| |
|
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:
Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2) By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title , Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29 , Wed, 05 Nov 2025OLYMPIC MEDALIST YUBERJEN MARTINEZ INKS WITH ALL STAR BOXING , Wed, 05 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results By Eric Armit, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1) By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN , Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision , Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118 By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS By Eric Armit, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL , Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025 |

|
|
|
|
|