Winning national boxing championships never gets old for Sacred Downing.
The 23-year-old boxer from Trenton, N.J., won her sixth national title Friday night at the USA Boxing National Championships at the Denver Coliseum.
Even though she said she doesn’t get tired of winning, there still was extra excitement after defeating Rita Martinez on points at 119 pounds.
There’s a big moment coming up for women’s boxing, and it could come as early as August but no later than October. Sometime during that span, the International Olympic Committee will vote on admitting women’s boxing for the first time to the Olympic program for the 2012 Summer Games in London.
“I’m counting on the vote to be favorable,” Downing said. “I definitely think about the Olympic vote. Yes, of course, I’ll stay around if the vote is favorable. I don’t know what I’ll do if it’s not favorable. I might just stick around either way. Winning this tournament never is old hat.”
But for now, Downing will return to Trenton and resume her work helping direct young people into worthwhile activities.
“I like to hang out in the library,” Downing said. “I like peace and quiet.”
Jim Millman, CEO of USA Boxing, headquartered in Colorado Springs, echoed Downing’s confidence in the IOC vote.
“The indications are very positive that it will be approved,” Millman said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the women’s program, particularly because the U.S. has a very strong team and program.”
Millman explained the reasons for his confidence, noting that more than 100 countries are participating in women’s boxing and that boxing is the lone Olympic sport that doesn’t already have men’s and women’s participation.
Millman said Friday night’s winners would be among the favorites for a place on the first U.S. Olympic team going into the 2011 Olympic Trials.
“The key would be winning this tournament in 2011, but a win here would mean a boxer is among the favorites, even though the Olympics still are three years away,” he said.
The championships conclude tonight with the men’s finals at 7 p.m. at the Coliseum.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
