De Leon Enters Finals Alone
Posted: October 24, 2009

A change in how boxers are ranked by USA Boxing in Colorado Springs brought some discouraging news for 17-year old Erick De Leon, hopeful that his winning the National Golden Gloves in May would shoot him to the top of the list in his weight class. But that was not to be.

Officials gave no credit to the most recent Golden Gloves event and informed De Leon that the National PAL would be his first opportunity to add points toward the rankings. Before turning 17, De Leon had achieved a number one ranking in the Junior Olympic division and now he wanted the same in the Senior Mens. So, while other senior members of the Kronk team hopped a plane for a tournament in Puerto Rico this week, De Leon traveled without his coaches, but with one team mate, David Jasso, to the 2009 National PAL tournament and toward what he hopes will be a number one ranking.

On Friday evening, at the municipal auditorium in San Antonio, Texas, De Leon moved into the finals with a decision over George Rincon of Carrollton, Texas. Winning his fourth fight of the week-long tournament, guarantees the Lincoln Park high schooler no less than a silver medal but his eye is on the championship belt, and the ranking points.

Discussing the fight afterwards, De Leon thought the fight was closer than the 22-15 as scored by the judges and gave credit to his opponent. “He’s good,” said De Leon, who said Rincon was usually a 138 pound fighter. “He’s strong.” Asked how he felt after winning four in a row and being one away from goal, the teenager said it “feels good.”

The two remaining Michigan fighters entering the semi-finals on Friday reportedly lost their bouts after wins earlier in the week, winning bronze medals at the prestigious event.

Warriors Boxing Club’s Gabriel Garza (132) lost the decision in Friday semi-finals action in a fight that Kronk's De Leon and Casa De Boxeo coach Rene Muniz thought the younger fighter had won. "He fought good," De Leon told Sportssummary after the Friday action concluded.

A-Square’s James Taylor (101) lost as well, according to information gleaned from persons in attendance.

Editor’s Note: Sportssummary had this information by ten o’clock Friday night (EST) but held publication pending official results from USAB. Those results were not yet posted by 12:30 pm, Saturday, so the story was posted as is. We regret the delay.

(c) 2009, Sportssummary.com