Las Vegans Hunter, Rather make boxing national finals

Michael Hunter and Brett Rather are one win from keeping alive their Olympic dream.

The Las Vegans won their semifinal bouts Friday at the USA Boxing national championships and will fight for gold today in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hunter defeated Steve Geffrard of Boca Raton, Fla., 16-9 to earn a spot in the heavyweight division (201 pounds) title fight. Hunter will face Javonta Charles of West Des Moines, Iowa, after Charles beat Antwon Abron of Stockton, Calif., 13-5.

"I kept my distance and didn't let him dictate the fight," Hunter said. "I was able to control the tempo."

Rather is in the super heavyweight (201-plus pounds) final after outlasting Laron Mitchell of San Francisco, 17-14. Rather will meet Los Angeles' Dominic Breazale, who eliminated Atlanta's Jonathan Hamm 19-16, for the gold medal.

"I just tried to be smart," Rather said. "I was up two points going into the final round, and I found some combinations that were working."

If Hunter and Rather win today, they will advance to the Americas International qualifying tournament in Brazil in May. A top-three finish there would secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in London in July.

"I feel like I'm just finding my rhythm," Hunter said. "But I'm not going to allow myself to get overwhelmed."

Said Rather: "It was hard to keep my emotions in check (Friday), and it will be twice as hard (today). But I've stuck to the game plan each fight, and physically I feel good. I know what's at stake, and I've worked really hard to get to this point."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.