The city of Dallas acquitted itself quite well as some of our local amatuers participated in the 2009 U.S. Men's National Championships and National Junior Olympics, held in Denver, Colorado.

Desoto's Errol Spence, Jr. continued to plow his way thru any and all competition at 152 lbs. with a 7-2 win over Cleveland's Eduardo Alicea.  For those keeping track, go ahead and add the 2009 U.S. Men's National title to the 2009 National Golden Gloves, 2008 National P.A.L. and 2008 Under 19 National championships that Spence already has in his trophy case.

Spence trains at Vivero Boxing Gym and is coached by Gene Vivero, who brought home a National Jr. Olympian as well, in Manuel Rojas.  Rojas, of Dallas, defeated Ryan Martin, hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The score was tied 9-9 after the final bell, but Rojas won the punch stats and the 2009 132 lb. National Junior Olympic title, 20-16.

Dallas P.A.L.'s Ray Ximenez, Jr. won the 114 lb. division of the 2009 National Junior Olympics with a 13-12 decision over New Haven, Connecticut's Tramaine Williams, a 4-time national champion in his own right.  In the semi-finals, Ximenez avenged a loss from last year to Carlos Sanchez (North Hollywoood, California), 12-9.  This was the sixth national title for the talented Ximenez.

Great work, Gentlemen!  Way to represent!