I had no doubts that Chandler would become a champ in this division because he is athletic, tough and was well-prepared for the tournament. Chandler won strong by scoring two knockdowns in the 1st and the 2nd rounds over Dib Ali Kaddah (Cleveland Boxing Club). However, as a coach I was disappointed that Chandler didn’t stop his opponent. Nevertheless, it was his first fight. Consistency in training will lead to good results. Remember - Champions are not born, Champions are raised.

Curtis Meister joined us three years ago and now is time for him to leave us for new things. Today is his last practice. Curtis will graduate from Solon High School this year and continue his journey at Kent State University. Since he joined United Boxing Team he has become a different young man. Curtis developed himself as an athlete and a skilled fighter. He helped Chandler in his preparation for the Golden Gloves. Curtis is undefeated 2:0. Unfortunately, he didn’t fight often, and I wish that other people could have seen his boxing skills. I appreciate him for helping other members of the team in the gym and for his participation in the sparing sessions (he never refused to spar, never had a “headache” or any other excuses to quit). We will miss Curtis. We wish him a great time in college, and success in the future. I know he will become successful in whatever he does.

  Leslie Penman got a spot to represent Cleveland at the National Championship in Colorado. He won his Championship fight against Jimmy Bland. Jimmy is a long time local contender; his most impressive victory was over Cleveland Golden Gloves Champion Ryan Forbes who turned pro this year. Jimmy is an awkward type of fighter who makes even good fighters look bad. Leslie came with a strong desire and confidence to win the fight. Every round he became stronger, and his domination in the third round proved his victory.

Leslie Penman was called again for the third time to face AJ Materna on Nov 19th at Brook Park Armory. Leslie proved once again that his previous victory over AJ Materna was not a mistake. Leslie left no questions for judges and public that he is a better man in the ring. Leslie out classed his opponent scoring knockdown during a fight.

Leslie Penman won his rematch against AJ Materna out of Akron on Saturday October 22nd at "United City Championship" Girard, Ohio. Leslie scored a knockdown over AJ Materna in the 3rd round and was ahead on all score cards. Leslie showed good foot work and improvements on his defensive skill. He came to the ring more confidently than ever before. Leslie's hard work in the gym is beginning to pay off.

Curtis Meister, 17 year-old, Solon High School student came out with his second consecutive victory at the "Battle at Slovenian Ballroom IV" against the aggressive and tough Zi Stalnaker of Terminator Boxing Club. The fight was close, but came out in favor of Curtis by judges' score cards. Zi pressed Curtis all three rounds, but Curtis landed the cleaner shots, and pulled out the victory.

Brandon Kirk of North Olmstead, he proves his dedication by making a 20 mile drive (on way) to practice, but on 09/24/2011 he took another step forward by stopping his opponent in 30 seconds of the 1st round. Brandon used his combinations, most notably a left hook to stop his opponent.

Azamat, 20 years old, resident of Parma joined United Boxing Team at 195 lbs, after few months of hard work he took his first fight at 170 lbs. He squared up against Eddie Miller, 25 years old, 175 lbs, out of King's gym. Azamat won all three rounds on score cards and pulled out the victory. He showed his mental toughness 100%. That's exactly what I am as a coach would like to see in all fighters of United Boxing Team

Also this night Leslie Penman faced AJ Materna from Akron, former College football player, with a record of 3-1 in MMA and 1-0 in boxing. Leslie was caught with a good right hand in the first round, it was knockdown. However, Leslie recovered quickly, and in my opinion and other people he won the second and the third rounds, but judges saw the fight in a different way. They scored fight in favor of AJ Materna; on the first card by one point, on the second card by two points and the third card by 4 points - this card is ... no comments. I believe Leslie was robbed in this fight, he was a better boxer skill wised.

16 years old, Solon High School made his debut on 01.29.2011 at the Slovenian Ballroom BATTLE IN THE BALLROOM II against Will Hill, East Lake High School. Curtis came with 136 lbs. when his opponent was 143 lbs, having 7 lbs advantage. Curtis outclassed the bigger and stronger opponent all three rounds.

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