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Bulldog boxers face tough tests on Saturday By KRIS HENRY In an effort to gain top competition for his team, Bulldog Boxing Club coach Joe Pedrojetti has enticed some prime boxers for Saturday's Bulldog Boxing Fall Classic at the Jackson County Expo Pavilion in Central Point. Leading the charge will be the Tacoma Boxing team and its, coach Tom Mustin, who was recently selected as the USA boxing team coach for the 2000 Olympics. Although Mustin won't be in town for Saturday's event, his powerhouse team should offer insight into how well the Bulldogs match up against some of the Northwest's best boxers. "It should be exciting," says Pedrojetti. "We're trying to get our kids some good competition. "The key is not only to compete, but compete against top kids." Pedrojetti says he expects around 15 bouts Saturday, with his Bulldogs featured in 12 of those matchups. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first bout is scheduled for 7. Besides the Tacoma squad and the Bulldogs, the event features other top boxers from Washington, Nevada and Oregon. The main event pits Mike Wilson against Chauncy Welliver of Spokane, Wash., in a super heavyweight matchup. Wilson is a winner of the Junior Olympic, Junior Golden Gloves and Blue and Gold national championships. Three other Bulldogs who gained championships at the Blue and Gold national tournament in Los Angeles were Sam Sleezer (senior, super heavyweight), Troy Wohosky (age 14, 112 pounds) and Ricky Gallegos (17, 132). All three will be in action again Saturday. Based on Mustin's track record, his Tacoma squad should be formidable. A coach for 31 years, Mustin has coached more than 32 national champions and four Olympians, including Olympic gold medalists Ray Seales (1972) and Leo Randolph (1976). Mustin has twice been named coach for the Pan American Games, Goodwill Games, World Championships and has twice been nominated by USA Boxing as the USOC national coach of the year. He just missed being named coach for the past two Olympic Games, twice being named to the alternate coaching staff. In Mustin's absence, the Tacoma squad will be led by Aaron Gomillion. Tickets are on sale at Joseph Winans Furniture. Tickets will also be available Saturday at the Jackson County Expo Pavilion at $10 for reserved seats or $6 general seating. For more information, call 773-2248. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.