BELFAST, Northern Ireland — Light-flyweight Ron Siler of Cincinnati, welterweight Anthony Thompson and light-welterweight Juan McPherson gave the struggling United States its first victories Monday at the World Amateur Boxing Championships.

        Siler won an 18-7 decision against Varoclas Midyk of Ukraine. Thompson beat Daniel Geale of Australia 13-4. McPherson stopped Dong Yu Sheng of China in the third round. Five other Americans failed to make it through their opening bouts.

        “Now I hope I'm on my way to the medals,” said Siler, who trains at the Millvale Golden Gloves Gym. “We were all down in the dumps Sunday after losing three boxers in the disastrous opening day. It's my first time in the world championships, and I knew it was going to be a tough start for me.”

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