Somerville-trained boxer Melanie Costa will be making her bid for a place on the 2016 US Olympic Team at the trials being held in Memphis, TN. — Photo by Stephanie Buonopane

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville-trained boxer is on her way to Memphis this week to try and win a spot on next year’s US Olympic team.

Melanie Costa, 22, starts fighting Monday in the Olympic Trials. If she wins four fights she will represent the United States in women’s boxing in Rio De Janiero. “There’s one more step to making my dream come true and now I want to keep going,” says Costa.

Costa started boxing at age 12 and fights out of the Somerville Boxing Club with trainer Alex Rivera. Rivera, she says, helped her learn the finer points of the sport. “When I’m in the ring I want to get in and brawl and knock the person’s head off but now I’m learning to hit and not get hit,” Costa says.

Rivera says Costa’s work ethic gives her a good chance in a 112 pound division loaded with talent. To qualify for the trials, Costa upset a fighter who was one of the favorites to reach the Olympics. “Melanie’s a workaholic and when you work you have a chance,” says Rivera. “Our number one objective has been the Olympics. In Olympic boxing there is no money involved – Melanie is only fighting to prove she is the best.”

Costa, a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, says she is excited about reaching the final qualifying tournament before the Olympics. “As soon as the bell rings, the nervousness goes away and you focus,” she says.