Tinker boxing stars shine at state championship Published Dec. 13, 2007 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Four boxers represented Tinker at the 2007 Oklahoma Amateur Boxing Championships Dec. 8 at the Riverside Indian School in Anadarko. James Barber, Michael Hayward, George Olcaytore and Theodore Morse finished with a 3-1 record; the best of any boxing club represented at the championships. "We came here to dominate and win," said head coach Gordon Hodges. "I think our talent level far exceeds our experience level." The first match pitted Barber against Brandon Pool of the Stillwater Boxing Club. The match was tight throughout and came down to a decision by the judges, who awarded the match to Pool. Barber was surprised at the decision. "I thought I dominated my opponent," he said. "I was quicker, in better shape, and my defense thwarted his offense. I don't agree with the decision, however I can accept (it)." In the second match, Hayward squared off against Ramses Cortes of the Pac Man Boxing Club. From the outset, Hayward dominated Cortes with his speed, quickness and stamina. Hayward scored a standing 8-count and the fight was officially stopped at 2:41 of round three. Hayward was awarded a knockout and a decisive victory. "My opponent hit hard at times, however my quickness and my jab were the deciding factor in this fight. I am really excited to get this win," said Hayward. Olcaytore, the third boxer to represent Tinker, faced a bigger opponent in Durwin Bell of the Stillwater Boxing Club. Because he did not qualify in his normal weight class, Olcaytore had to fight in a higher weight class. After getting used to Bell's size, Olcaytore used to ring presence and great punching ability to garner a well-earned and hard fought victory. "In the third round, my stamina and training helped me get the victory," said Olcaytore. The last fight of the evening for the Tinker Boxing Club pitted Morse against John Nofire of Team Lethal. Morse, quicker and stronger than his opponent, hit Nofire with repeated shots to the body and straight jabs to the head. Morse captured the victory with relative ease, giving the Tinker squad three wins in four matches. "I think our performance tonight was good," said Hodges. "There are some things we did very well and some things we did not do so well. Some of the guys were a little over anxious and did things that in training we do not do. I grade our overall performance as a B+."