Linda Carillo connects with a left during her semi-final bout against Patricia Martinez during their 106-pound bout Friday at the Warren Road Activity Center.Bob Rives/Staff

Salamone wins title

Miami boxer scores 5-0 decision to take 132-pound title in USA Boxing Women's National Championships

Web posted July 20, 1997

 Full results

By Jimmy DeButts
Staff Writer

Melissa Salamone got just what she wanted at the inaugural USA Boxing Women's National Championships.

Salamone, from Miami, earned the 132-pound champion ship with a 5-0 decision over Laura Kielczewski at the Bell Auditorium. The Miami, Fla. resident said she came expecting stiff competition and to take home the championship belt.

``A lot of tournaments I've been to I've only had one bout. I had three bouts here in Augusta and all three have been great,'' Salamone said. ``I felt like I earned it.''

Lakiea Coffen stopped Brenda Derby 1:58 into the second round to capture the 165-pound title. Coffen said she wants to cherish the feeling of being a champion.

``I'm not going to take it (the championship belt) off all night,'' Coffen said.

Patricia Martinez didn't get the opportunity to fight Saturday night, as she won the 106-pound belt by walkover over Amanda Fussell. Martinez wanted to win the title in the ring, but said the two bouts she won made the trip worthwhile.

``It's disappointing. You want it so long and work so much for the finals, it is disappointing,'' Martinez said. ``If I hadn't had the two bouts, I wouldn't have wanted to take this (belt)home.''

Six minutes of boxing seemed liked six seconds to Patricia Alcivar. Alicivar took home the 119-pound crown with a 4-1 decision over Leona Brown.

``I really can't believe it happened. I can't even remember those six minutes,'' Alcivar said. The Queens, N.Y. resident, who has competed in the last four New York City Marathons, said boxing and running give her a chance to display her individual talents.

``They are both mental challenges, both are individual sports and you have to depend on yourself,'' Alcivar said.

Being a national champion hadn't sunk in for Denise Lutrick. Lutrick won a 5-0 decision over Sherry Huchber in the 156-pound division.

``I don't know if it's hit me yet,'' Lutrick said. ``I've been training so hard and I've put everything together the last two weeks.``

Sandra Guiterrez, of Brooklyn, N.Y., took home the more than 201-pounds championship without ever stepping into the ring. Since no other boxer in her weight class registered for the tournament, Guiterrez was crowned the champion.

Saturday's results

106 pounds - Patricia Martinez, Miami, Fla. won on walkover over Amanda Fussell, Troup, Tex., WO.

112 pounds - Elizabeth McGonical, Erie, Pa., stopped Raphaelle Johnson, Somerville, Mass., RSC-2 (1:48)

119 pounds - Patricia Alcivar, Queens, N.Y. dec. Leona Brown, New York, N.Y., 4-1.

125 pounds - Alicia Ashley, Westbury, N.Y. dec. Deirdre Fabian, Wilmington, N.C., 4-1.

132 pounds - Melissa Salamone, Miami, Fla. dec. Laura Kielczewski, New York, N.Y., 5-0.

139 pounds - Denise Lutrick, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. dec. Sherry Huchber, Pittsburgh, Pa., 5-0.

165 pounds - LaKiea Coffen, Washington, D.C. stopped Brenda Derby, Cheverly, Md., RSC-2 (1:58).