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Boxing: Air Force Claims Pair of National Titles

by Valerie Perkin

Two members of the Air Force boxing team were crowned national champions as the Falcons wrapped up competition at the 2007 National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships April 14 in Reno, Nev.

Senior Ian Tuznik defended his national title, while sophomore Jesse Horton claimed his first.

The Falcons entered the final night of competition in third place, with three boxers contending in the national finals.

Senior Willie Lloyd opened the competition at 112 pounds, but was unable to claim his third straight national title as the judges awarded the bout to Army's Mike Benedosso in a controversial decision. Lloyd and Benedosso traded punches in the opening rounds, but Lloyd seemed to gain the advantage as the bout wore on.

Horton claimed his first national title at 119 pounds with a decision over Army's Matt Longo. Even before the first bell tolled, Horton had a look of determination in his eye. Using strong punches and relentless jabs, Horton kept pressure on Longo throughout the three two-minute rounds, giving the judges no other decision than to award Horton the bout.

For the second straight year, the Falcons were forced to wait until the night's final bout - the heavyweight contest - to learn their fate, as that bout would determine the team's finish, which could range from second to fourth.

Tuznik took the pressure in stride and wasted no time claiming his second national heavyweight title over Prince Brown of UNLV in a dominating contest stopped by the referee in second round. Using several hard-hitting jabs, the focused Tuznik took the fight to Brown and never allowed his stockier opponent to find a rhythm. The referee was forced to call the bout in the second round when Tuznik forced his opponent into three standing eight-counts.

A slim margin kept the Falcons from the national team title - the third straight year that scenario has occurred. Air Force combined for 27 points, just shy of first-time champion Lock Haven. For the second straight year, Air Force tied with service academy rival Army in points, but won the tie-breaker for second with two individual champions compared to Army's one.

Air Force remains among the elite as it has never finished lower than second at the national titles.

In addition to its two national champions and one silver medalist, Air Force claimed four other NCBA All-Americans. Freshman Matt McPhail (125 pounds), sophomore Nicholas Goc (129), senior Joe Conrad (165) and junior John Quinn (195) all claimed third-place honors following their finishes in the semifinal round of competition April 13.

As a team, Air Force was also awarded a Sportsmanship Award for its community involvement through the annual "Fighting for a Cause" charity with the Wing Open Championships. Since 1984, the Air Force boxing team has donated more than $220,000 to worthwhile causes and families in need throughout Colorado Springs.

Source: U.S. Air Force

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