Four-gone conclusion

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 3, 2007 | by SORAYA NADIA McDONALD THE GAZETTE

The first time Willie Lloyd considered attending the Air Force Academy was when he ran into an Air Force alumnus while working at a Food Lion grocery store in Columbia, S.C.

Friday night, he couldn't have been happier with his decision to become a cadet and a boxer.

The two-time 112-pound national champion defeated sophomore Dean Chuva (3-1) to become the 11th boxer in academy history to win four Wing Open titles. Chuva and Lloyd (5-0) also fought last year in the Wing Open final. Lloyd also was named co-outstanding boxer with senior Joe Conrad (165 pounds, 8-0), the first time since 1991 that two cadets were named Wing Open Outstanding Boxer.

It's a complete turnaround for an athlete who wasn't even interested in boxing before arriving at Air Force.

"I went to prep school, and we had to come and watch these fights, and I remember specifically saying to someone, 'I could never do that,'" Lloyd said. "And I just ended up falling into it because I loved it and the coach and the people. It's just a lot of fun."

Ezekiel Ignaco (5-0), the defending national champion at 119 pounds, regained his Wing Open title against Jesse Horton (4-3) after finishing second in 2006 in the 125-pound bout. Ignaco was Wing Open champion his freshman and sophomore years when he competed a 119 pounds.

"It's pretty fulfilling last year was the first time I ever lost in the Wing Open finals," Ignaco said. "It was a big comeback and a big turnaround to come back and get it again."

Despite his success at a smaller size, Ignaco said it's still difficult to cut weight.

"I'd have to say I prefer boxing at 135," Ignaco said with a laugh. "Because 125 is a beast, and 119 is even bigger to try to get down to that weight. But a lot of my teammates are doing the same thing, and it gives you the opportunity to have that extra pop in your punches."

Defending national heavyweight champion Ian Tuznik claimed his third Wing Open title in as many years. He was unopposed due to a medical walkover.