August 24, 2004 -  Andre Ward of Oakland, California became the first American fighter to advance to the semi-finals in Athens. The Light Heavyweight defeated Russian Evgeny Makarenko 23-16 on points. After watching seven of his teammates fall short of the semi-finals, Ward came through in a big way for the U.S.

Ward will face Utkirbek Haydarov of Uzbekistan in the Light Heavyweight semi-finals. In the other semi-final, Ahmed Ismail of Egypt will battle Magomed
Aripgadjiev of Belarus. The other American hopeful,  Middleweight Andre Dirrell of Flint, Michigan will battle Yordani Despaigne Herrera of Cuba on Wednesday
in a quarterfinal match.

8-24-2004