GILROY — For a split second, Rosino Legan’s win streak came to an end.
After what appeared to be a decisive win over his opponent at the Annual Jimmy Fund Youth Boxing Tournament at Stick and Move Boxing and Fitness Saturday, the wrong corner and name were announced leaving the crowd of about 60 people confused and upset with the decision.
The mistake, however, was quickly rectified and Legan was announced the winner by unanimous decision over Oscar Rojas from Salinas, who was undefeated entering the bout. The win was the Gilroy boxer’s fourth straight victory.
“I was pretty surprised (at the first announcement), I thought that I had won that one,” Legan said. “It was a tough fight, but I thought I had won that one. I’ve had stuff happen like that before, so I wasn’t too surprised because some of the judging has been weird in the past.”
The fight was comprised of two 3-minute rounds in which Legan delivered blow after blow to his opponent. He even knocked Rojas’ mouthpiece loose at one point after landing a jab square in face before Rojas had the chance to defend.
Fighting in front of his home crowd was a rare treat for the 17-year-old lightweight boxer. As a member of the San Jose PAL boxing organization, Legan often has to travel to fights and is used to hearing the obligatory claps instead of the roaring cheers he received this time around.
“It was a little bit nerve-wracking,” Legan said. “But it was nice to get out in front of all these people that have supported me and helped me along the way — all my family and friends. It was great to show them what I’m made of.”
The win was just what the doctor ordered as he approaches his next challenge — team selection for the U.S. World national boxing team.
“(I’m) very proud of him,” father Tom Legan said. “I’m glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves. We’re heading off to Nationals the first week of January and that’ll be the team selection of the US team for him to travel throughout Europe representing the United States. This was really important to get one last fight in, in December.”
