On Tuesday, April 24th, host committee members Laila Ali, Evander Holyfield, Emanuel Steward, Michael Buffer and Larry Merchant spoke about the USA Boxing Olympic team that is set to represent United States in London this summer. A wonderful presentation about the plans for the USA Olympic Boxing team took place in Beverly Hills at the Paley Center.
Boxing hopefuls include Light Flyweight Santos Vasquez, Lightweight Jose Ramirez, Light Welterweight Jamel Herring, Middleweight Terrell Gausha, Light Heavyweight Marcus Browne, Heavyweight Michael Hunter and Super Heavyweight Dominic Breazale. The event raised funds for the Olympic training of U.S. amateur boxing athletes, as they prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Unlike most countries in the world, the U.S. does not provide public funding for its Olympians and Olympic hopefuls.
The men’s team is currently training in Los Angeles before The Americas Qualifier May 5-12 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The good news, for the first time ever, women will box in the Olympics in three boxing weight classifications: flyweight, lightweight and middleweight.
The mission of USA Boxing is to support its athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character and to promote and grow Olympic-style boxing in the United States. Unlike most countries in the world, the United States does not provide public funding for its Olympians and Olympic hopefuls. Our athletes need your support as they train for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. For more information on USA Boxing, its athletes and the preparations for London, visit www.usaboxing.org. – Report by Bridget Nelson