Brothers Burim (L) and Defrim Beqiri both won West Michigan titles in their weight classes
Coach Dennis Shimmell Jr. of MGGA, wrapping the hands of 201+ Novice Champion, Cameron Glenn
Christian Thomas, winner by a 5-0 decision in the 178-pound Open Division
When it comes to amateur boxing in West Michigan, Grand Rapids is the place to be. The 2010 Michigan Golden Gloves tournament continued Saturday night, and five boxers from the local Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) gym won West Michigan titles.
Two other local boxers will compete in the State Finals on April 9-10 as well. Open division bantam weight (123-pound) Ryan Schmidt of MLK Boxing Club and heavyweight (201-pound) Jordon Shimmell of MGGA both advance uncontested.
The action started for the Grand Rapids boxers when Chris Sandifter of MGGA, in his first fight ever, won by a 5-0 decision in the 178-pound sub-novice division against Jacob Pointer of Benton Harbor Boxing Club. Chris looked in control and landed the harder of the punches in the match despite feeling “nervous a lot, like the whole time I was nervous.” Chris finished strong, knocking out Jacob’s mouthpiece late in the third round and landed a hard combination of punches in the final seconds.
The East Kentwood Beqiri brothers both won in their novice division bouts. Defrim won a 5-0 decision against MGGA teammate Meron "Rudy" Tewelde in the 123-pound class and Berim won a close 3-2 decision against Ricardo Rios of Sand Lake Boxing Club in the 141-pound weight class. It was the third time the two met in the ring.
In the eighth bout of the night, Craig Rood of MGGA found himself in a slugging match against a stocky Jeremy Marcheok of Clinton County Boxing Club. In the second round, Jeremy landed a hard right and left hook sending Craig to the canvas and a referee stoppage.
The building erupted when Cameron Glenn, 201+ novice fighter out of MGGA, went toe-to-toe in the first round against a much larger Dean Allen from Kalamazoo. The two exchanged blows against the ropes until Cameron landed a booming combination of punches, dazing his opponent. The referee quickly stepped in to give Dean a standing eight-count and then stopped the match.
In a rematch from Febuary 27 (click here to watch fight), Javon "Pinkie" Barnes went up against Antonio Urista in the the 152-pound open division. Always entertaining to watch, Pinkie won by a 5-0 decision.
Christian Thomas will advance to the State finals with a win by decision, 5-0, over James Guy in the 178-pound open division.
The State Finals will be this weekend, April 9-10 at the Grand Valley National Guard Armory on 44th street (click here for directions) where winners of the East Michigan Golden Gloves tournament will compete against the West Michigan champions. The action starts at 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday (click here for tournament flyer). Tickets are still available at Meijer, Startickets, or at the door. Come enjoy a couple beers with friends and watch the best amateur boxers in the state compete.
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