Tag Archives: USA BOXING

boxing, USA Boxing

A remarkable boxing journey like no other 1972 Olympic kub medalist “Qab Zib” Ray Seales

Plaub Hlis Ntuj 15, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

(Ray Seales is in the front row, second in from the left)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Plaub Hlis Ntuj 9, 2020) — Imagine being the lone boxer from your country to capture an Olympic gold medal, only days after the infamous Munich massacre. Now imagine also having won a remarkable 338 ntawm 350 amateur matches, having fought a trilogy as a professional with **“Zoo kawg nkaus” Marvin Hagler**, being declared legally blind in both eyes (having entertainer **Sammy Davis, Jr.** pickup a six-figure medical bill), regaining sight in one eye, then working as a teacher of autistic students for 17 xyoo.

**“Qab Zib” Ray Seales** has truly lived a surreal life, to say the least, and he’s still involved in boxing at the age of 67, as a successful coach of amateur boxers in Indianapolis.

Born in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Island as one of eight children in a family whose father was a boxer there as a member of the U.S. Army team, Seales started boxing at the age of nine. “I have three brothers and we always beat the crap out of each other,” he spoke about his start in boxing. “Learning how to box, for me, was all about fighting to be the first to eat. I had gotten hit in my left eye playing dodgeball and my uncle, who was stationed at Ft. Lewis (nyob rau hauv Tacoma, WA), told my mother there was a special doctor there who could help with my eye. My father was stationed all over and in 1964, when I was 12, my mother moved us to Tacoma, Washington.

“I had boxing in my system. I went with my brothers to the Downtown Tacoma Boys Club, which was only one block from our home, and my mother could watch me walk from our house to the gym and back. I was the first from there to win a Golden Gloves title. I wanted to be a winner and finished with 14 (champion) jackets. I couldn’t speak English. I knew Spanish and spoke Spanish and English together. The first word I said in English was box. We used to fight three or four times a day and we built the Tacoma Boxing Club. I went on to have a 338-12 amateur record and I’ve been in boxing ever since.”

Seales developed into a champion, taking top honors at the 1971 National AAU and 1972 National Golden Gloves championships. Thaum muaj hnub nyoog 19, Seales enlisted in the U.S. Cua Dag Zog Yuam, but his mother made some calls so Ray would be able to compete in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Lub teb chaws yelemees.

She succeeded and the rest, raws li lawv hais, is history. And when he came home from the Olympics, he was told that there was no need for him to report to the U.S. Cua Dag Zog Yuam, because he had done enough in terms of service as the only American boxer to win a gold medal.

Lub 1972 Olympics, Txawm li cas los, was overshadowed by the killing of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, as well as a West German police officer at the Olympic Village by terrorists on Black September.

“I had just turned 20,” Seales remembered. “Boxing was heavy when we went there. Some of my family, my coach from Tacoma, and Tacoma teammate (and 2-time U.S. Olympian)**Davey Armstrong** were in Germany. I didn’t know anything at first. I had to get the attention of my parents to let them know not to go there, because there were terrorists with sub-machine guns in the Olympic Village. I was the only American boxer left to fight.”

Seales defeated Bulgarian **Angjei Anghhelov**, 5-0, in the light welterweight championship to capture an Olympic gold medal, the only member of the U.S. team to do so. His teammates included Armstrong, **Duane Bobick**, and Olympic bronze medalists **Jesse Valdez**, **Marvin Johnson** thiab **Ricardo Carreras**.

Sugar Ray Seales’s dedication to USA Boxing is second to none,” hais tias Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Director. “His pride, patriotism, and devotion to helping our next generation of champions is what makes him such an inspiring figure.”

**USA Boxing Alumni Association**

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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

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

Seales turned pro in 1973, winning an 8-round unanimous decision over **Gonzalo Rodriguez** nyob rau hauv Tacoma. “Sugarman” won his first 21 pro sib ntaus, until he lost a 10-round decision to 14-0 middleweight prospect and future Hall of Famer Marvin Hagler. Ob fights tom qab, Seales fought Hagler in Tacoma to a 10-round draw (99-99, 99-99, 98-96).

“Everybody wanted a shot at the Olympic gold medalist,” Seales explained.” I went to Boston and we fought in a TV studio (WNAC). It was freezing in there. I was shivering when I went into the ring, Marvin came out dripping sweat. I knew I was losing after seeing that, but I hung with him and went the distance (10 rounds). I was having management problems and three months later I fought Hagler again, only this time at home in Tacoma. I beat him but it ended in a 10-round draw. He knows I beat him!”

Seales completed his trilogy with Hagler, but it was five years later, when Hagler was 42-2-1 and avoided by most of the world’s top middleweights. “I was the USBA (United States Boxing Association) and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) middleweight champion and Hagler needed to win a title to get a world title shot,” Seales noted. “I lost our third fight in the first round, but that’s the only thing shown on television in our three fights. We were two left-handers, but he switched to right-handed, and he caught me with a hook. I got paid and they bought him a world title fight.”

Seales has coached two different amateur teams in Indianapolis during the past 11 xyoo, winning 10 Golden Gloves team championships, and he’s still in charge in Indy of Team IBG.

After he retired in 1984 after suffering detached retinas in both eyes, Seales was introduced in Las Vegas to Sammy Davis, Jr. (pictured below), who paid Seales’ $100,000 medical bill for his damaged eyes. Davis had lost his left eye in a 1952 car accident

“I’m a teacher,” Seales concluded. “I see the way that so many boxers want to fight likeFloyd Mayweather. Their head is tilted, they can’t throw a jab. I teach them to have the right foot behind the left (for a right-handed boxer), and to walk in straight, not tilted or peaking. Heel toe, heel toe every time you pivot is your stance.

“My advice for the boxers who hope to compete in the 2020 Olympics is to focus on what you’re doing and listen to how to get it done. What I really want to do is to coach the USA Olympic Boxing Team 2024.”

**NTAUB NTAWV:**
www.usaboxing.orgi
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing

boxing, USA Boxing

RIP – NEVER FORGET!

Lub peb hlis ntuj 15, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

40^th anniversary of tragic airplane crash in Poland

22 members of Team USA Boxing perished

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub peb hlis ntuj 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, Poland.

Tag nrho cov 87 passengers died, kuj muaj 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 boxers, 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 Out… Lost 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 14^th 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. Nws yog ib tug tswv cuab ntawm lub 118^th 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 30^th 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:

**Lub 1980 United States Boxing Delegation to Warsaw, Poland, Lub peb hlis ntuj 14, 1980**

**BOXERS**

**Kelvin Anderson**
        Heavyweight Hartford, I
**Elliott Chavis**Light Heavyweight U.S. Pab tub rog / Ft. Bragg, NC
**Walter Harris**Light Heavyweight San Francisco, XWS LI
**Andrea McCoy**Middleweight
         New Bedford, MA
**Byron Payton**Light Middleweight Troup, TX
**Chuck Robinson**Light Middleweight Port Townsend, WA
**Paul Palomino**Welterweight
         Westminster, XWS LI
**Lemuel Steeples**Light Welterweight St. Louis, MO
**Byron Linsay**
             Light Welterweight San Diego, XWS LI
**Gary Tyrone Clayton**Sib
          Philadelphia, PA
**Jerome Stewart**Bantamweight
      U.S. Navy / Norfolk, VA
**George Pimentel**Flyweight
           Elmhurst, NY
**Lonnie Young**Flyweight
            Philadelphia, PA
**David Rodriguez**Light Flyweight
   Pomona, XWS LI

**OFFICIALS**

**Joseph F. Bland**
       Team Manager High Point, NC
**Col. Bernard Callahan**Referee/Judge
      Carlisle, PA
**Thomas “Sarge” Johnson**Lub taub hau tsheb loj thauj neeg
  Indianapolis, IN
**John Radison**
             Referee/Judge
      St. Louis, MO
**Junior Robles**
           Assistant Coach National City, XWS LI
**Steve Smigiel**
             Interpreter
           Boca Raton, IBCE
**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. Cua Dag Zog Yuam, 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 (IBCE) 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.

Nyob rau hauv 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.

**NTAUB NTAWV:**
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, USA Boxing

One of the best all-time…. 1988 Olympic silver medalist Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe

Lub peb hlis ntuj 10, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub peb hlis ntuj 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, pib xyaum ua thiab kev.

Born and raised in the infamous Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York, which also produced fellow World heavyweight championsMike Tyson thiabShannon 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, compiling ib tug 104-18 pib xyaum ua cov ntaub ntawv, highlighted by his controversial silver-medal winning performance at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Kauslim.

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 Yias American ua si, 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, nyob rau hauv lub U.S. Box-Offs to qualify for the 1988 USA Boxing Olympic Team. His Olympic teammates includedRoy Jones, Jr., Ray Mercer, Kennedy McKinney thiabAndrew 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,"Hais tiasChris 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.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib.

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

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

With legendary trainerEddie Futch nyob rau hauv nws lub ces kaum, Bowe became the first truly unified World heavyweight champion, winning the title belt for all four recognized major sanctioning bodies: Qhov, 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 (ob zaug), Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tubbs, Bruce Seldon, Michael Dokes thiabHerbie 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.”

Tam sim no 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.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

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

Lub ob hlis ntuj 17, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub ob hlis ntuj 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 titlist, Michael 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, South Kauslim, 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) thiabBaik 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, siv ceev xwmphemJesse McGhee in the third round of their fight in Atlantic City. “Merciless” won his first 18 pro sib ntaus, 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) cov ntaub ntawv, defeating four world champions in Damiani, Morrison, Tim Witherspoon thiabOssie Ocasio. Five of his eight career losses were to world champions: Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko,Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield thiabShannon Briggs.

“Ray represents everything that makes USA Boxing proud,"Hais tiasChris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “As an Army veteran, Olympic kub medalist, and heavyweight champion of the world, he has demonstrated excellence and professionalism that reflects the best of what USA Boxing has to offer.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

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

Mercer’s outstanding amateur boxing career also included a classic match-up against Cuban great and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Felix 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 yeej.

“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.”

Hnub no, Mercer is founding a charity at home in North Carolina, which will include free boxing clinics, tab sis, 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.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

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

Lub ob hlis ntuj 11, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub ob hlis ntuj 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.

Nyob rau hauv Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj, the 20-year-old Medina lost a split decision toLupe gutierrez nyob rau ntawm lub 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing, thiab 4-1 rauIulia Tsyplakova (Ukraine) 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 lbs.) division at the America’s Qualification Tournament, March 26-April 3, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One final opportunity at the World Qualifier in Paris, Fabkis, 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, txoj cai tam sim no, 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 thiabMikaela 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 xyoo tam sim no, 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.

NTAUB NTAWV:

www.usaboxing.org

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HAIS TXOG USA BOXING: Txhawm rau txhawb thiab loj hlob Olympic-style kev lom zem ua si hauv kev ntaus kis las hauv Tebchaws Meskas thiab ua rau kev mob siab rau kev ua siab ntev ntawm Olympic kub thiab ua rau cov neeg ncaws pob thiab kws qhia ua kom tau txais kev sib tw muaj txiaj ntsig. Txuas ntxiv, USA Boxing kev tshaj tawm los qhia txhua tus neeg koom nrog lub xeeb ceem, cog qoob loo thiab tsom lawv yuav tsum ua kom dhau los ua cov neeg sib tw tsis xws luag thiab sib tw, ob qho tib si nyob rau hauv thiab tawm ntawm lub nplhaib. USA Boxing yog ib pab, ib lub teb chaws, mus rau kub!

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

USA Tshaj Tawm Tshaj Tawm 2020 Pab Pawg Tshawb Xyuas Kev Ua Si hauv Tokyo Olympic

Lub ob hlis ntuj 2, 2020 FNU47 Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Lub ib hlis ntuj 29, 2020) — USA Boxing tshaj tawm hnub no lub 13 boxers uas yuav sawv cev rau Team USA tom ntej 2020 Kev Ntaus Ncaws Pob Ua Si Olympic Tokyo Tokyo Cov Kev Tsim Nyog Ua Si, raws li zoo raws li lub 13 sib pauv. Tag nrho cov npe tuaj yeem pom hauv qab no.

Pab neeg no tau tshaj tawm tom qab ob-theem tsim nyog cov txheej txheem uas tau pib thaum Lub Kaum Ob Hlis thaum lub 2020 U.S. Pab Pawg Pab Pawg Olympic rau Kev Ntaus Pob Ntaus Hauv Lake Charles thiab xaus lus thaum lub sijhawm tsis ntev los no 2020 Ncig saib Strandja nyob Sofia, Bulgaria. Tag nrho cov txheej txheem xaiv los ncaws pob tuaj yeem pomno.

“Qhov ib, qhov no yog ib qhov kev txiav txim siab nyuaj kawg nkaus,”Tau teev tseg rau USA Kev Tshaj Tawm Kev Ntaus Taub HauBilly Walsh. “Ib txhia ntawm cov thawv no yog caj dab thiab caj dab nruab nrab ntawm kev kawm pw hav zoov thiab cov 2020 Sawv Pob Tawb. "

“Peb xav tias tus 13 boxers uas tau txais lawv qhov chaw ntawm Olympic Tsim Nyog Pab Pawg yuav yog pawg zoo tshaj plaws los sawv cev rau Pab Pawg USA ntawm qhov kev tsim nyog yav tom ntej, raws li muaj lub sijhawm zoo tshaj plaws los tsim nyog pab pawg tag nrho rau qhov 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo. "

Tag nrho cov 13 boxers yuav muaj ob txoj kev punch lawv daim pib mus Tokyo. Thawj qhov yuav tshwm sim ntawm America kev sib tw Tsim nyog hauv Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lub peb hlis ntuj 26 - Plaub Hlis Ntuj 3. Boxers uas tsis tsim nyog nyob rau hauv Argentina yuav muaj ib lub sijhawm kawg ntawm Ntiaj Teb Kev Tsim Kho hauv Paris, Fabkis, Lub Tsib Hlis 13-24.Nyem rau ntawm no yog xav paub ntxiv txog yuav ua li cas boxers tsim nyog.

Lub thawv, nrog rau kev cob qhia ntau tus neeg, yuav rov qab mus rau Tebchaws Meskas Tebchaws Asmeskas Kev Tshaj Tawm thiab Kev Kawm Paralympic hauv Colorado Springs, Ncej puab. rau FEB. 5 rau lawv qhov chaw kawm tom ntej.

Ua raws li USA Kev Ntaus Pob ntawm kev sib raug zoo los ua kom txog hnub ntawm kev qhia thiab xov xwm ntawm Pab Pawg Olympic

Pab Koom Tes Hauv Tebchaws Meskas Boxing Boxing
51 kg: Virginia Fuchs, Houston, Texas
52 kg: Anthony Herrera, Los Angeles, California.
57 kg: Andrea Medina, San Diego, California.
57 kg: Bruce Carrington, Brooklyn, N.Y..
60 kg: Rashida Ellis, Lynn, Pawg.
63 kg: Keyshawn Davis, Norfolk, Yuav.
69 kg: Oshae Jones, Toledo, Ohio
69 kg: Delante Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio
75 kg: Na-aumi graham, Fayetteville, N.C.
75 kg: Joseph Hicks, Yawg Nrawm, kuv.
81 kg: Rahim Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev.
91 kg: Darius Fulghum, Houston, Texas
91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Plab Hlaub.

Pab Koom Tes Hauv Tebchaws Meskas Kev Ntaus Pob Tawb
51 kg: Christina Cruz, Ntuj raug txim tus chav tsev mov, N.Y..
52 kg: Anplaham Perez, Albuquerque, N.M.
57 kg: Lupe gutierrez, Sacramento, California.
57 kg: David navarro, Los Angeles, California.
60 kg: Amelia Moore, Alexandria, Yuav.
63 kg: Ernesto Mercado, Pomona, California.
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, Pa.
91 kg: Jamar Talley, Camden, N.J.
91+ kg: Antonio Mireles, Cov Haujsam, Iowa

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

Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 29, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 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, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 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 (Caij nplooj ntoos hlav, 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-upAnplaham 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, thiabJose 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 thiabAnthony 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 Yias American ua si. Txawm li cas los, a mix of youth and veterans will make this division one to watch.David navarro (Los Angeles, California.) finished third at the 2018 Cov neeg sib tw National Elite, but punched his ticket following Raymond Ford’s move to the professional ranks.Japhethlee Llamido(Norwalk, California.) thiabRashiem Jefferson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had impressive runs at the Western and Eastern Qualifiers to earn the championship at those events, thaum lub sij hawmJonathan Mansour (La Mesa, California.) defeated an impressive field in Oxnard, California. 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, thiabKevin Montano(Concord, California.), have a great deal of experience on the national and international stage to make things interesting, thaum lub sij hawmXavian Ramirez (Nyeem ntawv, 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 (New York, N.Y.) hopes to repeat his impressive performance from the 2019 Eastern Elite Qualifier, thaum lub sij hawm 2019 Western Elite Qualifier ChampionCharlie Sheehy (Brisbane, California.) looks to return to the USA Boxing High Performance squad after being a member in 2018. 2019 Last Chance Qualifier ChampionErnesto Mercado (Pomona, California.) 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 (Neeg txo hwj chim, Texas) surprised many when he took the second spot at the 2019 Sab Hnub Poob, which will be a huge confidence booster in Lake Charles, thiabMarcell Davidson (Shawnee, Tej zaum.) 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 Ntiaj teb Championship bronze medalistFreudis Rojas Jr. (Las Vegas, Nev.) thiab 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, thaum lub sij hawmVictor Aranda (Kauj ruam, 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, Lub.) will be looking for a strong performance, as he is one of the few Louisiana natives in the field, thiabMorris 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.) thiab 2018 Elite National ChampionJavier Martinez(Milwaukee, Wisc.). Isley took the national title in 2016 thiab 2017 over Martinez, while Martinez was victorious in 2018. Txawm li cas los, 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 (Yawg Nrawm, Mich.) thiabAntonio Garcia (Anaheim, California.) 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, Loj.) thiabAlex 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, thaum lub sij hawm 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.) thiabNasheed Smith(Washington, D.C.) qualified to these trials after finishing second at the Eastern, Last Chance and Western Qualifiers, respectively.Chavon Davis (Mansfield, Ohio) thiabRobert Magee(Byrnes Mill, Hli) 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, Txawm li cas los, lub 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.) thiabDevon 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, thaum lub sij hawmJoshua Edwards (Houston, Texas), Darius Fulghum (Rosharon, Texas) thiabJamar 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, California.)** 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.) thiabAntonio Mireles (Cov Haujsam, Iowa) will look to be victorious once more after they stood atop the podium at their respective events to qualify, thaum lub sij hawmDominic 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.) thiabKenyon 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 & Twv txiaj yuam pov.

**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, Ncej puab. 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 kev tshaj tawm los qhia txhua tus neeg koom nrog lub xeeb ceem, cog qoob loo thiab tsom lawv yuav tsum ua kom dhau los ua cov neeg sib tw tsis xws luag thiab sib tw, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, ib lub teb chaws, mus rau kub!

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

Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 25, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

**COLORADO SPRINGS, Ncej puab. (Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 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, Lub. 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, California.). 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. Txawm li cas los, **Christina Cruz** (Ntuj raug txim tus chav tsev mov, 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, California.) 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, nrog **Lina Vezzani** (Brooklyn, N.Y.) thiab **Stephanie Chavez** (Orange, California.) 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, California.) thiab **Iyana Verduzco** (Los Angeles, California.) 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, California.) impressed many in Reno, defeating numerous World Championship medalists on her way to the title, thaum lub sij hawm **Destiny Jasso**(Dallas, Texas) thiab **Melanie Costa** (Norton, Loj.) survived a tough bracket out of the Eastern Elite Qualifier to advance to these trials.

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

**Rashida Ellis** (Lynn, Loj.) 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.) thiab **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, Mob.) thiabWhitney Gomez (Bend, Teev.) left the Western and Last Chance Qualifiers golden, thaum lub sij hawmJennifer Lopez (Jersey City, N.J.) thiab **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, California.) thiab **Mary Spencer** (Boulder, Colo.). Hma, 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, Loj.) thiab **Jill Stafford** (La Mesa, California.) all won silver medals in their respective qualifying competitions and could easily surprise many in Lake Charles, thaum lub sij hawm **Liz Flores**(Woodland Hills, California.) 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, **Na-aumi 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 Hluas ntiaj teb tau zus ib **Citlalli Ortiz** (Coachella, California.) 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, thaum lub sij hawm **Morelle McCane** (Cleveland, Ohio) had an impressive 2019, taking a bronze in her international debut earlier this year. **Alexis Gomez**(South San Francisco, California.) thiab **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, thaum lub sij hawm **Fallon Farrar** (Colorado Springs, Colo.),**Melody Popravak** (Brooklyn, N.Y.) thiab **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, raws li zoo raws li lub 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Boxing and 2019 USA Boxing National Championships website for news, tau, selection procedures and updates of the tournament by clicking here: http://bit.ly/BoxingTrials20

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

Lub kaum hli ntuj 15, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Anthony’s in Malden, Pawg.

BOSTON, Pawg. (Lub kaum hli ntuj 14, 2019) – The National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) will present the “West Point Fall Classic” on Sunday, Kaum Ib Hlis Ntuj 10, ntawm Anthony tus nyob rau hauv 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,"Hais tiasEric 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 Olympic kub medalistRay 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).

Qhov rooj qhib rau ntawm 2 p.m. THIAB, nyuajsiab ntxhov plawv teem rau 3 p.m. ET.

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

boxing

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

Cuaj hlis 11, 2019 FNU47 Cia ib saib

Sib ntaus xov xwm Unlimited

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

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

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

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

Qhov zoo tshaj plaws sib ntaus xov xwm nyob rau hauv lub Net!