4th Day 2008 National PAL Update

The Circle had two boxers compete in last night’s competition, Francisco Solis-Noyola, Jr. and Javontae Starks. Francisco started the evening off for the Circle PAL Amateur Boxing team competing in the semi-final bout against Victor Pasillas from East Los Angeles, CA. Both of these boxers competed in the Intermediate (15 – 16 yrs) Junior Division at 114 lbs. Francisco started the bout out looking great. Victor was shorter than Francisco, which gave Francisco the upper hand with his reach. He utilized his jab to keep Victor on the outside but as the rounds progressed Francisco began to get tired and let Victor get past his jab, which made it hard for Francisco to land points because his punches were smothered. Francisco received a Bronze medal last night losing the bout to Victor by decision. It was Francisco’s first time competing in the National PAL tournament and he did great coming home with a Bronze medal. Congratulations Francisco .

Javontae Starks ended the evening for the Circle PAL Amateur Boxing team competing against Alex Martin from Joliet, IL in the Open 152 lbs weight division. Alex was a little shorter than Javontae, which was another benefit for Javontae. He was catching Alex with nice sharp jabs but did not throw his right or left as much as he could’ve. Javontae won the quarter-final bout with a 3 – 2 decision and advanced to the semi-finals.

Tonight Jamal James and Javontae Starks will be competing in the semi-finals. I am fortunate enough again to have both boxers competing in my ring, so I will have the opportunity to watch their entire bout and take good notes for everyone .

Jamal will start the evening off competing in the Open 141 lbs division against Donte Strayhorn from Cincinnati, OH. Jamal competed against Donte before and beat him so he feels confident that he will be able to get through this bout with ease, but he did say, “never under estimate your opponent.” Javontae will end the evening competing against Abraham Lopez from Oxnard, CA. Coach Sankara said, “Abraham looks all right but it should be an easy win for Javontae, however the fact that Abraham is from Oxnard will make it a little tough for Javontae so he needs to leave no doubt in the officials mind this evening and let his punches go. No holding back tonight.”

Both boxers feel confident and are ready for this evening. So again, be sure to send all your positive energy, thoughts and prayers their way

Stay tuned for tonights update tomorrow afternoon.