Alexa Garrobo loses title match at USA Boxing National Open

ALBUQUERQUE —Peralta’s Alexa Garrobo did not capture the gold Saturday during the USA Boxing National Open in Albuquerque, but she did grab some desired top-level experience.

Garrobo (15-3) lost in the 132-pound championship match, falling to Casey Dial by unanimous decision.

“This is exactly what I wanted,” Garrobo said of boxing someone like Dial, who reached the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic Trials. “I think I needed to pressure her a little more. I know she couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with me.”

Garrobo, 22, was unseeded in the USA Boxing Nationals while Dial was No. 2. Dial, 26, entered the tournament with eight national victories, while Garrobo didn’t have any until a decision against third-seeded Emily Bazan in her opening match.

Garrobo, like many female amateur boxers, has a difficult time finding opponents, so every match is vital.

“Now I know where I’m at,” she said. “I’m ready to take on whatever.”

The next “whatever” is the New Mexico Golden Gloves starting Friday in Roswell, where her younger sister, Nicole, will box as well.

Also competing in the USA Boxing National Open at the Albuquerque Convention Center was Victor Alcala, of Los Lunas, who lost his only match at 176-pounds.

In professional boxing, Kat Lindenmuth, Bosque Farms, will look to improve her 5-2 record when she squares off Saturday against Maryguenn Vellinga of Utah (4-4-2) at the Creative Arts Center in Albuquerque.