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Tinker boxer shines at World Amateur Championship

  • Published
  • By John Banks
  • Tinker Public Affaris
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The boxing skills of James Barber of the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron was on display at the Ringside World Amateur Boxing Championships in Kansas City, Mo., from Aug. 5 - 9. 

Barber, a member and team captain of the Tinker Boxing Club, prepared for this world-class event by training four nights a week and was armed and ready for the competition. 

"I believe my training regiment and cardio workouts will give me an advantage over my opponents," said Barber. 

Barber arrived at the championships with one goal in mind; to return to Tinker as the Lightweight 132 pound champion. He was awarded a first-round bye in a field of 19 novice boxers. 

"This bye gave me a chance to catch my breath as I am nervous about fighting at such a high-level of competition," said Barber. 

The quarter-final round saw Barber display his outstanding boxing skills. He was pitted against Mygel Perez from the Houston Boxing Club. Barber used his excellent, speed, quickness, and defensive prowess and overwhelmed his opponent. Barber was able to get two standing eight-counts against his opponent and was able to capture a unanimous decision. 

"This fight was awesome. I felt right at home in the ring, and all of my training paid off," said Barber. 

The next fight for Barber was a semi-final match up versus Canton Miller out of St. Louis, Mo. 

The first round was all in Barber's favor as he dominated his opponent with jabs and counter punches. The judges awarded the round to Barber. 

The second and third rounds belonged to his opponent. It was just enough for Miller to capture a hard fought split decision over Barber. 

"I was disappointed in the result. I knew I could have fought better, however the USMC coach had me change my style a little and I was off balance and uncomfortable in the ring," said Barber. 

Barber took home the bronze medal (tied for third place) at the tournament. 

"This was an eye opening event. I have never been in a tournament of this magnitude. It made me nervous and a little intimated. The tournament had over 1,500 boxers from the U.S. and places like Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand," said Barber.