Grassroots in the News: March 19

Specialist-4 Ariana Carrasco did the United States Army proud on Saturday.

That goes for her hometown of Las Cruces, too.

Carrasco, a member of the Army boxing team stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado —but a Las Crucen through and through — defeated Philadelphia’s Stacia Suttles for the women’s 146-pound Elite Division title at the USA Boxing National Open.

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CLEVELAND — Morelle McCane of Cleveland is on the road toward fulfilling a 13-year dream, earning a spot on the Team USA boxing squad and a shot at a gold medal during the Summer Olympics in Paris this July.

McCane's humble beginnings in boxing started back in 2009, training at a modest outdoor gym at East 117 Street and Sellers Avenue in Clevelend's Glenville neighborhood.

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Thursday is a busy day for New Mexico amateur boxers at the USA Boxing National Open, taking place at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

All bouts are available via digital stream at usaboxing.com.

Here’s a list (note that three New Mexicans are fighting on Thursday for National Open championships):

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After taking a year off from any boxing competitions, Clinton’s very own Fransisco Landa is back and ready to box at the national level.

Fransisco has spent much of the past year training, trying to get physically, emotionally and mentally tougher by working out with his dad, Jorge, at the Del Sol Boxing Club here in Clinton.

“It was rough coming back. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but I did it,” Fransisco said.

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