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Ruvalcaba qualifies for All-Army Team Trials

Steve Yingling

South Shore boxer Simon “El Nino” Ruvalcaba’s dream of someday fighting in the Summer Olympics is off and running.

Ruvalcaba took the first step toward his Olympic dream by winning the

Eighth Army Boxing Championships last Saturday in South Korea. The 20-year-old Ruvalcaba won three bouts to capture the 139-pound class.



More importantly, tournament officials included the South Tahoe High graduate among eight nominations to participate in the All-Army Boxing Trials in January in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“It will give me the opportunity to go for the Olympics,” said the amateur fighter, who apparently ran up to the ring in excitement when his name was called during nominations.



All U.S. soldiers in Korea comprise the Eighth U.S. Army and were eligible to fight in last weekend’s tournament.

At the Army Trials, Ruvalcaba must win his weight class or be selected as an alternate to continue his progression toward making the Olympic team.

“I’ll be messing with some big boys. But for the first time I’ll be doing nothing but fighting. It will do nothing but help me achieve my full potential,” he said.

Before Ruvalcaba can compete in Colorado Springs his nomination must be approved by the Army. Ruvalcaba still has 21 months remaining out of his 39-month enlistment but can conclude his service on the Army national team if he makes the squad.

“The last couple of years he’s really gotten serious about boxing. Hopefully, he’ll succeed,” said local pro fighter Juan Torres, who learned of Ruvalcaba’s latest success after some of his own in Las Vegas. Last Friday, Torres won a split decision against No. 2-ranked World Boxing Association lightweight Simon Rebolledo of Venezuela.

last couple years he’s relaly got serious about boxing, hopefully he’ll succeed.

Tahoe Daily Tribune E-mail: tribune@tahoe.com

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