The Richmond Police Athletic League Boxing Team begins the year boasting of two champions among its band of boxers. The two are Phillip Thompson and Jesse Riojas.
The Richmond PAL Boxing Team won two state championships and the Tournament Outstanding Novice Boxer Award at the 2011 USA Boxing Virginia State Senior Amateur Boxing Championship finals Jan. 23 in Newport News, Va.
The 152-pound Thompson of the Novice Division defeated Michael Karika of the Newport News Boxing Club with a right hand and left hook combination in a mere 90 seconds into the first round of the finals championship. The referee called the match. Thompson also brought home the Outstanding Novice Boxer trophy.
Riojas, weighing in at 132 pounds in the Open Division, scored the most points to defeat Charles Williams of Ninth Dimension Sports Circle of Richmond to win the championship. Riojas will compete next representing the Virginia Association LBC 12 of USA Boxing in the East Central Region 2 Senior Championships at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Feb. 18 through 20.
The Richmond PAL Boxing Team is coached by Keith Hunter, head coach; Scott Munday and Billy Sahnow. The team practices 6 to 7:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the PAL Headquarters, 1365 Overbrook Road.
For more information about the Richmond PAL Boxing Team or to sign up for the program, please contact Sgt. Michael Talley at 646-1832.
