Air Force Academy
Vegas Invitational
Brown, Smith Lose Bouts In Vegas Invitational
2/11/2002 12:00:00 AM | Boxing
Feb. 11, 2002
Air Force boxers Dustin Brown and Darren Smith lost both of their bouts at the UNLV invitational hosted by Mandalay Bay on Friday, Feb. 8th.
Smith, fighting in the 119-lb. division lost to UNLV's Lyndon Manlapao. Smith, who is in his first year with the boxing team, used a good jab and an occasional right lead. But he proved to be no match for Manlapoa who was a finalist at 112-pounds at last year's Nationals.
"Manlapoa throws a looping right which has a lot of power when it lands," said Falcon boxing coach Eddie Weichers, Jr. "Smith's strategy was to move to his right away from the right hand."
Smith appeared to be in control of the bout, according to Weichers. He was only in trouble once at the end of round three when he was caught with a looping right to the body.
"We were proud of Darren's performance against a seasoned fighter. He didn't back down but just didn't earn the decision," said Weichers.
Brown, the Falcons two-time national champion at 195-pounds, lost to Lock Haven's Chuck Mussachio. Mussachio, who won the national title last season at 185-pounds, used a lot of motion throughout the bout.
"The match lacked action as both boxers did lots of posing," said Weichers. "Some folks call it respect, I call it posing. You need to take it to your opponent if he won't bring the fight to you. Unfortunately, Dustin did not cut off the ring and lacked the offense needed to slow down Mussachio."
The boxers continue to qualify for the Wing Open scheduled for March 2 at 2 p.m. in Clune Arena. Quarterfinals are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 14 in the upper boxing arena in the Cadet Gym.
