In the Women’s 50kg weight category, Team France celebrated a significant victory as Wassila LKHADIRI (FRA) triumphed over Daina MOOREHOUSE of Ireland. The 2023 European Games silver medallist displayed exceptional skill, delivering sharp combinations to secure a 4:1 split decision victory. LKHADIRI will now face Aira VILLEGAS of the Philippines, who won her bout against Tokyo 2020 Olympian Roumaysa BOUALAM (ALG) by 5:0.
The Filipino boxer, who celebrated her 29th birthday with the victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, expressed her emotions after the match:
“I’m very proud of myself. It’s so overwhelming. This is the best birthday gift I could ever give myself. I will remember this for the rest of my life. To my younger self and my future self. I could hear my family and fans in the crowd singing ‘Happy Birthday.’ It will probably never ever happen to me again.”
In the Women’s 66kg round-of-16, 2023 European Games silver medallist Oshin DERIEUW (BEL) emerged victorious in a closely contested 3:2 split decision win over Ivanusa MOREIRA (CPV). The boxer from Cabo Verde took the first round, but DERIEUW’s experience and solid punches turned the tide in the second and third rounds, allowing the 37-year-old Belgian to advance. She will next face second-seed Liu YANG (CHN), who dominated Alcinda Lucas DOS SANTOS (MOZ) with a commanding 5:0 unanimous decision.
In the Women’s 54kg division, Aeji IM (KOR) advanced to the semifinals after a thrilling ring battle against 2023 Pan American Games gold medallist Yeni Marcela ARIAS CASTANEDA (COL). With today’s victory, IM secured at least a bronze medal for Republic of Korea, marking a significant achievement for her country.
Erislandy ALVAREZ BORGES of Cuba and Bunjong SINSIRI of Thailand electrified the North Paris Arena with a thrilling Men’s 63.5kg quarterfinal bout. The Cuban boxer unleashed a flurry of punches, to earn a dominant 5-0 victory. ALVAREZ BORGES will now face off against 2023 European Games silver medallist Lasha GURULI (GEO), who advanced with a hard-fought 3:2 split decision win over Bazarbay Uulu MUKHAMMEDSABYR (KAZ). The 21-year-old Kazakh boxer started strong, earning five 10/9 scores from the judges in the first round. However, GURULI rallied in the second round, matching his opponent with his own five 10/9 scores. The final round saw both fighters exchanging heavy blows, but it was GURULI who landed the decisive punches to secure the victory.
In the Men’s 92kg quarterfinals, Lazizbek MULLOJONOV (UZB) delivered a commanding performance, winning every round against 2023 Pan American Games silver medallist Keno Marley MACHADO of Brazil. MULLOJONOV’s determination, effectiveness, and power were on full display as he earned a 5:0 unanimous decision, securing an Olympic medal for Uzbekistan. On August 4, he set up a meeting with Davlat BOLTAEV of Tajikistan, who showcased his strength and strategy to defeat Jack MARLEY of Ireland via a 4:1 split decision victory.
The boxing competition will resume tomorrow with twenty thrilling bouts spread across two sessions. The afternoon session starts at 15:30, and the evening session at 20:00 (CET). Tomorrow’s matches will include the Women’s 57kg round-of-16 and Men’s 51kg, 80kg, and +92kg quarterfinals.
Find the event schedule and the results here.
