Charlotte Boxers edging toward Olympics

FROM: WANDA GODDARD,




CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Three Charlotte boxers moved further up the ladder toward the Olympics by winning crowns in the just concluded North Carolina State Boxing Championships in a sold out Armory in Lumberton.




Very impressive was Michael Basaldua (Basaldua) of the Charlotte Boxing Academy who blasted past tough Noel Echevarria of Winston Salem in the 132 pound Open class. Basalduea was the most impressive boxer there after beating a highly vaunted Marine the night before.



Willie Jones of Charlotte edged out Hasan Young, another outstanding CBA boxer who recently moved here from Philadephia, to win the 141 pound class in a terrific match that saw action from start to finish.



Aishling Holt of Charlotte won the 125 pound open female championship.



Basalduea, Jones, Holt and Young are all now entered in the North Carolina Golden Gloves March. 4-5 here. If they win here they will be eligible to start their climb toward being eligible for the 2012 London Olympics. Women can compete for the first time in London.



"Despite the resurgence of amateur boxing which has greatly increased the numbers of participants I believe that North Carolina has a chance to have at least one person on the USA Olympic team. Several of our better amateurs will have another chance to qualify at our Golden Gloves here," H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler, chairman of the Charlotte Boxing Academy, said.

Results:
 
Open class division:




123 weight class Raheem Robinson of Raleigh defeated LeCourtney Murphy of Albermarle



132 weight class Michael Basalduea of Chalotte boxing Acadmey defeated Noel Echevarria of Winston Salem



141 weight class Ricky Perez of the Marines defaeted DeSean Hendricks of Roanake Rapids



152 weight class Willie Jones of Charlotte defaeted Hasan Young of Charlotte Boxing Acadmey



165 weight class Robert McCaskill of wilmington defeated Norman Watford of the Marines



201 weight class Paul Lynch of Sanford was an unopposed champion



201+ weight class Justin Lynch of Albermarle was an unopposed champion



Females:



132 weight class Melissa Parker of the Marines defeated Robin Conroy of Wilmington



141 weight class Kristen McKnight of Wilmington was an unopposed champion;



125 weight class Aishling Holt of Charlotte was an unopposed champion



Novice Division:





Charlotte had 3 winners

Wilmington had 2 winners

Lumberton had 2 winners

Marines had 3 winners

North Carolina State Golden Gloves Championships March 4-5, Charlotte NC