Comments Thread For: De La Hoya Plans To Scout New Talent at Rio Olympics

[Eff Pandas]

HBO just signed Jon Stewart. Why didn't they use that money for boxing? They aren't interesed in boxing anymore. Boxing gets 1-2 million viewers tops. Game of Thrones gets 8 million. HBO isn't in the rating business, they're in the subscription business. GOT comes on every week for a cpl of months. Thats a solid subscription base for a couple of months. Boxing is maybe a once a month thing. People aren't subscribing for boxing. Beforehand they only had to compete with Showtime which had the same philosphy as them. PBC isn't beholden to the same limits HBO and Showtime are.

Yep. I can't help but feel we are gonna be the witnesses to the end of the HBO Boxing era. Sounds sorta crazy to say it out loud or write it, but when you look at the dynamics & numbers it makes sense to get outta the boxing business. I actually suspect HBO will get into the MMA business as thats younger viewers, less expensive & a market most feel is still a growing one.

I believe the UFC's Fox deal has a couple more years on it. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if HBO does a switcheroo from boxing to UFC/MMA at that point at the earliest, but I suspect eventually it'll come to pass even if its further down the road.

HBO Boxing has been hugely successfully. Its been on for 43 years come January which is insane when you think about it. How many shows been on for 43 years? But I think the game has changed more than HBO is willing to continue changing with it.

[Philantro]

I like that he's going to scout out the talent. Not trying to make this into a negative thing, but if he's just going there to scout the American talent only then that won't go very well.
I'm not even sure the US will qualify many boxers. One has officially qualified at 132 pounds. He basically got lucky with his qualification. He got a big break because Lazaro Alvarez and Albert Selimov qualified to the Olympics twice through the WSB and World Championships so that forced the next WSB ranked fighters to move up the rankings and take their spots since they qualified twice (another way through the WC). I'm not convinced that he would have qualified had this not happened.

The only other spot I think the US will have for sure (notice how I said for sure, so not saying those two division will be the only spots) is in the Flyweight (114) division. Antonio Vargas looks really good and I wouldn't be surprised if he even medals at the Olympics. As long as he doesn't face Aloyan or Mamishzada before the Semifinals, his chances of medaling are pretty good.
Every other weight class is a toss up. I wouldn't feel too confident. They made the qualification extremely difficult for these Olympics. Which is a good thing, means only the best of the best will qualify, not just any random fighter.

Oscar was probably talking about the following fighters:

Heavyweight/201 lbs
1. Joshua Temple, St. Louis, Mo. (WSB and World Championship Team Trial)
2. Patrick Ferguson, Spokane, Wash. (USA Boxing National Championships)
3. Cam F. Awesome, Lenexa, Kansas (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)*
4. Derae Crane, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)
5. Adrian Taylor, Mesquite, Texas (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
6. Hakim Lopez, Lithonia, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
7. Brandon Glanton, Atlanta, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)*
8. Sardius Simmons, Flint, MIch. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)

Super heavyweight/201+ lbs
1. Cam F. Awesome, Lenexa, Kansas (WSB and World Championship Team Trial (2012 Olympic Trials champion, multi-time national champion and Pan American Games bronze medalist)*
2. Darmani Rock, Philadelphia, Pa. (USA Boxing National Championships)
3. Marlo Moore, Hayward, Calif. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)
4. Brandon Glanton, Ellenwood, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)*
5. Alante Green, Cleveland, Ohio (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
6. Manase Raikadroka, Inglewood, Calif. (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
7. Brandon Lynch, Albany, N.Y. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)
8. Nkosi Solomon, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)


Joshua Temple will probably qualify for the Rio Olympics, and so also Darmani Rock. Joshua lost to the winner, Evgeny Tishchenko, in the World Championships this year, and will probably be one of the favorites in the Olympics if he qualifies.

Darmani Rock is big but slick, fast and strong, and has all kinds of moves. He had some weight problems in the past but has the potential to go very far also as a pro, if he stays focused.


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[HI-TECH Boxing]

Oscar was probably talking about the following fighters:

Heavyweight/201 lbs
1. Joshua Temple, St. Louis, Mo. (WSB and World Championship Team Trial)
2. Patrick Ferguson, Spokane, Wash. (USA Boxing National Championships)
3. Cam F. Awesome, Lenexa, Kansas (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)*
4. Derae Crane, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)
5. Adrian Taylor, Mesquite, Texas (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
6. Hakim Lopez, Lithonia, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
7. Brandon Glanton, Atlanta, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)*
8. Sardius Simmons, Flint, MIch. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)

Super heavyweight/201+ lbs
1. Cam F. Awesome, Lenexa, Kansas (WSB and World Championship Team Trial (2012 Olympic Trials champion, multi-time national champion and Pan American Games bronze medalist)*
2. Darmani Rock, Philadelphia, Pa. (USA Boxing National Championships)
3. Marlo Moore, Hayward, Calif. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)
4. Brandon Glanton, Ellenwood, Ga. (Olympic Trials Qualifier I)*
5. Alante Green, Cleveland, Ohio (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
6. Manase Raikadroka, Inglewood, Calif. (Olympic Trials Qualifier II)
7. Brandon Lynch, Albany, N.Y. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)
8. Nkosi Solomon, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Olympic Trials Qualifier III)


Joshua Temple will probably qualify for the Rio Olympics, and so also Darmani Rock. Joshua lost to the winner, Evgeny Tishchenko, in the World Championships this year, and will probably be one of the favorites in the Olympics if he qualifies.

Darmani Rock is big but slick, fast and strong, and has all kinds of moves. He had some weight problems in the past but has the potential to go very far also as a pro, if he stays focused.


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Last few ways to qualify for fighters from the Americas (specifically for Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight):
1. Olympic Qualifying Event – America Places: 2
2. 2016 APB & WSB Olympic Qualifier Places: 1
3. 2016 AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament Places: 1

The easiest way to qualify would be through the Olympic Qualifying Event. One of the two places is basically already taken by the Cuban boxers in the Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight divisions, since the Cuban boxers haven't qualified in those divisions yet. I don't see any other fighter from the Americas beating the Cubans in those divisions.

Temple is far from a favorite. All of the boxers that have already qualified beat him and there are several who have yet to qualify would also beat him.
He may qualify but that's only because the Americas has some of the easiest amateur competition. Savon has one of the places secured. If Temple gets lucky to be on the opposite side of the bracket then he has a good chance of qualifying. I would say his chances of qualifying are favorable, as long as he doesn't have to fight Savon before the Final. He won't get far at the actual Olympics though. Probably loses in the first round.

Rock seems like he'll be more of a 2020 Olympian than a 2016 Olympian. Not saying he can't qualify for the 2016, because he can (since again the Americas Qualifying Events is one of the easiest way to qualify, only one other is easier), I just wouldn't be surprised if he stays for another Olympic cycle considering his age. I think he could qualify for these Olympics, but I don't see him medaling. Age is on his side though and can comeback for the 2020 Olympics. He'll only be in his early 20's at 2020 Olympics anyways, might as well stay in my opinion. That's really young especially for a Heavyweight.
I'm rooting for Cam Awesome though. Rock already beat him, but boxing could use someone like Cam. Amazing personality. Great interview.

[Philantro]

Last few ways to qualify for fighters from the Americas (specifically for Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight):
1. Olympic Qualifying Event – America Places: 2
2. 2016 APB & WSB Olympic Qualifier Places: 1
3. 2016 AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament Places: 1

The correct numbers are:
1. Olympic Qualifying Event – America Places: 3
2. 2016 APB & WSB Olympic Qualifier Places: 1
3. 2016 AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament Places: 1

There are three places each from America for Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight, in the Olympic Qualifying Event.

The easiest way to qualify would be through the Olympic Qualifying Event. One of the two places is basically already taken by the Cuban boxers in the Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight divisions, since the Cuban boxers haven't qualified in those divisions yet. I don't see any other fighter from the Americas beating the Cubans in those divisions.

I agree that Cuba will take one place, at least Erislandy Savón. He outclassed Anthony Joshua in the Super Heavyweights at the London Olympics, but has unfairly lost matches because of corrupted judges. However, there are three places, not two.

Temple is far from a favorite. All of the boxers that have already qualified beat him and there are several who have yet to qualify would also beat him.
He may qualify but that's only because the Americas has some of the easiest amateur competition. Savon has one of the places secured. If Temple gets lucky to be on the opposite side of the bracket then he has a good chance of qualifying. I would say his chances of qualifying are favorable, as long as he doesn't have to fight Savon before the Final. He won't get far at the actual Olympics though. Probably loses in the first round.

Yamil Peralta from Argentina, fought in the London Olympics, and he is the second favorite after Savon. He is likely to qualify again, but Temple can beat him.

Julio Castillo from Ecuador, also fought in London, and he is the third favorite together with Temple. However, Temple can beat him, too.

Remember there are three places in the qualifications, not two.

Temple will be one of the favorites to take a medal if he qualifies, but Evgeny Tishchenko and Erislandy Savón are the heavy favorites for the gold.

Rock seems like he'll be more of a 2020 Olympian than a 2016 Olympian. Not saying he can't qualify for the 2016, because he can (since again the Americas Qualifying Events is one of the easiest way to qualify, only one other is easier), I just wouldn't be surprised if he stays for another Olympic cycle considering his age. I think he could qualify for these Olympics, but I don't see him medaling. Age is on his side though and can comeback for the 2020 Olympics. He'll only be in his early 20's at 2020 Olympics anyways, might as well stay in my opinion. That's really young especially for a Heavyweight.
I'm rooting for Cam Awesome though. Rock already beat him, but boxing could use someone like Cam. Amazing personality. Great interview.

Darmani Rock is young but I think he will qualify, and I think he has a great chance getting a medal in the Rio Olympics, if he will be able to prepare himself well. He has great moves, he is slick, fast and strong, and will become a great star if he continues to develop at the same pace as now.


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[HI-TECH Boxing]

The correct numbers are:
1. Olympic Qualifying Event – America Places: 3
2. 2016 APB & WSB Olympic Qualifier Places: 1
3. 2016 AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament Places: 1

There are three places each from America for Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight, in the Olympic Qualifying Event.

I agree that Cuba will take one place, at least Erislandy Savón. He outclassed Anthony Joshua in the Super Heavyweights at the London Olympics, but has unfairly lost matches because of corrupted judges. However, there are three places, not two.

Yeah I think you're right about that, I apologize. Brazil only gets 5 auto spots and the Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight are not included.

Yamil Peralta from Argentina, fought in the London Olympics, and he is the second favorite after Savon. He is likely to qualify again, but Temple can beat him.

Julio Castillo from Ecuador, also fought in London, and he is the third favorite together with Temple. However, Temple can beat him, too.

Remember there are three places in the qualifications, not two.

Temple will be one of the favorites to take a medal if he qualifies, but Evgeny Tishchenko and Erislandy Savón are the heavy favorites for the gold.

I don't agree with this part. I don't think Temple medals.. He'll probably lose in the first round. Maybe it's not so much that he's not good, but the Heavyweight division is one of the more competitive divisions in amateur boxing right now. Some possible opponents include Russo, Levit, Tishchenko/Egorov (whoever ends up going for Russia), Savon, Manukian, Tulaganov or Abdullayev.
Remember there are only 18 boxers at Heavyweight so the chances of him facing one of these guys in the first round is high.
I do think he qualifies, unless he faces Savon before the Semifinals. There are two more tournaments to qualify though, so all hope is not lost if he doesn't qualify through the Americas Event.
Maybe Temple could end up surprising me, right now I'm not a believer.

Darmani Rock is young but I think he will qualify, and I think he has a great chance getting a medal in the Rio Olympics, if he will be able to prepare himself well. He has great moves, he is slick, fast and strong, and will become a great star if he continues to develop at the same pace as now.

I think Rock's chances are higher not only because I think he's better than Temple, but the Super Heavyweight division is wide open. The only thing that hurts Rock is his lack of experience at Elite/Senior Level in International competition.
He still has to go through Hrgovic, Dychko, Medzhidov, Omarov, Joyce, Nistor, Pheifer and Yoka. I think he beats some but loses to others. It's more difficult to tell with Rock since I haven't seen him at Senior International competitions.
What if he doesn't Medal does he stay for one more Olympics or go pro. Age is on his side. He'll be what 23 for the 2020 Olympics?
Still really young especially for a (Super) Heavyweight.

You seem to know you're amateur boxing. I'm interested what other weight class do you think the US has a strong chance in as far as qualifying and chances to Medal?

Light Flyweight: I'd say it's 50/50 in qualifying. One of the more competitive weight classes in the Americas. Velasquez, Finol and the Argentinian boxer will be the favorites (remember Argentina will be the host nation at the qualifying event, expect Argentinian boxers to get the benefit of the doubt).
There will probably be three qualifying spots. Brazil only gets 5 auto spots and they don't have a good boxer in this weight class. It would just be a waste to use one of their auto's in this weight class.
No Medal though.

Flyweight: I like Vargas' chances. As long as he doesn't have to meet one of the favorites (Aloyan or Mamishzada) before the semifinals he has a good chance to medal. With his aggressive style and size for the division he will be a difficult fight for anyone and may even upset some fighters.
Most likely qualifying and strong chances of a Medal.

Bantamweight: This is probably the most competitive divisions in the USA. There are three boxers that could win the Olympic Trials: Martinez, Villa and Stevenson. My money would be on Villa.
Andy Cruz and Garcia of DR will probably be the two favorites to take the two qualifying spots at the Olympic Qualifying Event – America. I could see someone beating Garcia though, not so much Cruz.
More than likely only two spots in this weight class. Brazil has a good boxer in Vieira and will most likely use one of their five auto's for Vieira (who gave Conlan a good fight at Worlds).
Good chance to qualify but not to medal in my opinion for the US boxer.

Lightweight: Balderas has already qualified. I don't think he makes it past the first round. He couldn't even beat Delgado of Mexico or Cabrera of Venezuela. I think Balderas got lucky in his qualification. Some may think I'm just hating, but it's just an opinion. It sucks for the other US Lightweights that won't have a chance to qualify.
Don't see Balderas getting a medal.

Light-Welterweight: I don't even know who's winning the trials in this weight class. This is one of the more competitive divisions in the Americas though. Arthur Biyarslanov, Luis Arcon, Zorrilla are probably the favorites and there are only two spots (since Brazil will most likely use one of their autos on Teixeira who is a good boxer).
It's a toss up in qualifying, Biyarslanov and Zorrilla are the ones I think will get the two spots. No medal.

Welterweight: Don't see anyone qualifying in this division. Especially since Maestre and Iglesias haven't even qualified yet. Maestre, Iglesias and the Argentinian boxer will be the favorites for the spots.

Middleweight: Toss up in qualifying. I don't think the US boxer is that good in this weight class, but it's not exactly one of the stronger weight classes in the Americas. No chance of medal though. This is one of the strongest weight classes in amateur boxing currently.

Light Heavyweight: I doubt it. Nelson is not that good. No medal.

There will still be two more chances to qualify through the 2016 APB & WSB Olympic Qualifier and 2016 AIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. There are more spots in those events but still unknown who will compete so it's difficult to tell how qualifying will go in those events. That's why I'm only taking the Americas Olympic Qualifying event into account for now.

I like to predict things like this. Don't think I'm trying to sound negative, I'm just trying to keep it realistic.

[VG_Addict]

What makes the qualifiers for the Olympics hard this time around?