Seattle’s Queen Underwood makes history as first US woman to box at Olympics

Seattle boxer Queen Underwood became the first US woman to box in the Olympics on Sunday. Unfortunately, she lost her fight to hometown favorite Natasha Jonas of England.

Underwood was in tears after the match talking to KING 5’s Allan Schauffler.

“I tried to be my best out there, came a little bit short. It was very emotional,” said Underwood.

Underwood became the ninth boxer eliminated from the 12-member U.S. team, but few Americans had tougher assignments. Underwood knew she had to fight with uncommon aggression even to have a chance against Jonas, a precise counterpuncher with the home crowd screaming in the judges’ ears for her every move.

Underwood lost in a close fight to Jonas on Sunday. The crowd roared for almost every punch, clearly enjoying the tight competition and disciplined styles of the world’s top female boxers.

Underwood’s mother surprised her by showing up in the crowd, further adding to her bittersweet feelings. She raised her gloves to her forehead and took a long walk around the ring after the final bell before hearing the decision.

Even though she made history being the first US woman to box at the Olympics, Underwood said she’d wanted to bring home a medal.

“Just being here doesn’t feel like enough,” said Underwood. “I hope people can look at my journey as a champion inside and outside the ring,” said Underwood, who has spoken publicly about being a victim of child abuse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.