They call it the National P.A.L. Boxing tournament and it is held all around the USA in various cities each year. But PAL is an ironic term to use in a sport where young trained athletes are throwing precisioned, powerful punches, in an attempt to outpoint their opponents. Yet the acronym fits perfectly when the final bell rings the two young combatants inevitably embrace giving praise and respect to each other for what they both know to be truth, that each has sacrificed much in order to the compete at this level.
On hand at this years PAL were four Main St Gym boxers competing in their respective division, against the best amateur boxers from across the US.
In the 16 yr old 114lb division, Corey Moore, a Wi Hi student captured a bronze medal after losing on points to Dallas Holden from Atlantic City N.J.
In the open 152lb division Shawn Woodford was unable to get past William Hill of Detroit, Michigan in his preliminary bout.
Rudy Calixto 13yr old, 85lbs fought his way up through the bracket to the make it to the finals. Keyshawn Davis of Norfolk VA. edged Calixto out for the Gold, to bring home the Silver.
Calixto’s older brother Ivan followed his younger brothers lead to fight his way into the finals Friday evening but was also edged out in a close match against Troy Isley, of Alexandria VA. to bring home the Silver.
“These kids are young and in comparison to many of their opponents, less experienced, yet they proved that they are capable of competing on the highest level. They all have time on their side and I expect big things from these young lions as well as others that will see stepping up in the future. Not only did they win a number of bouts to get moved up, they exhibited some real nice skills that confirm that things will just get better and better for all of them”. Said Coach Hal Chernoff. “Beyond doing well in Toledo this trip has really motivated them to work even harder now that they are seeing how it is paying off.
“Going to club shows is very important to keep testing your skills and getting experience, but going to the big tournaments is the ultimate reward for all that work. If you are not ready for that level of competition, it will not be a rewarding experience for you, but when you know you have the ability to compete on that level, win or loose, all you want to do is come home and go to work so you can go make it to the next one.” Chernoff added.
On hand and competing at this tournament for the first time since her Gold medal performance in the London Olympics, Clarissa Shields stepped back in the ring to match up against past World Champion, Franchon Crews of Baltimore. The match up was one of the most anticipated bouts of the tournament and proved to live up to the expectations, with Shields edging out Crews for the Gold.
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