Down for the count
USA Boxing looks to TKO competition at
Wells Fargo Arena next week
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
Jesus Magdaleno and Jordan Shimmel know what its like to be at the top. Both are ranked No. 1 in their respected weight divisions of USA Boxing but are coming off bitter defeats last month in the 2009 AIBA World Championships in Milan, Italy. Each believes they still have something to prove in their quest for greatness. They get that chance at the USA Boxing vs. Great Britain on Oct. 30 at Wells Fargo Arena.
“Being at the top of the rankings feels good, but that means I have to work and train that much harder because guys are gunning to knock me off,” said Magdaleno, the 17-year-old Las Vegas native wrestler at the bantamweight (119 lbs.) category of the senior men’s division. “I feel the pressure of being the best, but as long as I keep my head right, I think I’ll be on top for a while.”
The stop to Wells Fargo Arena will be one of three duels pitting Team USA vs. Great Britain. A duel was held Oct. 16 in Norfolk, Va., and another duel will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, in St. Louis, Mo., before arriving in Des Moines.
Magdeleno’s teammate, Jordan Shimmel, has a similar attitude when it comes to performing at a high performance.
“I can’t control what others are doing in the rankings; I can only control myself and work on improving my boxing,” said Shimmel who is ranked No. 1 in the 201 lbs. division. “Everyone below me is trying to beat me, so I have to be at my best to keep the top spot.”
Magdaleno and Shimmel’s ride to the top of the rankings hasn’t been easy. Magdaleno began boxing at the ripe age of 11; Shimmel began at 12. Magdaleno is following in the footsteps of his brother, Diego Magdaleno, who was ranked No. 1 at 132 lbs. in 2006. Boxing is a family affair for the Shimmel family — Jordan’s younger brother and grandfather also boxed. Shimmel’s father, Dennis Shimmel Jr., was an amateur boxer and is currently his coach.
“I’ve grown up around boxing all my life, so this isn’t anything new for me,” Magdaleno said. “My brother has been a big role model for me and from that I want to create my own legacy.”
Magdaleno and Shimmel attribute their youth to a majority of their success. Each trains throughout the week, running up to eight miles a day, participating in strength and conditioning workouts and lifting weights. Both must maintain an optimum body weight to compete in their respected weight divisions.
“Being young is definitely an advantage for me,” Shimmel, 21, said. “My speed, power and mentality are my strengths. I want to wear down my opponents as the rounds go on.”
At such young ages, Magdaleno and Shimmel have boxed in numerous venues, visited different cultures while exploring the globe. While they say their experiences are once-in-a-lifetime, each enjoys competing in America.
“We’re very excited to fight back home,” Shimmel said. “It gives our family the opportunity to see us, too. It’s nice to be on our own turf.”
Magdaleno agrees.
“I love representing Team USA in boxing,” he said. “To represent your country is a great honor, and fans can expect a lot of excitement and energy when we come to Iowa.”
Locker Room note: The 2009 Race for the Cure against breast cancer takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24. Funds raised go toward research, education, screening and treatment. Teams or individuals may sign up for a one-mile walk, 5K run or a kid’s race for ages 2 to 10. Call 309-0095 or visit www.desmoinesraceforthecure.org. CV
Caption: Jesus Magdaleno (right) hopes to back up No. 1 ranking in the USA Boxing vs. Great Britain on Oct. 30. Photo courtesy of USA Boxing
