Who looks the best bet to make the 2008 US Olympic team?

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 07 Oct 2006, 15:57

Because the there is usually no one, amateur or pro, from 178 up who can actually, skillfully BOX!!!! Mike Wilson is an exception, providing he is in shape. HWs like to grapple, hug, waltz, club, stare at each other and paw. Ali and Holyfield were the last two, and Brewster when he's on, pros who actually had skills. I want to see someone box - not pound their opponent into the canvas.

emile · Post by **emile** » 08 Oct 2006, 09:05

A lot of close bouts in the finals, I'll be interested to see what Mel has to say.

106 lbs/48 kg: Gabino Saenz, Indio, Calif., dec. Roberto Ceron, Lawrenceville, Ga., 20-6
112 lbs/51 kg: Rau'shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio stopped Qa'id Muhammad, Ventnor City, N.J., RSCO-3
119 lbs/54 kg: Gary Russell, Jr., Capitol Heights, Md., dec. Roberto Marroquin, Dallas, Texas, 16-7
125 lbs/57 kg: Rico Ramos, Los Angeles, Calif., dec. Walter Sarnoi, Monterey Park, Calif., 20-11
132 lbs/60 kg: Terence Crawford, Omaha, Neb., dec. Diego Magdaleno, Las Vegas, Nev., 13-8
141 lbs/64 kg: Michael Dallas, Bakersfield, Calif., dec. Raul Tovar, Mission, Texas, 9-8
152 lbs/69 kg: Keith Thurman, Tampa, Fla., dec. Charles Hatley, Dallas, Texas, 16-14
165 lbs/75 kg: Daniel Jacobs, Brooklyn, N.Y., dec. Jonathan Nelson, Little Rock, Ark., 24-4
178 lbs/81 kg: Yathomas Riley, San Diego, Calif., dec. Joshua Garza, Baytown, Texas, 10-7
201 lbs/91 kg: Adam Willett, Bellport, N.Y., dec. James Zimmerman, San Jose, Calif., 12-10
201+ lbs/91+ kg: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev., dec. Jonte Willis, Tacoma, Wash., 10-8

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 08 Oct 2006, 19:18

106 - Was a rematch between 2005 National Golden Gloves champion Roberto Ceron (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Gabino Saenz (Indio, Calif.). First round ended in a tie; Saenz took lead in the second round; 10-point advantage after 3 rounds and won on a 20-6 decision. It was a sloppy bout; Ceron was warned (2 points to Saenz) for "shouldering." Once Saenz had the commanding lead, he ran around the ring for the 4th round. Yes, he didn't need to put the lead in jeopardy by staying with Ceron, but he needed to throw punches at the same time he was moving out of Ceron's way.

112 - 2004 Olympian Rau’shee Warren stopped 2006 Under 19 National Champion Qa’id Muhammad when he had a 20-point lead in the third round. I give Muhammad well-deserved credit for trying to pressure Warren and not giving up in spite of Warren's superior experience and speed. Warren has some of the fastest hands in the sport, but I did notice a lot of his punches were slaps (that should not have been counted). I think he stays on the top of the heap to make the Olympic team.

119-Gary Russell, Jr. (2-time national champion) had total control of his bout with 2006 Junior Olympic national champion Roberto Marroquin. Russell won his first national PAL championship. Marroquin had a hard time getting off against Russell's experience and slickness and wasn't competitive. I think Roberto did really well for his first effort in the open division and, hopefully, he'll improve.

125 - Very sloppy bout between Rico Ramos (Los Angeles, CA) and Walter Sarnoi (Monterey Park, CA). Sarnoi has really improved his offensive skills but it was obvious he was trying too hard. The 125 division is still up for grabs.

132 - Terence Crawford (Omaha, Neb.) (2006 National Golden Gloves runner up and 2006 U.S. Championships bronze medalist) and Diego Magdaleno's bout was one of the best of the evening. There was continual action for all 4 rounds, with both taking standing 8 counts. After two rounds, Crawford was one point ahead of Magdaleno; at the beginning of the fourth round Magdaleno was up a point. Crawford was the quicker and better boxer in this contest, pulling ahead in points in the fourth round to win. Can't count Magdaleno out, however. He still poses a threat at 132.

141- Michael Dallas (Bakersfield, Calif.), the upset champion of the week, pulled out a gold medal in his final bout with Raul Tovar (Mission, Texas), with a final score of 9-8. It wasn't an easy week for Dallas, winning on very close decisions, but he managed to pull out the gold medal. I've known Mike since he started boxing and he has really begun to mature into an experienced open division boxer. I don't, however, think he has the 141 division sewed up by any means.

152 - Keith Thurman and Charles Hatley provided another entertaining bout, with Thurman pulling out a 16-14 final decision to win the championship. It was a hard-fought four rounds, with both boxers throwing continual hard punches. Thurman may have clinched his slot in next year's qualifier, but Hatley is going to remain a threat.

165 - The other really good bout of the night was between 2-time National PAL champion Daniel Jacobs (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and 2005 U.S. Championships silver medallist Jonathan Nelson (Little Rock, Ark.). As in the 132 Lb. division, it was back and forth for all 4 rounds, both boxers throwing hard shots. I do feel that Jacobs was the better boxer of the two but I do not feel that the 24-4 final score was in any way representative of the contest.

178 - Yathomas Riley (San Diego, Calif.) (2006 Golden Gloves champ)boxed 2004 National PAL Champion Joshua Garza (Baytown, Texas) won a close match, winning on a 10-7 final score. It is my understanding that the score was tied through most of the bout, and it was apparent that it wasn't a piece of cake.

201 - Since this isn't my favorite weight class, I was actually talking to some friends while this bout was going on. My husband, who did watch, said it was actually a good match with both actually boxing so there might be hope for the HW division after all.

201+ - Hunter, the 2006 Junior World Championships bronze medallist, and Jonte Willis (Tacoma, Wash.) actually had a close, competitive bout. Hunter had a bit of a stamina problem in the second round (almost ran out of gas) but picked it up in the third. Both were throwing hard, accurate blows. It was definitely a back and forth contest with Hunter winning by 2 points. I am really impressed with Hunter. He's a bit green but, I think, the more experience he gets, the better he'll be. I think he has a great chance to make the 2008 Olympic team; I really want to see him compete against Mike Wilson and I'm sure that will happen at some point next year.

emile · Post by **emile** » 09 Oct 2006, 12:53

Great review Mel, thanks. Its interesting how young some of the winners and potential Olympic favorites are - Crawford 19, Russell 18, Warren 19, Thurman only 17, Jacobs 19. Willett is 24, and I don't know about the rest, but Yathomas Riley looks older and Dallas fought in the last Olympic Trials so I'd guess he's at least 20. Seems like those five teens should continue to improve rapidly and will be hard to dislodge by anyone older or younger.

Amazingly, the Oxnard PAL is going to put film of every fight up on their website. There is no sound and you have to download it, rather than stream, but that's a pretty amazing opportunity to see some of these young guys. So far, days 1 and 2 are up on the site.

http://www.oxnardpalboxing.com/boxingto ... gday1.html
http://www.oxnardpalboxing.com/boxingto ... gday2.html

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 09 Oct 2006, 13:31

You're welcome. As we go into the qualifiers to select our 2008 team, I'll continue to post. I should involved with at least one, if not more, of the tournaments as a computer tech and will have some first-hand opinions to share.

Can't believe the Oxnard PAL did that! Wow!. Hope they are at least identifying the boxers. Please don't try and "judge" if you're going to watch the film. It was shot from one point of view, pretty high up in the gym, and won't reflect the actual view of the ringside judges. Just enjoy and see if you can pick any favorites. 8)

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 09 Oct 2006, 21:06

And, besides, the film is blurry and hard to see. Oh well.

Karlof · Post by **Karlof** » 10 Oct 2006, 02:04

Im rather impressed by the young "Bounty" Hunters results this year. I first came in touch with his name in an article about the tragic death of his father. He's only 18 years old and I read that he hasn't boxed for so long. He was just a novice (with a record like 6-0 or something) when he took the silvermedal in the national golden gloves earlier this year. He also won the bronze in the U-19 World Championships in September.
It sounds like Hunter is a (super)heavyweight to keep an eye on for the future.

K

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 10 Oct 2006, 09:20

Mike Hunter can box, although he is still learning, and I expect he'll only get better. Excellent rolemodel in that he is a respectful, humble young man who is not distracted from his goal to become the best. We'll just have to wait and see if he fulfills the expectations - some do and some do not. Still want to see him box Mike Wilson before I get too excited.

Bostonmma · Post by **Bostonmma** » 18 Oct 2006, 00:22

Demetrius Andrade will be at the Olympics, he just has to settle on the right weight class, he already is a national amateur champion and has won almost every national tourny there is. See his stats here http://usaboxing.org/86_1422.htm

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 18 Oct 2006, 07:26

Andrade will have to get past Keith Thurman in his quest for the Olympic team if he stays at 152. If he goes up to 165 during the qualifying events, he'll have to be better than Edwin Rodriguez, Danny Jacobs, Jonathan Nelson and Shawn Estrada. He's not a shoe-in to make the team. 2007 is going to be a very interesting and hectic year.

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » 21 Oct 2006, 10:39

106: #1-Luis Yanez (TX) #2-Robert Ceron (GA)
112: #1-Rau'shee Warren (OH) #2-Qa'id Muhammad (PA, Strong J.O.)
119: #1-Gary Russel (MD)(might move up to 125) #2-David Clark (CA,NMU)
125: #1-Mark Davis (OH), (if still at 125) #2-Rico Ramos (CA)
132: #1-Terrence Crawford (NE)#2-Danny Garcia (PA) (if both can stay at 132)
141: #1-Michael Dallas (CA) #2-Karl Dargan (PA)
152: #1-Boyd Melson (ARMY) #2-Greg Carter (CT, NMU) #3-Keith Thurman (FL) #4-Charles Hatley (TX)
165: #1-Danny Jacobs (NY) #2-Shawn Porter (OH) #3-Demetrius Andrade (R.I.) #4-John Nelson (AR) #4-Shawn Estrada (CA)
178: #1-Christopher Downs (Army) #2-De'Rae Crane (IA, NMU) #3-William Rosinksi (NY) #4-Yathomas Riley (CA) (Crane would have won his bout against Riley 6-5, poor officiating out at the PAL, ref stopped the fight with 10 seconds left. Crane should have been up 5 or 6 after the second round, but was down 3-1 going into the 3rd. He had Riley hurt several times. The prelim bout between Riley and Crane was the championship @ 178, no doubt) If they fight again, I'm sure Crane will win easily because Riley won't have home filed advantage.
201: #1-Tim Skolnik (sleeper)
201+: Open

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 21 Oct 2006, 16:50

Interesting picks but I have to disagree with you on many. Mark Davis is currently in jail so he's up in the air. Were you at the PAL? Did you see the poor officiating? If so, wanna tell me your name?

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » 26 Oct 2006, 18:40

106: #1-Luis Yanez (TX) #2-Robert Ceron (GA)
112: #1-Rau'shee Warren (OH) #2-Qa'id Muhammad (PA, Strong J.O.)
119: #1-Gary Russel (MD,might move up to 125) #2-David Clark (CA,NMU)
125: #1-Mark Davis (OH, if still at 125) #2-Rico Ramos (CA) #2-Luis Devalle (NY)
132: #1-Terrence Crawford (NE) #2-Danny Garcia (PA)
141: #1-Michael Dallas (CA) #2-Karl Dargan (PA)
152: #1-Boyd Melson (ARMY) #2-Greg Carter (CT, NMU) #3-Keith Thurman (FL) #3-Charles Hatley (TX)
165: #1-Demetrius Andrade #1-Danny Jacobs (NY) #2-Shawn Porter (OH) #2 Donta Woods (GA, NMU) #4-John Nelson (AR) #4-Shawn Estrada (CA) #4 -Edwin Rodriguez
178: #1-Christopher Downs (Army) #2-De'Rae Crane (IA, NMU) #3-William Rosinksi (NY) #4-Yathomas Riley (CA)
201: #1-Tim Skolnik (MI, NMU, sleeper/savior)
201+: #1-Nate James (MA, NMU, sleeper/savior)

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 26 Oct 2006, 19:09

Are you picking your choices for the Olympic team or starting your own rankings? Not sure what your list is for.

TheTruth · Post by **TheTruth** » 26 Oct 2006, 20:00

LOL...Those are my picks for the Olympics. It's obvious that there hasn't been a dominate force in most of the weight classes, it's up for grabs. Danny Jacobs and Raushee Warren are the most dominate. Raushee is going for a second trip. There is a big chance that someone comes out of nowwhere and beats Danny.

ctill · Post by **ctill** » 27 Oct 2006, 01:14

I THINK THE 201+ WEIGHT CLASS IS WIDE OPEN. I THINK I LOST ON A BAD DECISION TO MIKE HUNTER IN THE SEMIS AT THE PAL'S. BUT I WILL HAVE ALOT TO SAY ABOUT WHO GOES TO BEIJING AT 201+.

ctill · Post by **ctill** » 27 Oct 2006, 01:18

boxmel wrote:Because the there is usually no one, amateur or pro, from 178 up who can actually, skillfully BOX!!!! Mike Wilson is an exception, providing he is in shape. HWs like to grapple, hug, waltz, club, stare at each other and paw. Ali and Holyfield were the last two, and Brewster when he's on, pros who actually had skills. I want to see someone box - not pound their opponent into the canvas.

I CAN BOX AND ILL PROVE IT BUT I WONT LEAVE IT UP TO THE JUDGES TO ROB ME LIKE AT THE PAL SEMIS.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 27 Oct 2006, 09:36

LOL...Those are my picks for the Olympics. It's obvious that there hasn't been a dominate force in most of the weight classes, it's up for grabs. Danny Jacobs and Raushee Warren are the most dominate. Raushee is going for a second trip. There is a big chance that someone comes out of nowwhere and beats Danny.

Still beg to disagree with you.

There really isn't anyone from no where for Danny - that weight class is pretty well known and I didn't see any Juniors on the way up.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 27 Oct 2006, 09:44

I THINK THE 201+ WEIGHT CLASS IS WIDE OPEN. I THINK I LOST ON A BAD DECISION TO MIKE HUNTER IN THE SEMIS AT THE PAL'S. BUT I WILL HAVE ALOT TO SAY ABOUT WHO GOES TO BEIJING AT 201+. I CAN BOX AND ILL PROVE IT BUT I WONT LEAVE IT UP TO THE JUDGES TO ROB ME LIKE AT THE PAL SEMIS.

I agree the SHW division is not sewed up but I still think think it will come down to Hunter or Wilson, Sorry I didn't see you at the PAL but probably will at one of the tournaments next year.

I know you weren't deliberately robbed - officials don't sit around before bouts and decide who's going to win. I will agree that the officiating at the PAL this year wasn't the best, mainly because they weren't as experienced as those who normally participate. PAL also had some administrative problems this year (too bad it was a qualifier) that won't happen next year.

GRfan · Post by **GRfan** » 28 Oct 2006, 17:08

boxmel wrote:Andrade will have to get past Keith Thurman in his quest for the Olympic team if he stays at 152. If he goes up to 165 during the qualifying events, he'll have to be better than Edwin Rodriguez, Danny Jacobs, Jonathan Nelson and Shawn Estrada. He's not a shoe-in to make the team. 2007 is going to be a very interesting and hectic year.

I think you forgot that Andrade would also have to get by Shawn Porter too. Porter defeated Andrade at the U-19. Porter also gave Jacobs all he could handle at the US Championships. You have to include Porter in your group to watch at 165#.

GRfan · Post by **GRfan** » 28 Oct 2006, 17:14

boxmel wrote:
LOL...Those are my picks for the Olympics. It's obvious that there hasn't been a dominate force in most of the weight classes, it's up for grabs. Danny Jacobs and Raushee Warren are the most dominate. Raushee is going for a second trip. There is a big chance that someone comes out of nowwhere and beats Danny.
Still beg to disagree with you. There really isn't anyone from no where for Danny - that weight class is pretty well known and I didn't see any Juniors on the way up.

There is one junior that I think could mix it up in the 165# open division and that is Dominic Wade. I've heard that he has some issues staying focused and out of trouble, but he does have some talent.

I think the only two boxers that look like they are going to be shoe-ins for the Olympics are Raushee Warren and Gary Russell. Even with them, they have to stay healthy and focused. If they do, they will be trying to improve on their efforts at the 2005 World Championships.

GRfan · Post by **GRfan** » 29 Oct 2006, 02:55

TheTruth wrote:106: #1-Luis Yanez (TX) #2-Robert Ceron (GA)
112: #1-Rau'shee Warren (OH) #2-Qa'id Muhammad (PA, Strong J.O.)
119: #1-Gary Russel (MD,might move up to 125) #2-David Clark (CA,NMU)
125: #1-Mark Davis (OH, if still at 125) #2-Rico Ramos (CA) #2-Luis Devalle (NY)
132: #1-Terrence Crawford (NE) #2-Danny Garcia (PA)
141: #1-Michael Dallas (CA) #2-Karl Dargan (PA)
152: #1-Boyd Melson (ARMY) #2-Greg Carter (CT, NMU) #3-Keith Thurman (FL) #3-Charles Hatley (TX)
165: #1-Demetrius Andrade #1-Danny Jacobs (NY) #2-Shawn Porter (OH) #2 Donta Woods (GA, NMU) #4-John Nelson (AR) #4-Shawn Estrada (CA) #4 -Edwin Rodriguez
178: #1-Christopher Downs (Army) #2-De'Rae Crane (IA, NMU) #3-William Rosinksi (NY) #4-Yathomas Riley (CA)
201: #1-Tim Skolnik (MI, NMU, sleeper/savior)
201+: #1-Nate James (MA, NMU, sleeper/savior)

106: It will be Luis Yanez, Gabino Saenz or Roberto Ceron

112: Raushee Warren, unless he boxes at 119 like he did in the World Cup. If so, then Qa'id Muhammad, Sammy DiPace or Aaron Alafa

119: Gary Russell if he stays at 119. If Raushee moves to 119, I expect Gary Russell will move to 125. He may move to 125 even if Warren boxes at 112. If Russell and Warren aren't at 119, then Roberto Marroquin, Jorge Diaz or Leo Santa Cruz.

125: Russell if at 125. If not, then Sadam Ali, Richard Baltazar, Rico Ramos or Sergio Perales.

132: Jesus Mendez, Terrance Crawford, Diego Magdaleno or Danny Garcia and Carlos Molina.

141: Karl Dargan, David DeLaCruz, Michael Dallas, Jeremy Bryan or Brad Solomon

152: Demetrius Andrade if he stays at 152, Keith Thurman or Charles Hatley

165: Shawn Porter, Danny Jacobs, or Dominic Wade

178: Yathomas Riley, Joshua Garza, DeRae Crane, Christopher Downs or Bear Richardson

201: Adam Willett, James Zimmerman, David Carey, Dorset Barnwell, Jordan Shimmell, Yuwshua Zadok, David Imoesiri or Tim Skolnik. This weight class is wide open.

201+: Michael Hunter, Mike Wilson, Felix Stewart, Jonte Willis, Eric Correa, Eugene Hill or Ashanti Jordan

A lot of the predictions depends on athletes not growing out of a weight class, not getting injured or not allowing outside influences to sidetrack them.

THE WATCHER · Post by **THE WATCHER** » 29 Oct 2006, 15:49

Just some names I see when I Watch

201+MIKE HUNTER Mike Wilson, Felix Stewart, ,Eric Correa
201 Adam Willet, Jordan Shimmel,Dorrset Barnwell,
178 Riley,Downs,Allen Lawrence,Bear Richardson,
165 SHAWN PORTER,Danny Jacobs,Shawn Estrada,EdwinRodriguez
152 Keith Thurman,Demitrius Andrade,Charles Hatley,Boyd Melson
141 Karl Dargen,Brad Soloman,Mike Dallas,Jeremy Bryan
132 TERRANCE CRAWFORD,Garcia,Ramos,Belmotes
125 MARK DAVIS,Ali,Ramos
119 1,2,3 as listed by USA ranking
112 RAUSHEE WARREN
106 LOUIS YANEZ

inc969806 · Post by **inc969806** » 29 Oct 2006, 22:23

I think we have some very good boxers at 178 in the US.That division is so loaded there is no telling who will come out on top.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 30 Oct 2006, 14:24

GR Fan: Looks like you just can't quite commit.

106: It will be Luis Yanez, Gabino Saenz or Roberto Ceron [/]

Probably. But who do you think will make the team? I think it will be Yanez.

112: Raushee Warren, unless he boxes at 119 like he did in the World Cup. If so, then Qa'id Muhammad, Sammy DiPace or Aaron Alafa
As far as I know, Rau'shee has no intention of moving up in weight class. Alafa is a good boxer but no power; Sammy will be coming out of the JOs and into the open division and we'll have to see how he does against the older, more mature boxers. I say Warren.

119: Gary Russell if he stays at 119. If Raushee moves to 119, I expect Gary Russell will move to 125. He may move to 125 even if Warren boxes at 112. If Russell and Warren aren't at 119, then Roberto Marroquin, Jorge Diaz or Leo Santa Cruz.
I do believe Russell is staying at 119. Marroquin was pretty soundly trounced by Russell at the PAL. Leo Santa Cruz is turning pro. I say Russell.

125: Russell if at 125. If not, then Sadam Ali, Richard Baltazar, Rico Ramos or Sergio Perales.
Richie Baltazar died in August in a car accident. No picks here. Up for grabs.

132: Jesus Mendez, Terrance Crawford, Diego Magdaleno or Danny Garcia and Carlos Molina.
Crawford is my guess, however Magdaleno is in the hunt.

165: Shawn Porter, Danny Jacobs, or Dominic Wade
Wide open. Let's see what Wade does in the open division.

A lot of the predictions depends on athletes not growing out of a weight class, not getting injured or not allowing outside influences to sidetrack them.[/quote]

Covered all the exceptions, didn't you! Please remember that once a boxer has qualified for the U.S. Championships in a weight class, he can't change weights. Personally, I think picking the team a year in advance is going to present problems with athletes (1) keeping their qualifying weights and (2) not being able to take time off from work or school.

Who looks the best bet to make the 2008 US Olympic team?

Who it will come down to.

We'll see how close I was within the year.

Re: We'll see how close I was within the year.