Air Force Academy
Service Academy Classic
Air Force Wins Service Academy Classic
10/23/2009 12:00:00 AM | Boxing
Oct. 23, 2009
DETROIT, Mich. - Backed by an impressive 5-1 record, the Air Force boxing team won the annual Service Academy Classic in Detroit, Mich., on Friday, Oct. 23. The Falcons posted a 3-0 record over Army and a 2-1 record over Navy in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the historic Detroit Athletic Club.
Competing in his home state, junior Matthew DeMars opened the night with a hard fought victory over Army's Terry Neil in the 122-pound contest. With a strong right hand, DeMars clipped his opponent in the third round and caused the referee to stop the bout.
Fellow junior Michael Mizes was named the meet's Outstanding Boxer by the Detroit Athletic Club, after earning the decision in a hard-hitting, "non-stop throw down" with Navy's Trae Miller at 135 pounds. The two contenders were toe-to-toe throughout the six-minute bout, but Mizes got the better of his opponent with a strong right hand and solid left hooks.
Classmate Michael Dunn earned a decision over Army's Paul Bryant in the 154-pound matchup. Using a good one-two/one-two combination, Dunn was able to outpoint his crafty opponent from West Point. Displaying a good combination of strategy, poise and boxing skill, Dunn was award the Boxer of the Week honor, as voted on by the coaching staff.
While the first three bouts were contested by Air Force juniors, it was the sophomore class that took to the ring for the final three bouts. Tyrus Korecki picked up a split decision victory over Denote Dawson of Army at 158 pounds. Korecki used good body shots and an aggressive presence within the ring to defeat his Black Knight counterpart.
Classmate Nick Cataldo took a decision from Navy's Jake Tenorio in the 171-pound contest. In what head coach Eddie Weichers described as six minutes of "knockdown, drag out" action, Cataldo was able to take Tenorio out of his game. Despite catching some hard shots, Cataldo showcased the better boxing style to outpoint Tenorio and take the decision.
In the final bout of the evening, sophomore Mike Chambers lost a close decision to Navy's Nathan Jester in the heavyweight showcase. With both talented contenders at a height of 6-5, it was an impressive display. Chambers was able to get off some good combinations and pressure Jester, but ultimately lost the decision.
Air Force returns to action on Oct. 30, when it returns to the Cadet Gym Boxing Room for the second installment of Friday Night Fights. Action is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.
RESULTS FROM SERVICE ACADEMY CLASSIC (AF BOXERS ONLY)
122-lbs.: Matthew DeMars (Air Force) rsc-3 Terry Neil (Army)
135-lbs.: Michael Mizes (Air Force) dec. Trae Miller (Navy)
154-lbs.: Michael Dunn (Air Force) dec. Paul Bryant (Army)
158-lbs.: Tyrus Korecki (Air Force) dec. Denote Dawson (Army)
171-lbs.: Nick Cataldo (Air Force) dec. JakeTenorio (Navy)
Hywt.: Nathan Jester (Navy) dec. Mike Chambers (Air Force)
Players Mentioned
