Lightweight Carlos Balderas has become the first boxer to earn a place on the United States' team for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro ©USA Boxing

Lightweight Carlos Balderas has become the first boxer to earn a place on the United States' team for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, it has been announced.

The 19-year-old had his qualification confirmed by the International Boxing Association after two of the boxers in his division at the World Series of Boxing (WSB) who finished higher in the overall rankings secured their place through the recent World Championships in Qatar's capital Doha.

Balderas, a youth and junior open champion, claimed he cannot  wait for Rio 2016 and hopes to "make my country proud".

he added: "Making the Olympic team is a dream come true for me and my family.

"I've always believed that when it comes to your dreams, every risk is worth it.

"My uncle, my dad and I have spent so many years working toward this goal and I can't wait to represent the United States next summer in Rio de Janeiro.

"We've been climbing up the ranks and it's a wonderful feeling because I remember when I told my dad (that I was going to the Olympics) and my dad got emotional.

"This is a wonderful feeling knowing that we have accomplished such great things after so many years of hard work.

"I'm going to make my family and my country proud."

Carlos Balderas competed for the United States at the Pan American Games in Toronto in July
Carlos Balderas competed for the United States at the Pan American Games in Toronto in July ©USA Boxing

Balderas earned his spot on the United States WSB team, the USA Knockouts, by winning gold at the World Championships Team Trial in December of last year, where he was also crowned the outstanding boxer of the event.

The teenager,trained by father Xenon, also represented his country at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada in July, where he suffered a quarter-final defeat at the hands of Mexico’s Lindolfo Delgado.

The announcement was made at a press conference ahead of the United States men’s Olympic boxing trials, due to take place at the 7,000-seater Reno Events Center in Nevada from December 7 to 12.

The Olympic trials will see boxers compete in eight of the 10 weight categories and carries a double elimination format, which gives those participating a second chance of qualification should they lose their first round bout.

Around 80 athletes are expected to take part in the event in Nevada.


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