SOME unexpected Olympic dreams are coming true. The coronavirus pandemic saw the Americas qualification, that had been scheduled for May in Argentina, abruptly cancelled.
That meant the IOC’s Boxing Task Force had to oversee an overhaul of the qualification system. Canadian flyweight Mandy Bujold, who after the birth of her daughter hadn’t been able to attend previous tournaments, has won a legal battle to ensure her place at the Olympics. USA Boxing has changed its own selection procedures to bring back three current professionals Duke Ragan,Keyshawn Davis and Troy Isley. But for a young boxer like Bermuda’s Adrian Roach, who has only just turned 19 and not been able to attend any major tournaments previously, that abandoned qualifier was his only chance to make it to the Olympics.