BELGRADE, SERBIA- The quest for a 2021 world boxing championship has ended for Obed Bartee. The resident of Harvest and member of Team USA Boxing made his way into the quarterfinals of the 2021 Elite Men’s World Boxing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia where he lost in bid losing in a close 3-2 split decision versus Sarkhan Aliyev of Azerbaijan, a country once part of the Soviet Republic.

“Even though I didn’t get the decision I wanted, I learned a lot about myself and I had the chance to show the world that I am at the top of the division and I can compete with the best of the best,” said Bartee after his loss in a close decision.

The 19-year old former Sparkman High student was selected for Team USA for the 156-pound division after extensive training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The team made its way to Belgrade and Bartee went through three winning bouts before his fight in the quarterfinals.

In his opening battle, Bartee began slowly, but the American light middleweight picked up his pace in the second round connecting more quality blows and combinations and giving his opponent, Carl Leviticus Hield of the Bahamas, a standing eight-count in the final seconds of the round to grab the lead. He won the fight with a third round barrage of action for a 5-0 decision.

His second bout was much different as Bartee began with a much faster pace in round one against Italy’s Francesco Faraoni. He grabbed the judges’ cards in each of the three rounds for a unanimous 5-0 decision.

In the round of 16, Bartee picked up his third win of the championships following his 4-1 decision over 2020 Olympian Arman Darchinyan of Armenia. The Armenian took a 3-2 lead after round one, but the always determined Bartee grabbed the second round by 4-1 before taking all five judge’s cards in the final round for the decision.

In the quarterfinals, Team USA continued their strong showing by clinching four medals, the most for the men’s team since winning four gold medals in 1999. For Bartee, nicknamed “Radar,” he lost in the close split decision, thus ending his bid for a gold medal and world championship.

“I made it to the final eight and I am proud to say I performed the best I could,” said Bartee. “I enjoyed this experience. I won’t let this define me and I will be back stronger and more prepared than this time.”

Bartee, who will turn 20 in February, was second in the 2021 National Golden Gloves and was third in the 2020 USA Boxing Elite Championships. The six-foot tall boxer also served as a training partner for Team USA leading into the Olympic Games earlier this year in Tokyo.

Over 110 countries and 600 athletes took part of the World Championships. Bartee trains locally at the Rocket City Boxing Club located on Governor’s Drive in Huntsville.

“I want to thank all of those who have supported me and stood behind me throughout this process,” said Bartee. “I love you guys and all of you pushed me to be the best.”