Bray Loses Decision in First Match at World Boxing Championships

John Bray of Van Nuys continued to struggle in the World Amateur Boxing Championships, losing his first match Saturday to Bert Teuchert of Germany, who won a 14-6 decision in the 201-pound division.

Bray also lost to a German in the first round of the 1989 World Championships. Teuchert’s victory was the fifth in six bouts for Germany.

Bray was the first American to lose Saturday on a day in which the United States had a 6-2 record in preliminary competition.

Cuba was 8-0.

One of the brightest U.S. hopes, 132-pound Oscar de la Hoya of East Los Angeles, was to fight for the first time late Saturday, Pacific time, after drawing a bye. His opponent was yet to be determined.

Others yet to fight but expected to be strong for the United States are Eric Griffin, who won the 106-pound title at the 1989 World Championships at Moscow; and Raul Marquez, 156, who was a bronze medalist at 18 in Moscow.

Super-heavyweight Larry Donald was to begin fighting Tuesday.

U.S. winners on the first day included Tim Austin at 112 pounds, Sean Fletcher at 119, Ivan Robinson at 125, Vernon Forrest at 139, Ross Thompson at 147 and John Ruiz at 178.

In the first matchup of U.S. and Cuban boxers, Ramon Garbey scored a 20-6 verdict over Chris Byrd of Flint, Mich., at 165 pounds.