World Super Middle Weight Champion Andre Ward is in Spokane Washington showing his support for amateur boxing. Ward is the last male from the United States to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. He achieved the feat in 2004 and says his presence is about motivating the young boxers to be the best in the world. “I’m excited, I think it’s important and I’ve been through the program. I think it’s important to show up and let the young ladies and young men see your presence, talk to them and let them know that you support and care for them, “said Ward.

Ward is considered by many the number two pound for pound best fighter in the world. The only person ahead of Ward on that list in Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Ward who is considered one of the most gifted fighters says amateur male boxers in the United States are just as talented as any in the world, despite being shut out of any medals in the 2012 Olympics.

178 boxers from 47 different states are in Spokane Washington trying to win the USA Amateur Boxing crown. The first round of the tournament got started at the HUB in Liberty Lake, a suburb of Spokane Monday. I spoke with organizers about the economic impact the boxers, fans and coaches are making on the region. I also ran into Jack Mosley, father of Sugar Shane Mosley and now trainer to his grandson, Sugar Shane Mosley Jr. The elder Mosley knows a little something about taking boxers to tournaments across the country. He guided his son to to a US Lightweight Championship in 89 and 92.

Shane would later become a champion in several divisions as a professional and is considered by many boxing historians one of the greatest of all time. But Monday night it was Sugar Shane Mosley Jr. who was trying to make his mark in the sport. The 23 year is 31-9 over his amateur career and a good looking athlete who looks strikingly similar to his dad. “We are going to try to go the the Olympics if possible but we’ve got to win this fight, win this tournament national tournament first,” said Jack Mosley, before the bout.

Andre Ward Ready For A Great 2014

USA Boxing Championships Off To Great Start In Spokane