Boxing at the Olympics '08 *Beijing* Let's talk here! Post videos & pictures!!!

[Mikkel_K]

I'm really interested in Carlos Negron, I hope they show him on American TV. 6'4 light heavyweight, very busy and looks to have some power. Saw him for the first time at the US vs Puerto Rico event they had in Philly and he really impressed. I know Macho is big on him and we've talked a bit about him. Looks all there, could be 2 straight Olympics with upset golds at light heavy.

Yeah, he looks very interesting! Quite young as well (19). I actually put some money on him today - 66/1 seemed like very good odds, but then again I am not that familiar with the competition.

Future 'best ever Puerto Rican heavyweight' though?

Others I will be looking out for is 17-year old Mexican Oscar Valdez, who came out of nowhere to beat the winner of the PanAmerican games and qualify. Never seen him, but sight unseen he could be a gem. Then there is the 18-year old British welterweight Billy Joe Saunders, who is simply an amazing story. Not only did he go something like 49-0 as a senior boxer before losing the semifinal in the qualification tournament (only to win the all-important third place bout), but he also lives in a movable van as part of the Gypsy-community. Expect to hear a lot on this kid!

Edit: I'm not the only one who can recognize a good story when I see it. Time Magazine has included Saunders as one of their 100 athletes to watch in Beijing (53. Billy Joe Saunders - 100 Olympic Athletes To Watch - TIME). Other boxers included are Zou Shiming (China, 48kilo), former inmate Amnat Ruonreng (Thailand, also 48 kilo) and Raushee Warren (USA, 51 kilo). Is it all about the lighter weights this year?