Pearson, Rhaman compete at PAL Championships
October 28, 2009
MARQUETTE –Two United States Olympic Education Center boxers competed in the 2009 National PAL Championships Oct. 18- 24 in San Antonio, Texas.
Northern Michigan University freshman Chris Pearson (Trotwood, Ohio) went into the competition with his sights set on the gold medal, but took home the silver in a tough bout with Luis Arias.
“It was an exciting bout,” said Pearson. “A lot of back and forth. Luis is a great fighter, so there were no hard feelings. But I wanted the gold.”
Head boxing coach Al Mitchell was pleased with Pearson’s performance. “He had the caliber to win it, but what Chris did in that fight was unbelievable,” said Mitchell.
This was Pearson’s first competition as a USOEC athlete and he can see how the training has helped him.
“I’ve been working on a lot of techniques. If I was back at home, I may have done well, but I doubt I would have been in the finals. It was really good experience. I’m proud of what I did, but I’m not content with silver.””
Also competing was NMU freshman Hasim Rhaman (Las Vegas, Nev.). He won the decision in a match 21-7 after the bell rang against Alfredo Berlanga. But Berlanga hit Rhaman four more times, knocking him out. Because of the head blows, Rhaman could not compete in the rest of the championships and did not place in the tournament.
“It was a tough fight,” recalled Rhaman. “He was really strong. Coach has been telling me to stay off the ropes.”
Despite his bad break, Rhaman said he learned his lesson and is ready for the next competition. Pearson is also eager for his next match.
Rhaman said “We represented well. We were both prepared and looked good, but next time we’re both going to get the gold.”
