(DEC 21) PHOENIX, ARIZONA, U.S.A.
– Amateur boxer Sulem Urbina, a Mexican born, U.S. resident,
returned to the Knockout Boxing Club in Phoenix, Arizona, after
winning four straight fights in seven days. She won the gold
medal in the flyweight division at the Mexican Amateur National
Championships, held November 30-December 7, 2013, in
Guadalajara, Mexico. Urbina proudly represented Sonora, Mexico.
Urbina advanced to the finals by
defeating Jessica Ortiz with a third round TKO, Zaida Enriquez
by split decision, and Monserrat Vasquez with a first round TKO.
In the finals, held on December 7, 2013, she defeated Araceli
Nava by unanimous decision. Her amateur record now stands at
55-10.
Sulem spoke about her experience
and what winning gold meant to her. She said, “I was confident
that I was going to win this tournament, because Andrews Soto
trained and prepared me well. I don’t believe there was another
girl at this tournament that went through a tougher training
routine. I work hard so that I'm a tough girl to beat in any
competition. In Guadalajara, the event atmosphere was great. All
the boxers from the tournament were staying at the same hotel,
and you could feel the competitive tension as everyone
interacted with each other. Everybody wanted to win. I knew the
competition was going to be tough, but I was ready, and I had
more than one reason to win this championship.”
She added, “Throughout the whole
trip, I could feel my brother Alexis with me, which gave me
strength, and made me more comfortable. Earlier this year,
Alexis promised to win at the U.S. Nationals, and I promised to
win at Mexico's nationals, so we would both be national
champions together.
After each fight, the ring
announcer said my name as the winner, and I always pointed up at
the sky, knowing that my brother was with me. I did everything
for him. As soon as I got home, I placed my gold medal right
next to my brother's. We had planned to qualify for the 2016
Olympics together, with Alexis on Team USA, and myself on Team
Mexico. When he was murdered this year, I knew I couldn’t quit,
because that’s not what he would have wanted me to do. I know
now that I'm one step closer to fulfilling that promise that we
made to each other. If the good lord above allows me to
participate in the 2016 Olympics, I will be ready.”
Urbina concluded, “Now, I am finishing up my semester at
college, and plan to enjoy the holidays with my family. I will
stay in the gym, and start preparing for international
competitions. I will continue with my community efforts and
working with charitable organizations. There are lots of great
plans for 2014, and I’m excited about them. I just want to thank
everyone that continues to support my family and my team. I’m
grateful for everything I have been given in 2013.”
Sulem’s trainer, manager, and husband, Andrews Soto, said, “I'm
very happy for what Sulem has been able to accomplish this year.
She has continued taking classes and is earning credits towards
a college degree. She has been doing great things for others as
a volunteer in the community. As far as boxing goes, winning
nationals is a great way to end the year, because it opens the
door for her to participate in international competitions. She
needs as much international experience as possible, so that she
can compete for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
There are some really good flyweight boxers all over the world.
We are ready to test Sulem’s abilities against the best.”
For interviews and appearance requests, contact Lorin Chvotkin
of Team Urbina by email at
Lbchoyas@yahoo.com or by phone at (240) 498 1478.
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