| |
|
CARLOS BALDERAS GETS FIRST BOXING WIN FOR THE USA
By Ed de la Vega, DDS PhilBoxing.com Sun, 07 Aug 2016

Several weeks ago when Carlos Balderas came to our offices to get his mouthguard for the Rio2016 Olympics, he did not guarantee us that he will win the gold medal. However, he promised us that he will leave it all in the ring and give the performance of his life every time he steps in to fight.
On the opening day of the boxing events, Balderas fought his first Olympic match. The luck of the draw fitted him against a wily veteran from Kazakhstan, Berik Abrakhmanov.
In spite of being an Eastern European for some quirky reason, the predominantly Brazilian crowd favored the Kazak against the young Balderas.
But Balderas was not about to disappoint the almost two dozen supporters from the bucolic city of Santa Maria, CA.
Balderas gave it his all and ended beating the Kazak and in the process gave the young US Boxing Team an inspiration and an example to follow. He also gave himself an early birthday present. Balderas turns 20 on August 24th.
Yahoo sports quoted US coach, Billy Walsh as saying ?That was impressive?, in reference to Balderas? performance against the much experienced Kazak.
No one knows if Balderas will get his second win on Tuesday and go all the way to center podium with a gold medal in his neck.
But like he promised us, he will leave it all in the ring.
Top photo: Carlos Balderas (L) of the United States and Berik Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan meet on the opening day of the Olympics in Rio.

Balderas poses with the author.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Abdullah Mason Returns Home for Lightweight World Title Defense against Joe Cordina July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center , Wed, 06 May 2026Christopher Guerrero to face Delante Johnson on July 4 at the CSU Wolstein Center in Cleveland! , Wed, 06 May 2026Yanong and Horiike make weight in Japan for OPBF 140 lb. title By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026Kulog at Kidlat: Boxing, Art, Thunder and Lightning at the 3rd Pacquiao–Elorde Awards By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 05 May 2026Camique forced to fight after food poisoning; hospitalized after losing by UD By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54 , Tue, 05 May 2026Mexican boxing historian Eduardo Lamazón passes away at 70 By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 05 May 2026NM Rolly Parondo rules Thailand FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 05 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 05 May 2026Former Cuban champions Gamboa and Rigondeaux returns on May 30 in Fort Lauderdale By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 05 May 2026Pido to defend crown in SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 05 May 2026Yanong arrives in Japan By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 04 May 2026OLEKSANDR USYK VS RICO VERHOEVEN ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC UNDISPUTED CLASH IN EGYPT – LIVE ON DAZN , Mon, 04 May 2026Parade of champs By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 03 May 2026David Surov outboxes Kevin Martinez at IBA.PRO Russia vs World , Sun, 03 May 2026SHEEHY MAKES MATCHROOM DEBUT AGAINST GONZALEZ IN HOUSTON , Sun, 03 May 2026PH chess wizard IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca tops FIDE May 2026 PH Under 20 Junior rankings By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 03 May 2026The Monster Prevails: Inoue Weathers the Storm to Outlast Nakatani By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 02 May 2026Benavidez vs. Ramirez: Experts Weigh In Ahead of Blockbuster May 2 Light Heavyweight Clash , Sat, 02 May 2026Tsendy Erdenebat Wins Clear-Cut Unanimous Decision over Cobia Breedy in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland , Sat, 02 May 2026Coach Ederwin Estavillo is ready By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 02 May 2026WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR WALKER-EGGINGTON , Sat, 02 May 2026Cebuano Elmo Traya Eyes WBF World Title in Georgia By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 02 May 2026Jeter Promotions Yvgeniy Pavlov on a Championship Track , Sat, 02 May 20262nd SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon set May 30-31 By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 02 May 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|