2009 National Golden Gloves Finals

The finals of the 2009 National Golden Gloves were Saturday, May 9th held at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Jamal James finished the tournament competing in the Light Welterweight division (141 lbs) competing against Jose Benavidez from Nevada. Jamal felt good and started the round popping his jab constantly. The bout was a really good bout because both boxers acutally boxed and didn't slug it out, so they showed their technical boxing abilities. Jamal's punches were the stronger punches. Jose's punches didn't have much power behind them. Jamal lost the bout by decision and brought home the 2009 National Golden Gloves Silver Medal.

Javontae Starks finished his tournament in the Welterweight (152 lbs) division in a re-match against Errol Spence from Texas. Javontae was prepared for Errol and made sure he stayed busy all three rounds. Errol is a southpaw boxer so he would utilize this by trying to step on Javontae's foot or tripping him throughout the bout, which many southpaw boxers will do to try and win the bout. It was a great match and action packed throughout the entire bout. Javontae lost to Errol by decision and brought home the 2009 National Golden Gloves Silver Medal.

Both boxers were upset with the decision as well as their coach. They both boxed extremely great in the finals and they felt they did enough to win the bout. They also felt that the National Golden Gloves may of had it rigged for certain boxers to win throughout the night because there were 12 bouts and every boxer in the blue corner won with the exception of one bout and that boxer (who was in the blue corner) lost because the referee gave him a warning, which gave his opponent two extra points. What are the odds that all 11 bouts from the blue corner would win? It makes you wonder.

Javontae Starks has the Regional USA tournament coming up May 30 - 31 in Milwaukee, WI. He will be competing against Daniel Denny again, which he beat in the Golden Gloves tournament. Javontae is the favorite to win the Regionals and advance to the National USA tournament in Denver, CO June 7 - 14 where he will be looking to keep his Gold Medal in the Welterweight division. Jamal James is hoping to compete in the 2009 USA National tournament as well on the at-large team or representing the National PAL team.