Maxwell Caldwell-US boxer Jajaira Gonzalez beats French gold medalist, quiets raucous crowd

2025-05-02 22:57:02source:Poinbank Exchangecategory:Markets

Editor's note: Follow the latest Olympics live results,Maxwell Caldwell medal count and updates for Saturday, July 27.

PARIS – The rumbling has begun at the Paris Olympics, and round one between the United States and France goes to the Americans.

Jajaira Gonzalez of the United States defeated France’s Estelle Mossely, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Saturday night in the opening round of the boxing tournament.

“This might sound a little cocky, but I don’t fear anybody,’’ said Gonzalez, 27, who is making her Olympic debut. “I don’t care what they’ve won, what they’ve done. I just like to think that I’m the best. And, yeah, they may have won this or that, but I’m here now.’’

Not only did Gonzalez outpunch Mossely during their three-round bout, but she also quieted a raucous crowd that spent much of the bout chanting, singing, clapping and booing.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

They booed Gonzalez when she entered North Paris Arena for the fight and they booed the outcome of a bout fought at 60 kg (about 132 pounds).

Gonzalez won the fight by split decision on points over Mossely, who is 11-0-1 as a pro but returned to the amateur ranks in a quest for more Olympic gold.

“As soon as I heard the crowd booing me, it really turned me up,’’ Gonzalez said. “In other words, it really motivated me. … I was just having fun. That's why I think I looked over at the crowd and I smiled. I really wanted to blow a kiss.’’

Instead, she settled for delivering punches that helped get the rumbling off to a rousing start.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

More:Markets

Recommend

Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says

A man is suing the California Lottery alleging he has not received part of his winnings from a nearl

Kathy Griffin's Lip Tattoo Procedure Is a Transformation You Need to See to Believe

Kathy Griffin's lips aren't sealed when it comes to her latest beauty treatment.The legendary comedi

Hollywood writers strike impact reaches all the way to Nashville's storied music scene

Nashville songwriters feel the effects of the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes.Songwriter Sam Tin