USA Boxing’s featherweight tag team, Jahmal Harvey from Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Alyssa Mendoza from Caldwell, Idaho, brought the action in yesterday’s bouts at the prestigious 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.
The day began with Mendoza squaring off against Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh. Mendoza, starting off with a bit of a hiccup, trailed 3-2 in the first couple of rounds. She made a spirited comeback, delivering a slew of right-hand jabs to Al-Ahmadieh. However, the judges seemed to be in a Canadian mood, granting another 3-2 round to Al-Ahmadieh, ultimately giving her a 3-2 overall win.
Then, up stepped Harvey, the gold medalist from the 2021 Elite World Championships, against Guyana’s Keevin Allicock. Harvey was in top form, utilizing his speed and grit. He dished out left hooks like they were going out of style, controlling every round. Harvey’s electric performance ensured a unanimous decision victory.
Harvey’s triumph propels him to the semifinals, pocketing at least a bronze medal. This medal is a shiny first for Team USA at these Pan American Games. Harvey’s next hurdle? Brazil’s Luiz Gabrial Oliveira, a familiar face. The two have a balanced history, each holding two victories over the other. Harvey’s aiming for a win to secure a place at the next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Tomorrow’s schedule for Team USA is jam-packed. Five boxers will be stepping into the ring, including Naomi Graham from Fayetteville, NC. She’s got her eyes set on being the first American boxer to bag gold in consecutive Pan American Games. Additionally, debutants Joshua Edwards from Houston, Texas, and Morelle McCane from Cleveland, Ohio, are slated for the morning session.
The current Pan American Games doubles as the initial qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics for American continent boxers. To stamp their passport to Paris, male boxers need a top-two finish, while female boxers in the 57 kg and 60 kg divisions have to land in the top four. This year’s Games are unique, drawing 27 countries to Chile for the 19th edition.
Day 5 Outcomes:
- 57kg: Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh (CAN) edges out Alyssa Mendoza (Caldwell, Idaho/USA) 3-2.
- 57kg: Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md./USA) sweeps Keevin Allicock (GUY) 5-0.
Tomorrow’s Line-up:
10:00 a.m. ET session:
- 66kg: Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio/USA) vs Nicole De Los Angeles Vega Moya (CRC)
- 75kg: Naomi Graham (Fayetteville, NC/USA) vs Citlalli Vanessa Ortiz (MEX)
- 51kg: Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas/ USA) vs Rivas Yuberjen Herney Martinex (COL)
- +92kg: Joshua Edwards (Houston, Texas/ USA) vs Gerlon Gilmar Congo Chala (ECU)
4:00 p.m. ET session:
- 50 kg: Jennifer Lozano (Laredo, Texas/ USA) vs Tayonis Cedeño Rojas (VEN)