Tropical Games: Augustama steps up, wins
By: Sharon Robb, Sun-Sentinel Staff Writer
July 24, 2005

Every amateur boxing show he goes to, Haitian-born Azea Augustama knows there's a possibility there will be no opponents in his weight class or at least any that are willing to go up against a national champion.

Augustama, 20, one of three boxing brothers from Hollywood PAL, made the ultimate sacrifice Saturday at the Tropical Games of the Palm Beaches when he went up a weight class to take on top heavyweight Arturo Reyes of De La Rosa Boxing in Miami.

In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the four-round bout was one of the best on the record 21-bout card at the South Florida Fairgrounds .

Augustama, boxing at a 15-pound weight disadvantage (186 pounds), scored his first victory over the 201-pound Reyes with a 5-0 decision. Augustama overwhelmed Reyes with his power and speed. His combination body shots and jabs kept Reyes off-balance.

Immediately after the bout, the boxers embraced. Reyes asked Augustama for a rematch.

"I have been trying to fight him for a while because he is such a good boxer," Augustama said. "I know he's a bigger guy at 201, but for some reason the match just never happened until today. I knew he was good for a long time. It kills me when I come to shows and I can't fight. I don't mind boxing heavyweight.

"I could tell he was getting frustrated. He tried to force his way inside. I didn't give him a chance to do nothing. This is a good win for me."

It was one of Augustama's biggest victories of his career, which also includes wins over former amateur Mike Maroone of Vero Beach, now a pro, and national champion Rene Rommel of Orlando, who is turning pro.

"I think he would make a great small heavyweight," said Hollywood PAL trainer Tony Betancourt. "His speed makes up for his lack of weight. There was no guarantee we would get a fight. We were very fortunate to fight someone of his caliber."

The construction worker, whose nickname is "Stanley" hopes to represent Haiti at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He just missed making the 2004 Olympics. Augustama, one of 12 children, has been invited to compete in an international match in Britain next month.

Hollywood PAL teammate Ricky Hernandez, 19, posted his first victory of his young amateur career with a 5-0 division over Leonidas Thalassites in the 119-pound novice division. Francisco Alvarado, 13, of Metro-Dade Boxing, trained by former champion Robert "Preacher Man" Daniels, won his Junior Olympic debut at 109 pounds.

Boxing was one of 10-sports held at the second annual multi-sport festival. The two-day competition ended a day early because events began early and ran smoothly, according to organizers. About 700 athletes from throughout the state competed. Next year Florida Gold Coast boxing officials plan on inviting teams from the Bahamas and out of state for a World Cup format.

Elsewhere

Steve Geffrard of Boca Raton PAL advanced into the final of the National Junior Golden Gloves Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn. Geffrard decisioned Curtis Harris, 5-0 at 154 pounds in the intermediate (14-15) age category. He will face David Galmore in the final. Stablemate Marvin McGowan lost a 4-1 decision to William Jackson at 145 pounds of the cadet (15-16) division.

Results

Open bouts -- 141 pounds: Wilson Feliciano, Boca Raton PAL dec. Courtney Harvey, North Miami Beach, 4-1; 147: Antwone Smith, Metro-Dade Boxing def. Joshua Balbuena, Rene Dynamics, referee stopped contest, second round; 201: Azea Augustama, Hollywood PAL dec. Arturo Reyes, DeLa Rosa Boxing, 5-0.

Novice bouts -- 118 pounds: Terrance Nobles, Rene Dynamics dec. Antoni Didgle, South Florida Boxing 4-1; 123: Ricky Hernandez, Hollywood PAL dec. Leonidas Thalassites, Unattached 5-0; 138: Jose Perez, North Miami Beach Boxing def. Robert Dortch, Unattached, RSC, second round; 140: Dan Woodson, Royal Palm Beach PAL def. Manuel Martinez, Rene Dynamics, RSC first round; 148: Geovani Merceron, South Florida Boxing dec. Marcelino Gonzales, Fort Myers SJC 5-0; 177: Eddy Herreyra, Metro-Dade Boxing dec. Roman Posada, Fort Myers SJC 4-1; 219: Dielily Aristilde, Unattached dec. Norman King, World Class Boxing, 5-0.

Junior Olympic bouts -- 55 pounds: Charlie Velazquez, Palm Beach County PAL dec. Ivanson Maurice, Rene Dynamics 5-0; 61: Marquavious Greer, Palm Beach County PAL dec. Christian Rivera, Rene Dynamics, 3-2; 80: Javaunce James, South Florida Boxing dec. Gullit Hilaire, Rene Dynamics, 5-0; 75: Erickson Lubin, Rene Dynamics dec. Javier Sanlate, Miami Fight 5-0; 107: Francisco Alvarado, Metro-Dade Boxing dec. Samuel Ruiz, Palm Beach County PAL 5-0; 109: Daniel Arias, Royal Palm Beach PAL def. Verbain Curry, Palm Beach County PAL, RSC, third round; 117: Sebastian Olarte, South Florida Boxing dec. Todd Hudson, Palm Beach Boxing 5-0; 117: Luke Therop, Rene Dynamics dec. Joe Lozano, World Class Boxing 3-2; 121: Wilson Quirindonoo, University Boxing dec. Nico Skyler, Royal Palm Beach PAL 5-0; 127: Mike Jean Louis, Rene Dynamics dec. Justin Diaz, Royal Palm Beach PAL 5-0; 145: Mark Salisbury, Port St. Lucie def. Michael Prevatte, Sanford Boxing, RSC, first round.

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IF YOU GO

What: Second annual Tropical Games of the Palm Beaches.

When: Today at 9.

Where: South Florida Fairgrounds Exhibition Center, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach.

How to get there: Take Florida Turnpike to Southern Boulevard exit, head west 1.5 miles to Sansbury Way, the fairgrounds are on the right. Or, take I-95 to Southern Boulevard exit, head west and follow the above directions.

Who is eligible: The Games are open to all athletes of various ability levels that meet the requirements of their sport's national governing body.

Sports: Boxing, chess, fencing, judo, karate, powerlifting, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting and wrestling.

Admission: $5 for spectators. Free to coaches, athletes and children 12-and under. Registration is open. Call 561-233-3123 or go to www.palmbeachsports.com.