The Boxing Tournament of the III European Games commenced today at the Nowy Targ Arena, featuring 319 boxers representing 42 nations and the Refugee Olympic Team. Over the course of ten days, from June 23 to July 2, these athletes will compete in 13 events, vying not only for European titles and medals but also for 44 Paris 2024 Olympic Quota Places. These coveted quota places serve as tickets to the next Olympic Games, providing a nominal qualification slot for participation.
In the first session of the day, the two rings of the Nowy Targ Arena witnessed a thrilling display of talent with 17 preliminary bouts taking place. The tournament commenced on an exhilarating note as two Olympic Champions, Ireland’s Kellie Harrington and France’s Estelle Mossely, stepped into the ring at the same time, in the very first two bouts of the day, and emerged victorious in their respective matches.
The women’s 60kg category witnessed impressive performances from these Olympic champions. Kellie Harrington, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist representing Ireland, showcased her skills and secured a points victory of 4:1 over Miroslava Jedinakova from Slovakia.
Continuing the success of Olympic champions, Rio 2016 gold medalist Estelle Mossely from France left no room for doubt as she claimed a unanimous decision victory over Teresa Benedict Makinen from Finland. Donjeta Sadiku from Kosovo also made her mark, securing a convincing 4:0 decision win over Shona Catherine Whitwell from Great Britain. Agnes Alexiusson from Sweden also displayed her prowess, earning a flawless victory of 5:0 on points against Lenka Bernardova from the Czech Republic.
In the men’s 57kg division, the blue corner tasted victory in the first two bouts. Artur Bazeyan from Armenia impressed the judges, earning a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Trakal from the Czechia. Meanwhile, Javier Ibanez Diaz representing Bulgaria secured a hard-fought victory with a split decision of 4 points to 1 over Jude Gallagher from Ireland.
Taras Bondarchuk, a southpaw boxer hailing from Ukraine, showcased his skills and secured a unanimous decision victory, earning all five points against Alen Rahimic from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Roland Veres from Hungary followed suit, earning a unanimous decision win over Umid Rustamov from Azerbaijan.
In a closely contested bout, Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim from Sweden emerged victorious with a split decision victory, with the judges awarding him 4 points to 1 point against Alen Rustemovski from North Macedonia. Ardit Murja from Albania also secured a close victory with a split decision of 3 to 2 points against Victor Vacula from Moldova.
The men’s 63.5kg category witnessed several impressive performances as well. Gianluigi Malanga from Italy, utilized his dancing footwork and left-handed guard to his advantage and secured a unanimous decision victory over Ilhan Atilla Ozmen from North Macedonia. Malik Hasanov from Azerbaijan also displayed his dominance in the ring, earning a unanimous decision win over Bartlomiej Roskowicz from Poland, who was fighting on his home turf.
Dean Clancy from Ireland showcased his skills and determination as he secured a unanimous decision victory over Arsen Chabyan from Austria. Assan Hansen from Germany emerged triumphant with a split decision victory of 4:1 points against Yaroslav Khartsyz from Ukraine. Sofiane Oumiha from France, a 2016 Olympic Silver medalist and two-time European Games silver medalist, moved on in the brackets securing a unanimous decision win over Aljaz Sircelj from Slovenia.
In the same men’s 63.5kg category, Shpetim Bajoku from Kosovo claimed victory with a split decision of 4:1 against Matteo Komadina from Croatia. Bilge Kagan Kanli from Turkie displayed his skills and earned a unanimous decision victory with all five points against Alexandros Christodoulou from Cyprus.
The opening session of the boxing tournament provided fans with thrilling bouts and showcased the talent and determination of the athletes. As the competition continues later on today at the evening session starting at 18:00 CET, there is much more excitement to come.
