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by Cliff Rold - They only won a single medal, Bronze, at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. As 2014 reaches the halfway mark, the alumni of that US team may finally be getting to the Gold.
This Saturday night, the first major titlist from the 2008 US Olympic team will attempt his first defense. On the undercard of the WBO Jr. Welterweight title fight between Ruslan Provodnikov-Chris Algieri, Demetrius Andrade (20-0, 13) faces largely unheralded Brian Rose (25-1, 7 KO). Win, as he is expected to, and the 26-year old takes another step towards the big stages possible in one of boxing’s best divisions.
Andrade was always expected to be here based on talent. Deemed by many America’s best medal hope in those games, Andrade entered Beijing as the reigning Amateur World Champion. He fell in the quarterfinals on a debatable decision to South Korea’s Kim Jung-Joo, two points from a medal at 11-9.
Last November, Andrade came off the floor in the first round to earn a split decision for the vacant WBO 154 lb. title against 2004 US Olympian Vanes Martirosyan. It was an important step for an Andrade who stuttered through some of his early development. Lackluster matchmaking, and some lackluster performances, left question marks.
A dominant win over veteran Grady Brewer in 2011 saw Andrade begin to turn the corner. He’s shown increasing maturity and dominance, his 6’1 frame, southpaw skill set, and world-class speed beginning to define a hopeful future.
One week after Andrade-Rose, another member of Team 2008 will have his chance at a major belt. While more impressive to watch through much of his development, Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KO) has yet to face talent commensurate with his physical gifts. That will change on June 21. [Click Here To Read More]
This Saturday night, the first major titlist from the 2008 US Olympic team will attempt his first defense. On the undercard of the WBO Jr. Welterweight title fight between Ruslan Provodnikov-Chris Algieri, Demetrius Andrade (20-0, 13) faces largely unheralded Brian Rose (25-1, 7 KO). Win, as he is expected to, and the 26-year old takes another step towards the big stages possible in one of boxing’s best divisions.
Andrade was always expected to be here based on talent. Deemed by many America’s best medal hope in those games, Andrade entered Beijing as the reigning Amateur World Champion. He fell in the quarterfinals on a debatable decision to South Korea’s Kim Jung-Joo, two points from a medal at 11-9.
Last November, Andrade came off the floor in the first round to earn a split decision for the vacant WBO 154 lb. title against 2004 US Olympian Vanes Martirosyan. It was an important step for an Andrade who stuttered through some of his early development. Lackluster matchmaking, and some lackluster performances, left question marks.
A dominant win over veteran Grady Brewer in 2011 saw Andrade begin to turn the corner. He’s shown increasing maturity and dominance, his 6’1 frame, southpaw skill set, and world-class speed beginning to define a hopeful future.
One week after Andrade-Rose, another member of Team 2008 will have his chance at a major belt. While more impressive to watch through much of his development, Gary Russell Jr. (24-0, 14 KO) has yet to face talent commensurate with his physical gifts. That will change on June 21. [Click Here To Read More]
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