Mendoza, Alvarez and Alfonso Showing Promise in the Olympics
The amateur boxing circuit is buzzing as the 2024 Olympic fighters quest for the gold. A few names have already caught the eye of the boxing public. Namely, Alyssa Mendoza, Erislandy Alvarez, and Loren Alfonso.
Amateur boxing is the foundation that helps fighters hone their craft before entering the professional ranks. In 2020, the Olympic games took a hit due to COVID and were pushed back until 2022. With everything back to normal, it’s time to survey the landscape as fans from all around the world cheer on their respective fighters.
MEET THE FIGHTERS
Mendoza is the youngest fighter representing Team USA, as a featherweight in the female division. The 20-year-old from Idaho is a highly decorated amateur. She won a National Championship and made it to the finals in the Gran Prix and Pan American tournaments in 2023. On July 30, she advanced to the preliminaries round of 16 after securing a victory over Mizhgona Samadova.
Alvarez is a Cuban fighter who created a serious buzz after scoring a knockout on the first day. Having traveled with the respected Cuban National Team, he is no stranger to international competition. The lightweight advanced to the round of eight after defeating Jughurta Ait Bekka on June 29. He is also undefeated in the professional ranks with a record of 3-0, 1KO as a junior welterweight.
Alfonso shocked everyone after scoring what is being called an upset over two-time Olympic gold medalist Julio Cesar La Cruz on July 28. This victory must have felt like sweet revenge as Alfonso, who is a Cuban native who represented Azerbaijan, lost to Cruz in 2019. Going into the quarterfinals, this heavyweight should be considered the favorite to win the gold.
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