U.S. Olympic Boxer Errol Spence, Jr. On Representing The U.S.

U.S. Olympic boxer Errol Spence Jr., 22, found himself in the middle of controversy during the 2012 London Olympics when his defeat at the hands of India’s Krishan Vikas, 20, was overturned by the International Amateur Boxing Association after video evidence revealed that points had been miscalculated. Spence Jr. went on to lose his quarterfinal match against Russia’s Andrey Zamkovoy, 25.
Going into the games, Spence Jr. had developed an intense training regimen. “I run more sprints, more miles, go more intense on the bag, more bag work, hit the mitts more, just pick up the intensity right to another level,” he told Uinterview exclusively.
Despite his defeat, Spence Jr. ranks as the number one amateur boxer in the United States and fifth in the world — an impressive accomplishment considering he took up the sport when he was only 15. By the time he was 21, Spence Jr. had already won three consecutive U.S. amateur welterweight championships. “When I first picked up the gloves, I was more thinking about going pro and getting that world title, winning the world title," Spence told FOX Sports Southwest. "As I got more into it and learned more about amateur boxing, one of my dreams was getting the gold medal."
Despite his loss, Spence Jr., born in Dallas, Tex., felt honored to represent the United States. “It’s a great moment to be wearing that flag. It’s a privilege that I’ll be wearing the American flag and representing the red, white and blue, the greatest country on earth,” he told Uinterview. “I’m just enjoying the moment right now, just soaking it all in.”