LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Marcus Browne, upon the occasion of
qualifying for the 2012 United States Olympic Boxing Team

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those individuals within our midst who have contributed great-
ly to the quality of our lives by a commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who distinguish themselves through their excep-
tional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Marcus Browne upon the occasion of qualifying for the 2012 United States
Olympic Boxing Team; and
WHEREAS, Marcus Browne, a three-time Daily News Golden Gloves champion
from Staten Island who has drawn favorable comparisons to the pro light
heavyweight, Chad Dawson, officially qualified for the 2012 Olympic
Games on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, with a quarterfinal victory at the Ameri-
cas Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in his final opportunity to
make the cut; and
WHEREAS, The 21-year-old captured a 12-6 workmanlike decision over
Felix Valera of the Dominican Republic to secure his spot; and
WHEREAS, Marcus Browne, a southpaw, will represent the United States
in the same weight class as the most recent U.S. Olympic gold medalist,
Andre Ward, when he takes the ring in London; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, the United States failed to produce a light heavy-
weight representative; and
WHEREAS, Marcus Browne, a Clifton resident, won the U.S. Olympic
Trials in August of 2011, putting him on the Olympic team, but a disap-
pointing finish at the World Championships in October 2011 kept him from
actually qualifying for the London Games; and
WHEREAS, In a new U.S. Olympic format, boxers who lose at the World
Championships must now work to requalify for their spot in another round
of box-off tournaments; Browne had to essentially qualify for a second
time; and
WHEREAS, He did just that, stopping his opening-round opponent, Declan
Calliste of Trinidad and Tobago in the first round of the Americas Qual-
ifier in Brazil; and
WHEREAS, Marcus Browne dropped Calliste with a left hand and then
giving Calliste another standing eight-count after which the referee
stopped the bout at 1:17 of the opening stanza; and
WHEREAS, A product of the Atlas Cops & Kids gym in Staten Island, New
York, Marcus Browne also recorded a first-round stoppage in his opening
bout of the 2011 World Championships in Azerbaijan; and
WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice; Marcus Browne's dedication to athletics
is a year-round, everyday commitment; he is highly focused and has
developed a matchless work ethic; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Marcus Browne's
exceptional athletic prowess and achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Marcus Browne for his
extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marcus Browne upon the occasion of qualifying for the 2012
United States Olympic Boxing Team; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marcus Browne.