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Taith focsio ryfeddol fel dim arall 1972 Enillydd medal aur Olympaidd “Siwgr” Ray Seales

(Mae Ray Seales yn y rhes flaen, ail i mewn o'r chwith)



COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Ebrill 9, 2020) — Dychmygwch fod y bocsiwr unigol o'ch gwlad i gipio medal aur Olympaidd, ddyddiau'n unig ar ôl cyflafan enwog Munich. Nawr dychmygwch hefyd wedi ennill rhyfeddol 338 o 350 gemau amatur, ar ôl ymladd trioleg fel gweithiwr proffesiynol gyda “Wych” Marvin Hagler, cael eich datgan yn gyfreithiol ddall yn y ddau lygad (cael diddanwr Sammy Davies, Jr. codi bil meddygol chwe ffigur), adennill golwg mewn un llygad, yna gweithio fel athro myfyrwyr awtistig ar gyfer 17 flynyddoedd.

“Siwgr” Ray Seales wedi byw bywyd swreal mewn gwirionedd, a dweud y lleiaf, ac mae'n dal i ymwneud â bocsio yn yr oedran 67, fel hyfforddwr llwyddiannus paffwyr amatur yn Indianapolis.

Ganwyd yn Saint Croix, U.S. Ynys Wyryf fel un o wyth o blant mewn teulu yr oedd ei dad yn focsiwr yno fel aelod o'r Unol Daleithiau. Tîm y fyddin, Dechreuodd Seales baffio yn naw oed. “Mae gen i dri brawd ac rydyn ni bob amser yn curo'r crap allan o'n gilydd,” soniodd am ei ddechreuad mewn bocsio. “Dysgu sut i focsio, i mi, yn ymwneud ag ymladd i fod y cyntaf i fwyta. Roeddwn i wedi cael fy nharo yn fy llygad chwith yn chwarae dodgeball a fy ewythr, yr hwn oedd wedi ei leoli yn Ft. Lewis (yn Tacoma, WA), dywedodd wrth fy mam fod yna feddyg arbennig yno a allai helpu gyda fy llygad. Roedd fy nhad wedi'i leoli drosodd a throsodd 1964, pan oeddwn i 12, symudodd fy mam ni i Tacoma, Washington.

“Cefais bocsio yn fy system. Es i gyda fy mrodyr i'r Downtown Tacoma Boys Club, a oedd ond un bloc o'n cartref, a gallai fy mam fy ngwylio yn cerdded o'n ty ni i'r gym ac yn ol. Fi oedd y cyntaf oddi yno i ennill teitl Menig Aur. Roeddwn i eisiau bod yn enillydd a gorffen gyda 14 (pencampwr) siacedi. Doeddwn i ddim yn gallu siarad Saesneg. Roeddwn i'n gwybod Sbaeneg ac yn siarad Sbaeneg a Saesneg gyda'n gilydd. Y gair cyntaf a ddywedais yn Saesneg oedd box. Roedden ni'n arfer ymladd tair neu bedair gwaith y dydd ac fe adeiladon ni'r Tacoma Boxing Club. Es ymlaen i gael a 338-12 record amatur a dwi wedi bod mewn bocsio ers hynny.”

Datblygodd morloi yn bencampwr, yn cymryd anrhydeddau uchaf yn y 1971 AAU Cenedlaethol a 1972 Pencampwriaethau Menig Aur Cenedlaethol. Ar oed 19, Seliau a ymrestrwyd yn yr Unol Daleithiau. Llu Awyr, ond gwnaeth ei fam rai galwadau fel y byddai Ray yn gallu cystadlu yn y 1972 Gemau Olympaidd ym Munich, Yr Almaen.

Llwyddodd hi a'r gweddill, fel y maent yn ei ddweud, yw hanes. A phan ddaeth adref o'r Gemau Olympaidd, dywedwyd wrtho nad oedd angen iddo adrodd i'r U.S. Llu Awyr, oherwydd ei fod wedi gwneud digon o ran gwasanaeth fel yr unig focsiwr Americanaidd i ennill medal aur.

Y 1972 Gemau Olympaidd, Fodd bynnag,, wedi ei gysgodi gan ladd 11 Athletwyr a hyfforddwyr Israel, yn ogystal â heddwas o Orllewin yr Almaen yn y Pentref Olympaidd gan derfysgwyr ar Fedi Du.

“Roeddwn i newydd droi 20,” Seliau cofio. “Roedd bocsio yn drwm pan aethon ni yno. Rhai o fy nheulu, fy hyfforddwr o Tacoma, a chyd-dîm Tacoma (a 2-amser U.S. Olympaidd)Davey Armstrong oedd yn yr Almaen. Doeddwn i ddim yn gwybod dim byd ar y dechrau. Roedd yn rhaid i mi gael sylw fy rhieni i adael iddynt wybod i beidio â mynd yno, oherwydd bod terfysgwyr gyda gynnau is-beiriant yn y Pentref Olympaidd. Fi oedd yr unig focsiwr Americanaidd ar ôl i ymladd.”

Seales yn trechu Bwlgareg Angjei Anghhelov, 5-0, yn y bencampwriaeth pwysau welter ysgafn i gipio medal aur Olympaidd, yr unig aelod o'r U.S. tîm i wneud hynny. Roedd ei gyd-chwaraewyr yn cynnwys Armstrong, Duane Bobick, ac enillwyr medalau efydd Olympaidd Jesse Valdez, Marvin Johnson ac Ricardo Carreras.

Mae ymroddiad Sugar Ray Seales i USA Boxing heb ei ail,” Dywedodd Chris Cugliari, Cyfarwyddwr Alumni Bocsio UDA. “Ei falchder, gwladgarwch, ac ymroddiad i helpu ein cenhedlaeth nesaf o hyrwyddwyr sy'n ei wneud yn ffigwr mor ysbrydoledig.”


Cymdeithas Cyn-fyfyrwyr Bocsio UDA

Wedi'i greu i hyrwyddo gydol oes, perthnasoedd sydd o fudd i'r ddwy ochr rhwng USA Boxing a'i chyn-fyfyrwyr, –bocswyr, swyddogion, hyfforddwyr a chefnogwyr bocsio — Mae Cymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr yn cysylltu cenedlaethau o bencampwyr, ysbrydoli a rhoi yn ôl i bencampwyr bocsio USA Boxing yn y dyfodol, i mewn ac allan o'r cylch.

Mae Cymdeithas Cyn-fyfyrwyr Bocsio UDA yn agored i unrhyw un sydd â chariad at focsio ac a hoffai aros yn gysylltiedig â bocsio amatur.. Rhoddir mynediad i aelodau i amrywiaeth eang o ddigwyddiadau arbennig a gynhelir gan Gymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr, gan gynnwys ei derbyniad blynyddol Oriel Anfarwolion Cymdeithas Bocsio Alumni UDA.

I ymuno â Chymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr, cofrestrwch yn alumni@usaboxing.org am $40.00 tâl aelodaeth y flwyddyn. Bydd aelodau newydd yn derbyn crys T, keychain ac e-waled.


Seliau troi pro i mewn 1973, ennill penderfyniad unfrydol 8 rownd drosodd Gonzalo Rodriguez yn Tacoma. “Sugarman” ennill ei gyntaf 21 ymladd pro, nes iddo golli penderfyniad 10-rownd i 14-0 rhagolygon pwysau canol ac Oriel Anfarwolion y dyfodol Marvin Hagler. Dwy ymladd yn ddiweddarach, Ymladdodd Seales â Hagler yn Tacoma i gêm gyfartal 10 rownd (99-99, 99-99, 98-96).

“Roedd pawb eisiau ergyd at enillydd medal aur Olympaidd,” Esboniad seliau.” Es i Boston a buom yn ymladd mewn stiwdio deledu (WNAC). Roedd hi'n rhewi yno. Roeddwn i'n crynu pan es i mewn i'r cylch, Daeth Marvin allan yn diferu chwys. Roeddwn i'n gwybod fy mod yn colli ar ôl gweld hynny, ond crogais gydag ef a mynd y pellter (10 rowndiau). Roeddwn yn cael problemau rheoli a thri mis yn ddiweddarach bûm yn ymladd yn erbyn Hagler eto, dim ond y tro hwn gartref yn Tacoma. Curais ef ond daeth i ben mewn gêm gyfartal 10 rownd. Mae'n gwybod fy mod wedi ei guro!”

Cwblhaodd Seales ei drioleg gyda Hagler, ond bu bum mlynedd yn ddiweddarach, pan oedd Hagler 42-2-1 ac yn cael ei osgoi gan y rhan fwyaf o bwysau canol gorau'r byd. “Fi oedd yr USBA (Cymdeithas Bocsio yr Unol Daleithiau) a Ffederasiwn Bocsio Gogledd America (NABF) Roedd angen i'r pencampwr pwysau canol a Hagler ennill teitl i gael ergyd teitl byd,” Nodwyd seliau. “Collais ein trydedd ornest yn y rownd gyntaf, ond dyna’r unig beth sy’n cael ei ddangos ar y teledu yn ein tair gornest. Roeddem ni'n ddau law chwith, ond newidiodd i ddeheulaw, ac efe a'm daliodd â bachyn. Cefais fy nhalu ac fe brynon nhw frwydr teitl byd iddo.”

Mae Seales wedi hyfforddi dau dîm amatur gwahanol yn Indianapolis yn ystod y gorffennol 11 flynyddoedd, ennill 10 Pencampwriaethau timau Menig Aur, ac mae'n dal i fod wrth y llyw yn Indy o Dîm IBG.

Wedi iddo ymddeol yn 1984 ar ôl dioddef retinas ar wahân yn y ddau lygad, Cyflwynwyd Seales yn Las Vegas i Sammy Davis, Jr. (llun isod), a dalodd Seliau’ $100,000 bil meddygol ar gyfer ei lygaid difrodi. Davis wedi colli ei lygad chwith mewn a 1952 damwain car



“Athro ydw i,” Seliau i ben. “Rwy'n gweld y ffordd y mae cymaint o baffwyr eisiau ymladd felFloyd Mayweather. Mae eu pen yn gogwyddo, ni allant daflu pigiad. Rwy'n eu dysgu i gael y droed dde y tu ôl i'r chwith (ar gyfer paffiwr llaw dde), ac i gerdded yn syth, heb ogwyddo na brigo. Croeso mawr, sawdl bysedd traed bob tro y byddwch yn colyn yw eich safiad.

“Fy nghyngor i'r bocswyr sy'n gobeithio cystadlu yn y 2020 Pwrpas y Gemau Olympaidd yw canolbwyntio ar yr hyn rydych chi'n ei wneud a gwrando ar sut i'w gyflawni. Yr hyn rydw i wir eisiau ei wneud yw hyfforddi Tîm Bocsio Olympaidd UDA 2024.”

GWYBODAETH:
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Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
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RIPNEVER FORGET!

40fed anniversary of tragic airplane crash in Poland

22 members of Team USA Boxing perished

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Mawrth 14, 2020) – One of the darkest days in American sports history occurred 40 years ago today, when Polish Airlines flight #7 that had departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City crashed a half-mile from Okecie Airport in Warsaw, Gwlad Pwyl.
 
Mae pob 87 passengers died, Gan gynnwys 14 boxers and eight officials on the USA Boxing team, due to a disintegration of a turbine disc in one of the plane’s engines that ultimately failed.
 
Team USA was traveling to Poland to compete in two international amateur boxing dual events. The average age of the 14 boxers was only 20 ½, ranging from 27-year-old Walter Harris to 16-year-old Byron Payton.
 
The potential Olympic dreams of the 14 boxers were destroyed in the horrific accident. Although most of the boxers were still in their developmental stage, outside of prospective medal challenger Lemuel Steeples, each member aspired to represent the United States in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. (The United States eventually led a boycott of the 1980 Olympics because of the Soviet-Afghan War.)
 
I remember coming home from my boxing gym on March 14, 1980 and hearing the news of the plane crash on the evening news,” stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee.
 
As an aspiring Olympic-style boxer I was shocked and felt a sense of loss like every American boxer, coach and official. Today we are reminded that life is precious, and every day is a blessing. On behalf of USA Boxing’s Board of Directors, 48,000 bocswyr, coaches and officials and the national office staff we remember the 1980 USA Boxing Team Members and Staff. Please keep them, their families and the worldwide Olympic-style boxing family in your thoughts and prayers.
 
Down But Not OutLost But Not Forgotten

USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh remembers the crash to this day. “I remember it well, as I was a 16-year-old dreaming of the Olympics,” said Walsh. “It was massive news in Europe, a big tragedy with some of the world’s best boxers and staff wiped out. We lost a generation of great fighters, and most importantly loved ones.
 
Patricia Chavis was only seven years old when she learned her father, Sgt. Elliott Chavis, had perished in the crash. She was playing outdoors with friends when she noticed a lot of people crying as they entered and left her home. Her mother called her inside, sat her down with people watching, and said that her father wasn’t coming back because he had been killed in a plane crash.
 
She asked me if I understood and I did, because we had recently lost my great grandmother and paternal grandfather,” an emotional Patricia explained. “I went back outside and told my friends. They were a little older and they didn’t understand why I hadn’t stayed inside with family. It didn’t really hit me that my dad wasn’t coming home until my teenage years. I remember sitting in bed and writing letters to him.
 
Every year still affects me every March. We usually have a family dinner with my mom and grandchildren. They listen to stories about a man they never met. He’s buried in South Carolina and we’ve laid flowers on his grave. Every year on March 14fed it brings back memories and we celebrate his life.
 
Sgt. Chavis, who died at the age of 25, was stationed at Ft. Bragg (N.C.), where he learned to box. Yr oedd yn aelod o'r 118fed Military Police Company and during his boxing career, the light heavyweight was All-Army and All-Southeastern.
 
My parents married young,” Patricia continued. “My mom told me he was always athletic. He played football and was a pole vaulter on the track team in high school. But I didn’t know anything about his boxing until we went to a reunion at Ft. Bragg. Around the 30fed anniversary I got in touch with some of his Army buddies when I saw on Facebook that they were having a reunion. I went there with my mom and listened to stories they told me about his boxing career. I found it so interesting because I hadn’t known about that. There are quite a few memorials I’ve seen on Facebook and I try to get in touch with other family members (of her father’s teammates who died in the crash). We’ll never forget!”
 
Below is a complete list of the 1980 U.S. Boxing Delegation who died in the aforementioned plane crash in Warsaw:
 
 
Y 1980 United States Boxing Delegation to Warsaw, Gwlad Pwyl, Mawrth 14, 1980
 
BOXERS

Kelvin Anderson                    
        Heavyweight Hartford, CT
Elliott ChavisLight Heavyweight U.S. Fyddin / Ft. Bragg, CC
Walter HarrisLight Heavyweight San Francisco, MEGIS
Andrea McCoyCanol
         Bedford Newydd, MA
Byron PaytonLight Middleweight Troup, TX
Chuck RobinsonLight Middleweight Port Townsend, WA
Paul PalominoPwysau welter
         Westminster, MEGIS
Lemuel SteeplesLight Welterweight St. Louis, MO
Byron Linsay
             
Light Welterweight San Diego, MEGIS
Gary Tyrone ClaytonYsgafn
          Philadelphia, PA
Jerome StewartPwysau Bantam
      U.S. Llynges / Norfolk, VA
George PimentelPwysau pryf
           Elmhurst, NY
Lonnie YoungPwysau pryf
            Philadelphia, PA
David RodriguezLight Flyweight
   Pomona, MEGIS

OFFICIALS

Joseph F. Bland
       
Team Manager High Point, CC
Col. Bernard CallahanReferee/Judge
      Carlisle, PA
Thomas “Sarge” JohnsonPrif Hyfforddwr
  Indianapolis, IN
John Radison
             
Referee/Judge
      St. Louis, MO
Junior Robles
           
Assistant Coach National City, MEGIS
Steve Smigiel
             
Interpreter
           Boca Raton, FL
Delores Wesson
       
Team Assistant
  Ocean Springs, MS
Dr. Ray Wesson
        
Team Physician Ocean Springs, MS
            

Go towww.USABoxing.org to watch a short video tribute
 
Memorial messages and letters of condolence were sent from friends and boxing organizations from around the world, including U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, Executive Director Col. F. Don Miller, Montana AAU, Oklahoma Boxing Association, Amateur Basketball Association of the USA, Salina Boxing Team, South Texas AAU, U.S. Llu Awyr, U.S. Diving, U.S. Swimming, Wisconsin AAU, Wrestling Division of AAU, National AAU Boxing Committee, National AAU, Florida Boxing Commission, Hawaii AAU, U.S. Soccer Federation, Jacksonville (FL) Sports and Entertainment Commission, Georgia Amateur Boxing Association, WSOC Television, Alleghany Mountain Association, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Mack Truck, Inc., Southwestern AAU Boxing Commission, U.S. Olympic Committee, West Nally Group, Charlotte Motor Speedway, AAU Regional Coordinator, Council of Social Work Education, National Rifle Association of America, and Davidson County Department Boxing Team,
 
Also from the Greek Boxing Federation, Mexican Boxing Federation, New Zealand Boxing Association, Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Nova Scotia Branch of Canadian Amateur Boxing Commission, Ontario Boxing Association, Ambassador of Poland, Polish Boxing Association, AIPS Boxing Commission, Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Heretaunga Boxing Club of New Zealand, International Bobsled and Tobogganing Federation, Italian Boxing Federation, LOT Polish Airlines, La Crosse Amateur Boxing Club, Polish Olympic Committee, AIBA, Champion D’Afrique Magazine, African AIBA Board and Tunisian Boxing Federation, Venezuelan Boxing Federation, German Amateur Boxing Federation, Amateur Boxing Federation of England, Israel Sports Federation, Portuguese Amateur Boxing Federation, Romanian Boxing Federation, Rotunda A.B.C., Amateur Boxing Federation of Thailand, National Advertising Benevolent Society, Turkey Boxing Federation, AIBA France, El Salvador Boxing Federation, German Democratic Republic Boxing Association, Danish Amateur Boxing Union, Guatemalan Amateur Sports Federtion, Israel Olympic Committee, Oceana Boxing Federation, Nigeria Boxing Association, Old Actonian Association Amateur Boxing Club, Seychelles Amateur Boxing Federation, Council of Ministers of Cuba, Hungarian Boxing Federation, Norwegian Amateur Boxing Association, International Amateur Boxing Association, Claridad, Peru Amateur Boxing Association, Dominican Republic Department of Education, Health and Recreation, Panamanian Boxing Federation, Head of the Cuban Interests Section.
 
Yn 1984 a statue was dedicated to the USA Boxing Team members who died in Warsaw was placed on the training grounds in Colorado Springs. Names of the 23 members of Team USA are inscribed on the memorial.
 
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One of the best all-time…. 1988 Olympic silver medalist Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Mawrth 9, 2020) – By any standards, U.S. Olympian and former unified World heavyweight champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe is inarguably one of the all-time greatest boxers, amatur a phroffesiynol.

Born and raised in the infamous Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Efrog Newydd, which also produced fellow World heavyweight championsMike Tyson acShannon Briggs, Bowe started boxing at 13 in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Boxing Association Gym.

“I wanted to do everythingMuhammad Ali did,” Bowe explained why he got into boxing. “He was my idol. I wanted to join the Marines, but I fell in love with boxing and stayed with it. I forgot about the Marines.”

Bowe developed his craft and became an outstanding boxer, llunio 104-18 cofnod amatur, highlighted by his controversial silver-medal winning performance at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, De Korea.

A four-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Bowe also captured top honors at the 1986 Junior World Championships, along with a bronze medal at the 1987 Pan Gemau Americanaidd, despite fighting in his final match with a fractured hand he hid from his coaches.

Bowe had a rivalry withRobert Salters, with whom he split four matches, but he defeated Salters, 3-2, yn y U.S. Box-Offs to qualify for the 1988 USA Boxing Olympic Team. His Olympic teammates includedRoy Jones, Jr., Ray MercerKennedy McKinney acAndrew Maynard.

Controversary surrounded his Olympic championship fight against future World heavyweight champion, Canadian super heavyweight Lennox Lewis, who returned home with the Olympic gold medal. During his fight with Lewis, Bowe was deducted a point for a “ghost” head butt that never happened, and the referee gave Bowe a pair of disputed standing-eight counts, the last of which resulted in the stoppage of the fight in Lewis’ favor.

“That fight never should have been stopped,” Bowe commented. “I’m still happy about winning a silver medal. I still have it. And then I turned pro. My mother had 13 kids and I wanted to make my mother happy. I wanted to buy her a house. That’s what inspired me to box.”

“Bowe’s success as an amateur and professional has made him a household name amongst USA Boxing Alumni,"MeddaiChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “His combination of power and skill, along with his legendary battles with other USA Boxing Alumni at the pro ranks, establishes him as one of the greatest fighters that USA Boxing has ever produced.”

Cymdeithas Cyn-fyfyrwyr Bocsio UDA

Wedi'i greu i hyrwyddo gydol oes, perthnasoedd sydd o fudd i'r ddwy ochr rhwng USA Boxing a'i chyn-fyfyrwyr, –bocswyr, swyddogion, hyfforddwyr a chefnogwyr bocsio — Mae Cymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr yn cysylltu cenedlaethau o bencampwyr, ysbrydoli a rhoi yn ôl i bencampwyr bocsio USA Boxing yn y dyfodol, i mewn ac allan o'r cylch.

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, gan gynnwys ei derbyniad blynyddol Oriel Anfarwolion Cymdeithas Bocsio Alumni UDA.

I ymuno â Chymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr, cofrestrwch ynalumni@usaboxing.org am $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain ac e-waled.

With legendary trainerEddie Futch yn ei gornel, Bowe became the first truly unified World heavyweight champion, winning the title belt for all four recognized major sanctioning bodies: CLlC, WBA, IBF and WBO.

Bowe retired with an amazing 43-1 (33 Kos) pro record. He had a 5-1 (4 Kos) mark in world title fights, 7-1 (5 Kos) versus past world heavyweight champions such asEvander Holyfield (ddwywaith), Pinklon ThomasTony TubbsBruce SeldonMichael Dokes acHerbie Hyde.

Bowe later avenged his lone pro loss to Holyfield, winning two of three fights with the “Real Deal.”

“I’m very happy with my pro career,” Bowe added. “I beat Holyfield two times and I think it should have been three. I’m not a sore loser, but I was the World heavyweight champion. How did he win that fight? The challenger needs to take the belt from the champion, and he didn’t do that. I thought I won by a point, at worst, maybe it should have been a draw, but I shouldn’t have lost the fight. I did become the first to ever knockout Holyfield. My pro career wasn’t too bad. I kept working hard and became two-time World heavyweight champion.”

Nawr 51 and living in Maryland, Bowe has some advice for the American boxers trying to qualify for the 2020 Team USA Boxing Olympic Team.

“Just don’t think about it,” stressed Bowe, sounding like a Nike commercial. “Just do it! It worked for me. I showed up and didn’t think about it. And always finish strong.”

Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015, left his mark in amateur and pro boxing. Nobody can ever take that away from the big guy from Brownsville.

GWYBODAETH:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

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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.

1988 Olympic gold medalist “Merciless” Ray Mercer Looks back at his Olympic experience

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Chwefror 11, 2020) – Thirty-two years after he captured an Olympic gold medal“Merciless” Ray Mercer fondly remembers his Olympic experience like it was last month. Mercer, who is the only American heavyweight champion to knock out all of his Olympic opponents, went on to become world heavyweight champion as a professional for our “heavyweight double.”

For Mercer, it all started in Germany, where his U.S. Army unit was based. Offered a chance to avoid a 30-day field exercise, Mercer accepted an offer to serve as a sparring partner for the post’s heavyweight boxing champion. Despite never having put on a pair of gloves before, Mercer was a quick learner who was naturally strong, and he rapidly developed into the 1985 U.S. Army and Inter-service heavyweight champion.

The World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which qualified athletes have an opportunity to train fulltime for the Olympics, didn’t exist back then, nor the Olympic qualifier rules of today. Mercer defeated future world heavyweight championTommy Morrison in the opening round of the 1988 Olympic Trials and another future world heavyweight titlistMichael Bentt (5-0) in the championship final. At the 1988 USA Olympic Box-offs at famed Caesars Pala

ce in Las Vegas, Mercer won a split decision (3-2) over Bentt, but Mercer had already qualified to fight in the Olympic Games by being the U.S. Armed Forces champion.

“When I was in the Army, I had to win in the service, maintain things, and go to the next step,” Mercer remembered. “I had to beat some good fighters on my way to the Olympics, and I was in the best shape of my life. There was more discipline in the amateurs than the professional ranks. The final year before the Olympics, I left my home unit, traveled a lot to fight, and stayed in my trainer’s house instead of living in the barracks.

Mercer made history at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, De Korea, when he became and remains the only Olympic heavyweight champion from the United States to knockout all four of his opponents:  Rudolf Gavenciak (Czechoslovakia – RSC3), Luigi Gaudiano(Italy – KO1), Arnond Vasnderlyde (Netherlands – RSC2) acBaik Hyun-Man (South Korean – KO1).

“I knew I had to knockout the South Korean in the final,” Mercer admitted. “I just wanted to do what I could to be the Olympic gold medalist. I don’t think I used a jab.

“Winning the Olympic gold medal resulted in some big-time changes for me. I became a celebrity, a household name, and it allowed me to make money as a professional. The best thing that ever happened to me was winning the Olympic gold medal, even more than winning the world title as a pro. Nothing compared to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. I accomplished my dream. I had never dreamed of going pro, until after I won the gold medal.

“It was really important to win that gold medal. I fought with my heart; no money was involved, celebrated so hard that night (after winning the gold medal) that I lost my medal for a few hours. My dream had come true, my hands were shaking, and I lost my medal. What a night!"

Mercer offers members of the 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team one bit of advice, “Keep fighting, follow your dream and take that last step.”

Mercer, who was born in Jacksonville, Florida, made his much-anticipated pro debut in 1989, rhoi'r gorau iJesse McGhee in the third round of their fight in Atlantic City. “Merciless” won his first 18 ymladd pro, including a ninth-round knockout ofFrancisco Damiani, followed by a successful defense against Morrison, who was stopped in the fifth round.

During his 19-year pro career, Mercer compiled a 36-7-1 (26 Kos) cofnod, defeating four world champions in Damiani, Morrison, Tim Witherspoon acOssie Ocasio.  Five of his eight career losses were to world championsLennox LewisWladimir Klitschko,Larry HolmesEvander Holyfield acShannon Briggs

“Ray represents everything that makes USA Boxing proud,"MeddaiChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “As an Army veteran, Enillydd medal aur Olympaidd, and heavyweight champion of the world, he has demonstrated excellence and professionalism that reflects the best of what USA Boxing has to offer.”

Cymdeithas Cyn-fyfyrwyr Bocsio UDA

Wedi'i greu i hyrwyddo gydol oes, perthnasoedd sydd o fudd i'r ddwy ochr rhwng USA Boxing a'i chyn-fyfyrwyr, –bocswyr, swyddogion, hyfforddwyr a chefnogwyr bocsio — Mae Cymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr yn cysylltu cenedlaethau o bencampwyr, ysbrydoli a rhoi yn ôl i bencampwyr bocsio USA Boxing yn y dyfodol, i mewn ac allan o'r cylch.

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, gan gynnwys ei derbyniad blynyddol Oriel Anfarwolion Cymdeithas Bocsio Alumni UDA.

I ymuno â Chymdeithas y Cyn-fyfyrwyr, cofrestrwch ynalumni@usaboxing.org am $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain ac e-waled.

Mercer’s outstanding amateur boxing career also included a classic match-up against Cuban great and three-time Olympic gold medalistFelix Savon, at USA vs. Cuba dual match, in which Mercer twice staggered Savon, who survived without suffering additional damage only because the Cuban referee made a questionable intervention that gave his fellow countryman time to recover and a controversial 2-1 buddugoliaeth.

“And he gave me a standing eight-count for no reason,” Mercer added. “I beat that guy and he knows it. We’re still in touch even though he doesn’t speak English. He has a friend translate and we’re in touch on Facebook. We like each other.”

Heddiw, Mercer is founding a charity at home in North Carolina, which will include free boxing clinics, ond, more importantly, give back to the community and teach youths, especially those who are bullied, the skills they’ll need to go out into the real world.

Ray Mercer has reached the zenith twice in boxing as an Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion as a professional. Not too shabby for somebody who never really wanted to box.

“Boxing saved my life,” Mercer concluded. “I can’t imagine my life without boxing, it certainly wouldn’t be the same.

GWYBODAETH:

www.usaboxing.orgi

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.

USA Boxing featherweight Andrea Medina closing in on 2020 Olympic spot in Tokyo

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Chwefror 10, 2020) – Coming off consecutive runner-up finishes in major tournaments, USA Boxing featherweightAndrea Medina is within one tournament of representing her country in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Ym mis Rhagfyr, the 20-year-old Medina lost a split decision toLupe Gutierrez yn y 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, ac 4-1 iIulia Tsyplakova (Wcráin) last month at the Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria. The Chula Vista, California boxer was recently named to USA Boxing’s Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualification Team.

“Placing second at the trials only made me more eager to get that Olympic Qualification spot,” Medina said. “I just wanted to show USA Boxing that I was the one to represent at 57 kilograms. I am only going to get better and I cannot wait to show the world everything that I got.

“For it (Strandja) being my first ever international tournament, I was very proud of how far I got in the tournament and getting that silver medal. I was very happy with all my performances and I am excited to get back to work on things I need to improve on. Aside from all that, going to a different country was awesome and I can’t wait to travel more doing what I love the most.”

Medina and her Team USA stablemates are currently training in Colorado Springs at the state-of-the-art United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. To qualify for participation in this year’s Olympic Games, Medina needs to finish among the top three in the 57-kilogram (125 pwys.) division at the America’s Qualification Tournament, March 26-April 3, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One final opportunity at the World Qualifier in Paris, Ffrainc, in which she could qualify for the Olympics by placing among the top five.

“It means the world to me to be on the USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team,” Medina added. “It is everything I have been working for since I started competing at eight years old and I cannot believe the Olympic Games are only in a few months. Making history in San Diego by being the first person to make the Olympic Team for boxing is a big deal for my family, my city and myself. I cannot express how excited I am to have come this far, but there is still so much to do, and I am ready.

“I feel that I work better under pressure and I truly believe that I will qualify for Tokyo, whether it be in Argentina or France, but my main goal, ar hyn o bryd, is to train hard to get that gold in Argentina.”

Medina believes her major strength inside the ring is her ability to adjust during a fight. She prefers fighting on the outside, but she can brawl if needed, because she enjoys throwing a lot of power punches.

Medina also realizes that she’s in a prime place regarding the rising popularity of female boxing, following in the USA Boxing footsteps of two-time Olympic gold medalistClaressa Shields and Olympic bronze medalistMarlen Esparza, along with past USA Olympians such asQueen Underwood acMikaela Mayer.

“Female boxing is only going to get bigger,” Medina predicted. “Being a female fighter today means a lot to me, because I have been doing this for 15 blynyddoedd bellach, and seeing it grow year after year only shows how strong females are and what we can accomplish. I predict that, in the future, boxing will not be seen as a man’s sport, but will be neutral for both men and women.”

Competing at the Olympics has been a life-long dream for Medina, but she also has plans for her immediate future.

“Reaching the Olympics has been my main goal throughout my boxing career,” Andrea remarked, “so now that it is so close makes me want to work even harder. Other goals of mine are to graduate from college and get my own condominium, which I will do after all this is over.

“I plan on turning pro after the Olympics, most likely at the beginning or middle of 2021, so I can finish school and give my body some rest and recovery.”

Andrea Medina is so close to being an Olympian and everything associated with that accomplishment that she can practically reach out and feel it. Just one more step, whether in Buenos Aires or Paris, and it’ll be mission accomplished for her.

GWYBODAETH:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  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!

USA Boxing Announces 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Qualification Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Ionawr 29, 2020) — USA Boxing announced today the 13 boxers who will represent Team USA at the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo Boxing Qualification Events, yn ogystal â'r 13 alternates. A full list can be seen below.

The team was announced following the two-stage qualification process that began in December at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing in Lake Charles and concluded at the recent 2020 Strandja Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria. The full athlete selection procedure can be seenyma.

“First of all, this was a very difficult decision,” stated USA Boxing Head CoachBilly Walsh. “Some of these boxers were neck and neck between training camp and the 2020 Standja Tournament.”

“We feel the 13 boxers that earned their place on the Olympic Qualification Team will be the best team to represent Team USA at the upcoming qualifiers, as well as have the best opportunity to qualify a full team to the 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo.”

Mae pob 13 boxers will have two chances to punch their ticket to Tokyo. The first will take place at the America’s Qualification tournament in Buenos Aires, Yr Ariannin, Mawrth 26 – April 3. Boxers who do not qualify in Argentina will have one final opportunity at the World Qualifier in Paris, Ffrainc, May 13-24.Click here for more information on how boxers qualify

The boxers, as well as several training partners, will return to the United States Olympics and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Lap. ar Chwefror. 5 for their next training camp.

Follow USA Boxing on social media to stay up to date on training and news of the Olympic Qualification Team.

USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team
51 kg: Virginia Fuchs, Houston, Texas
52 kg: Anthony Herrera, Los Angeles, Calif.
57 kg: Andrea Medina, San Diego, Calif.
57 kg: Bruce Carrington, Brooklyn, N.Y..
60 kg: Rashida Ellis, Lynn, Offeren.
63 kg: Keyshawn Davis, Norfolk, A fydd.
69 kg: Oshae Jones, Toledo, Ohio
69 kg: Delante Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio
75 kg: Naomi Graham, Fayetteville, N.C.
75 kg: Joseph Hicks, Grand Rapids, mi.
81 kg: Rahim Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev.
91 kg: Darius Fulghum, Houston, Texas
91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Calf.

USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team Alternates
51 kg: Christina Cruz, Hell Cegin, N.Y..
52 kg: Abraham Perez, Albuquerque, N.M.
57 kg: Lupe Gutierrez, Sacramento, Calif.
57 kg: David Navarro, Los Angeles, Calif.
60 kg: Amelia Moore, Alexandria, A fydd.
63 kg: Ernesto Mercado, Pomona, Calif.
69 kg: Briana Che, Madison, Wisc.
69 kg: Freudis Rojas Jr., Dallas, Texas
75 kg: Morelle McCane, Cleveland, Ohio
75 kg: Javier Martinez, Milwaukee, Wisc.
81 kg: Atif Oberlton, Philadelphia, Yf.
91 kg: Jamar Talley, Camden, N.J.
91+ kg: Antonio Mireles, Des Moines, Iowa

 GWYBODAETH:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  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!

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Tachwedd 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, Rhagfyr 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 ChampionMichael Angeletti (Gwanwyn, 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 ’17Fernando Martinez (Phoenix, Ariz.) will want to return to the top of the podium. 2018 Elite National Championships runner-upAbraham Perez (Albuquerque, N.M) has hopes of redemption to take the title. YoungsterRay Ray Robinson(Cincinnati, Ohio) punched his ticket to Lake Charles by winning the Eastern Elite Qualifier in his home state and his elite debut, acJose 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 duoAnthony Herrera acAnthony 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 Gemau Americanaidd. Fodd bynnag, 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.) acRashiem Jefferson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had impressive runs at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to earn the championship at those events, traJonathan 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, acKevin Montano(Concord, Calif.), have a great deal of experience on the national and international stage to make things interesting, traXavian Ramirez (Darllen, 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 medalistKeyshawn 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 medalistsDalis Kaleiopu(Waianae, Hawaii) will be looking for redemption after his close bout in the finals last year against Davis. 2015 Junior World Championships silver medalistsHarley Mederos (Efrog Newydd, N.Y.) hopes to repeat his impressive performance from the 2019 Eastern Elite Qualifier, tra 2019 Western Elite Qualifier ChampionCharlie Sheehy (Brisbane, Calif.) looks to return to the USA Boxing High Performance squad after being a member in 2018. 2019 Last Chance Qualifier ChampionErnesto 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, acMarcell Davidson (Shawnee, Mai.) has the goods to reach the finals. Another boxer making the transition to elite this yearDaniel 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 enillydd medal efydd Pencampwriaeth y BydFreudis Rojas Jr. (Las Vegas, Nev.)  ac 2019 Pan American Games bronze medalistDelante 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, traVictor Aranda (Cam, 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, Y.) will be looking for a strong performance, as he is one of the few Louisiana natives in the field, acMorris 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 medalistTroy Isley (Alexandra, Va.) ac 2018 Elite National ChampionJavier Martinez(Milwaukee, WISC.). Isley took the national title in 2016 ac 2017 over Martinez, while Martinez was victorious in 2018. Fodd bynnag, 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.) acAntonio Garcia (Anaheim, Calif.) were crowned champions at the three qualifiers, and will look to continue their winning ways in Louisiana.Alexis Chaparro (Efrog Newydd, N.Y.), Francis Hogan (Weymouth, Offeren.) acAlex 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 ChampionRahim 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, tra 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 divisionsFrancis 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.) acNasheed Smith(Washington, D.C.) qualified to these trials after finishing second at the Eastern, Last Chance and Western Qualifiers, respectively.Chavon Davis (Mansfield, Ohio) acRobert 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 classesAdrian Tillman (Colorado Springs, Colo.) chose to compete in the heavyweight division with hopes of being one of the two boxers in this division, Fodd bynnag,, y 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.) acDevon 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, traJoshua Edwards (Houston, Texas), Darius Fulghum (Rosharon, Texas) acJamar 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 medalistRichard 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 ChampionsJeremiah Milton (Tulsa, Okla.) acAntonio Mireles (Des Moines, Iowa) will look to be victorious once more after they stood atop the podium at their respective events to qualify, traDominic 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.) acKenyon 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, Rhagfyr. 9 at the Lake Charles Civic Center, with the finals taking place Sunday, Rhagfyr. 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, Lap. 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!

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Lap. (Tachwedd 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, Y. 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. Fodd bynnag, Christina Cruz (Hell Cegin, 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, gyda Lina Vezzani (Brooklyn, N.Y.) ac 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.) ac 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(Falls Niagara, 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, tra Destiny Jasso(Dallas, Texas) ac Melanie Costa (Norton, Offeren.) survived a tough bracket out of the Eastern Elite Qualifier to advance to these trials.

Lightweight/132 lbs./60 kg

Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Offeren.) 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.) ac 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.) acWhitney Gomez (Bend, Oriau.) left the Western and Last Chance Qualifiers golden, traJennifer Lopez (Jersey City, N.J.) ac 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.) ac Mary Spencer (Boulder, Colo.). Blaidd, 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, Offeren.) ac Jill Stafford (La Mesa, Calif.) all won silver medals in their respective qualifying competitions and could easily surprise many in Lake Charles, tra 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 Pencampwr y Byd Ieuenctid 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, tra Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) had an impressive 2019, taking a bronze in her international debut earlier this year. Alexis Gomez(South San Francisco, Calif.) ac 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, tra Fallon Farrar (Colorado Springs, Colo.),Melody Popravak (Brooklyn, N.Y.) ac Rachael Washington (Efrog Newydd, 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, yn ogystal â'r 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 USA Boxing National Championships website for news, canlyniadau, selection procedures and updates of the tournament by clicking here: http://bit.ly/BoxingTrials20

West Point Boxing Fall Classic Winchester’s Cadet Luca LoConte Botis Returns home Nov. 10

Anthony’s in Malden, Offeren.

BOSTON, Offeren. (Hydref 14, 2019) – The National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) will present the “West Point Fall Classic” on Sunday, Tachwedd 10, yng Anthony yn Malden, Massachusetts.

Members of the West Point boxing team will compete against amateur boxers from USA Boxing New England, University of Connecticut, Trinity College, Hartford College, and the University of Massachusetts.

“We are excited for this upcoming event featuring the best college athletes in the Northeast,"MeddaiEric Buller, President of the National Collegiate Boxing Association and member of the USA Boxing Board of Directors. “We are also happy to include some of the most impressive local athletes as well. This is a win for everyone who attends:  local athletes, future leaders of America, dedicated coaches and officials, boxing legends, great venue and outstanding ring action. Thanks to Anthony’s for hosting us and to all that are working hard to make this event the great success it will be.”

United States Military Academy Senior CadetLuca LoConte Botis, who hails from nearby Winchester (MA), will be showcased in what will likely be his final local boxing competition.

A 2015 graduate of Winchester High School, where he captained the school’s cross country, swimming and outdoor track teams. Botis will be supported by a large contingent of family and friends.

A tribute to the USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be on tap, including appearances by 1988 Enillydd medal aur OlympaiddRay Mercer, International Boxing Hall of Fame refereeSteve Smoger, three-time Fight of the Year participant“Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), three-time two division world champion“El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera(Worcester, MA), and former New England amateur champion and reigning IBA super welterweight championGreg “The Villain” Vendetti (Stoneham, MA).

Drysau'n agor am 2 p.m. A, bout cyntaf a drefnwyd ar gyfer 3 p.m. ET.

Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling Seacoast Ticket Agency at 1.800.382.5242.

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

Mykquan Williams (Photo by Emily Harney / Team Williams)

MANCHESTER, Conn. (Medi 9, 2019) – If not for a critical decision four years ago, 21-mlwydd-oed “Wych” 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 cofnod amatur, 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 rownd; 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 (CLlC) United States super lightweight champion, Goreuon Na. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), a Na. 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 flynyddoedd. I had the confidence in Mykey, but the risk wasn’t worth the gain. We decided to go pro.

Bedair blynedd yn ddiweddarach, instead of competing against America’s elite amateur boxers in his weight classKeyshawn Davis, Bruce Carrington ac Dalis Kaleiopu — yn y 2020 Olympic Trials and USA Boxing’s National Championships, Rhagfyr 7-15, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Williams is one of the top 21-and-under prospects in boxing.

GWYBODAETH:

Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
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