Perez clears first major hurdle toward Olympics

Albuquerque fighter wins 114-pound class at U.S. Trials

For a United States amateur boxer seeking a spot in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, there are several boxes that need checking.

Thus far, though, Albuquerque’s Abraham Perez has done everything right — and boxed beautifully.

Sunday in Lake Charles, La., Perez defeated Los Angeles’ Anthony Herrera by unanimous decision to win the men’s 114-pound division at the USA Boxing Olympic Trials.

To call the just-completed tournament that is misleading, if not a misnomer. Perez is by no means guaranteed a trip to Tokyo for the Olympics.

Following the Trials, there’s a monthlong training camp at USA Boxing headquarters in Colorado Springs, then participation in the Strandja international tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, Jan. 19-26.

Only then will USA Boxing, the sport’s national governing board, make its selections.

Then, the boxers selected will compete in an Olympic qualifying tournament in Buenos Aires, a competition that will involve all of the Americas and the Caribbean, scheduled for March 26-April 3.

Five boxers from Perez’s weight class will qualify in Buenos Aires for the Tokyo Olympics.

Likely for the above reasons, Perez’s celebration after Sunday’s victory was somewhat muted.

Asked in the ring during NBC’s streaming of the event what his immediate plans are, he said, “Just go back to camp and, you know, train.”

He made it clear, though, what his long-range plans are.

“To work my way up to being an Olympian, that’s the goal,” he said.

After having defeated Herrera by split (3-2) decision Friday — Herrera decisioned Texan Roscoe Hill on Saturday to secure the rematch — Perez had the

Los Angeles boxer’s number on Sunday.

After a close first round, the 20-yearold Albuquerquean established clearcut superiority in the final two rounds.

Commentators Al Bernstein and Raul Marquez were generous in their praise.

“Nice little boxer-puncher,” said Marquez, a 1992 U.S. Olympian and a former world professional champion. “He’s got good technique, and he’s smart.”

Perez went 3-0 in the double-elimination tournament, advancing by walkover in the first round, defeating Hill by unanimous decision and twice decisioning Herrera. NATIONAL CHAMPS: Perez’s victory over Herrera also made him the 2019 national champion at his weight, a distinction he shares with Las Cruces’ Ariana Carrasco.

Saturday, Carrasco decisioned Daisy Bamberger of Hayward, California, for the women’s youth title at 132 pounds.

En route to the championship bout, Carrasco defeated Melissa Holguin of San Antonio and Heather Cirka of Whitewater, Colorado.