The 1996 USA Olympic Boxing team

In the September 1996 edition of The Ring, Jan Sracemo goes though the American Olympic team, summing up their chances of Gold and potential as pros.

To summarize...

106lbs: Albert Guardado

The 5' 6" student of Washburn University has a lot of international experience, but is going to struggle.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=69488&cat=boxer

112lbs: Eric Morel

Over cautious and suffered from mixed results at the top level.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=7813&cat=boxer

119lbs: Zahir Raheen

Not much of a puncher, a long shot for the medal, but Main Events want to sign him up.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=19994&cat=boxer

125lbs: Floyd Mayweather Jr

The name sound familiar? He is the son of former fringe contender Floyd Sr who is serving 66 months for Drug trafficking. Style wise, he is a lot more like Uncle Roger. Probably pound for pound the most talented boxer on the team, fast hands give him a chance of a medal. Courted by Emanuel Steward...

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=352&cat=boxer

132lbs: Terrance Cauthen

This Philly fighter from Smokin' Joe's gym, is going to need a lucky draw to see any medals.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=19679&cat=boxer

139lbs: David Diaz

Scrappy kid, who poured out buckets of guts to make the squad. His style is not going to help him in International competition, but may help him as a pro.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=19329&cat=boxer


147lbs: Fernando Vargas

The star of the article, but his aggressive style may be more suited to the pro game. Does not like being compared to Oscar de la Hoya...

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=7205&cat=boxer

156lbs: Dave Reid

Has problems with his left eye, which droops, which will need surgery and a three month recovery period. Has trouble avoiding right hands, is the cousin of former contenders Boogaloo Watts and Jimmy Young.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=7196&cat=boxer

165: Rhoshii Wells

The weak link, in a weak team.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=15623&cat=boxer

178: Antonio Tarver

Has the best chance of the USA finding gold, current World Champion has mastered the electronic scoring system, only doubt is his chin and age (27) if he turns pro.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=14043&cat=boxer

201lbs: Nate Jones

Good skills, but an average punch, a bit too green to have any real chance, but kudos for turning his life round (after serving time for armed robbery).

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=8839&cat=boxer

201lbs+: Lawrence Clay-Bey

Can punch, but conditioning and age is an issue, some think he could sneak a bronze.


http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=14748&cat=boxer


So, who do you think will be a future star?:hey