First 13 Set For Tokyo Olympic Trials in Lake Charles Saturday

Friday the 13th proved fruitful for thirteen of the Olympic hopefuls at the Lake Charles Olympic Boxing Trials for Tokyo 2020, as winners in the winner’s bracket secured their spot in the finals. Losers in the winner’s bracket have one last shot at redemption Saturday as they’ll take on the winners from the challenger’s bracket.

Those that lost in the challenger’s bracket were eliminated and are welcome to totally break strict training guidelines and gorge on some of our finer buffets and seafood restaurant offerings. A lot of our visitors are tasting our version of fish and shrimp, boudin and other regional nutritious substances and delights that make us different for the very first time. And once one has been eliminated from the competition why not pig out?

And if you notice some of our visitors from the South Bronx, or San Diego, Oklahoma or Pennsylvania give'm a nice Lake Charles greeting and point out local items and locations of interest. For them this is a once in a lifetime adventure, and just like you when out of town on business they like to know of and take in some local sites.

Things Start to Settle in the Women's Division

In the women’s 165 lbs. division, Naomi Graham from Fayetteville, N.C., locked in her spot in the semifinals with a walkover victory over Morelle McCane of Cleveland, Ohio. McCane isn’t out of the tournament yet, as she drops down to the challenger’s bracket to take on Alexis Gomez of South San Francisco, Ca., who defeated Melody Popravak of Brooklyn, N.Y. for the second time this tournament, this time in a 4-1 decision.

Andrea Medina of San Diego, Calif. of the women’s 125 lbs. division secured her third straight victory with by a 3-2 decision over Lupe Gutierrez out of Sacramento, Ca. Gutierrez will face Isamary Aquino of Universal City, Texas, who also won her bout by split decision against Iyana Verduzco of Los Angeles, Ca., in the challenger’s bracket for the chance for another shot at Medina.

After the bout Medina said: I’m just staying focused, I’m ready. I’m listening to my corner and that’s what’s gotten me here. I pushed myself to the max.

Men's Heavyweights Bring Cheers As Blows Fly

Antonio Mireles fighting out of Des Moines, IA., continued his path of destruction in the men’s 201+ lbs. division with a unanimous decision win over Jeremiah Milton an oakie from Tulsa, OK.. Mireles advances to the finals while Milton will take on the division’s top seed, Luis Alvarado of Kenosha, WI. Alvarado looked strong in a unanimous decision win over Kenyon Walker from the Alamo City, San Antonio, Texas to stay alive in the challenger’s bracket.

After the bout Mireles said: This has been a busy year for me. This is my twelfth fight this year and I’ve won them all. Going to the finals, it’s nothing new. I’m ready man. My game plan is always aggressive. Forward, forward, forward. That’s just my mentality.

Saturday at the Lake Charles Civic Center

The trials for the Tokyo Olympics continue and is the last chance for those in the challenger’s bracket. A win means one more shot at advancing to the second stage of the selection process. Competition will begin at noon at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

For further scheduling times and tickets click here.

Filed Under: boxing in Lake Charles, Lake Charles Olympic Boxing Trials 2019, Olympic Boxing

Categories: Events, Sports, SWLA News