Venezuela's Maestre, Ramirez win AMBC Olympic boxing qualifier

Venezuelan boxers Gabriel Maestre and Albert Ramirez each won a ticket to the Rio de Janeiro Games 2016 at the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Olympic Qualifier being held in Buenos Aires, local media reported on Friday.

This will be the second time for Maestre, from the 69kg category, to represent his country at the Olympic Games.

"I am very happy and I dedicate this victory to all the people who have supported me over the years. It has been a time with a great deal of sacrifice and with lots of tough training," said Maestre.

Maestre, Toronto 2015 Pan-American Games champion, earned his ticket to Rio 2016 after defeating Guatemala's Lester Martinez.

"Congratulations to my opponent, who fought well at all times. We both spent one month in Cuba sparring and I know he is a high quality fighter," said Maestre.

Ramirez, from the 81kg category, said the semifinal match against United States' Jonathan Esquivel, was a good fight.

"In the previous match I did not feel good. Sometimes resting a lot is not good, It makes you slower," said Ramirez.

Ramirez also said he is very happy because, compared to London 2012 where only two men and one woman could go, this time four Venezuelans got their tickets to Rio. Endit