Shimmell
Makes Golden Gloves History
Over the weekend, boxers from across the state competed in the finals of the state Golden Gloves outside Grand Rapids and nine open class fighters advanced to the national tournament in Utah next month. Three of those won their fourth state Golden Gloves championship and one will forever have his name recorded in the history books. MGGA’s Jordan Shimmell stopped Lansing’s Travis McMillan in Saturday finals action winning the state heavyweight title – for the fourth straight year. With the win, the 20-year old Shimmell made state Golden Gloves history, twice. He is the first heavyweight (201 lbs) to (1) win four Michigan Golden Gloves championships and (2) to do so in consecutive years. Two other Michigan boxers won their fourth state title but no word from officials that the feat, as impressive as it is, sets any record. Ernesto Garza III of Saginaw stopped Tyler James at 1:16 of the second round of their 119 pound championship bout. Garza will now defend his national title, having won it last year in Grand Rapids. MLK’s
Ryan Schmidt was successful in his bid for a fourth state title.
Unlike Garza and Shimmell who are back-to-back-to-back state champs,
Schmidt won his previous titles in 2002, 2004 and 2005. His unanimous
decision win over Vincent Jennings means the 24-year old will once
again travel west in his quest for gold. Johnnie
Garcia decisioned Michael White. 141-lbs. 5-0 |
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