AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Queen Underwood of Seattle advanced to the finals of the U.S. Olympic women's boxing team trials with a winners' bracket victory Thursday night.
Underwood, a lightweight, won the most thrilling bout of the landmark tournament's first four days, weathering hundreds of punches from 19-year-old N'yteeyah Sherman before pulling out a 25-24 victory with a strong fourth round.
"This tournament does take a toll on your body, but I'm experienced, and getting better and better," said Underwood, the five-time national champion.
Also advancing were flyweight Marlen Esparza, who posted a 13-10 win over Christina Cruz; and middleweight Claressa Shields, who beat Tika Hemingway 23-15.
The three winners must win again Saturday in the double-elimination tournament to advance to the world championships in May.
