Boxer Jackson Wins Bout

S Y D N E Y, Australia, Sept. 17 -- David Jackson got a trip to Sydney because another boxer quit the U.S. team.

Today, he became more than just a replacement. The24-year-old boxer from Seattle became a winner at the Olympics.

“It’s a great feeling, nothing like it,” Jackson said afterbeating Naoufel Ben Rabah of Tunisia 19-7 at 132 pounds. “It’sgreat to be an Olympian right now. I’m looking for the gold.”

Jackson replaced Marshall Martinez of Fontana, Calif., whoturned pro.

“We call him ‘Nine Lives’ because he’s lucky to be here,” said Tom Mustin, head coach of the U.S. team.

Jackson, who returned to the sport this year after a two-yearabsence, set up his punches with a good left jab and took completecontrol after leading only 5-4 in the second round. By the round’send, Jackson led 12-4.

Next up for Jackson is Selim Palyani of Turkey.

Craig, Vinson Also Advance

Dante Craig of Cincinnati shook off first-round jitters andbecame the second U.S. boxer to advance when he stopped FadelShowban Showban of Egypt on the 15-point rule Saturday night. The22-year-old Craig, ahead 3-1 after one round, led 17-2 early in thefourth round when the 147-pound match was halted. Craig next willbox Bulent Ulusoy of Turkey.

“I just had to get used to being in the ring again,” saidCraig, who had not boxed in five months because of surgery on hisright hand.

Clarence Vinson, 22, of Washington, D.C., advanced at 119 poundsSaturday afternoon with a 9-2 decision over Rachid Bouaita ofFrance.

Romero Wins Tough Bout

In one of the best bouts of the first two days, Liborio Romeroof Mexico, trailing 13-6 in the third round, swarmed all overMebarek Soltani of Algeria and won their 106-pound bout 16-15 witha scoring blow right before the bell.

In the first two rounds and part of the third, Romero, severalinches shorter than Soltani, had trouble getting inside as theAlgerian scored with counter punches. Then Romero’s pressure beganto tell, and in the fourth round Soltani could not keep him off.