The first day of 2021 Strandja and Boxam Tournament started today in Sofia, Bulgaria.

We saw the emerging star of the 2021 U.S. Olympic team 57 kg Andrea Medina of San Diego, California get yet another international win this time over Sakhsi Sakhsi/IND by way of a 4-1 decision. Medina, nicknamed “The Boss” is currently 9-1 in international competition, after losing the Olympic Trials to Lupe Gutierrez of Sacramento, but emerging as the candidate for USA Boxing based on her performance in Sofia, Bulgaria.

52 kg Anthony Herrera of East L.A. got a dec. over Ronaldo da Silva/BRA, by way of to 4-1. Herrera has a bumpy road so far, as he is currently 3-3 in international competition after falling short in the Olympic Finals to Abraham Perez. Herrera, who is trained by Edgar Jasso is a solid fighter, who we’re hoping to see come on strong in this tournament.

Women’s 60 kg Rashida Ellis, Lynn, Mass./USA, dec. over Rimma Volossenko/KAZ, 4-1. Ellis is one of the most experienced on the team, and the sister of professional boxers, Ronald Ellis, and Rashidi Ellis. Her international experience dates back 2015, currently she is 2-2 in international competition, with her major loss coming to Maiva Hamadouche, a pro boxer/kickboxer from France, who currently holds the IBF super featherweight world title, and is the favorite to win gold in her division in the Olympics going in.

The only U.S.A. boxing representative not to win was 91 kg Darius Fulghum, Houston, Texas/USA, as Kumar Naveen/IND defeated by way of a 3-2 decision. Fulghum, the feel-good story of the tournament won the Olympic Trials from the 8th seed.