USA Boxing Loses Top Amateur to the Professional Ranks

(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) - 2009 National Champion and World Championships light welterweight silver medalist Frankie Gomez (E. Los Angeles, Calif.) has informed that USA Boxing that he is turning professional. Gomez's decision to leave the amateur ranks at only 18-years-old and just over two years before the 2012 Olympic Games, clearly demonstrates that USA Boxing's toughest opponents are not the Russian and Cuban boxers, but often professional promoters. 

USA Boxing understands the strong pull that professional boxing can present to many of its young boxers, but is currently working to combat the issue by attempting to improve the funding and opportunities given to its elite boxers. In addition, AIBA's new initiative the World Series of Boxing presents the chance for male amateur boxers to receive a salary while maintaining their amateur status and the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.   

USA Boxing wishes Frankie the best of luck in his endeavors, but hopes that future elite boxers make the choice to develop their skills fully at the amateur level before making the jump to the professional ranks at a young age.