut, and Jose Nieves (Avenel, N.J.) grabbed the title at the Last Chance Qualifier in Oxnard over an impressive field. Roscoe Hill is the second boxer from Spring, Texas to qualify in this division following his silver medal-effort at the Western Elite Qualifier in Reno. Los Angeles duo Anthony Herrera and Anthony Olascuaga round out the field. Herrera was victorious in Reno and Olascuaga finished second in Oxnard.

Bantamweight/125 lbs./57 kg

After falling short on his Olympic-qualification run in 2016, Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, Ohio) has been one of Team USA’s most successful boxers leading into the tournament, winning multiple international medals including a silver at the 2017 Elite World Championships and 2019 Pan American Games. However, a mix of youth and veterans will make this division one to watch. David Navarro (Los Angeles, Calif.) finished third at the 2018 Elite National Championships, but punched his ticket following Raymond Ford’s move to the professional ranks. Japhethlee Llamido (Norwalk, Calif.) and Rashiem Jefferson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had impressive runs at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to earn the championship at those events, while Jonathan Mansour (La Mesa, Calif.) defeated an impressive field in Oxnard, Calif. to head to Lake Charles with momentum on his side. Bruce Carrington (Brooklyn, N.Y.), a competitor in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, and Kevin Montano(Concord, Calif.), have a great deal of experience on the national and international stage to make things interesting, while Xavian Ramirez (Reading, Pa.) qualified for the trials after just recently moving up to the elite division.

Lightweight/138 lbs./63 kg

Arguably the deepest male division at the trials, the competition for the top two spots will be one of the toughest and most exciting of the week. 2019 Pan American Games and World Championships silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (Norfolk, Va.) has dominated on the national stage the previous two years, and will hope to continue his run, but will have stiff competition from the other seven boxers in this bracket. 2018 USA Boxing Elite National Championships silver medalists Dalis Kaleiopu (Waianae, Hawaii) will be looking for redemption after his close bout in the finals last year against Davis. 2015 Junior World Championships silver medalists Harley Mederos (New York, N.Y) hopes to repeat his impressive performance from the 2019 Eastern Elite Qualifier, while 2019 Western Elite Qualifier Champion Charlie Sheehy (Brisbane, Calif.) looks to return to the USA Boxing High Performance squad after being a member in 2018. 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Champion Ernesto Mercado (Pomona, Calif.) made the transition to the elite division easily after dominating throughout this year on the youth stage, including an international gold medal in March. Israel Rodriguez (Humble, Texas) surprised many when he took the second spot at the 2019 Eastern Qualifier, which will be a huge confidence booster in Lake Charles, and Marcell Davidson (Shawnee, Kan.) has the goods to reach the finals. Another boxer making the transition to elite this year, Daniel Garcia (Westminster, Colo.), secured the final spot after a strong performance in Oxnard, including a close matchup against Mercado in the finals.

Welterweight/152 lbs./69 kg

2017 World Championship bronze medalist Freudis Rojas Jr. (Las Vegas, Nev.) and 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) headline a strong welterweight division. Marques Valle (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) surprised many at last year’s Elite National Championships, defeating some of Team USA’s top competitors, to secure his spot. Kelvin Davis (Norfolk, Va.), the older brother of Keyshawn Davis, will be looking to pick up where he left off in Ohio, while Victor Aranda (El Paso, Texas) enters as the Western Elite Qualifier Champion. Lavars Carter (Cincinnati, Ohio) earned the final spot, and could see a potential third matchup against Johnson, as they met in Salt Lake last year and the finals of the Last Chance Qualifier, with Carter winning in Salt Lake and Johnson in Oxnard. Wayne Bourdreaux (Marrero, La.) will be looking for a strong performance, as he is one of the few Louisiana natives in the field, and Morris Young (Chesaning, Mich.) will be hoping to improve on his silver medal performance in Reno.

Middleweight/165 lbs./75 kg

Expected to be another weight division with exciting matchups, the middleweight division has the potential to see a fourth finals matchup between 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Troy Isley (Alexandra, Va.) and 2018 Elite National Champion Javier Martinez(Milwaukee, Wisc.). Isley took the national title in 2016 and 2017 over Martinez, while Martinez was victorious in 2018. However, both boxers will have to get through six talented boxers that will be hungry to end their finals runs. Kahshad Elliot (Plainfield, N.J.), Joseph Hicks (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and Antonio Garcia (Anaheim, Calif.) were crowned champions at the three qualifiers, and will look to continue their winning ways in Louisiana. Alexis Chaparro (New York, N.Y.), Francis Hogan (Weymouth, Mass.) and Alex Chisholm (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.) showed why they should not be underestimated with their qualifying performances and will be tough to get through in this bracket.

Light Heavyweight/178 lbs./81 kg

2018 Elite National Champion Rahim Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) has the heart and determination to succeed in Lake Charles after falling short at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, while Atif Oberlton (Philadelphia, Pa.) has been on the rise following his silver medal performance at last year’s National Championships. Following the shuffling around of boxers who qualified in multiple divisions, Francis Oran (Allentown, Pa.) is the lone regional qualifier champion, taking the title in Oxnard at the Last Chance Qualifier. Orville Crooks (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Amir Ghaffari Nikou (Charlotte, N.C.) and Nasheed Smith(Washington, D.C.) qualified to these trials after finishing second at the Eastern, Last Chance and Western Qualifiers, respectively. Chavon Davis (Mansfield, Ohio) and Robert Magee(Byrnes Mill, Mo.) were added to the field following Javier Martinez and Adrian Tillman, the Eastern and Western Qualifier Champions in this division selected to compete in the other weight class they are qualified in.

Heavyweight/201 lbs./91 kg

After qualifying in two different weight classes, Adrian Tillman (Colorado Springs, Colo.) chose to compete in the heavyweight division with hopes of being one of the two boxers in this division, however, the 2018 Elite National Championships heavyweight silver medalists will have to fend off a tough bracket to advance. Najee Lopez (Ellenwood, Ga.), Brandon Moore(Lakeland, Fla.) and Devon Young (Aiken, S.C.) were crowned champions in the three regional qualifying tournaments and all three will be looking to continue their winning ways in a few weeks, while Joshua Edwards (Houston, Texas), Darius Fulghum (Rosharon, Texas) and Jamar Talley (Camden, N.J.) finished second in the regional qualifiers but could make it an interesting week in Louisiana. 2016 Elite National Champion and 2018 bronze medalistsCymone Kearney (Beaumont, Texas) was a late addition to the field after Jared Anderson moved to the professional ranks and could surprise many.

Super Heavyweight/201+ lbs./ 91+ kg

With the medical exemption of two-time USA Boxing Elite National Champion and 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.)** being accepted by USA Boxing, the super heavyweight division is wide open for the eight boxers competing in Lake Charles. 2019 Eastern and Western Qualifier Champions Jeremiah Milton (Tulsa, Okla.) and Antonio Mireles (Des Moines, Iowa) will look to be victorious once more after they stood atop the podium at their respective events to qualify, while Dominic Okopie (Houston, Texas) grabbed the Last Chance Qualifier title to secure his spot in the tournament. Luis Alvarado (Keonsha, Wisc.) made an impressive international debut earlier this year and will look to use that valuable experience over the other boxers in this division. Dacarree Scott(Decatur, Ga.), Pryce Taylor (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Kenyon Walker (San Antonio, Texas) punched their tickets to Louisiana by placing second at their respective qualifying event, while Deandre Savage (Las Vegas, Nev.) will return to the national stage after qualifying to last year’s Elite National Championships.

Boxing will begin on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, with the finals taking place Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.

**Boxers who receive medical exemption from the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing will compete on Jan. 4, 2020 in a box-off against the runner-up of their weight division in Colorado Springs, Colo. for the opportunity to advance to the next stage of the athlete selection procedures**

About USA Boxing

The mission of USA Boxing is to promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

boxing, women's boxing

Split-T Management’s Raquel Miller wins WBA Interim Super Welterweight Championship

November 29, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

NEW YORK (November 26, 2019)–Saturday night in Quebec City, Split-T Management’s Raquel Miller captured the WBA Interim Super Welterweight world championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alma Ibarra.

Miller of San Francisco controlled the action and kept the previously undefeated Ibarra at bay and won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice.

With the win, the fighter known as “Pretty Beast” raises her perfect mark to 10-0.

Miller could now look towards bouts with WBA World champion Hanna Gabriels as well as Hannah Rankin and former super middleweight champion Maricela Cornejo.

“It was a good fight. Alma was tough, and it was a good fight. I fought well, now I will look at the fight, and see what I could have done better. I was dominant as I won most of the rounds. I took this fight at the last minute, so I am happy with the fight and the result,” said Miller.

“I want to thank everyone who has and does support me. There is more to come. I just want to tell everyone that they can push for their dreams and don’t take no as an answer.”

Miller is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

boxing, USA Boxing

Closing cuts & controlling blood flow leads 83-year-old Ray Rodgers into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame

November 29, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Class of 2019 ceremony Dec. 13 at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana***

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 25, 2019) – Arkansas boxing icon Ray Rodgershas successfully dealt with more cuts than most surgeons, all the way into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, in which he’ll be inducted on Friday night, December 13, during a special Class of 2019 ceremony, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 National Championships, Dec. 7-15, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Hall of Fame broadcaster **Al Bernstein** from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes three Olympic gold-medalists, **“Big” George Foreman**, **“Smokin'” Joe Frazier** and **Mark Breland**, as well as legendary coach **Al Mitchell**.

**Sen. John McCain** will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport.

There isn’t much in boxing, if anything, that Rodgers hasn’t done: boxer, official, trainer, administrator and, of course, cut man. “I’m a boxing guy,” Rodgers said in his Southern twang. “I’ve been around the block, several times. But I don’t say I’m a cut man, I’m a laceration management specialist.”

Rodgers first got into boxing when he was in the fifth grade, back in Oklahoma, where he was born. A memo was sent around that there would be a tryout for boxing held the next day at the local high school gym. His parents gave their permission to let him tryout, the first chapter of his incredible boxing career.

“From the first moment,” the charming boxing character remembered, “I was hooked. I still have the letter I received in boxing. That was in 1947 and I’m still in boxing. I’m very proud of that.”

Rodgers has worked 39 world championship fights in professional boxing, as a cut man (he only trains amateur boxers) for the likes of world champions **Jermaine Taylor**, **Wayne McCollough** and **Tommy Morrison**.

“It’s been beyond belief for a regular old boxing guy like me,” Rodgers said about his life in boxing. “I’ve traveled all over the world, many times, as a cut man.”

He was the first national official of both the Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves. Plus, he’s already been inducted in three Hall of Fames: Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves and Arkansas Sports HOF.

“Ray’s sacrifice to countless youth as a coach, mentor, cut man, and leader throughout the amateur boxing community is inspirational,” commented **Chris Cugliari**, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “His years of service and the knowledge he has passed on to other generations is what makes him a Hall of Famer, and we look forward to honoring him in December.”

Rodgers hasn’t slowed down, despite recently celebrating his 83^rd birthday. He still owns and operates Ray Rodgers Boxing Club in West Little Rock, Arkansas, in addition to serving as director of the Arkansas Golden Gloves and Mid-South Tournament, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Western Tennessee and Arkansas. And he’s also the vice-president of the National Golden Gloves and chairman of the National Silver Gloves.

“At my age, I’m happy to have any birthday,” Rodgers joked. “I’m hoping to live another 10-12 years, Lord willing. It’s all in the Lord’s hands; controlling the flow of blood, though, is in my hands.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic gold medalist **Andrew Maynard**, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) **Joe Clough**, 1984 Olympic gold medalist **Frank Tate** and his brother **Thomas**, 1972 Olympian **Tim Dement**, 2002 National Golden Gloves champion **Jaidon Codringtion**, 1980 Olympic Qualifier **Jackie Beard**, 1981 Junior Olympics **Glen Modicue**, four-time National champion **Eric Kelly**, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier champion **John Scully**, **Obie Beard**, **Mark Lanton** and theStephens brothers – **Donald**, **Anthony** and **Jerry**.

**HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION**

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations 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 host by the Alumni Association, including the 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.

**CLASS OF 2017:** The charter class was headed by **Muhammad Ali** and **Evander Holyfield**, in addition to veteran coaches **Roosevelt Sanders** and **Tom Coulter**.

**CLASS OF 2018:** U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (professional) champions **Roy Jones, Jr**., **Andre Ward** and **Claressa Shields**, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching **Emanuel Steward** and veteran USA Boxing official **Tom Cleary**.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER SCORES HIGHLIGHT-REEL KNOCKOUT OF LUIS ORTIZ IN FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

November 25, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Leo Santa Cruz Wins WBA Super Featherweight Title & Becomes Four-Division Champion with Unanimous Decision over Miguel Flores** **& Brandon Figueroa Retains Super Bantamweight Title with Split Draw Against Julio Ceja; Eduardo Ramirez Stops Previously Unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy in Round Four**

***Vito Mielnicki Jr., Omar Juarez, Dustin Long & Viktor Slavinskyi Victorious in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes***

**Click HERE for Main Event Photos & HERE for Additional Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports – Password: fox-ppv119**

**Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions**

**Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions**

**Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions**

**LAS VEGAS** (November 24, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion **Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder** continued his title reign with a one-punch knockout victory over **Luis “King Kong” Ortiz** in the seventh round of their rematch Saturday night that headlined a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Wilder made his 10^th consecutive successful title defense, tying him with Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Tommy Burns and Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko as the only heavyweight champions to achieve that feat.

In a rematch of their epic 2018 fight that saw Wilder rally back from nearly being stopped to knock out Ortiz in round 10, the fight again saw both men hold the momentum of the fight at different times.

Ortiz controlled much of the action of the fight as he sought to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion in history. Wilder was not very active in the early rounds, while Ortiz was able to effectively jab, move and throw overhand lefts to rack up rounds on the scorecard.

“With Ortiz, you can see why no other heavyweight wants to fight him,” said Wilder. “He’s very crafty, he moves strategically and his intellect is very high. I had to measure him in certain places.”

Much of Wilder’s attack throughout the first six rounds was centered on his jab and a sweeping left hook that didn’t seem to land cleanly until early in round seven. With the seventh round waning, Wilder used a feint and a straight right cross to put Ortiz down, the first time he had been hurt at all in the fight.

“I had to go in and out and finally I found my measurement,” said Wilder. “I saw the shot and I took it. My intellect is very high in the ring and no one gives me credit for me. I think I buzzed him with a left hook earlier in the round and I took it from there.”

While Ortiz was able to get to his feet, referee Kenny Bayless waived off the bout at 2:51 into the seventh round. Ortiz led on all three scorecards, by margins of 58-56 and 59-55 twice. According to CompuBox, Ortiz out landed Wilder 35 to 34, with a 28 to 17 advantage in power punches.

“This is boxing,” said Ortiz. “I said that one of us was going to get knocked out and it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds. I was clear headed when I hit the canvas. When I heard the referee say seven I was trying to get up, but I guess the count went a little quicker than I thought.

“This was a great fight and I thought I was clearly winning,” continued Ortiz. “I got caught with a big shot and I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit. I knew my movement was giving him problems. I landed some big shots and I thought I had him hurt. I thought I was up by the count and could have continued.”

In the ring following the fight, Ortiz asserted that he will continue his quest for a heavyweight championship.

“Deontay showed great will and I’m not ashamed with my performance,” said Ortiz. “I know I can beat anyone in the heavyweight division. My career is not over. I’m going to work my way back into a big fight.”

After the fight, Wilder told FOX Sports’ Heidi Androl that his goal is to unify the heavyweight division and become undisputed champion.

“Next, we have Tyson Fury in the rematch,” said Wilder.” It’s scheduled for February, so we’ll see. Then, I want unification. I want one champion, one face and one heavyweight champion – Deontay Wilder. The heavyweight division is too small, there should be one champion and it’s Deontay Wilder.”

In the co-main event, **Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz** (37-1-1, 19 KOs) became a four-division world champion by capturing the WBA Super Featherweight with a unanimous decision over **Miguel Flores** (24-3, 12 KOs).

“Winning this title means the world to me,” said Santa Cruz. “This is all for the fans who support me. I didn’t feel myself today and didn’t perform the way I wanted to. I’m going to get back in the gym and get a big fight in 2020.”

The action began to heat up in round three, as Santa Cruz began to find a home for his straight right hand that would help him control much of the remainder of the fight. Flores adjusted and used more movement to try to counteract Santa Cruz’s aggression and also focused on countering those right hands with body shots.

“I’m glad I got the victory,” said Santa Cruz. “Miguel is a good fighter, he gave me a tough fight and he proved he’s not a pushover. We put on a great battle.”

“It was a good fight and I showed I belong at this level,” said Flores. “I just went 12 rounds with Leo Santa Cruz. It’s not an accomplishment in itself but I slowed down his pace. Like I said before, it’s not only about throwing punches, but it’s about ring IQ and I showed I have it.”

Despite Flores’ tactics, Santa Cruz was able to stay in control and frustrate his opponent. Flores was deducted a point by referee Tony Weeks in round eight due to excessive holding during the many exchanges.

Santa Cruz held the edge in punches landed at 253 to 222, while Flores threw more punches than Santa Cruz by a tally of 1024 to 907.

“It was a close fight and I didn’t think he was landing too much,” said Flores. “He was busy but he wasn’t landing too many shots. I landed cleaner harder shots but he was just busier.”

Flores continued to try to rough up Santa Cruz and accidentally hit him with a headbutt in the ninth round that opened up a cut over Santa Cruz’s left eye. The four-division champion was able to weather that cut and finished strong on his way to a unanimous decision by scores of 115-112 and 117-110 twice. Watch highlights HERE.

“I want to stay at 130,” said Santa Cruz. “We want the big fights in 2020. I want Gervonta Davis or Gary Russell Jr. I want to show the world I’m not scared of anybody.”

The pay-per-view also featured WBA Super Bantamweight Champion **Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa** (20-0-1, 15 KOs) retaining his title with a split draw against former champion **Julio Ceja** (32-4-1, 28 KOs) after 12 rounds of action.

“I think I did win the fight,” said Figueroa. “He put on a lot of pressure, but I fought better in the early rounds and I finished strong.”

Figueroa started the fight in control, closing down the distance early and using his activity and combinations to take early control of the action. Ceja’s strategy early was to counter his charging opponent, but he soon picked up the aggression to not allow Figueroa’s offensive momentum to grow.

In the middle rounds, Ceja began taking control, landing the more powerful punches while Figueroa continued to come forward, but was not able to land anything that slowed Ceja’s offense. Watch highlights HERE.

Figueroa was able to weather the storms in the middle rounds and make it to the late rounds where he again picked up the activity and body attack. He was able to bust Ceja’s lip throughout the action, causing it to swell and bleed.

The punch output was impressive from both fighters, with their 784 combined punches landed good for the fourth most in super bantamweight history, while their 2,811 punches thrown were the second highest, according to CompuBox. Figueroa earned a narrow 411 to 373 advantage in punches landed.

After 12 rounds, the judges’ totals were 115-113 for Figueroa, 116-112 for Ceja and 114-114, which resulted in the split draw decision.

“This fight is for all of you fans who came here to see me,” said Ceja. “He was a man about it and he gave me the fight. I think I won, but I respect the judges’ decision. I’ll definitely run it back in a rematch.”

Ceja was not able to win the title after failing to make the 122-pound limit at Friday’s weigh-in.

“I basically fought a person in a weight class above mine tonight,” said Figueroa. “I’m pretty sure if he weighed 122, it wouldn’t even be a close fight. We have to run the rematch back but he better make the weight.”

The pay-per-view opener saw Mexico’s **Eduardo Ramirez** (23-2-3, 10 KOs) deliver an impressive fourth-round TKO victory over previously unbeaten **Leduan Barthelemy** (15-1-1, 7 KOs) in their featherweight rematch. Watch the highlightHERE

“I said before the fight, I wasn’t going to let it go to the judges,” said Ramirez. “The first fight wasn’t a draw. I worked very hard for this and it turned out how I wanted today. I felt his punching power. He’s a good fighter. I came here to fight. Viva Mexico.”

The fight began tactically, with Barthelemy looking to use his reach advantage to work off of his jab, while Ramirez sought to work inside and deliver power punches. In round three, Ramirez began to break through Barthelemy’s defense with a series of hooks late in the round.

Ramirez continued to come forward in round four, pressing Barthelemy and finding additional cracks in his defense. Late in the round, Ramirez broke through with a glancing right hook that he followed up with a perfect straight left that put Barthelemy down.

While Barthelemy was able to get to his feet, referee Russell Mora waived off the bout at 2:59 of the fourth round. Ramirez held a 73 to 52 advantage in punches landed, including 27 in round three and 31 in round four.

“I’ve got no excuses,” said Barthelemy. “The better man won tonight. I had a great camp and I was feeling good. But when I got out there I wasn’t really feeling my best. I turned around to try to walk around and get my feet under me after the knockdown. I wasn’t trying to stop the fight or anything and I thought I could continue. Now I just have to live with it and come back.”

FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes saw sensational 17-year-old prospect **Vito Mielnicki Jr.** (3-0, 3 KOs) deliver a stoppage of **Marklin Bailey** (6-6, 4 KOs) 2:31 into the second round of their welterweight affair. Plus, rising super lightweight prospect **Omar Juarez** (6-0, 4 KOs) dropped **Kevin Shacks** (3-5-3, 3 KOs) three times on his way to a TKO victory 1:59 into round six.

Additional prelims fights featured Tennessee’s **Dustin Long** (3-1-2, 3 KOs) scoring a knockout of **Marsellos Wilder** (5-2, 2 KOs) with a left hook that ended the fight 1:51 into the fourth round. Watch the highlight HERE. The opening bout of prelims saw Ukraine’s **Viktor Slavinskyi** (11-0-1, 6 KOs) earn a unanimous decision over Mexico’s **Rigoberto Hermosillo** (11-2-1, 8 KOs) after six rounds of super featherweight action by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56.

# # #

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com
,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. The event was promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing, women's boxing

2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing Women’s Field Finalized

November 25, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 22, 2019)** — Following four qualifying tournaments that began in December 2018, the field of 40 elite female boxers who will compete next month at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Lake Charles, La. is final. A total of 117 elite female boxers competed throughout the year for the 40 available spots. Only ten will advance from the trials competition to the next stage of the selection process and the opportunity to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Here is a closer look at the field in the five weight classes.

**Flyweight/112 lbs./51 kg**

2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing champion **Virginia Fuchs** (Houston, Texas) fell short of advancing to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games during the international qualification but has dominated the flyweight division ever since. Having won eight international medals since those trials, Fuchs could face her biggest competition from the young talent of **Heaven Garcia** (El Monte, Calif.). Garcia, a two-time World Champion in the junior and youth divisions, has been the one to watch for many years, and these trials could be her coming out party in the elite division. However, **Christina Cruz** (Hell’s Kitchen, N.Y.), two-time Elite World Championship bronze medalist, will bring experience to her third U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing that will be tough for any boxer that she faces. **Mariana Gonzalez** (Sunnyvale, Calif.) stood atop the podium at the Western Elite Qualifier, while runner-up **Jazzelle Bobadilla** (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) has international experience on her side that can help her to upset this division. **Jasmine Hampton** (Ann Arbor, Mich.) was victorious at the Last Chance Qualifier to punch her ticket to Lake Charles, with **Lina Vezzani** (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and **Stephanie Chavez** (Orange, Calif.) rounding out the flyweight division.

**Featherweight/125 lbs./57 kg**

Expected to be the most competitive weight class in the women’s field, the featherweight division has numerous boxers looking to advance to the next stage of the selection process. Five of the eight boxers have World Championship medals, with the last three boxers having impressive performances at their qualifiers. **Yarisel Ramirez** (Las Vegas, Nev.) won a silver at the 2015 Junior World Championships, as well as a bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games in her first year in the elite division. Two-time Youth World Championships bronze medalists **Isamary Aquino** (Universal City, Texas) leads the way in the medal count and will look to continue making a name for herself. **Lupe Gutierrez**(Sacramento, Calif.) and **Iyana Verduzco** (Los Angeles, Calif.) won gold medals in their World Championship debuts, with Gutierrez winning at the 2015 Junior World Championships and Verduzco at the 2018 Youth World Championships. **Mikiah Kreps**(Niagara Falls, N.Y.) won the bronze medal at this October’s Elite World Championships in her international debut, and will be using the confidence from that performance in Lake Charles. **Andrea Medina** (San Diego, Calif.) impressed many in Reno, defeating numerous World Championship medalists on her way to the title, while **Destiny Jasso**(Dallas, Texas) and **Melanie Costa** (Norton, Mass.) survived a tough bracket out of the Eastern Elite Qualifier to advance to these trials.

**Lightweight/132 lbs./60 kg**

**Rashida Ellis** (Lynn, Mass.) enters the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials with confidence on her side, after an impressive 2019 run that included bronze medals at the 2019 Pan American Games and World Championships. **Amelia Moore** (Alexandria, Va.) and **Stacia Suttles**(Bronx, N.Y.) both have World Championship experience, as well as winning international performances to be strong contenders to take the title and advance to the next stage of the qualification to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. **Ravven Brown** (San Antonio, Texas) recently made her international debut at the 2019 Elite World Championships and had a quick rise to success in her short boxing career. **Kimberly Carlson** (Chicago, Ill.) andWhitney Gomez (Bend, Ore.) left the Western and Last Chance Qualifiers golden, whileJennifer Lopez (Jersey City, N.J.) and **Rebecca Maine** (Pittsburg, Pa.) round out the field following their silver medal performances in Ohio and California.

**Welterweight/152 lbs./69 kg**

**Oshae Jones** (Toledo, Ohio) made history this year with her gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games and looks to be one of the favorites for the welterweight division. The comeback of a few boxers and the rise of some up and comers will make this another exiting weight class to watch. Two boxers who recently came back to the sport and looking to shake things up are **Danyelle Wolf** (San Diego, Calif.) and **Mary Spencer** (Boulder, Colo.). Wolf, a three-time USA Boxing National Champion and two-time Continental Champion made her return to the ring in impressive fashion in Reno this year, while Spencer, who is a dual-citizen, represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games and won three World Championships under the Canadian flag, won the Eastern Qualifier to punch her ticket to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing. **Sharahya Moreu** (Albuquerque, N.M.) may be the youngest in the division at 20-years-old but has a great deal of experience and will use that against her elder opponents. **Briana Che** (Madison, Wisc.), **Arika Skoog**(Boston, Mass.) and **Jill Stafford** (La Mesa, Calif.) all won silver medals in their respective qualifying competitions and could easily surprise many in Lake Charles, while **Liz Flores**(Woodland Hills, Calif.) grabbed the last spot to compete after Morelle McCain decided to compete in the middleweight division following her qualifying in both weight classes.

**Middleweight/165 lbs./75 kg**

Since the departure of two-time Olympic Champion Claressa Shields to the professional ranks, **Naomi Graham** (Fayetteville, N.C.) has been the leader for Team USA in the middleweight division, winning multiple international medals including a silver at the 2019 Pan American Games and a bronze at the 2018 World Championships. 2017 Youth World Champion **Citlalli Ortiz** (Coachella, Calif.) put on a dominating performance at the recent Last Chance Qualifier, including two wins by RSC, and will be looking to continue her winning ways into Lake Charles, while **Morelle McCane** (Cleveland, Ohio) had an impressive 2019, taking a bronze in her international debut earlier this year. **Alexis Gomez**(South San Francisco, Calif.) and **Kendra Reeves** (Twin Falls, Idaho) picked up titles at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to punch their tickets to Louisiana and will be looking to have another victorious tournament, while **Fallon Farrar** (Colorado Springs, Colo.),**Melody Popravak** (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and **Rachael Washington** (New York, N.Y.) took the silver medals at the three qualifying tournaments and will hope to improve their performances in Lake Charles.
Follow USA Boxing on social media, as well as the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 USA Boxing National Championships website for news, results, selection procedures and updates of the tournament by clicking here: http://bit.ly/BoxingTrials20

boxing, USA Boxing

“Smokin’”Joe Frazier punched way into USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame

November 25, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Class of 2019 ceremony Dec. 13 at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 21, 2019) – One of boxing’s all-time greatest, the late, great “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, will be inducted posthumously into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Friday night, December 13, during a special Class of 2019 ceremony, at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 Olympic Trials and 2019 National Championships Dec. 7-15, at Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals of the Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third HOF class also includes two other Olympic gold-medalists, “Big” George Foreman and Mark Breland, in addition to a pair of decorated coaches, Al Mitchell and Ray Rodgers.

Sen. John McCain will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect boxers and elevate the sport.

“On behalf of our family,” Joe’s son Marvis Frazier said, “we’d like to thank the USA Boxing Alumni Association for remembering Joe Frazier. Honoring him like this will introduce to him to new generations of boxing fans.

“My father learned discipline he needed to go on and win Olympic gold and do what he need to be world champion. He took that to the pros and beat Muhammad Ali in the best fight in the world. They were two great champions who worked together to show people what boxing is really all about.”

Born in South Carolina, Frazier was well known as an elite Philadelphia boxing product, compiling a 38-2 amateur record. He was a three-time National Golden Gloves champion whose only two losses were both to Buster Mathis, who was the only opponent to defeat Frazier, including a loss by decision – questionable according to Frazier – in the Olympic Trials.

When U.S. Olympic Team heavyweight qualifier Buster Mathis was unable to compete at the 1964 Olympic Games due to injury, Frazier took full advantage of this opportunity as a replacement.

Frazier went on to become one of only four American boxers to medal in Tokyo, Joe the lone gold medalist, despite breaking a thumb in the semifinals. In the opening round, Frazier knocked out George Olynello (Uganda), followed by a third-round stoppage of Athol McQueen (Australia) in the quarterfinals. Against Vadim Yemelyanov (Russia) in the semifinal round, Frazier won by way of a second round KO, even though he broke his left thumb.

Unwilling to tell anybody that he had broken his thumb, fearing that he wouldn’t be allowed to fight, Frazier showed the tremendous grit he became famous for by winning a close decision, 3-2, versus Hans Huber (United Team of Germany) in the championship final to capture a gold medal.

“Winning an Olympic gold medal was the highlight of his amateur career,” Marvis noted. “It meant that he was the best in the world, and it also made things easier for his next step into the pros. I think he felt it helped made him a real man, the best in the world, and not many people can say that. Winning Olympic gold with a broken thumb showed our father what he could do and proved that he was the man. He wasn’t afraid to get the job done. No excuses, get the jog done, was what my father said all the time. And you better had gotten the job done.”

Frazier (32-4-1, 27 KOs) went on to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, defeating the likes of Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis (twice), Bob Foster, Oscar Bonavena(twice), Jerry Quarry, Mathis, Doug Jones, Eddie Machen and George Chuvalo during his 16-year professional career.

Listed at only 5-11 ½, Frazier was best known for his bobby, weaving, relentless pressure and liver-damaging left hook. He passed away November 7, 2011 due to complications from liver cancer at the age of 67.

“Joe’s legacy will live on forever throughout USA Boxing,” added Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “His toughness and heart were second to none, and today’s USA Boxing champions can look to Joe for the definition of a champion in and out of the ring. We look forward to honoring his legacy as a Hall of Famer on December 13^th.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic gold medalist Andrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic gold medalistFrank Tate and his brother Thomas, 1972 Olympian Tim Dement, 2002 National Golden Gloves champion Jaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic Qualifier Jackie Beard, 1981 Junior Olympics Glen Modicue, four-time National champion Eric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier champion John Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton and the Stephens brothers –Donald, Anthony and Jerry.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations 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 host by the Alumni Association, including the 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.

CLASS OF 2017: The charter class was headed by Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders and Tom Coulter.

CLASS OF 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (professional) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward and Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary.

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.