(JUNE 19) In a media
teleconference, originating from Colorado Springs, USA Boxing
introduced Queen Underwood as the newest addition to the 2012
Olympic female boxing squad. Underwood, who will compete as a
lightweight, joins flyweight Marlen Esparaza and middleweight
Claressa Shields on the three woman US squad that will compete
in London in July. The Seattle based fighter was presented to
the press by Tony Bartkowski, USA Boxing Executive Director.
Underwood had failed to qualify for the Olympic squad at the
2012 Women's World Championships in China, losing a close
(26-25) decision to Norway's Ingrid Egner in the Round of 8.
However, a subsequent ruling by AIBA, the International Boxing
Association, in conjunction with the Tripartite Commission
bestowed a "quota" spot on Underwood, as the "next place
finisher," placing her on the US team. Mary Spencer, of Canada,
was another North America female fighter added, in the similar
fashion, to her Olympic team.
Underwood expressed excitement with her selection and also an
anxiousness to join the team and get started on what she expects
to be "hard" training. She confirmed that she felt "truly
blessed" to receive the opportunity and emphasized that "I look
forward to representing the USA and while it's still hard to
believe, I'll be ready to compete against the best female
fighters in the world."
Asked whether she looked forward to a rematch with Egner at the
Games, Underwood replied, "I haven't really given much thought
to what the match-ups might be, I could get Taylor in the first
round." Katie Taylor, from Ireland, is generally considered the
top amateur lightweight boxer in the world and a prime contender
for the gold medal in London. Her name came up several times
during the teleconference.
It was mentioned that while a coach for the female boxing team
has yet to be named, it is expected "shortly."
WBAN
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