Lindo punches finals ticket
The road to gold is nearing its end. Seven more boxers advanced to the finals last night as the 90th Annual Daily News Golden Gloves tournament returned to the iconic and world famous N.Y. Athletic Club for a second show this season.
In front of a capacity filled gymnasium, the 152 pound novice, 132 pound female, 178 pound Open and 141 pound novice classes were all on display in semifinal action.
In one of the most competitive weight classes in the tournament this year, Michael Ayeboafo (Atlas Cops N Kids) and Kalief Lindo (Church St. BC) both advanced to the 152 pound finals with unanimous wins.
Ayeboafo defeated Raymond Wilburg (Gleason’s Gym) by scoring with his jab and dropping the 1-2 combo on his much shorter opponent, who could not get inside.
“I had an idea that he was gonna come in and use his weight against me,” said Ayeboafo, “and basically overpower me, so I knew I had to establish my jab.”
The 17-year-old from Staten Island was able to weather the opening round storm from Wilburg, stay patient and box his way to an impressive win.
Lindo won the judges over with slick boxing and clean punching in beating Jaime Hernandez (Suffolk PAL). Lindo displayed an array of skills from his inside, boxing off the ropes effectively. In the final round of their bout, Lindo landed a big right hook, causing the referee to administer a standing eight count to Hernandez and sealing the win and a meeting with Michael Ayeboafo next. KEN GOLDFIELD
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Lindo, who exited the tournament in the semifinals last year. “I’m here to prove I’m the best, among the best.
“I want Michael to be at his best, so we can put on a show.”
In the 132 pound female class, Gvansta Pantasulaia (Gleason’s Gym) and the P.C. Richard Boxer of the Night Jillian Bliss (Mendez BC) will meet in the finals after both advancing with impressive wins.
Pantasulaia was able to overcome a standing eight count she received in the first round and outworked Shanel Blackman (Worldwide BC) to a unanimous victory.
Bliss defeated Aida Biggs (Atlas Cops N Kids) unanimously by using her length and missile-like straight right to keep Biggs at bay the entire bout. Bliss displayed very good foot work against her south paw opponent.
The Colony Pest Fight of the Night went to Henry Clare (Atlas Cops N Kids) and Marcos Paz (Freeport PAL) in their 141 pound semifinal bout.
In the first and second rounds, both boxers came out brawling with little defense, landing clean shots that kept the crowd on its feet. In the final round, Clare was able to sit down on his punches better and land the more telling blows. Clare won 4-1 and will meet Ryan Lopez, (Starrett City BC) who unanimously defeated Jonathan Gaston (Yonkers PAL).
Michael Misa (Woodside BC) received a bye in the 178 pound Open competition.
The next and last Golden Gloves event before the finals will take place tonight at St. Athanasius School in Brooklyn. The first bout begins at 7:30pm.