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(MAR 27) On March 25, 2008, at
Lindenhurst High School, N.Y., Golden Gloves boxers sought an
Amateur's dream to make it to the Finals in Madison Square Garden,
and perhaps, a professional career. But dues must be paid in time
and sweat. Not lined with rose pedals, the path to this Garden
requires courage, sacrifice, hard work, hard knocks, continuous
training, endless fatigue, discipline, and can still result in
disillusion and disappointment.
While far from the prestige and glamour of a packed audience in MSG,
the school Gym, with its fold out chairs and stands, still bustles
with fans and the hopes of boxers looking for the needed victory. A
Video-live-feed in the cafeteria keeps spectators in the action
after a hankering for a hot dog.
Excellence exudes confidence. With a 1st round TKO for Amanda Walsh
against an intimidated Melissa Kaye, (110-W) Trainer Matt Olszewski
sat back in the easy chair. His wife, well known professional
champion Eileen 'The Hawaiian Mongoose' spars with protégée Amanda,
and things look good for the MSG Finals.
Yet for some, shattered hopes still leave room for pride. Christy
Cappillino (Boxing photographer turned fighter), battled through a
grueling, but courageous loss to Ebony Fowler (145-W). Both fighters
got in good blows and both looked spent. Exhausted from a plane ride
after a family visit to Florida, and then driving for hours from
upstate Newburgh to make weigh-in on Long Island, Christy held out
with stout heart until the referee stopped the bout near the end of
the last round. Approaching 35, the cut off age for the Golden
Gloves, she managed to hang tough for her first and last Garden
attempt. While Ebony gets a crack at The Garden Finals, we can still
catch Christy gracing Ringside, working Madison Square Garden with
her camera. [Above photo: Cappillino]
With a night of all-around good sportsmanship, there is a Golden
Gloves lesson. While boxing becomes a career to some and fades into
a hobby or memory to others, match to match, journey to journey, win
and lose, we all test ourselves, our courage, strengths and
weaknesses, grow physically and mentally and make choices among the
doors open to us.
The rest of the Bouts: Women
Yuko Yamamoto won a close match over Monica Bermudez , 110-W
Christina Rosa, a fireball of action, but a bit wild, defeated Cara
Castronuova. Though judges scored her the win, perhaps influenced by
her aggressive style, to some eyes, this bout went the other way on
points. (119-W)
Christina Cruz defeated Danielle Ashby in round two 'by a case of
too much reach.' (119-W)
Dariana Casado claimed a victory over Jade Timol (145-W)
Men
Mitchell Balker over Roberto Morban (201-O)
Phillip Benson over Elis Seongbae (165-O)
Michael O'Connor out-scored Herve Duroseau, to some eyes...no
comment, (165-O)
BYE: Norman Neely, (201-O)
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