Today, an additional 54 matches unfolded at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament at the Indoor Stadium Huamark, the last qualifying event before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The action commenced at 13:00 local time in Bangkok, marking the start of another exciting day of boxing.
The day commenced with a thrilling bout in the Women’s 66kg class between Leonie MULLER (GER) and Navbakhor KHAMIDOVA (UZB). The German confidently took the first round with five 10/9 scores, but she lost momentum in the second round, allowing the Uzbek to turn the tide in her favor. Both boxers went on the offensive in the third round, but KHAMIDOVA’s solid punches helped her secure a 3-2 split decision victory.
Camila Gabriela CAMILO BRAVO (COL) dominated her opponent Tamara RADUNOVIC (MNE) from the beginning, maintaining pressure throughout the bout to ensure a unanimous 5-0 verdict from the judges. The 20-year-old from Colombia will meet the French Emilie SONVICO in the upcoming bout after Sonvico outclassed Friza Anyango ASIKO from Kenya with a sharp 5-0 victory.
Natalia BOGDANOVA, a 24-year-old sensation from Kazakhstan, didn’t make it through, losing after a tough match against Kristina KULUHOVA (SRB). Both boxers executed sensational shots, but the Serbian clinched a 3-2 split decision win.
Hoping to secure another quota place for Japan, Kito MAI sealed her first victory of the qualifier with a commanding 5-0 win. Coming up next for her is Brigitte MBABI (COD), who with the same scoreline defeated Anastasiia CHERNOKOLENKO of Ukraine, displaying impressive punching skills.
In the Men’s 92kg weight category, the first contenders in the ring were Gilbert KABAMBA (COD) and Willys MENDOZA (COL). The boxer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo edged the first and second rounds by 3-2, but the Colombian found his rhythm at a crucial time, as all the judges awarded him the third round, resulting in a 3-2 split decision victory.
2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Narender NARENDER from India was stopped in the first round of the tournament by Gerlon Gilmar CONGO CHALA (ECU). In a close battle, both boxers executed exceptional combinations, but CONGO CHALA landed the clearer shots to secure a 3-2 split decision victory.
With the same scoreline, Fernando ARZOLA of Cuba emerged victorious with a 3-2 split decision following a thrilling and intense bout against Mexican boxer Javier CRUZ. The match was fiercely contested, with both athletes showcasing exceptional skill and resilience. ARZOLA’s strategic precision and unwavering determination ultimately swayed the judges in his favor.
Martin McDONAGH (IRL) won his opening Olympic qualifier bout against Vietnam’s Ngoc Minh Hieu DOAN (VIE) by RSC R1. He will face off against Peter Rumenov BELBEROV (BUL), who left no chance to Ugur AYDEMIR (TUR). The Bulgarian produced a good tactical display and controlled the bout, earning a 5-0 unanimous decision win.
Davit CHALOYAN (ARM) faced a formidable opponent in Tokyo 2020 Olympian Danis LATYPOV (BRN). The Armenian dashed LATYPOV’s hopes of becoming a two-time Olympian with a commanding 5-0 decision. CHALOYAN showcased his experience and dominance in the ring, throwing plenty of punches to earn maximum points and secure the win.
Rimma VOLOSSENKO of Kazakhstan didn’t make it through the round of 16 in the Women’s 60kg weight division, as she was outclassed by Ankushita BORO (IND) in a close battle that turned in favor of the Indian with a 4-1 decision. BORO will next face Agnes ALEXIUSSON (SWE), who defeated Rashida TAGIROVA (UZB) with a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision win.
Thi Linh HA (VIE), Sara BERAM (CRO), Klaudia BUDASZ (POL), and Vilma VIITANEN (FIN) also advanced in the same weight category.
In the Men’s 63.5kg event, Erislandy ALVAREZ (CUB) had a tough outing against Yaroslav KHARTSYZ (UKR). The Cuban started strong, taking the first round 4-1, while the Ukrainian fought back in the second, earning a 3-2. With both boxers going on the offensive in the third round, the Cuban emerged victorious by the thinnest of margins, with a 3-2 split decision win.
Gianluigi MALANGA (ITA) was unable to counter the attack and quick punches launched by Bazarbay Uulu MUKHAMMEDSABYR (KAZ), who won 4-1.
One of the favorites in the Men’s 63.5kg class, 2023 Pan American Games bronze medallist Alexy Miguel DE LA CRUZ BAEZ (DOM), was upset by Jose Manuel VIAFARA FORY (COL). Both boxers focused on movement and threw a flurry of punches, but the Colombian was more effective, winning 5-0 via unanimous decision. VIAFARA FORY is now scheduled to meet Malik HASANOV (AZE), who was too strong for Shion NISHIYAMA (JPN), defeating him with a sharp 5-0.
Later in the evening, Zeyad EASHASH (JOR) had a close battle against Eskerkhan MADIEV (GEO). The Jordanian edged the first two rounds 3-2 by the narrowest of margins. The Georgian stepped up, targeting EASHASH’s face, but the Jordanian carried on like a warrior, ultimately winning a 3-2 split decision.
The deafening support of the home crowd wasn’t enough for Peerapat YEASUNGNOEN (THA), who was upset by the Indian talent Nishant Dev NISHANT DEV after a hard-fought battle in the Men’s 71kg weight category won by 5:0 by the Indian.
The action at the Indoor Stadium Huamark continues tomorrow, May 30, featuring 64 thrilling bouts in the Women’s 57 kg, Men’s 51kg, Men’s 57kg, Men’s 80 kg and Men’s 92kg weight divisions.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and results, which will be posted online on the Athlete 365 Boxing Corner website at the tournament page.
Find additional information about the event on the Thai Boxing Association website.
