Stoute too much for Wilkins in Gloves
AFTER WINNING the 123pound novice title in 2013, James Wilkins was eager to prove himself at the next level. Michael Stoute, however, had other ideas for welcoming the rookie to the open ranks.
Stoute (Heavy Hitters BC) ran circles around Wilkins (Atlas Cops N Kids) en route to a 2-1 decision Tuesday night during a seven-bout Golden Gloves card at Hempstead Kennedy Memorial Recreation Center in Hempstead, L.I.
The 2011 novice champion showed tremendous poise and oozed confidence, sidestepping and frustrating the slower Wilkins in a dominant performance.
“I did feel very comfortable because I’ve worked extremely hard,” said Stoute, who was defeated in the semifinals last year.
“Once I (graduated Stony Brook University) I put all my focus into boxing. . . . I knew that if I put in the work, that I have the talent and potential. With a full year of training and winning a national PAL (title), that gave me a lot of confidence.”
Wilkins battled back in the second round by connecting with a few hooks, but Stoute regained control in the third and played matador to Wilkins the bull. The cards read 2-1, but Stoute earned P.C. Richard and Son Boxer of the Night honors.
“I want to take (the gold) home in 2014 (and) take home the Sugar Ray Robinson Award (for the tournament’s best open boxer),” Stoute said. “As of right now, that’s my goal.”
Jaime Estrada (Newburgh BC), the reigning open champion at 123 pounds, scored his first win of 2014 with a 3-0 decision over Joshua Gonzalez (NYAC) in the Applebee’s Bout of the Night. Though he displayed some impressive power as well as some hand speed, Estrada largely let Gonzalez beat himself by walking him into a blizzard of jabs.
“I’ve fought him twice before, so I know what he brings to table,” Estrada said.
“My inside work was more dominant, which justified my work from bottom to top (and) my jab was lovely. He was walking right into it and his defense just wasn’t there.”
A busy week of Golden Gloves continues on Wednesday at Pop’s Gym in the Bronx, where the 141-pound novices and 152-pound open boxers will do battle.