Grassroots in the News: June 15

JACKSON R-CENTER BOXING CLUB SENDS FIRST ROCHESTER WOMAN TO U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS, SECOND FEMALE BOXER RANKS 3RD IN THE NATION

Self-respect and discipline are two valuable ingredients for successfully acquiring life skills and achievement. Last month, two young women who participate in the City of Rochester’s Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center Boxing Club placed in their respective weight classes at the 2023 Golden Gloves of America National Championship in Philadelphia, Penn.

Algeria Johnson, 21, made history as a Golden Gloves titleholder in her boxing weight class and the first woman from Rochester to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Fellow fighter Angie Miles, 24, also placed in her weight class, ranking her third in the nation. 

Joseph Awinongya Jr. rules 154lbs junior division at 2023 USA Junior Olympics

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Boxing: Clark wins national title in Lubbock

New Mexico’s splendid year in amateur boxing continued on Friday as Albuquerque’s Leroy Clark won a national title in Lubbock, Texas.

Clark defeated Kyree Brown Zellner of Virginia Beach, Virginia by unanimous decision for the men’s 203-pound title at the USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival.

Clark’s title comes on the heels of New Mexico’s two Golden Gloves national titles last month in Pennsylvania, won by Las Cruces’ Samantha Ginithan and Ariana Carrasco.

In Lubbock, Clark reached Friday’s title match with a semifinal victory on Thursday by unanimous decision over Texas’ DeRae Crane, a two-time national Golden Gloves champion.

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Leo Ortiz doesn’t recall all the details of the first time he found himself in a fight, but he knows one thing for certain. He didn’t like losing.

The Orland Park 11-year-old has always been wired that way, he says. But six years after his amateur boxing career began with a fight he didn’t win, Leo’s competitive spirit has pushed him to win more than he loses while also making a name for himself on a national level.

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Moon takes on Junior Olympics

Makayla Moon is so passionate about her pursuit of a professional boxing career, she spent her 13th birthday on the road fighting for it.

Moon took another major leap in her quest. She was part of a loaded field of boxers at USA Boxing’s Junior Olympics event held in Lubbock, Texas last week. She was one of eight to qualify for the 110-pound intermediate bracket.

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