With the start of the 2016 Rio Games, Premier Boxing Champions’ past Olympic boxers have reflected on their journeys from Olympians to professional champions. From Bronze medalists – current heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder (Beijing 2008) and super middleweight champ Andre Dirrell (Athens 2004)– to three-time Olympians and fighters representing over 10 countries, Premier Boxing Champions celebrates the Olympic spirit on its website (www.premierboxingchampions.com) and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
A three-part video series of PBC Olympians wishing good luck to Team USA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx5B8g-tOec) as well as features on PBC’s fighters and their journeys will be on the website. Included will be a reflective feature on Olympian and current featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. (Beijing 2008) and his younger brother’s 2016 Rio games journey. Also, London 2012 Olympian Errol Spence, Jr. on realizing his dreams in a year with the NBA ‘Dream Team’; three-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren on his Olympic village experience, as well as quotes from fighters representing their home countries including Abner Mares (Mexico), Julius Jackson (Virgin Islands), Sakio Bika (Cameroon) and Beibet Shumenov (Kazakhstan) reminiscing on their experiences.
“Just knowing and understanding that you’re representing your country…It’s such an amazing feeling,” Marcus Browne, Team USA, London 2012.
“When you represent Team USA, you represent your country. Just go out there and put on the best performance you can,” Jamel Herring, Team USA, London 2012.
Dirrell on his most vivid Olympic memory: “It definitely would be watching the opening ceremony from the Olympic Village. I had to fight the very next day, so I wasn’t able to attend, but as I was watching the torch preparing to be lit I just remember being very excited to be performing on such a big stage and I just remember watching the torch being lit and a shock running through my body at the same time. It was a life changing experience I will never forget.”
Wilder on his most vivid Olympic memory: ““My favorite memory was when the USA was getting announced and we were coming down the tunnel where all the countries go through. Everybody sees who all is on the team from all of the sports. That was my favorite moment because it made me feel like I made it, representing my country. I was ready to go to battle with any country in the world that night, just to show how proud I am to be where I’m from. Even though I medaled, that will always be my favorite moment.”