Amidst fierce competition, three athletes from the University of Cincinnati's Club Boxing team have secured their places in the 2025 National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships. The event unfolded at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in Indiana, where five members of the Cincinnati team stepped into the ring for their semifinal matches.
In a series of intense battles, UC's Payton Woodruff initiated the action with a powerful performance against Matthew El Rassi from the Trojan Boxing Club. Demonstrating superior agility and strategic punches, Woodruff dominated the match, leading to an early stoppage by the official in the third round. Following Woodruff's success, senior Jordan Evanko faced Erin Nicastro from the U.S. Naval Academy. Although the bout lasted the entire duration, Nicastro emerged victorious through unanimous decision, marking a setback for the Bearcats.
Anthony DiAngelo then showcased his resilience against Rodrigo Madera from San Jose State, resulting in a closely contested match decided by a split verdict. Despite mixed scores from the judges, DiAngelo successfully advanced to the championship stage. Similarly, Michael Dempsey clinched victory in a nail-biting contest against Kendrick Ekejiuba from San Jose State, prevailing on a split decision. Meanwhile, Sam Miranda narrowly missed out on advancing after a tough battle against Penn State's Shane Perry.
The triumphs of these athletes highlight the dedication and skill required to excel in collegiate boxing. Their performances underscore the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving one's goals. As the NCBA Championships approach, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing these boxers showcase their talents live-streamed on College Boxing Live, symbolizing the spirit of competitive sportsmanship.