Van Nuys’ Bray Wins Box-Off and Berth on Moscow-Bound Team

For the second time in two weeks, heavyweight John Bray of Van Nuys defeated Javier Alvarez of San Antonio, Tex. This time, however, the rewards include a trip abroad.

Bray, 19, won a 4-1 split decision Thursday night over Alvarez in the U. S. Olympic Box-Off at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. The victory earned Bray a berth on the U. S. Amateur Boxing Federation team that will compete in the World Championships in Moscow in September. Bray was beaten by Alvarez in March but defeated him two weeks ago at the Olympic Festival, despite giving up 11 pounds.

“I like to think that what I give up in weight, I make up for in speed and intelligence,” said Bray, a 1988 Van Nuys High graduate who weighed 189 pounds to Alvarez’s 201. While the decision was not unanimous, Bray said he believed that he was in control throughout the three-round bout.

“When it’s 4-1, that’s as good as being unanimous to me,” he said. “I have to look at it like four guys saw the fight and the other was asleep.”