Queen Underwood One Step Closer To London

by Waldo Rastel on Feb 21, 2012 1:26 AM EST in Boxing News Analysis

Queen Underwood moves closer to her Olympic dream. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

After winning the US Olympic Trials, Queen Underwood is one step closer to securing a spot in the 2012 Olympics in London. By winning the tournament, Queen has qualified for the World Championships in China. If she finishes within the top eight of her weight category, then she would qualify for the Olympics. Last week we looked at the heartbreaking story of Queen's upbringing. Her story of mentally overcoming abuse and rape and possibly becoming an Olympic medalist is an inspiration to anyone who has been a victim in the past.

According to AP sports writer Greg Beacham, Queen and the two other winners went to get manicures and pedicures. While it might seems a little feminine, I would think that manicures are quite common amongst boxers. They need to take care of their hands. While at the spa Underwood spoke about the next steps.

"Believe it or not, I'm already looking forward to getting back into training," Underwood said, reclining into a couch while soaking her feet. "I want to be there right now. I'm feeling really good about my chances. We're all focused on the next steps, and that's the world championships and the Olympics."

I really like the positive attitude coming from Underwood. Underwood had a tough fight on Thursday night when she faced the tall N'yteeyah Sherman. Sherman had a 7" reach advantage and took a points lead into the final round of the fight. However, Underwood managed squeak out a 25-24 points victory because of her heart in the final round. Underwood should have some momentum going into the World Championships. Her performance in the upcoming competition should give us a good feeling about her chances at the Olympics.

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Wish we could see footage of these and the young men trying out for the Olympics, it doesn’t seem to exist. I’ve Googled for days. Maybe they fear it would give their game away, that’s a consideration.

Side note, no reason they shouldn’t be feminine when “off duty” even though they’re boxers, whether or not the men get manicures or not (no idea). It’s a harmless, inexpensive self-indulgence/reward.

There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else--James Thurber, 1939

by BoxAnne on Feb 21, 2012 8:34 AM EST reply actions

You might want to check some of the British papers (esp. The Guardian). They seem to care a little more about this kind of stuff because the Olympics are there and they care about boxing more as a nation.

On the side note: I agree that there is nothing wrong with it but the article made it seem a little denigrating. Kind of going out of the way to mention that these were women who happened to be athletes and not the other way around.

"The bell that tolls for all in boxing belongs to a cash register."
-Bob Verdi

by Waldo Rastel on Feb 21, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions