2009 National Junior Golden Gloves Results
MESQUITE,NV- Zanesville’s boxers travelled to the Junior Golden Gloves National Tournament last week battling for top honors among the nation’s best amateur boxers.
David Lightfoot finished second in the 165-pound senior division only losing in the finals to Jesse Hernandez of Texas. His solid defense and fast punches did not
convince the judges and lost on decision. The match is the last for Lightfoot before moving into the open men’s division because of age.
Ken Todd Jr. was fourth in the 132-pound senior division losing to Demitrus Price of Washington in the semifinals. Todd was able to knock off Jose Macias of Arizona
in the quarterfinals by judge’s majority decision.
Travis Jerig also wound up fourth when he lost a tough decision to Montana’s Ryan Maier. The 114-pound intermediate match went the distance behind solid defense
and good moves inside but was also short on the scorecards at the end.
Akeem Mayle finished fourth in junior 95-pound division dropping his semifinal bout to Raul Anaya of Arizona. Anaya had an obvious height and reach advantage that
he used well in his victory over Mayle.
Michael Roark was fifth in the senior 154-pound division losing his quarterfinal to Oscar Marmolejo of California. Roark caught a heavy punch early getting a standing
eight but battled back late almost pulling out a win.
Two hundred, sixty-five athletes participated in the event held at the Casablanca Events Center with celebrities and notable boxing professionals such as Floyd
Mayweather Sr. in attendance.
Zanesville’s only winner in the recent history of the event has been Larry Hampp at light heavyweight in 2006. Travis Jerig holds the last national title won by Zanesville
from the National PAL Championships in October, 2008 at Oxnard, California.
The entire tournament team from Zanesville PAL will compete at the Ohio State Fair National Tournament beginning July 29 with finals on Saturday, August 1. The
squad will try to keep a streak going from the year 2000 winning the event.
PAL Zanesville provides area youth various opportunities to excel in athletics, academics and activities at no cost to participants. Support for their programs comes
from the community and anyone wishing to help out is encouraged to donate directly to Zanesville PAL, P.O. Box 1001, Zanesville, Ohio 43702-1001. By only donating
directly you are assured that 100 percent of all donations go to youth programs as their staff is all-volunteer and the donation may qualify tax-deductible under IRS #501 C-3.
You can also visit by the world-wide-web at palzanesville.org for PAL’s programs, activities, schedules and more.
