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The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Youth Boxing Program was well-represented by five youth boxers at the 2008 Junior Olympic National Championships, held June 16 – 21, 2008, at the Superior Dome in Marquette, MI. Three DPR youth boxers brought home Junior Olympic National Championship medals.
Over 200 of the nation’s elite Junior Olympic boxers faced off at the Superior Dome on the campus of Northern Michigan University. This competition consistently showcases the country’s top junior boxers, many of them later becoming boxing stars and Olympians.
“Once again DPR is the home of a national youth boxing champion! Congratulations to Antonio McGruder for winning his national championship bout!” said DPR Director Clark E. Ray. “Congratulations to Asia Stevenson and Antoine Douglas for their medal winning performances and to Shadeed Flyod and Deven Matos for earning a spot to compete at the national championships.”
Antonio McGruder, sixteen year-old youth boxer from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center boxing team, won his second national title by defeating the defending national champion in a 10-5 victory. McGruder also won the Silver Gloves National Championship in February 2008 and was the Silver Gloves Representative at 114 lbs. He also earned a bronze medal at last year’s Junior Olympic National Championships.
Asia Stevenson, sixteen year-old youth boxer from the boxing team at Benning Park Recreation Center, captured the women’s silver medal. Stevenson fought well in a closely contested championship match against a boxer from Michigan, and made the bout a close 22-19 decision.
Antoine Douglas, fifteen year-old boxer from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center boxing team, earned a bronze medal in his first trip to the Junior Olympic National Championships.
Complete Results of DPR Youth Boxers at the 2008 Junior Olympic National Championships
| Boxer |
Recreaction Center Team |
Result |
Division |
| Antonio McGruder |
Bald Eagle |
Gold medalist |
114 pounds |
| Asia Stevenson |
Benning Park |
Silver medalist |
132 pounds |
| Antoine Douglas |
Bald Eagle |
Bronze medalist |
125 pounds |
| Shadeed Floyd |
Langdon Park |
Preliminaries |
119 pounds |
| Deven Matos |
Bald Eagle |
Quarterfinals |
110 pounds |
DPR’s youth boxing program provides an Olympic-style boxing program for over 150 boys and girls, ages 8 to 21 years old, at 7 locations across the District, in partnership with the Potomac Valley Association, the local boxing committee of USA Amateur Boxing. DPR's Youth Boxing program teaches life skills such as self-discipline, sportsmanship, physical fitness, respect, and camaraderie that builds character and self-esteem. The only requirement is that youth must be in good physical condition.