Kampioni
05-11-2009, 08:26 PM
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A year ago, Naim Terbunja was a nonentity in New York boxing circles. Today, he is the hottest, most successful amateur in the city.
On Saturday, Terbunja, who relocated to Shirley, L.I. six months ago and represented Sweden in the 2008 Olympics, captured the prestigious National Golden Gloves championship in Salt Lake City, winning five bouts in seven days. Capping that stretch, he defeated the top-ranked fighter in the country - Luis Arias of Wisconsin- 3-2, in the finals of the 165-pound division.
A veteran of more than 200 amateur bouts and a recent Daily News Golden Gloves winner, Terbunja, 24, said he is still mulling whether to turn professional. He hasn't ruled out staying in the amateur ranks for the 2012 Olympics if an appropriate offer from a promoter doesn't arrive, he said.
With the city in need of something to breathe life into its pro boxing scene, the decision-making process of several amateurs who competed in the National Golden Gloves will be critical.
"I don't know what I'm going to do right now," Terbunja said via telephone minutes after his victory. "If I get a good offer from a promoter, it would be hard to refuse. But I'm not in a hurry."
Does he have a future in the pro's?
(also check out Naim's fights on youtube)
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
A year ago, Naim Terbunja was a nonentity in New York boxing circles. Today, he is the hottest, most successful amateur in the city.
On Saturday, Terbunja, who relocated to Shirley, L.I. six months ago and represented Sweden in the 2008 Olympics, captured the prestigious National Golden Gloves championship in Salt Lake City, winning five bouts in seven days. Capping that stretch, he defeated the top-ranked fighter in the country - Luis Arias of Wisconsin- 3-2, in the finals of the 165-pound division.
A veteran of more than 200 amateur bouts and a recent Daily News Golden Gloves winner, Terbunja, 24, said he is still mulling whether to turn professional. He hasn't ruled out staying in the amateur ranks for the 2012 Olympics if an appropriate offer from a promoter doesn't arrive, he said.
With the city in need of something to breathe life into its pro boxing scene, the decision-making process of several amateurs who competed in the National Golden Gloves will be critical.
"I don't know what I'm going to do right now," Terbunja said via telephone minutes after his victory. "If I get a good offer from a promoter, it would be hard to refuse. But I'm not in a hurry."
Does he have a future in the pro's?
(also check out Naim's fights on youtube)