We finally got the news today, and it was good. The three London "wild card" slots for women boxers from the Americas will go to Canada's Mary Spencer (middleweight), the US's Queen Underwood (lightweight), and Brazil's Erica Matos (flyweight).
Queen Underwood (Photo: Sue Jaye Johnson)
Historically the tripartite selections have been used to ensure greater diversity, going to athletes from underrepresented nations. I never like to root against diversty, but I was hoping that in this case they would go to the best fighters, and that's what happened.
Mary Spencer is a calm, technical boxer who has been slumping lately but deserves the chance to fight it out in London. Queen Underwood also comes off a streak of poor showings, but her conditioning is excellent and if she can get her head in the game I believe she can be a medal contender. Southpaw Erica Matos has a lovely style and will be a great representative of our sport.
With these selections, the US and Brazil will now send full three-women squads. Spencer will be the only Canadian woman in the Games. Given Canada's excellent coaching and their important role in the development of women's boxing, it's great to see one of their women included.
In other news, my descent into obesity and financial ruin continued today as I shopped and ate my way through Magazine Street. In New Orleans, they let you order cocktails to go. My day began with the purchase of a vintage metal-studded jean miniskirt and went downhill from there.
I had a pretty good oyster po' boy from Mahoney's. Sesame seed bun. Pickles. Unsweetened iced tea. Six napkins. The tripartite news came in while I was eating and soon my iPhone was covered with remoulade.
I didn't buy my husband a piano, even though they were on sale.
My favorite purchase was for a fetus of my acquaintence.
I thought I might go for a jog but ate a snowball instead. A snowball is like an Italian ice but better and served in a Chinese food takeout container. I got praline with whipped cream. If you take the time to breathe and relax, the urge to exercise generally passes.
