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:
PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART I)
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 16 Oct 2025BOXING HALL OF FAME RELEASES FALL 2025 LETTER OF APPEAL SEEKING FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
Thu, 16 Oct 2025Mendoza bags bronze
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 20: MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III ON OCTOBER 1, 1975 AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 16 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: History of Boxing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 16 Oct 2025YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
Wed, 15 Oct 2025JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
Wed, 15 Oct 2025MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
Wed, 15 Oct 2025WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Oct 2025YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
Wed, 15 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
Wed, 15 Oct 2025GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Wed, 15 Oct 2025SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
Wed, 15 Oct 2025