United States Undefeated On Day One of Women's Continental Boxing Championships

CORNWALL, On, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The first night of boxing is in the books at the 2012 Women's Elite Continental Championships. The United States won their first five bouts to open the tournament. Alexandra Love from United States defeated Canadian National Champion Kim Klavel in the 48 kg division. It was a tight match with the American coming from behind to take it.

"It was a great win because I got to beat Canada," said Alex Love

There were ten bouts on opening night with the United States winning five. Both Brazil and Argentina each won two matches. The home town Canadian team only won only one of four bouts.  Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were winless during the first round of competition.

Queen Underwood, US National Champion and favourite in the 60 kg class at the Championships came from behind to defeat Erika Cruz of Mexico 12-11. Underwood had a difficult time figuring out Cruz's style but began to dominate in the later part of round three and all of round four. Underwood's superior conditioning was the difference. Underwood will face a tough challenge tomorrow night against Canadian Sandra Bizier.

Mary Spencer of Canada, and current World and Pan American Champion at 75 kg, was the lone victorious Canuck on opening night. She defeated Alma Rivera from Mexico by a score of 12-2.

"I knew I was going to win before I came today." said Mary Spencer

The Canadian Team comes into this tournament with an inexperienced squad with only three of the ten boxers having international competition expeience.

Tomorrow's competition has a vey strong first bout between 51 kg Marlen Esparza (USA) and Pamela Benavidez (Argentina). Canadian Mandy Bujold, Pan American Champion, will box Zaida Enriquez from Mexico also in the 51 kg division.

For complete results and tomorrow's schedule go to http://www.boxing.ca/about-us-news.php#91
Pictures are available upon request.

The Continental Championships features a strong field of boxers from the Americas vying for spots to the 2012 London Olympics at the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateure (AIBA) Women's World Championships from May 9-20, 2012 in Qinhuangdao, China. Twenty-four spots in three weight categories will be contested. The 2012 London Olympics will mark the first time female boxers will compete at an Olympic Games

Please note media accreditation is required for entry into the Continental Championships.

Media inquiries:
Francis Beaulieu, Project Manager, Boxing Canada
1-613-866-3442 / [email protected]