CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland amateur boxing took a step into history over the weekend with national titles. Heavyweight Roney Hines and 165-pound division boxer Morelle McCane were crowned champions in the 2018 National Golden Gloves that took place in Omaha, Nebraska.
It’s the first time two boxers from the Northeast Ohio have won titles the same year since Michael Dokes and Greg Richardson in 1975.
Hines (Bob Davis Boxing Club) won the title by 3-2 decision over Sonny Conto (Philadelphia).
“A dream come true,” said Hines, 23. “Winning the title is like getting a good grade in school. Once you achieve it, it feels so good that you want to do it over and over again.”
Hines said the Golden Gloves title will certainly open more doors and be a prelude to a professional career.
“This means a lot to my resume,” Hines said. “I’ll have a few more amateur fights before turning pro, maybe even an Olympic qualifier to show I’m the best.”
McCane is the first female National Golden Gloves Champion out of Cleveland. She won the title with a dominating 5-0 victory over Leah Cooper (New York).
“I made history,” said McCane, 22. “I’m blessed and happy that I achieved a goal. I fight to be the best and the judges agreed.”
McCane, a graduate of Tri-C, also fights out of the Bob Davis Boxing Club.
–WWW.CLEVELAND.COM
