Author: Marco Dalla Dea
Australia’s Landslide: 6 More Athletes Qualify for Paris as Pacific Games Boxing Tournament Comes to an End
02/12/2023
After six days of fierce competition at Honiara’s Friendship Hall, the boxing tournament of the 2023 Pacific Games hosted in the Solomon Islands came to an end today.
Australia’s landslide success continued. After winning 6 out of 7 finals yesterday, Aussie boxers claimed six out of six today, securing 12 out of 13 Paris 2024 quota places.
In the women’s 50kg event, it was Monique Suraci who led the opening bout with a clear edge in rounds 1 and 2, controlling her opponent Tasmyn Te Aorere Hovell Benny of New Zealand throughout round 3, and eventually finishing on top with a perfect 5-0 score worth an Olympic berth.
“This means the world to me,” she said right after stepping down from the ring. “I started when I was 6 years old; I had my first fight at 10. It has been a long journey, but now I am here. I did it! This victory is for me. It’s for the 6-year-old me that got into boxing with a dream to get to the Olympics. Today, I’ve accomplished that dream; we did it, baby!”
Her teammate Tina Rahimi followed swiftly, as she outscored Tonga’s Feofaaki Epenisa in the women’s 57kg final match to secure a Paris 2024 qualification slot with another commanding unanimous decision.
Rahimi said, “I can’t wait to go to Paris. I think I have never been so nervous in my athlete’s life before. I felt a lot of pressure after 7 out of 8 teammates qualified between yesterday and earlier today,” she added. “I really didn’t want to be the one not to qualify, and now that I made it, I can’t wait to be there.”
In the men’s 51kg final, Yusuf Chothia shattered Solomon Islands’ Olympic dreams as he beat local hero Clinton Tetekana, who had made it all the way to the final through the tournament accompanied by enthusiastic supporters. Leading rounds 1 and 2 and taking little risks in round 3, the Australian finalist collected a unanimous decision win that propelled him to Paris.
“Going up against a local athlete, with the Solomon Islands crowd all for him, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. At the same time, I was confident in my boxing skills, and thank God I made it.”
“I am going to Paris; that’s amazing. I would like to thank all who supported me, my family, my wife… We’re going to Paris, my love!”
Joining him on that plane, there will be Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Harry Garside, securing a ticket to Paris in the men’s 63.5kg event as his opponent Elia Rokobuli from Fiji walked over due to a hand injury, and Shannan Davey, who outscored New Zealand’s Wendell Stanley in the men’s 71kg final match.
Closing in style, it was men’s +92kg champion Teremoana Teremoana who completed Australia’s success by collecting the last quota place up for grabs by defeating Samoa’s Elijah Mercury-Leafa, outpowering him and leading the referee to stop the contest 1 minute and 52 seconds into round 2.
“I am really happy with the decision of the judges here,” Teremoana said, after winning all his Pacific Games bouts by Referee Stop the Contest (RSC), displaying unmatched superiority in his weight class. “I met many good boxers here, and I know there are more qualifiers to come, so maybe I will meet them again in Paris.”
After the bout, Teremoana performed a traditional haka dance on the ring, welcomed by both the Australian team and thousands of spectators from all over the Pacific crowding the Friendship Hall.
“My heritage is the Cook Islands; it means a lot to me because we are at the Pacific Games, and I just wanted to demonstrate a bit of the culture I have inherited. I am proud of Australia, and I am proud of my culture.”
“My name, Teremoana, is a Polynesian name that means ‘boat’ and ‘Ocean,’ because we are people who cross the Ocean. The Ocean is in my name, and winning here I really feel I represent the whole Oceania.”
“I was always confident I was going to go to the Olympics. And now it’s real.”
As Teremoana prepares to cross yet another ocean on his way to Paris, lights fade out on the ring of the Pacific Games.
The tournament, serving as the boxing continental qualifier for the Oceania continent, comes to an end and also closes the continental phase of the Boxing Road to Paris qualification system.
Two more world qualification opportunities will be available to athletes from all continents in 2024. The 1st Boxing Road to Paris qualifiers will be held in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from the 29th of February to the 12th of March 2024, while the second and last world qualifier will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 23rd of May to the 3rd of June.
Stay tuned on https://boxing.athlete365.org for updates on the Boxing Road to Paris!
Australia Claims 6 Out of 7 Olympic Quotas on the First Finals Day in Honiara. Samoa Wins the Crowd, and 1 Quota
01/12/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Oceania qualification tournament, hosted as part of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara (SOL), awarded the first seven Paris 2024 quota places today out of a total of 13 qualification slots at stake.
The finals day swiftly turned into a dominant performance for Team Australia, placing seven boxers in seven finals and eventually claiming six out of the seven Olympic berths available.
In the first match of the day, Australia’s Tiana Echegaray secured the women’s 54kg Paris 2024 quota place, defeating Hainite Tuitupou from Tonga with a perfect score of 5 points to 0. Tiana expressed her excitement, stating, “It feels tremendous, incredible! I just want to thank my team, my family, and my partner. I can’t believe it!”
Teammate Tyla McDonald followed suit, claiming Australia’s second quota place of the day in the women’s 60kg final against New Zealand’s Erin Elizabeth Walsh. After a slow start, McDonald triumphed with a split decision of 4 to 1, expressing excitement for the upcoming Olympics. She added, “I can’t believe I have done that. It has been an unbelievable year, and I am now looking forward to Paris. I am going home and I can’t wait to celebrate with my family.” Regarding the final match, she confirmed, “The final match has been tough. She came out really strong, and I had to work hard in the last round. So, I am really happy with how it ended. I will now train as hard as I can for the Olympics, next year.”
Marissa Williamson added to Australia’s success with a 4:1 victory against New Zealand’s Cara Simone Wharerau in the women’s 66kg final, securing another ticket to Paris. Williamson expressed her joy, saying, “It feels amazing. This is my first Olympic cycle and my first major competition after being in the sport for four years, and I come out of it with a ticket to Paris. This is great!”
“The universe must be doing me a favor today,” she added. “I dislocated my knee two weeks ago while training, and I am glad I could get through a final.”
“It all started in a little gym in the western suburbs of Melbourne four years ago,” continued Marissa, “I was a little foster kid causing a bit of trouble at school, and I was sent to this gym. It took over my life and honestly saved me.”
“I am the very first Aboriginal woman to qualify for the Olympics in the sport of boxing. This is change-making. I am gonna go back home and celebrate with my community, my family, my loved ones. And then I will have to go to rehab for my knee to get ready for Paris.”
Caitlin Parker continued Australia’s winning streak by outscoring New Zealand’s Deanne Shontel Te-Paea Read by points, 5:0, and claiming the women’s 75kg Olympic berth. Parker said, “I am going to the Olympics for the second time after Tokyo. I am the first Australian woman to do so. It’s a massive blessing. This is going to be so much different from Tokyo.”
“The last Games were a massive learning experience for me. Going to the Games was a childhood dream of mine, the happiest day of my life. To go there and not do what I wanted to do has been a bit heartbreaking.”
“I won’t make some mistakes again,” she added. “I am going to Paris with a new hunger, to show the world what I am capable of.”
Moving on to the men’s divisions, it was Charlie Senior who claimed victory in the men’s 57kg final, defeating Allan Oaike from Papua New Guinea with a unanimous decision. Senior expressed his elation, saying, “My dreams come true, as an athlete. It means the world for me, as I made my family proud. I have been waiting a whole four years for this moment to come. Now I am going to double up, work harder, work 110%, to prepare for Paris.” In the men’s 80kg weight class, his teammate Callum Peters from Australia secured a commanding 5:0 score to defeat Roman Viney from Tonga and claim Australia’s sixth Olympic quota.
It was Samoa’s Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali who broke Australia’s dominance today. The men’s 92kg boxer put on a show of power and resilience in his final bout against the seventh Australian finalist of the day, Adrian Paoletti. Judges scored round 1 to the Australian, and round 2 to the Samoan, turning round 3 into a final within the final. It was then that the local crowd picked Plodzicki-Faoagali, and supported him blow after blow, lifting him atop the podium, the only non-Australian winner of the day.
Plodzicki-Faoagali said, “This is going to be my second time at the Olympics, I earned my ticket. The crowd here has been great. I enjoyed a lot of support, even from other teams; all islands were supporting me, I really appreciated it.”
“This puts Samoa and all the islands on the map. I went into the fight without thinking about the other bouts of the day. I concentrated on myself. I had to do what I had to do. Through the match, I knew I lost the first round, but I came out strong in the second, and in round three, I finished him off.”
A total of 13 quota places – one in each Olympic category (7 men’s, 6 women’s) – are up for grabs in Honiara, where athletes from 17 countries have been pursuing their Olympic dreams since November 27. After five days of intense competition between the ropes, the tournament will come to an end tomorrow, December 2, when the last six quota places will be distributed in the women’s 50 and 57kg divisions and in the men’s 51kg, 63.5kg, 71kg, and +92kg weight classes. For additional information and the results of the non-Olympic boxing weight classes contested during the tournament, check the official website of the 2023 Pacific Games at https://sol2023.gems.pr
Pacific Games Finalists’ Line-up Completed in Honiara. Boxers One Bout Away from Qualifying for Paris 2024
30/11/2023
The 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, are in full swing, showcasing more than 140 boxers from 17 countries who gathered around the ring of Honiara’s Friendship Hall. On day 4 of the boxing tournament – serving as the Paris 2024 continental qualifier for Oceania – 11 semifinal bouts took place, finalizing the line-up for the 13 Olympic events’ final rounds. The winner in each weight class will be granted a Paris 2024 Quota place, a qualification slot for the next Olympic Games.
The day commenced with one of the quickest bouts of the tournament. It only took 1 minute and 11 seconds for New Zealand’s Tasmyn Te Aorere Hovell Benny to stun her opponent Costance Abana, from the Solomon Islands, chilling thousands of local spectators crowding the otherwise overheated Friendship Arena. Benny qualified for the women’s 50kg final to be held on December 2, where she will go up against Australia’s Monique Suraci.
Minutes later, the same home crowd made a significant difference in the men’s 51kg semifinal featuring local idol Clinton Tetekana. Chanting and cheering, Solomon Island’s supporters boosted Tetekana’s effort, blow after blow. Relentlessly attacking his opponent – Fiji’s Nehal Chand – in a display of sheer power, Tetekana took the lead since round 1, then collecting a series of commanding 10-8s in round 2, to eventually claim victory by unanimous decision. Tetekana will now carry the Solomon Islands’ flag into the final match, where he will face and attempt to defeat Australia’s Yusuf Chothia to pursue his Olympic dream.
Australia’s Tina Rahimi and Tonga’s Feofaaki Epenisa emerged as the winners of the two women’s 57kg semifinals, and are now destined for a final match in two days. On their way to the final, Rahimi beat New Zealand’s Jennifer Clare Peters, winning the votes of all 5 judges to secure a unanimous decision victory. Epenisa, on her side, shattered Kiribati’s hopes by outdoing Teretia Toauriri via a 5:0 decision.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist and 2018 Commonwealth champion Harry Garside, from Australia, outpowered Solomon Islands’ Pemberton Lele in the men’s 63.5kg class, leading with apparent ease in the first two rounds, forcing his opponent into a standing count more than once, and eventually leading Lele’s corner to throw in the towel. Garside, a clear favorite in his weight division, is set to meet Fiji’s Elia Rokobuli, who put on a show of dodging and counterpunching that earned him a 3:2 win against New Zealand’s Kalani Hemi Marra today.
New Zealand’s Wendell Stanley made it to the men’s 71kg final via a unanimous decision win against Nauru’s Lachlan Halstead, booking a spot in the division’s final against Australia’s Shannan Davey, who also advanced through a 5:0 win against Tonga’s Taufa Lavemaau.
One punch can change the outcome of a bout. And this happened once again at today’s men’s +92kg semifinal: New Zealand’s Patrick Mailata led in rounds 1 and 2, winning most of the judges’ votes as he kept on hammering powerful punches on his opponent, Samoa’s Elijah Mercury-Leafa. But 1 minute and 39 seconds into round 3, Mercury-Leafa threw that one punch: a fast, strong, effective hook that grounded Mailata. The referee counted, stopped the contest, and sent the Samoan into the final. There, Mercury-Leafa will meet one of the favorites, Australia’s Teremoana Teremoana – who cleared his semifinal bout by beating Tonga’s Amato Mataika in the first round – in a stellar match that will decide who’s going to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The finals phase of the tournament kicks off tomorrow, with the first seven gold medals – and the first seven quota places – to be distributed to the best boxers. Keep up with the latest news on https://boxing.athletes365.org . For additional information and results of the non-Olympic boxing weight classes contested at the tournament, check the official website of the 2023 Pacific Games at https://sol2023.gems.pro.
Finalists Emerge in 6 Weight Classes at the Boxing Road to Paris Oceania Qualifier in Honiara (SOL)
29/11/2023
Twelve semifinal matches in 6 Olympic weight categories unfolded at the boxing tournament of the 2023 Pacific Games, today.
The tournament, hosted at the “Friendship Hall” in Honiara, Solomon Islands, from November 27th to December 2nd, serves as a Boxing Road to Paris continental qualification event for the Oceania region. Comprising 25 different weight categories, including the 13 Olympic weight categories (7 men’s, 6 women’s weight classes), this competition offers 13 Paris 2024 Olympic quota places, the coveted qualification slots for the next Games, that will be distributed to the winners of each Olympic weight class.
Commencing day-3, Australia’s Tiana Echegaray secured a spot in the women’s 54kg final match by winning the weight category’s semifinal against New Zealand’s Christine Claire Gillespie with a unanimous decision, bringing her one step closer to the 2024 quota place. On her journey to Paris, she is set to face Hainiete Tuitupou of Tonga in the Pacific Games final round on December 1. Tuitupou, in turn, advanced to the medal match by defeating Jennifer D. Chieng of Micronesia with a commanding 5:0 score today.
In the women’s 60kg event, Tyla McDonald from Australia met and defeated Samoa’s Baby Nansen with a 5:0 on-point decision, securing her place in the final match in two days. There, she will face Erin Elizabeth Walsh of New Zealand, who qualified by stunning Tonga’s Elizabeth Teaupa in just 1 minute and 41 seconds into round 1 of their semifinal match.
New Zealand’s Te-Paea Shontel Deanne Read outclassed Samoa’s Tilomai Lafaialii as the referee stopped the contest 1 minute and 17 seconds into round one of their women’s 75kg fight. Read is now eyeing a 2024 Olympic quota place, but to secure a ticket to Paris, she will have to overcome a tough final match against Australia’s Caitlin Parker, who prevailed over Tonga’s Eseta Flint via a 4:1 split decision win.
Alla Oaike from Papua New Guinea stunned Solomon Islands’ Ron Enoch Taniveke in the first men’s 57kg semifinal of the day. Taniveke tried his best to resist the relentless charges of Oaike, supported by thousands of spectators here on his home turf, but amid round three, and after three standing counts, the referee decided to stop the contest. Oaike moves on in the brackets and is now set to meet Australia’s Charlie Senior, who beat New Zealand’s Alex Mukuka by unanimous decision.
Roman Viney from Tonga claimed victory against Jolando Taala from Samoa in the first men’s 80kg semifinal of the day, securing a 5:0 score at the end of a fierce bout. In the final, he will go up against Australia’s Callum Peters, who outscored Fiji’s Aminiasi Saribay 5 points to 0.
In the men’s 92kg semifinal, Samoa’s Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali outpowered Michael Schuster of Cook Islands, pushing his corner to throw the towel amid round 2. The Samoan boxer is now up for a final match against Australia’s Adrian Paoletti, who emerged on top from his bout against Preston Malcolm Matthes of New Zealand by unanimous decision.
The tournament, which runs from November 27th to December 2nd and sees more than 140 athletes from 17 countries competing, will continue this afternoon with non-Olympic weight classes fights, while Olympic events will resume tomorrow, November 29. For comprehensive information and full results, including non-Olympic weight classes, please refer to the official 2023 Pacific Games website at https://www.sol2023.com.sb/.
Honiara’s Day-2: Quarterfinals in Progress at the Pacific Games
28/11/2023
The boxing tournament of the Pacific Games continued today in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with the quarterfinals in full swing. A total of 22 bouts, including 13 quarterfinals in Olympic categories, unfolded on November 28 at the “Friendship Hall” venue.
In the first of today’s four men’s 63.5kg quarterfinals, a compelling rematch took place between two Tokyo 2020 Olympians: Ume John of Papua New Guinea and Australia’s Harry Garside, who had previously met at the Kokugikan Arena on July 25, 2021, during the Tokyo Games’ round of 16. Two years later, Garside showcased a display of speed and technical prowess, effectively countering John’s power to secure a decisive 5:0 victory, just like two years ago in Tokyo.
Next in line in the tournament, Garside is slated to face Solomon Islands’ Pemberton Lele, who garnered the acclaim of the home crowd by convincingly defeating Alexander Eliam Jr. of the Federated States of Micronesia with a flawless 5:0 score earlier today.
In the same weight category, New Zealand’s Kalani Hemi Marra displayed his prowess by defeating Lautofa Lutu from Samoa, prompting the referee to halt the contest in the midst of round 3 after a standing count. In the subsequent stage of the tournament, Marra is set to contend with Fiji’s Elia Rokobuli, who also advanced through the competition via a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) against Nauru’s Mathew Martin.
In the first men’s 71kg quarterfinal of the day, Nauru’s Lachlan Halstead secured victory over Tuvalu’s Fiu Tui with a unanimous decision, earning a spot in the semifinals against Wendell Stanley from New Zealand. Stanley, in turn, delivered an impressive performance by giving two standing counts to local hero Dicks Lio from Solomon Island, ultimately leading to the referee stopping the contest at the end of round 2.
In the same category, Australia’s Shannan Davey triumphed over Tawhirimatea Toheriri-Hallet from the Cook Islands with a 4:1 split decision. Davey is now poised to face Tonga’s Taufa Laveaau, who outscored American Samoa’s Losifafo Tunoa with a unanimous decision.
In the men’s +92kg weight class, it took just 1:58 minutes for New Zealand’s Patrick Mailata to clinch victory in his quarterfinal match against American Samoa’s Jadan Liu. Mailata’s strategic pursuit and effective cornering culminated in a powerful combination that brought Liu to the ground, propelling Mailata into the semifinals. Also Samoa’s Elijah Mercury-Leafa exhibited remarkable efficiency by securing victory in just 1:47 minutes in his bout against Kiribati’s Beeni Roubena. The referee intervened, stopping the contest in the first round after Roubena received three standing counts in less than two minutes. The upcoming semifinal clash between Mailata and Mercury-Leafa promises to be a highlight of the tournament.
Australia’s Teremoana Teremoana gained the quickest win of the day, triumphing over his opponent Jerry Leo (SOL) in a mere 1 minute and 18 seconds. Teremoana’s commanding performance prompted Leo’s corner to throw in the towel at the first count. Teremoana is now on a collision course with Tonga’s Amato Mataika on the path to the men’s +92 final match and Olympic quota, following Mataika’s securing a spot in the semifinals with an RSC result against Tuvalu’s A’asa Alapati Jr. in round three of an energetically contested bout.
In the men’s 51kg weight category, Australia’s Yusuf Chotia secured victory over Kiribati’s Eriu Temakau with a unanimous decision, earning a place in the semifinals where he will face Papua New Guinea’s Charles Keama (bye).
With more than 140 athletes from 17 countries participating in the boxing tournament of the 2023 Pacific Games across 25 different weight categories, including 13 Olympic weight categories, the competition serves as the Oceania continental qualifier for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. A total of 13 quota places will be distributed during the tournament, to the winners of each Olympic category.
The tournament, running from November 27th to December 2nd, will resume tomorrow, November 29. For comprehensive information and full results, including non-Olympic weight classes, please refer to the official 2023 Pacific Games website at https://www.sol2023.com.sb/. Stay tuned for further updates!
Boxing Road to Paris Oceania Qualifier Day-1: 140 Athletes at the Starting Blocks
27/11/2023
The boxing tournament of the 17th Pacific Games kicked off today in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. More than 140 athletes from 17 countries are set to meet in the ring of the newly-built “Friendship Hall” venue, competing in 25 different weight categories, including 13 Olympic weight categories. The tournament serves as the Oceania continental qualifier for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, with 13 quota places to be distributed to the winners of each Olympic category.
In the first round of the tournament, Australia’s Tyla McDonald overpowered the Solomon Islands’ Tracy Koputu in less than two minutes, winning the first women’s 60kg match of the Pacific Games as her opponent abandoned 1:38 minutes into the match and advanced to the semifinal where she will meet Baby Nansen of Samoa (bye).
In the men’s 57kg category, Papua New Guinea’s Allan Oaike beat Vanuatu’s Lionel Boe Warawara on points, with a 4:1 split decision. Advancing in the tournament, he will go up against local medal hope Ron Enoch Taniveke, competing on his home turf here in the Solomon Islands.
In the same weight category, New Zealand’s Alex Mukuka advanced to the semifinals as he outscored Nauru’s Christon Amram with a neat 5:0 unanimous decision win. There, he will meet Australia’s Charlie Senior, who moved on in the brackets as David Rounds of Tonga walked over.
In the men’s 80kg weight division, Tonga’s Roman Viney outscored New Zealand’s Emile Richardson via a 3:2 split decision, moving on to the semifinal, where he will meet Jolando Taala of Samoa. In the same category, Fiji’s Aminiasi Saratibau knocked out John Kaloka of the Solomon Islands amid round one of their quarterfinal match (KO, R1 2:42). In two days, he will meet Callum Peters of Australia (who advanced through a bye) in the semifinal.
In the men’s 92kg class, Samoa’s Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali cleared the quarterfinal match as his opponent Peniteekosi Tatafu from Tonga was disqualified 1:10 minutes into round 3, setting up a semifinal match appointment with Michael Schuster of the Cook Islands (bye). In the category’s other semifinal, New Zealand’s Malcolm Preston Matthes will go up against Adrian Paoletti of Australia.
For more information and full results, including non-Olympic weight classes, check the official 2023 Pacific Games website at https://www.sol2023.com.sb/.
The tournament, held in Honiara (SOL) from November 27th to December 2nd, will resume tomorrow, with 25 more bouts to be contested. Stay tuned!
17th Pacific Games Kick-off in Honiara (SOL): 13 Boxing Quota Places Up for Grabs
26/11/2023
Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is gearing up to host the Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament, marking the fifth stage of the Boxing Road to Paris 2024. As an integral part of the 17th Pacific Games, this boxing showdown will determine the the elite boxers from Oceania who will earn their coveted spots at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Set within the Friendship Hall, a newly built international standard multipurpose indoor sports facility, more than 140 athletes from 17 nations will converge to display their prowess. From November 27th to December 2nd, the venue will witness fierce competition across 13 Olympic weight categories (and 12 non-Olympic categories), as boxers will compete to secure one of the 13 Paris 2024 Olympic quota places up for grabs there, one for each event’s winner (6 for women and 7 for men).
Among the boxers preparing to leave a mark on this event, several athletes to watch have emerged, each ready to impress with their exceptional skills and determination. Here’s a look at some this notable athletes:
Harry Garside, an Olympic bronze medalist, is a part of the 13-member Australian boxing squad selected for the upcoming Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. The 26-year-old boxer previously clinched a podium finish in the men’s lightweight division during Tokyo 2020 and secured the Commonwealth Games title in Gold Coast 2018. Becoming the first Australian in over three decades to earn an Olympic boxing medal by claiming bronze at the Tokyo Games, Garside is anticipated to be a formidable contender in the Men’s 63.5kg class.
Caitlin Parker, a 27-year-old middleweight athlete hailing from Western Australia, arrives at the Pacific Games with a remarkable record, having secured podium positions twice at the Commonwealth Games. With a history as a Tokyo Olympian, there’s high anticipation that she will secure her spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Team New Zealand presents a formidable twelve-member squad, comprising six notably experienced boxers, including Tasmyn BENNY (Women’s 50kg), Erin Elizabeth WALSH (Women’s 60kg), Alex MUKUKA (Men’s 57kg), Wendell STANLEY (Men’s 71kg), Emile RICHARDSON (Men’s 80kg), and Patrick MAILATA (Men’s +92kg), all of whom have exhibited their prowess at the Commonwealth Games.
Honiara will welcome several medalists from the 2019 Pacific Games, each with the dual objectives of defending their titles and securing coveted Olympic quota places. Notable among them are Nauru’s Christon AMRAM in the Men’s 57kg category, Papua New Guinea’s John UME (Men’s 63.5kg), Samoa’s Ato PLODZICKI-FAOAGALI (Men’s 92kg), and Federated States of Micronesia’s Jennifer CHIENG (Women’s 54kg). These exceptional athletes bring both experience and determination, aiming to maintain their dominance in their respective weight divisions while also eyeing qualification for the upcoming Olympics.
The Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament stands as the final continental opportunity to secure berths for Paris 2024. However, the pursuit of Olympic tickets doesn’t end there, as two World Qualifiers are scheduled for the next year: the first world qualification tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy – from March 4th to 11th, 2024, will allocate 49 quota places (21 Women and 28 Men). The second world qualification tournament will take place in Bangkok, Thailand – from May 23rd to June 3rd, 2024.
Dakar’s Day 7: 8 More Quota Places Distributed, 13 Gold Medals Assigned on the Last Day
15/09/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament came to a conclusion in Dakar, Senegal, today. The gold medal matches of all 13 Olympic boxing events (7 men’s events, 6 women’s events) took place at the Dakar Arena, in front of thousands cheering local spectators.
The Africa qualification tournament assigned a total of 18 Paris 2024 Olympic quota places – the qualification slots for the next Olympic Games – with 1 quota place available in each men’s event and in the women’s 75kg event, and 2 quotas available in all other women’s events. That means that the winners of today’s men’s events and the women’s 75kg event all received a qualification berth, while the finalists in all other women’s events had already claimed a quota yesterday by winning their respective semifinals.
In the women’s 75kg category, Morocco’s Khadija Mardi – the 32-year-old reigning women’s 75kg African champion – claimed her ticket to Paris at the end of a tense match against Kenya’s Elizabeth Adhiambo Andiego. The Moroccan athlete led through the three rounds, eventually securing the brightest medal and the quota place with a unanimous decision score of 5-0. The technical match saw Mardi controlling her opponent through her longer reach and a show of dodge-and-hit combinations. Andiego got increasingly frustrated and was given a 1-point deduction amid round 2, jeopardizing her chances of success. But nothing is granted until the last gong in boxing, as a single blow can easily change the final outcome. Mardi kept cool and controlled the last section of the bout, taking full advantage of her long experience, to secure a spot in her second Olympic edition after Rio 2016 and skipping Tokyo 2020 as she gave birth to her third child.
In the women’s 54kg gold medal match, her teammate Bertal Widad (MAR) won with apparent ease her final match against Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna Ahmed Rezk Abdalla, claiming a unanimous decision from the judges.
Moments later, another Egyptian boxer, Elawady Omar Elsayed Ragab Elawad, clinched a razor-thin on-points victory in the men’s 71kg event, as he collected a 3 to 1 split decision against Kulenguluka Mbiya Steve (COD), thus securing the brightest medal and the Paris 2024 Olympic quota place at stake today. His teammate Abdelgawwad Abdelrahman Salah Orabi (EGY) secured another Olympic pass as he outscored Changalawe Yusuf Lucasi (TAN) 5-0 in the men’s 80kg final match.
In a big day for Team Nigeria, Omole Dolapo Joshua clinched a 3-2 win against Ethiopia Leta Fikremariyam Yadesa in the men’s 57kg final. The Nigerian athlete led round 1 and 2, and then controlled round 3, facing the relentless charges of his Ethiopian opponent who tried to knock him down right to the last second.
Omole’s will be traveling to Paris along with his teammate Olaore Olaitan Adam, who qualified for the next Games as he won the men’s 92kg final, outscoring Algeria’s Houmri Mohamed by 4-0 points, leading round 1 and 3 and controlling his opponents through round 2. Their team kept on celebrating even further, as Cynthia Temitayo Ogunsemilore prevailed in the women’s 60kg final match, outscoring 5 points to 0 Algeria’s Hadjila Khelif to secure the gold medal in the weight class.
Algeria’s super-heavyweight Kadi Mourad shuttered the qualification dream of the hosting country as he beat the local hero Diarga Balde of Senegal via a split decision (4:1) in the men’s +92kg category, booking a spot in the next Olympic Games. After leading round 1 and round 2, the experienced Algerian athlete limited damages in round 3 (which he lost) avoiding taking too many risks, to claim the brightest medal.
In a day of success for the boxing powerhouse, another Algerian athlete, Jugurtha Ait Bekka secured the men’s 63.5kg quota place and gold medal at stakes here in Dakar, as he beat 4-1 Mauritius’ Colin Louis Richarno. Their teammates Imane Khelif and Roumaysa Boualam also claimed a gold medal, in the women’s 66kg and 50kg categories, respectively.
Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba knocked down Tunisia’s Ala Eddine Zidi Ala Eddine to secure a coveted Paris 2024 Olympic quota place in the men’s 51kg category, the only Olympic pass won by his country at this qualification tournament. Boxing with his unique style, the Zambian athlete measured his distance in round 1, led through round two, and eventually landed a left-hand blow that put an end to the bout in round 3. Ala Eddine Zidi Ala Eddine was immediately treated by the medical team on-site and transported to the local hospital for a potential humerus fracture. His teammate Khouloud Hlimi Ep Moulahi (TUN) won the women’s 57kg category gold medal by outscoring Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Sakobi Matshu Marcelat 5-0.
The Boxing Road to Paris qualification pathway will now continue at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou (CHN), to then proceed to the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago (CHI) and the Pacific Games in Honiara (SOL), later this year. After the continental qualifications, two World Qualification events will take place in Busto Arsizio (Italy) from February 29 to March 12, 2024, and in Bangkok (Thailand) from May 23 to June 3, 2024.
Follow the Boxing Road to Paris on boxing.athlete365.org.
Dakar Day 6: First 10 Paris 2024 Quota Places Awarded in 5 Women’s Events
14/09/2023
Ten Paris 2024 Olympic quota places were earned today by seven different countries at the Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament held at the Dakar Arena in the Senegalese capital.
A total of 18 quota places are available at this event: 2 quotas in each of the 6 women’s events (except for the women’s 75kg category, where only 1 quota place is distributed here), and 1 quota in each of the 7 men’s events. This means that all finalists in the women’s 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, and 66kg events are guaranteed a ticket to Paris, while in all other categories, finishing first is the only path to continental level qualification.
Morocco’s Widad Bertal became the first African boxer to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by defeating Haghighat-Joo Sara (SLE) in the Women’s 54kg category semifinal this afternoon in Dakar. The Moroccan athlete secured a spot in the final, guaranteeing one of the two quota places available in the category here in Dakar. In tomorrow’s final, she will face Egypt’s Yomna Ahmed Rezk Abdalla Ayyad, who secured a Paris 2024 qualification spot by winning 3-1 against Algeria’s Fatma Zohra Abdelkader Hadjala. The Egyptian boxer struggled in round 1 but made a strong comeback in round 2, eventually finishing the match on top as the Algerian athlete received a 1-point deduction.
It was Algeria’s Boualam Roumaysa who secured the first Paris 2024 quota place to be awarded in the women’s 50kg category here in Dakar, as she outdid Nigeria’s Oyesiji Adeola Omowunmi in the evening session, via a unanimous decision, after leading all three rounds. Having achieved her main goal in the tournament, she’s now looking forward to tomorrow’s final match where she’s going up against Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki, who stunned Benedicte Diyoka (COD) via a 5-0 win to secure a quota place and a spot in the gold medal match.
Senegal’s Mariatou Diallo, supported here in Dakar by a cheering home crowd, did not make it to the final today. The Senegalese athlete led round 1 of her women’s 57kg category quarterfinal against Tunisia’s Hlimi Ep Moulaahi Khouloud, but was overwhelmed in round 2, when the referee had to stop the contest after counting her twice. Hlimi Ep Moulaahi advanced to the final match, securing the coveted Paris 2024 quota place she was here for. Now, on her way to the highest step of the podium, she will meet Sakobi Matshu Marcelat (COD) who secured a split decision win over Nigeria’s Ojo Nene Joy to claim her spot in the final and at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In the women’s 60kg category, Algeria’s Khelif Hadjila won her semifinal bout against Côte d’Ivoire’s Mariam Sidibe by unanimous decision, securing a place in the final and a Paris 2024 qualification berth. Nigeria’s Ogunsemilore Cynthia Temitayo was the second semifinalist to qualify for Paris 2024 today by stunning Zambia’s Nkandu Felistars. The Nigerian athlete initially led in round 1 and then forced the referee to stop the contest in round 2 as she clearly dominated her opponent.
Mozambique’s Dos Santos Alcinda Lucas claimed a unanimous decision victory over Mbabi Tsheusi Brigitte from the Democratic Republic in the women’s 66kg category, booking a ticket to Paris. At tomorrow’s final, as well as at the Games, she will meet Algeria’s Khelif Imane, who beat Cameron’s Mireille Noelle Bindzi Ongbibou by unanimous decision.
Moving on to the women’s 75kg category, Morocco’s reigning African champion Khadija Mardi had to fight hard to advance from her semifinal bout. After leading in rounds 1 and 2, she faced a tough challenge from her opponent, Nigeria’s Mbata Patricia Adanma Epelle. The Nigerian athlete forced Mardi into a standing count in the second half of round 3, but the Moroccan athlete managed to recover and land a couple of convincing blows in the last seconds of the match, eventually winning 4 points to Adanma’s 1.
Mardi will face Kenya’s Andiego Elizabeth Adhiambo in tomorrow’s final, as the Kenyan boxer beat Tunisia’s Ben Mabrouk Molka via a commanding 5-0 decision today. In this weight class, only 1 Paris 2024 Olympic quota place is available at the Africa qualification tournament. Therefore, the winner of the final match will secure a flight to Paris.
In the men’s 51kg, Zambia’s Chinyemba Patrick claimed a 4-1 win as he beat Morocco’s Mortaji Said and advanced to the final, with his unique boxing style. His skills will be put to the test in tomorrow’s final, where he will meet Tunisia’s Zidi Ala Eddine who finished in the spotlight today by winning a hard-fought match against Ghana’s Allotey Theophilus Kpakpo by unanimous decision.
The men’s 57kg final will see Nigeria’s Joshua Omole Dolapo and Ethiopia’s Yadesa Leta Fikremariyam competing for the gold medal and an Olympic berth, as they defeated Cameroon’s Alain Christian Sangue and Algeria’s Hichem Maouche, respectively, today.
Colin Louis Richarno from Mauritius gained a hard-fought 4-1 decision against Uganda’s Tukamuhebwa Joshua in the men’s 63.5kg category, keeping his Olympic dream alive. To secure a ticket to Paris already here in Dakar, he will have to beat Jugurtha Ait Bekka. The Algerian athlete reached the final by outscoring Masamba John Paul of South Africa by 5 points to 0, taking advantage of his longer reach and displaying his technical skills.
Elawady Omar Elsayed Ragab Elawad (EGY) won a 4-1 decision in his men’s 71kg semifinal against Fernandes De Barros Bruno Miguel (CPV), advancing to the final against Kulenguluka Mbiya Steve (COD), who secured his spot with a unanimous decision win over Pakela Arena Michael (LES).
Supported by a number of teammates shouting “pilli pilli” and “piga piga” – Swahili for “you’re on fire” and “hit hit” – Tanzania’s Changalawe Yusuf Lucasi outpowered Algeria’s Nemouchi Younes in the Men’s 80kg category. After dominating the first two rounds, he outclassed his opponents in round three, forcing the Algerian second to throw in the towel and abandon at 2:54. Chasing his Olympic dream, he will have to go against Egypt’s Abdelgawwad Abdelrahman at tomorrow’s final: only the winner will be guaranteed a ticket to Paris.
Moving on to the men’s 92kg category, Algeria’s Mohamed Houmri secured a 3-2 victory over Mozambique’s Gabriel Albino Julio, booking a final match against Nigeria’s Olaore Olaitan Adam. Another Algerian athlete, Mourad Kadi, qualified for the men’s +92kg event, as he outscored Agnes Keddy Evans (SEY), earning a spot in the final against Balde Diarga (SEN), the home athlete who won the applause of the crowd by defeating Morocco’s Mohamed Firisse after a tense match.
The Boxing Road To Paris Africa qualification tournament in Dakar, Senegal, has seen 235 athletes from 42 African nations competing in the event that started September 9th. In its last day, tomorrow, September 15th, 13 final matches are going to take place in as many weight categories, and 8 more Paris 2024 quota places are to be awarded (1 quota place to the winner of each of the 7 men’s events and 1 quota place to the winner of the women’s 75kg event).
All bouts are going to be broadcasted live by the Olympic channel: stay tuned on https://olympics.com/en/sports/boxing/ to follow the action in Dakar!
Dakar’s Day 5: Quarterfinals Shape the Final Phase of the Tournament
13/09/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament continued in Dakar, Senegal, with the quarterfinals of all 13 Olympic weight classes held today. Athletes from 42 countries on the continent are participating in the tournament, which is being held at the Dakar Arena from September 9th through the 15th, with the goal of securing 18 quota places, the tickets to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In women’s events, 11 quota places will be awarded (two in each women’s event, except for the women’s 75 kg event where only 1 quota is available). In the men’s events, only 1 quota place will be awarded in each event, meaning that only the winners will earn a pass to Paris.
Women’s 54kg Category
In the women’s 54kg category, Morocco’s Bertal Widad defeated Nigeria’s Adeshina Zainab Motunrayo (NGR) by 5 points to 0, advancing to the semifinals where she will face Haghighat-Joo Sara (SLE), who secured her spot by defeating Nyembo Muamba Gisele (COD) via unanimous decision. In the same category, the tournament will see Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna Ahmed Rezk Abdalla facing Algeria’s Abdelkader Hadjala Fatma Zohra, after they defeated Ethiopia’s Bayew Agerie Emagnu and Tunisia’s Jlassi Chadha, respectively.
Women’s 60kg Category
In the women’s 60kg category, Mariam Sidibe (CIV) will face Khelif Hadjila (ALG) in the first semifinal, tomorrow. They both won their quarterfinal matches by outscoring Mendes Varela Carina (CPV) and Mulungo Isabel Sandra of Mozambique, respectively. The winner will meet the boxer emerging from the second semifinal, where Nkandu Felistars (ZAM) will go up against Ogunsemilore Cynthia Temitayo (NGR).
Women’s 75kg Category
In the women’s 75kg weight class, Morocco’s boxing superstar Khadija Mardi, the reigning African Champion who has won three continental titles in her career, defeated Mozambique’s Gramane Rady Adosinda 5 points to 0 after a tense match. Mardi will now meet Nigeria’s Mbata Patricia Adanma Epelle, who gained a 5-0 victory over Mwika Marie-Joelle (COD). In the same weight class, Tunisia’s Ben Mabrouk Molka defeated Senegal’s Ndiaye Ndèye Seynabou Dieng by unanimous decision and is now set to face Andiego Elizabeth Adhiambo (KEN) in the second semifinal.
Men’s 57kg Category
In the men’s 57kg category, Alain Christian Sangue of Cameroon secured a 3-2 split decision against Idriss Kitangila Kabwe (COD) in the quarterfinals. He will now face Nigeria’s Omole Dolapo Joshua, who defeated Namibia’s Morning Ndevelo Tryagain in round 1 during his quarterfinal match. The winner of that match will move up to the final, against the boxer who will prevail in the semifinal between Leta Fikremariyam Yadesa (ETH) and Maouche Hichem (ALG).
Men’s 71kg Category
Mozambique’s Tiago Osorio Muxanga, one of the “athletes to watch” in this tournament, lost his chances today in the men’s 71kg category. He was defeated by Steve Kulenguluka Mbiya (COD) with a score of 3 to 2 points. Kulenguluka Mbiya is now up for a semifinal match against Lesotho’s Michael Pakela Arena, who outscored Uganda’s Isaac Zebra Ssenyange 4 to 1 points today. Bruno Miguel Fernandes De Barros and Elawady Omar Elsayed Ragab Elawad (EGY) will compete in the second semifinal of the weight class tomorrow afternoon.
Men’s 92kg Category
Morocco continues to perform well in this Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament. In the men’s 92kg category, Moroccan boxer Maanni Ayoub advanced to the semifinals by defeating South Africa’s Nhlapo Bonginkosi with a commanding 5-0 score. He will now face Nigeria’s Adam Olaore Olaitan. In the other semifinal, Albino Julio Gabriel (MOZ) will go up against Algeria’s Mohamed Houmri, after they defeated home hero Karamba Kebe (SEN) and Jonathan Tetteh (GHA), respectively.
Men’s +92kg Category
Algeria’s Mourad Kadi finished in the spotlights in the men’s +92kg category, as he beat Cameroon’s Mvogo Amougou Zacharie Serge in less than 3 minutes. The Algerian boxer dominated the first part of round 1, forcing the referee to stop the contest at 1:33, and thus advancing to the semifinals. There, he will meet a formidable opponent, Keddy Evans Agnes of the Seychelles, who also advanced to the semifinals through a RSC as he beat Dos Santos Morais Davilson (CPV) at 2:21 in round 1. Morocco’s Mohamed Firisse beat Kenya’s Ramogi Fredrick Otieno (also by RSC in round 1) and will now meet the host country’s medal hope Balde Diarga in the second semifinal of the weight class.
Women’s 50kg Category
Nigeria’s Oyesiji Adeola Omowunmi clinched a 4-1 victory against Margret Tembo of Zambia in the Women’s 50kg category quarterfinal, advancing to the semifinal match where she will meet Algeria’s Boualam Roumaysa, who beat Aly Habiba Ibrahim Abdo Elshe (EGY) by unanimous decision. Diyoka Benedict (COD) won 4-1 against Ngoune Reine Laure (CMR) and will meet Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki in the second semifinal.
Women’s 57kg Category
Tunisia’s Hlimi Ep Moulahti Khouloud (TUN) won as the referee stopped her women’s 57kg match against South Africa’s Mnguni Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe amid round 2. She’s now bound to a bout against local hero Diallo Mariatou, representing Senegal, who won by a split decision against Benilde Regina Fernando Macaringue (MOZ). In the second semifinal of the class, Sakobi Matshu Marcelat (COD) will face Nigeria’s Ojo Nene Joy, after they beat Kenosi Keamogetse Sadie (BOT) and Selmouni Chahira (ALG).
Women’s 66kg Category
In the women’s 66kg event, Mireille Noelle Bindzi Ongbibou (CMR) won by unanimous decision against Shodipe Olawunmi Damilola from Nigeria, advancing to the semifinal match where she will meet Imane Khelif (ALG). Mbabi Tsheusi Brigitte (COD) beat Kenya’s Asiko Friza Anyango (KEN) by unanimous decision to book a spot in the second semifinal of the category against Lucas Dos Santos Alcinda (MOZ).
Men’s 51kg Category
Morocco’s Said Mortaji claimed a 4-1 victory against Tanzania’s Mohamed Abdallah Abdallah in the men’s 51kg category, advancing to the semifinal phase of the tournament where he will meet Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba. At the same time, Ghana’s Allotey Theophilus Kpakpo secured an unanimous decision win against Uganda’s Mawanda Fathia Shafik to meet Zidi Ala Eddine from Tunisia in the semifinal.
Men’s 63.5kg Category
Uganda’s Joshua Tukamuhebwa beat Tunisia’s Dridi Mehdi by unanimous decision in the first men’s 63.5kg weight class quarterfinal of the day, moving up in the brackets to a semifinal match against Mauritius’ Colin Louis Richarno, who achieved another victory as he defeated Morocco’s Abdelhaq Nadir via a split decision. In the other semifinal of the category, Algeria’s Jugurtha Ait Bekka will go up against South Africa’s Masamba John Paul.
Men’s 80kg Category
Tanzania’s Yusuf Lucasi Changalawe dashed the Olympic dream of the home team, beating Senegal’s Mouhamed Konate Seydina on points, by split decision, in the men’s 80kg category. On his way to a Paris 2024 qualification, Changalawe will have to meet Algeria’s Nemouchi Younes in the semifinal, as the Algerian athlete beat Tessa Kombila Yaya Roger (GAB) 5 to 0. Abdelgawwad Abdelrahman Salah Orabi (EGY) will meet Ipinge Gebhard Tonateni (NAM) in the second semifinal of the weight class.
Action is due to resume tomorrow, September 14th, when the semifinals will take place in two sessions at 12.00 and 17.00 (Dakar time). The finalists emerging from the women’s 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, and 66kg semifinals will be awarded a quota place.
Stay tuned on boxing.athlete365.org for results, photos, and news, and watch the tournament live on the Olympic Channel at https://olympics.com/en/sports/boxing/
Dakar’s Day 3: Senegal in the spotlight
11/09/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament continued today in Dakar, Senegal. Day 3 started with the women’s 57kg and the men’s 63.5kg and 92kg rounds of 16 bouts during the afternoon session.
Women’s 57kg Category
Host country Senegal took the spotlight as Mariatou Diallo entered the ring against Kenya’s Chege Pauline Wandia. Despite a challenging match, Diallo managed to secure victory with a narrow margin of 3 to 2 points. She will advance to the tournament’s next round and face Mozambique’s Benilde Regina Fernando Macaringue, who secured her spot in the quarterfinals with a unanimous decision win against Mambou Dorine Stephane (CMR).
In the same weight class, South Africa’s Mnguni Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe dominated Mohammed Anatu (GHA) with a resounding 5-0 score, earning a spot in the women’s 57kg quarterfinals where she will meet Tunisia’s Khouloud Hlimi Ep Moulahi (bye). Sakobi Matshu Marcelat (COD) also advanced to the round of 16 by defeating El Ksiri Laela (MAR) with a convincing 5-0 score, setting up a quarterfinal match against Kenosi Keamogetse Sadie (BOT).
Selmouni Chahira (ALG) and Ojo Nene Joy (NGR) will compete in the last quarterfinal match on September 13th after defeating Camara Marine Fatoumata Colette (MLI) and Mhango Mary (ZAM), respectively.
Men’s 63.5kg Category
Ghana’s Joseph Commey won the first men’s 63.5kg round of 16 match of the day. With consistent power and precision throughout the three rounds, he secured a commanding 5-0 victory against Brice Romaric Bassole (BUR), earning a full scorecard (all judges awarded him all rounds). Commey will now face a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals, Algeria’s Jugurtha Ait Bekka, who secured a unanimous decision win against Botswana’s Kabo Collen Seitshiro.
Tunisia’s Dridi Mehdi advanced to the quarterfinals after a walkover by Jorgito Ca (GBS). He will meet Uganda’s Joshua Tukamuhebwa, who reached this stage with a knockout victory in his first tournament bout two days ago and a win against Gabon’s Ndjinga Clinton Farlo by the referee’s stoppage today.
Louis Richarno Colin (MRI) won against Taha Don Yves Mikael (CIV) by unanimous decision, earning a spot in a face-off against Morocco’s Abdelhaq Nadir, who also secured a win as the referee stopped his contest against Sylla Alseny (GUI).
At the bottom side of the brackets, South Africa’s John Paul Masamba cleared his round of 16 bout against Lesotho’s Monaheng Khebe in less than 3 minutes, overwhelming him before the referee stopped the contest at 2:54. Elsayed Omar Abdelaziz Abdelaziz (EGY) awaits him in the quarterfinals after securing a 5-0 win in his preliminary bout.
Men’s 92kg Category
Moving on to the heavyweights, Senegal’s medal hopeful, Kebe Karamba, electrified the Dakar Arena as he outscored Tanzania’s Maregesi Musa Wambura in today’s preliminary men’s 92kg bout. Up next, the home champion faces a formidable opponent on his path to the podium and the Paris 2024 quota place: Nigeria’s Olaore Olaitan Adam, who defeated Zahouli Bi Marshal Junior Youzan (CIV) as the referee stopped the contest.
In the same class, after winning today’s preliminary bout, Maanni Ayoub (MAR) is set for a quarterfinals fight against South Africa’s Nhlapo Bonginkosi, who advanced via a walk-over. Mozambique’s Albino Julio Gabriel won a thrilling match against Londji Arignany Christ Freddy (GAB) today. While he lost the first round due to his opponent’s longer reach, he dominated the second and third rounds, overpowering Freddy. Gabriel convinced the five judges to award him the bout by unanimous decision. Moving forward, he will meet Alwanga Peter Abuti (KEN), who beat Kandil Hazem Nader Abdellatif Em of Egypt by unanimous decision. Algeria’s Houmri Mohamed and Ghana’s Jonathan Tetteh will compete in the last quarterfinal of the category on the 13th of September.
During the evening session, preliminary bouts were held for the men’s 51kg and 57kg weight classes, as well as the women’s 66kg weight class. These bouts determined the brackets for their respective quarterfinal phases, which are scheduled to take place on September 13th.
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa qualification tournament features 235 athletes from 42 nations competing in 13 weight classes and will qualify 18 boxers for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The tournament will pause on September 12th and then resume from September 13th to September 15th. The final three days of the competition, including all medal matches and Olympic quota place fights, will be broadcast live by the Olympic Channel. Stay tuned on www.olympic.com for updates!
Dakar’s Day 2: Evening Session Showcases Top-Class Action
10/09/2023
Day-2’s evening session transformed into a stage for top-class sports action at the Boxing Road to Paris Africa Qualification Tournament in Dakar, Senegal.
Men’s 71kg Weight Class
In the Men’s 71kg weight class, one of the most anticipated boxers, Mozambique’s Tiago Osorio Muxanga, once again took the spotlight. He dominated his round of 16 bout, leaving no chances for Boniface Shain Barnsley from Seychelles. Muxanga carefully studied his opponent in the first round, maintaining his distance. As the second round began, he launched a relentless assault on his opponent with an unstoppable pace and intensity. The referee had to stop the bout soon, awarding the victory to Muxanga, who has yet to be seen competing in a third round here in Dakar.
Everyone now wonder if his next opponent, Steve Kulenguluka Mbiya (COD), will be able to shad light on what Muxanga looks like in a Round 3, as he walks into the stellar quarterfinal match after securing a convincing 5-0 victory against Nigeria’s Fatai Moshood Abiola.
Michael Arena Pakela of Lesotho claimed a 4-1 split decision win over Kenya’s Maina Boniface Mogunde, earning a spot in the quarterfinals against Uganda’s Isaac Zebra Ssenyange. Ssenyange collected a split-decision victory against Simnikiwe Bongco from the Republic of South Africa.
In the same category, Fernandes De Barros Bruno Miguel (CPV) defeated Thomas Christian Alimamy (SLE) by a score of 3-1. He is set to face Tunisia’s Ghazouani Hamza, who secured a 4-1 win against Cameron’s Mengue Ayissi Albert.
Senegal’s Mendy Alphonse Junior Antoine advanced in the tournament, beating Armando Bighafa Bigate Naaé (GBS) through a split decision, keeping the host country’s Olympic hopes alive. Chasing his dreat to secure place in the Paris 2024 Olympics, he will have to face Egypt’s Elawady Omar Elsayed Ragab Elawad. Elawad impressively defeated Saed Mohammed Fathi Saad (LBA) in less than three minutes, prompting the referee to stop the contest in the first round.
Men’s 80kg Weight Class
Today’s men’s 80kg bouts determined the brackets for the quarterfinals, scheduled for the evening session on September 13th.
Local hero Konate Seydina Mouhamed, representing Senegal in the men’s 80kg weight class on his home turf, advanced in the tournament with a commanding 5-0 win over Laweri Okumu Jalaba Charles (SSD). He will next face Lucas Yusuf Changalawe (TAN), who secured victory with a close 3-2 decision against Ngamissengue Mpi Anauël (CGO).
In the same weight class, Egypt’s Abdelgawwad Abdelrahman Salah Orabi dominated his match against Ndaye Ghislain from the Central African Republic. Abdelgawwad started by controlling the center of the ring, then relentlessly pursued his opponent, resulting in an unbearable situation for his opponent. With only 16 seconds left in the first round and after two standing counts, the referee had to stop the match, advancing Abdelgawwad to the quarterfinals. There, he will face Morocco’s Mohamed Assaghir, who secured an unanimous decision victory against Maximiliano “Max” Bibang Manana from Equatorial Guinea.
Gabon’s Tessa Kombila Roger Yaya defeated Zoungrana Eben Ezer Tene Gueswende (BUR) with a convincing 5-0 score, earning a spot in the quarterfinals against Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi.
Togo’s Padabadi Prewa achieved a hard-fought 4-1 victory against Libya’s Saad Saad Fathi. The first round ended in a tie, with Saad Saad Fathi leading in round 2. However, Padabadi’s stamina carried him through round 3, forcing his opponent into a standing count. The judges awarded him the victory. In the next phase, he will meet Namibia’s Ipinge Gebhard Tonateni, who advanced to the quarterfinals with an unanimous decision victory over Nzewi Israel Emanuel (CPV), securing a full scorecard (each of the five judges awarded him all three rounds).
In the Women’s 54kg category, Egypt’s Ayyad Yomna Ahmed Rezk Abdalla secured a unanimous decision from the judges, defeating Yetongnon Coletivi Dechey (TOG) on points. Jlassi Chadha (TUN) advanced in the tournament as her opponent Ndong Maïmouna (SEN) withdrew. The category’s quarterfinals are now set and will take place in the afternoon session on September 13th.
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa Qualification Tournament features 235 athletes from 42 nations competing in 13 weight categories (7 men’s, 6 women’s). It is held at the Dakar Arena in the Senegalese capital from September 9th to September 15th.
The tournament continues on September 11th with 43 more preliminary bouts in two sessions at 12:00 and 17:00 (Dakar time).
Follow the event on boxing.athlete365.org!
Dakar’s Day 2: Afternoon Session Shapes Women’s 50kg and Men’s 63.5kg Brackets
10/09/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa Qualification Tournament continued today in Dakar, Senegal, with 43 bouts scheduled for Day 2. During the afternoon session, athletes competed in the women’s 50kg and 54kg categories, as well as in the men’s 63.5kg weight class.
In the Women’s 50kg category, today’s matches determined the quarterfinalists for this weight category, which are set to compete during the evening session on September 13th.
Oyesiji Adeola Omowunmi (NGR) displayed remarkable skills and secured a unanimous decision victory over Yusufu Zulfa Macho (TAN) in the first women’s 50kg bout of the day. Her next challenge will be Margret Tembo (ZAM), who swiftly defeated Dieynaba Diallo (SEN) as the referee stopped the contest early in round 1, favoring the Zambian athlete.
Aly Habiba Ibrahim Abdo Elshe (EGY) advanced via a walkover, and her next challenge will be Boualam Roumaysa (ALG). Roumaysa made a strong impression today by overpowering Namibia’s Ngesheya Ndapandula Peyehafo, leading to two standing counts and an early stoppage by the referee in round 1.
Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco delivered a dominant performance, securing a 5-0 win on points against Republic of South Africa’s Mathiba Thandolwethu Truelove. She has earned her spot in the quarterfinals, where she will face Hafsi Wafa from Tunisia, who also advanced with an unanimous decision win over Kenya’s Christine Ongare.
Benedicte Diyoka from the Democratic Republic of Congo moved forward in the brackets as she defeated Ghana’s Janet Acquah. The referee stopped the contest during round 2 as Diyoka showcased her power. She is now set to face Cameron’s Laure Ngoune Reine in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Moving on to the Women’s 54kg category, Nigeria’s Adeshina Zainab Motunrayo exhibited control throughout her bout, securing a unanimous decision victory against Burundi’s Havyarimana Ornell. Motunrayo effectively landed clean, powerful punches throughout the three rounds, leading to several standing counts for her opponent and securing the victory.
Sierra Leone’s Sara Haghighat-Joo also advanced in the tournament by beating Kenya’s Faki Amina Martha with a dominant 5-0 victory. Additionally, Gisele Nyembo Muamba from the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a spot in the next round by overpowering Ghana’s Quaye Ramatu. The contest was stopped at the beginning of round 2 due to Muamba’s impressive performance. Bayew Agerie Emagnu from Ethiopia also secured a convincing 5-0 win against Ngandwe Hildah from Zambia.
In the Men’s 63.5kg division, thirteen bouts took place during the afternoon session, shaping the round of 16 for this event. Tunisia’s Mehdi Dridi clinched a 4-1 split decision win against eSwatini’s Dlamini Thabiso, earning a spot in the next round. He is set to meet Jorgito Ca of Guinea Bissau (bye).
In the same category, Joshua Tukamuhebwa (UGA), Ndjinga Clinton Farlo (GAB), Colin Louis Richarno (MRI), Mikael Taha Don Yves (CIV), Sylla Alseny (GUI), Nadir Abdelhaq Mar (MAR), Joseph Commey (GHA), Seitshiro Kabo Collen (BOT), Ait Bekka Jugurtha (ALG), John Paul Masamba (RSA), Khebe Monaheng (LES) and Admilson Kévin Moreira De Carvalho (CPV) all made it through their respective bouts today, advancing to the next phase of the tournament, where they will meet also Egypt’s Omar Abdelaziz Abdelaziz Elsayed (bye) and Brice Romaric Bassole of Burkina Faso (bye).
The tournament, featuring 235 athletes from 42 nations, is taking place at the Dakar Arena in Dakar, Senegal. The event, scheduled from September 9th to September 15th (with a day-off on September 12th), aims to qualify 18 athletes for the next Olympic Games Paris 2024, with 11 spots available for women and 7 for men.
The competition will resume later today with the evening session starting at 17:00 (Dakar time), featuring 18 more bouts in the Women’s 54kg, Men’s 71kg, and 80kg weight categories.
Stay tuned for updates on boxing.athlete365.org!
Boxing Road to Paris: Africa Qualification Tournament Kicks Off in Dakar, Senegal
09/09/2023
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa Qualification Tournament commenced today in Dakar, Senegal, featuring 235 athletes from 42 nations. The event, running from September 9th to September 15th (with a day-off on September 12th), is a pivotal moment for boxers from across the continent who are vying for the 18 Paris 2024 quota places, with 11 spots available for women and 7 for men.
The tournament is organized by the National Olympic Committee of Senegal at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio and is sanctioned by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). On the opening day, a total of 48 bouts took place, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling competition.
Women’s 50kg
The action began with Tanzania’s Yusufu Zulfa Macho securing the first victory of the tournament in the women’s 50kg category, defeating Uganda’s Grace Nankinjga in a commanding 5-0 decision. She is now poised to face Nigeria’s Omowunmi Adeola Oysiji in the round of 16, as Oysiji advanced with a bye. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki triumphed with an unanimous decision over Helena Bagao from Mozambique, setting up a clash with South Africa’s Thandolwethu Truelove Mathiba in the round of 16.
Roumaysa Boulam from Algeria and Janet Acquah from Ghana also emerged victorious in their respective bouts and are set to face Namibia’s Ndapandula Peyehafo Ngesheya and Benedicte Diyoka of the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively, in the next round.
Men’s 51kg
In the Men’s 51kg category, Tanzania’s Abdallah Abdallah Mohamed secured his first victory in the tournament by defeating Lenick Patrick Gomes Fernandes from Cape Verde by a score of 4 to 1. His next challenge will be Egypt’s Abdallah Saied Nasser Mou Emam. Four more bouts took place in this event class on the opening day, paving the way for the round of 16 scheduled for September 11th.
Men’s 71kg
The home crowd in Dakar erupted in joy as Senegal’s Alphonse Junior Antoine Mendy, the first Senegalese boxer to step into the ring, triumphed with a 4-1 victory over Ethiopia’s Daniel Abenezer Esebo in the men’s 71kg category. Mendy is now poised to face Guinea Bissau’s Armand Bighafa Bigate Naaé in the round of 16.
Tiago Osorio Muxanga of Mozambique, one of the most anticipated athletes of the tournament in the same weight class, secured an emphatic unanimous 5-0 decision in his match against Alfred Kotey of Ghana. Although Kotey showed promise at the end of round 1, Muxanga clearly outclassed him in rounds two and three, showcasing an irresistible combination of power and technique that left no chance for his opponent. Advancing further in the tournament, he is now set to face Seychelles’ Boniface Shain Barnsley, who earned his spot with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Sekou Doumbia of Ivory Coast.
In this same event, South Africa’s Simnikiwe Bongco, Cape Verde’s Bruno Miguel Fernandes De Barros, Albert Mengue Ayissi of Cameroon, Egypt’s Omar Elsayed Ragab Elawad Elawady, Kenya’s Mogunde Maina Boniface, and Abiola Fatai Moshood also progressed, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the next phase of the tournament.
Men’s 92kg and Men’s +92kg
In the Men’s 92kg category, Mali’s Maxime Mohamed Coulibaly secured a decisive 5-0 victory, while Algeria’s Mourad Kadi triumphed in the Men’s +92kg with a victory by referee stoppage. The quarterfinals for the Men’s +92kg will take place on September 13th, promising more intense action in the days ahead.
Men’s 80kg
Senegal’s Seydina Mouhamed Konate thrilled the home crowd with a resounding 4-0 victory over Ghana’s Seth Gyimah in the Men’s 80kg category. In the same weight class, boxers from Algeria, Egypt, and Namibia also secured victories, setting the stage for their future clashes in the tournament.
Men’s 57kg and Women’s 60kg
The evening session featured 26 athletes competing in the men’s 57kg event preliminaries, shaping the round of 16 set for Monday, September 11th. In the women’s 60kg category, six bouts determined the quarterfinals scheduled for September 13th.
The Africa qualification tournament in Dakar will continue tomorrow, with the first session starting at 12:00 (Senegal time).
Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and results, all of which will be available on the Athlete 365 Boxing Corner website at boxing.athlete365.org.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the final phase of the tournament from September 13th to 15th, with all matches broadcasted live by the Olympic Channel.
Official Draw: 235 athletes from 42 NOCs on the rings of the Africa Qualification Tournament
08/09/2023The Technical Meeting and the Official Draw of the Paris 2024 Africa Boxing Qualification tournament in Dakar, Senegal, took place today, September 8th, 2023.
The draw sheets for all 13 weight categories are now available on this website, within the “downloadable resources / draw sheets” section located at the event page’s bottom.
Starting from September 9th and running through to September 15th, boxers from across the continent will compete in the 13 Olympic boxing categories (7 men’s, 6 women’s categories) in the Senegalese capital, with the aim of securing the 18 Paris 2024 quota places up for grabs (11 for women and 7 for men).
A total of 42 African National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are represented in the tournament, with 235 participating athletes (83 women and 152 men). The event will span 7 days, from September 9th to September 15th, with a rest day scheduled for September 12th. Two sessions will be conducted daily at 12:00 and 17:00, totaling 222 bouts. The final phase of the event will be live-streamed by the Olympic Channel from September 13th to September 15th.
The tournament is organized by the National Olympic Committee of Senegal and sanctioned by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). It takes place at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, the same venue that successfully hosted the 2020 edition of the African continental qualifier on the road to Tokyo.
This event marks the second leg of the Boxing Road to Paris qualification series, which includes five continental tournaments and two world qualifiers. The journey began at the European Games in Krakow-Malopolska last June and will continue at the Pan American, Asian, and Pacific Games later this year. In March and May 2024, two World Qualifiers will be held in Busto Arsizio (Italy) and Bangkok (Thailand), respectively.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and results, all of which will be posted online on the Athlete 365 Boxing Corner website at boxing.athlete365.org
European Games Wrap-Up: Medals and Quota Places
02/07/2023The boxing tournament of the III European Games concluded today at the Nowy Targ Arena, where 319 athletes from 42 countries and the European Refugee Athletes team competed from June 23 to July 2 in 13 weight categories (7 men, 6 women).
France finished atop the medal standings with an outstanding total of 7 medals, including 3 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze. Turkie ended up in second place, collecting 6 medals (2 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze). Ireland followed in third, thanks to 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, for a total of 5 athletes on the podium.
The European Games boxing tournament also served as a Boxing Road to Paris continental qualifier, with 44 Olympic Games quota places up for grabs across 13 weight categories.
A total of 17 countries secured at least one quota place out of the 42 participating nations, with Team France winning the highest number of Olympic berths. The host of the next Olympic Games secured an impressive number of seven slots (4 women, 3 men), preparing to deliver a strong performance on their home turf in Paris in one year.
Boxing powerhouse Turkie also finished in the spotlight as they secured six Olympic quotas (4 women, 2 men) on the rings of the Nowy Targ Arena. Team Ireland chased them with five slots collected during the tournament (3 women, 2 men).
What’s up next on the Boxing Road to Paris? According to the Paris 2024 qualification system for boxing, a total of 248 Olympic quota places are to be distributed. With 44 of them awarded here in Poland, the remaining 204 will be assigned through four more continental qualifiers and two World Qualifiers.
Spotlights are now turning to Dakar, Senegal, where an ad-hoc Africa Qualification Tournament will be held on September 9-15, 2023. Olympic qualifications for boxing will then continue at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou (CHN) from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The American continent will follow swiftly, with boxers entering the Pan American Games ring from October 20 to November 5, 2023. Finally, the 2023 Pacific Games will serve as a qualifier for Oceania from November 27 to December 2, 2023. The two World Qualifiers will be held in the first and second quarters of 2024, but the exact dates and locations haven’t been unveiled yet. Stay tuned for more boxing action!
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Country (after 13 out 13 events finished)
| NOC | G | S | B |
| France (FRA) | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Irland (IRL) | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Italy (ITA) | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Denmark (DEN) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Spain (ESP) | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Romania (ROU) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Germany (GER) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Poland (POL) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Event (after 13 out 13 events finished)
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Bronze |
| W 50kg | Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) | Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA) | FUERTES FERNANDEZ Laura (ESP) | SORRENTINO Giordana (ITA) |
| W 54kg | PETROVA Stanimira (BUL) | PERIJOC Lenuta Lacramioara (ROU) | AKBAS Hatice (TUR) | DAVISON Charley-Sian Taylor (GBR) |
| W 57kg | Amina Zidani (FRA) | Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) | WALSH Michaela (IRL) | TESTA Irma (ITA) |
| W 60kg | HARRINGTON Kellie (IRL) | SHADRINA Natalia (SRB) | MOSSELY Estelle (FRA) | OZER Gizem (TUR) |
| W 66kg | SURMENELI Busenaz (TUR) | DERIEUW Oshin (BEL) | HAMORI Anna Luca (HUN) | ECCLES Rosie Joy (GBR) |
| W 75kg | Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) | Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) | SCHOENBERGER Irina Nicoletta (GER) | WOJCIK Elzbieta (POL) |
| M 51kg | BENNAMA Billal (FRA) | GUMUS Samet (TUR) | MACDONALD Kiaran Bradley (GBR) | SERRA Federico Emilio (ITA) |
| M 57kg | Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) | Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP) | USTUROI Vasile (BEL) | IBRAHIM Nebil Mahmud (SWE) |
| M 63.5kg | OUMIHA Sofiane (FRA) | GURULI Lasha (GEO) | CLANCY Dean (IRL) | KOVACS Richard (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) | Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) | TRAORE Makan-Vie (FRA) | ERDEMIR Tugrulhan (TUR) |
| M 80kg | KHYZHNIAK Oleksandr (UKR) | VEOCIC Gabrijel (CRO) | CAVALLARO Salvatore (ITA) | ALLAHVERDIYEV Murad (AZE) |
| M 92kg | MOUHIIDINE Aziz Abbes (ITA) | MARLEY Jack (IRL) | REYES PLA Enmanuel (ESP) | BEREZNICKI Mateusz (POL) |
| M +92kg | Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) | Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) | HERNANDEZ MOREJON Yordan Alain (BUL) | TIAFACK Nelvie Raman (GER) |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Event
| Event | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place |
| W 50kg | Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) | Giordana Sorrentino (ITA) | Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP) | Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA) |
| W 54kg | Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR) | Stanimira Petrova (BUL) | Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU) | Hatice Akbas (TUR) |
| W 57kg | Irma Testa (ITA) | Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) | Micahela Walsh (IRL) | Amina Zidani (FRA) |
| W 60kg | Kellie Harrington (IRL) | Estelle Mossely (FRA) | Gizem Ozer (TUR) | Natalia Shadrina (SRB) |
| W 66kg | Anna Luca Hamori (HUN) | Oshin Derieuw (BEL) | Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR) | Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR) |
| W 75kg | Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) | Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 51kg | Billal Bennama (FRA) | Samet Gumus (TUR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 57kg | Vasile Usturoi (BEL) | Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) | Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE) | Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP) |
| M 63.5kg | Dean Clancy (IRL) | Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) | Lasha Guruli (GEO) | Richard Kovacs (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Makan-Vie Traore (FRA) | Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) | Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) | Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR) |
| M 80kg | Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) | Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR) | Gabrijel Veocic (CRO) | Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE) |
| M 92kg | Jack Marley (IRL) | Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M +92kg | Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) | Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Country
| NOC | # | Quota Places |
| France (FRA) | 7 | · Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama, 30 June 2023 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 6 | · Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Samet Gumus, 30 June 2023 |
| Ireland (IRL) | 5 | · Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg: Aoife O’Rourke (IRL), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley, 30 June 2023 |
| Italy (ITA) | 4 | · Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), 30 June 2023 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz, 28 June 2023 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Delicious Justin Orie, 30 June 2023 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 2 | · Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), 30 June 2023 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 2 | · Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw, 28 June 2023 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 2 | · Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs, 28 June 2023 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 2 | · Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov, 28 June 2023 |
| Spain (ESP) | 2 | · Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons, 28 June 2023 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic, 28 June 2023 |
| Denmark (DEN) | 1 | · Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan, 28 June 2023 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 1 | · Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul, 28 June 2023 |
| Roumania (ROU) | 1 | · Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, 28 June 2023 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 1 | · Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, 28 June 2023 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, 28 June 2023 |
Day 10 Concludes European Games with 6 Champions on the Podium
02/07/2023After ten intense days and a total of 306 bouts, the boxing tournament of the III European Games came to an end at the Nowy Targ Arena today, with the last six gold medal matches crowning champions in the Women’s 50kg, 57kg, and 75kg events, and in the Men’s 57kg, 71kg, and +92kg weight categories.
The tournament served as a Boxing Road to Paris continental qualifier, distributing 44 quota places across 13 weight categories for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 (find a detailed table of the qualified athletes at the bottom of this news).
In the first gold medal match of the day, the Women’s 50kg event saw the two most successful nations of this tournament meeting in a direct clash as Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu faced France’s Wassila Lkhadiri. Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Cakiroglu was the favorite going into the match as she came to Poland to defend the European Games title she won in 2019, and she didn’t disappoint her fans. Dominating for three rounds and earning 10/9 decisions across her scorecard, the Turkish athlete imposed a commanding 5-0 decision on her French rival to finish atop the podium. Her victory also lifted Turkey to the second place in the overall medal rankings by event.
France was in the spotlight again in the Women’s 57kg final, as Amina Zidani clinched a 4-1 victory over Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva at the end of a hard-fought medal match. After the first two rounds, the bout was still open, with Zidani enjoying a slight advantage over her Bulgarian opponent. Round 3 became the game changer as the French athlete zeroed in and landed a few powerful blows, coming out in the lead.
It was the 2019 and 2022 European champion Aoife O’Rourke from Ireland who stood on the top step of the podium in the Women’s 75kg event. The 25-year-old boxer outscored Davina-Myrha Michel, the third French finalist of the day, with a 5-0 victory after leading throughout the entire match.
Moments later, a high-energy final bout decided the outcome of the Men’s 57kg event, with Bulgaria’s Javier Ibanez Diaz and Spain’s Jose Quiles Brotons boxing at full pace. Round 1 finished with the two athletes almost tied, leaving the bout wide open. It was in Rounds 2 and 3 that the Bulgarian athlete stepped up his efforts, claiming both rounds to secure the gold medal match by unanimous decision.
In the Men’s 71kg final, Nikolai Terteryan of Denmark secured the European Games title by defeating Serbia’s Vakhid Abbasov with a split decision (4-1). The Danish athlete comfortably led Rounds 1 and 2, collecting a string of 10/9 decisions, and then withstood the Serbian’s comeback in Round 3 to claim the gold medal.
The last match of the boxing tournament of the European Games, Bout 306, crowned Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) as the Men’s +92kg champion after a stellar match against Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE). Round 1 slightly favored Abdullayev (3 out of 5 judges voted for him), while Orie led Round 2, securing the votes of all judges. Round 3 became the tiebreaker between the two. There, Orie took advantage of his longer reach to control the distance and landed a series of powerful and precise blows that lifted him to the top of the podium with a commanding unanimous decision of 5-0. The Superheavyweight boxer, who follows in the footsteps of 2012 Olympic Champion Anthony Joshua, now looks forward to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where he will be seen as the man to beat.
After hundreds of great bouts and a display of superb boxing, the curtains fall on the European Games. But the Boxing Road to Paris continues. The qualification series will now proceed with four more continental legs to be held in 2023 and two World Qualifiers scheduled in the first and second quarters of 2024 (dates and locations to be confirmed).
Spotlights are now turning to Dakar, Senegal, where an ad-hoc Africa Qualification Tournament will be held on September 9-15, 2023. Olympic qualifications for boxing will then continue at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou (CHN) from September 23 to October 8, 2023. American athletes will follow swiftly, stepping into the ring from October 20 to November 5, 2023. Finally, the 2023 Pacific Games will serve as a qualifier for Oceania from November 27 to December 2, 2023.
Stay tuned for more boxing action!
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Country (after 13 out 13 events finished)
| NOC | G | S | B |
| France (FRA) | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Irland (IRL) | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Italy (ITA) | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Denmark (DEN) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Spain (ESP) | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Romania (ROU) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Germany (GER) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Poland (POL) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Event (after 13 out 13 events finished)
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Bronze |
| W 50kg | Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) | Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA) | FUERTES FERNANDEZ Laura (ESP) | SORRENTINO Giordana (ITA) |
| W 54kg | PETROVA Stanimira (BUL) | PERIJOC Lenuta Lacramioara (ROU) | AKBAS Hatice (TUR) | DAVISON Charley-Sian Taylor (GBR) |
| W 57kg | Amina Zidani (FRA) | Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) | WALSH Michaela (IRL) | TESTA Irma (ITA) |
| W 60kg | HARRINGTON Kellie (IRL) | SHADRINA Natalia (SRB) | MOSSELY Estelle (FRA) | OZER Gizem (TUR) |
| W 66kg | SURMENELI Busenaz (TUR) | DERIEUW Oshin (BEL) | HAMORI Anna Luca (HUN) | ECCLES Rosie Joy (GBR) |
| W 75kg | Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) | Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) | SCHOENBERGER Irina Nicoletta (GER) | WOJCIK Elzbieta (POL) |
| M 51kg | BENNAMA Billal (FRA) | GUMUS Samet (TUR) | MACDONALD Kiaran Bradley (GBR) | SERRA Federico Emilio (ITA) |
| M 57kg | Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) | Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP) | USTUROI Vasile (BEL) | IBRAHIM Nebil Mahmud (SWE) |
| M 63.5kg | OUMIHA Sofiane (FRA) | GURULI Lasha (GEO) | CLANCY Dean (IRL) | KOVACS Richard (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) | Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) | TRAORE Makan-Vie (FRA) | ERDEMIR Tugrulhan (TUR) |
| M 80kg | KHYZHNIAK Oleksandr (UKR) | VEOCIC Gabrijel (CRO) | CAVALLARO Salvatore (ITA) | ALLAHVERDIYEV Murad (AZE) |
| M 92kg | MOUHIIDINE Aziz Abbes (ITA) | MARLEY Jack (IRL) | REYES PLA Enmanuel (ESP) | BEREZNICKI Mateusz (POL) |
| M +92kg | Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) | Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) | HERNANDEZ MOREJON Yordan Alain (BUL) | TIAFACK Nelvie Raman (GER) |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Event
| Event | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place |
| W 50kg | Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) | Giordana Sorrentino (ITA) | Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP) | Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA) |
| W 54kg | Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR) | Stanimira Petrova (BUL) | Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU) | Hatice Akbas (TUR) |
| W 57kg | Irma Testa (ITA) | Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) | Micahela Walsh (IRL) | Amina Zidani (FRA) |
| W 60kg | Kellie Harrington (IRL) | Estelle Mossely (FRA) | Gizem Ozer (TUR) | Natalia Shadrina (SRB) |
| W 66kg | Anna Luca Hamori (HUN) | Oshin Derieuw (BEL) | Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR) | Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR) |
| W 75kg | Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) | Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 51kg | Billal Bennama (FRA) | Samet Gumus (TUR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 57kg | Vasile Usturoi (BEL) | Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) | Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE) | Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP) |
| M 63.5kg | Dean Clancy (IRL) | Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) | Lasha Guruli (GEO) | Richard Kovacs (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Makan-Vie Traore (FRA) | Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) | Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) | Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR) |
| M 80kg | Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) | Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR) | Gabrijel Veocic (CRO) | Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE) |
| M 92kg | Jack Marley (IRL) | Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M +92kg | Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) | Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Country
| NOC | # | Quota Places |
| France (FRA) | 7 | · Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama, 30 June 2023 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 6 | · Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Samet Gumus, 30 June 2023 |
| Ireland (IRL) | 5 | · Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg: Aoife O’Rourke (IRL), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley, 30 June 2023 |
| Italy (ITA) | 4 | · Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), 30 June 2023 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz, 28 June 2023 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Delicious Justin Orie, 30 June 2023 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 2 | · Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), 30 June 2023 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 2 | · Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw, 28 June 2023 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 2 | · Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs, 28 June 2023 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 2 | · Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov, 28 June 2023 |
| Spain (ESP) | 2 | · Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons, 28 June 2023 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic, 28 June 2023 |
| Denmark (DEN) | 1 | · Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan, 28 June 2023 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 1 | · Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul, 28 June 2023 |
| Roumania (ROU) | 1 | · Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, 28 June 2023 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 1 | · Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, 28 June 2023 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, 28 June 2023 |
7 Champions Crowned At Today’s European Games Finals
01/07/2023The boxing tournament of the III European Games in Krakow-Malapolska has reached its final phase. Today (July 1) and tomorrow (July 2), the gold medal matches of all 13 weight categories will take place under the spotlights of the Nowy Targ Arena.
319 athletes from 42 European countries (plus the European Refugee Team) arrived here to compete from June 23 to July 02, aiming for the coveted European Games titles and the 44 Paris 2024 Olympic Quota Places up for grabs. This tournament serves as the first leg of the Boxing Road to Paris qualifying series.
Today, the gold medal matches for Women’s 54kg, 60kg, 66kg, and Men’s 51kg, 63.5kg, 80kg, and 92kg took place.
Bulgaria’s Stanimira Petrova secured the first gold medal of the tournament in the Women’s 54kg event. Petrova, who had previously won a featherweight title at the 2019 European Games, once again proved to be one of the most formidable boxers in her class. She advanced in the tournament by defeating Great Britain’s Charley-Sian Taylor Davison and Ukraine’s Anastasiia Kovalchuk with two perfect 5-0 scores, leading her to the final against Romania’s Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc. In the gold medal match, she dominated her opponent, earning 10/9 scores across all three rounds and finishing atop the podium.
In the Women’s 60kg event, Kellie Harrington (IRL) claimed the gold medal, solidifying her position as the woman to beat in her category on the road to Paris 2024. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and 2022 European champion from Ireland outscored Serbia’s Natalia Shadrina in a tense bout. Although Round 1 ended with the two athletes nearly tied, Harrington turned Round 2 in her favor and secured an unanimous decision win with a strong performance in Round 3.
Turkie’s Busenaz Surmeneli added the missing medal to her trophy showcase as she claimed gold in the Women’s 66kg weight class at the European Games. The 2020 Olympic Champion, two-time World Champion, and reigning Mediterranean Games champion dashed Belgium’s hopes by outscoring Oshin Derieuw with a commanding 5-0 score. Surmeneli led throughout all three rounds without hesitation, convincing all five judges. With a quota place secured and all regional, continental, and international titles in her books, she is now heading full steam to the Paris 2024 Games as the athlete to beat.
In the Men’s 51kg category, France’s Billal Bennama defeated Samet Gumus (TUR) with a score of 4-1, concluding his European Games journey atop the podium after a hard-fought gold medal match. Throughout the tournament, the 25-year-old boxer showcased great skills and determination, earning three 5-0 decisions and shining on the road to Paris 2024.
It took another French boxer, Sofiane Oumiha, eight years and three attempts before reaching the highest step of the European Games podium. The Rio 2016 silver medalist outscored Georgia’s Lasha Guruli 4-1 points in the Men’s 63.5kg category today, claiming the brightest medal in his third participation in the continental Games. In both 2015 and 2019, he reached the final but walked away with a silver medal. This time, the 28-year-old athlete secured a hard-fought victory with a stellar performance in Round 3, cementing his name among the category’s top contenders on the pathway to Paris.
In the quickest round of the day, it took less than two rounds for Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak to defeat Croatia’s Gabrijel Veocic in the Men’s 80kg gold medal match. The 27-year-old from Poltava clearly won Round 1, forcing his opponent into a standing count at 2:15 into the round and earning four 10/9 scores and one 10/8 from the judges. Round 2 didn’t even reach its natural end as the referee stopped the contest at 1:33 after counting Veocic for the second time. Khyzhniak, a Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, is no stranger to the European Games podium. In 2015, he won bronze at the inaugural edition in Baku, and in 2019, he finished atop the podium, entering the III European Games in Krakow-Malapolska as the defending champion.
Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine, arguably the most dominant boxer of this tournament, became the European Games champion in the Men’s 92kg weight class tonight by outscoring Ireland’s Jack Marley with a 5-0 decision. The 24-year-old Italian athlete, who had already claimed the first Olympic quota place in men’s boxing events for Italy in eight years, proved to be the best in the continent after winning the 2022 European championship. With his longer reach, the Italian controlled the rhythm of the match and kept his opponent at a distance. Moving around the ring with a dodge-and-hit style resembling the Cuban school, the 24-year-old dominated the bout and secured his first European Games title.
The boxing tournament of the III European Games will come to an end tomorrow, July 2, with the last six gold medal matches taking place from 13:00 (CET) at the Nowy Targ Arena. Stay tuned!
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Country (after 7 out 13 events finished)
| NOC | G | S | B |
| France (FRA) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Irland (IRL) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Italy (ITA) | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Romania (ROU) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Germany (GER) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Poland (POL) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Spain (ESP) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 0 | 0 | 1 |
III European Games Boxing Tournament Medal Standings, by Event (after 7 out 13 events finished)
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Bronze |
| W 50kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | FUERTES FERNANDEZ Laura (ESP) | SORRENTINO Giordana (ITA) |
| W 54kg | PETROVA Stanimira (BUL) | PERIJOC Lenuta Lacramioara (ROU) | AKBAS Hatice (TUR) | DAVISON Charley-Sian Taylor (GBR) |
| W 57kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | WALSH Michaela (IRL) | TESTA Irma (ITA) |
| W 60kg | HARRINGTON Kellie (IRL) | SHADRINA Natalia (SRB) | MOSSELY Estelle (FRA) | OZER Gizem (TUR) |
| W 66kg | SURMENELI Busenaz (TUR) | DERIEUW Oshin (BEL) | HAMORI Anna Luca (HUN) | ECCLES Rosie Joy (GBR) |
| W 75kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | SCHOENBERGER Irina Nicoletta (GER) | WOJCIK Elzbieta (POL) |
| M 51kg | BENNAMA Billal (FRA) | GUMUS Samet (TUR) | MACDONALD Kiaran Bradley (GBR) | SERRA Federico Emilio (ITA) |
| M 57kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | USTUROI Vasile (BEL) | IBRAHIM Nebil Mahmud (SWE) |
| M 63.5kg | OUMIHA Sofiane (FRA) | GURULI Lasha (GEO) | CLANCY Dean (IRL) | KOVACS Richard (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | TRAORE Makan-Vie (FRA) | ERDEMIR Tugrulhan (TUR) |
| M 80kg | KHYZHNIAK Oleksandr (UKR) | VEOCIC Gabrijel (CRO) | CAVALLARO Salvatore (ITA) | ALLAHVERDIYEV Murad (AZE) |
| M 92kg | MOUHIIDINE Aziz Abbes (ITA) | MARLEY Jack (IRL) | REYES PLA Enmanuel (ESP) | BEREZNICKI Mateusz (POL) |
| M +92kg | Final: July 02 | Final: July 02 | HERNANDEZ MOREJON Yordan Alain (BUL) | TIAFACK Nelvie Raman (GER) |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Event
| Event | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place | Quota Place |
| W 50kg | Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) | Giordana Sorrentino (ITA) | Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP) | Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA) |
| W 54kg | Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR) | Stanimira Petrova (BUL) | Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU) | Hatice Akbas (TUR) |
| W 57kg | Irma Testa (ITA) | Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) | Micahela Walsh (IRL) | Amina Zidani (FRA) |
| W 60kg | Kellie Harrington (IRL) | Estelle Mossely (FRA) | Gizem Ozer (TUR) | Natalia Shadrina (SRB) |
| W 66kg | Anna Luca Hamori (HUN) | Oshin Derieuw (BEL) | Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR) | Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR) |
| W 75kg | Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) | Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 51kg | Billal Bennama (FRA) | Samet Gumus (TUR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M 57kg | Vasile Usturoi (BEL) | Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) | Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE) | Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP) |
| M 63.5kg | Dean Clancy (IRL) | Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) | Lasha Guruli (GEO) | Richard Kovacs (HUN) |
| M 71kg | Makan-Vie Traore (FRA) | Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) | Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) | Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR) |
| M 80kg | Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) | Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR) | Gabrijel Veocic (CRO) | Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE) |
| M 92kg | Jack Marley (IRL) | Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
| M +92kg | Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) | Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) | Only 2 quotas available | Only 2 quotas available |
Paris 2024 Quota Places awarded (44 out of 44) at the European Games, by Country
| NOC | # | Quota Places |
| France (FRA) | 7 | · Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama, 30 June 2023 |
| Turkie (TUR) | 6 | · Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 51kg: Samet Gumus, 30 June 2023 |
| Ireland (IRL) | 5 | · Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 75kg: Aoife O’Rourke (IRL), 30 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley, 30 June 2023 |
| Italy (ITA) | 4 | · Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 92kg: Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), 30 June 2023 |
| Bulgaria (BUL) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz, 28 June 2023 |
| Great Britain (GBR) | 3 | · Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Delicious Justin Orie, 30 June 2023 |
| Azerbaijan (AZE) | 2 | · Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev, 28 June 2023 · Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), 30 June 2023 |
| Belgium (BEL) | 2 | · Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi, 28 June 2023 · Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw, 28 June 2023 |
| Hungary (HUN) | 2 | · Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs, 28 June 2023 |
| Serbia (SRB) | 2 | · Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov, 28 June 2023 |
| Spain (ESP) | 2 | · Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez, 28 June 2023 · Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons, 28 June 2023 |
| Croatia (CRO) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic, 28 June 2023 |
| Denmark (DEN) | 1 | · Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan, 28 June 2023 |
| Georgia (GEO) | 1 | · Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul, 28 June 2023 |
| Roumania (ROU) | 1 | · Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, 28 June 2023 |
| Sweden (SWE) | 1 | · Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, 28 June 2023 |
| Ukraine (UKR) | 1 | · Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, 28 June 2023 |
European Games Finalists Decided. 44 Quota Places Distributed.
30/06/2023Day 8 of the boxing tournament at the III European Games in Krakow-Malapolska featured 26 semifinals, determining the finalists in the 13 weight categories scheduled for July 1st and 2nd.
Between the afternoon and evening sessions today, the last 8 Paris 2024 Olympic quota places were distributed here. This tournament serves as a continental qualifier for the Boxing Road to Paris series, awarding a total of 44 qualification slots across all 13 boxing categories.
During the afternoon session, Billal Bennama (FRA) and Samet Gumus (TUR) secured their tickets to Paris in the Men’s 51kg category, while Jack Marley (IRL) and Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA) qualified in the Men’s 92kg weight class.
In the evening session, Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) and Aoife O’Rourke (IRL) earned their spots for Paris in the Women’s 75kg weight class. Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) and Delicious Justin Orie (GBR) claimed the Men’s +92kg quota places.
After all quotas were distributed, France finished at the top of the list with 7 Paris 2024 tickets, followed by Turkey with 6 and Ireland with 5. A total of 17 countries earned at least 1 quota place. Along the Boxing Road to Paris, there will be four more continental qualifiers (Africa, Asia, Americas, Oceania), followed by two World Qualifiers to be held in the first half of 2024 (dates and locations TBD), providing European athletes with two more chances to secure participation slots for the Games.
In today’s evening session:
The Women’s 50kg final will see Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR) facing Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA). They advanced to the gold medal match by defeating Italy’s Giordana Sorrentino (5-0) and Spain’s Laura Fuertes Fernandez (5-0) tonight.
Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva defeated Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Irma Testa (ITA) to advance to the Women’s 57kg final to be held on July 2. That night, she will go up against France’s Amina Zidani, who beat the reigning Commonwealth Games champion Michaela Walsh (IRL) via a 4-1 split decision.
The 2022 World Champion, Davina-Myrha Michel from France, easily won her Women’s 75kg bout against Irina Nicoletta Schoenberger (GER) with a commanding score of 5-0. Moments later, the entire Nowy Targ Arena erupted in cheers for Elzbieta Wojcik, the local athlete fighting for a medal on her home turf. The Polish boxer faced Ireland’s Aoife O’Rourke, securing the judges’ votes in round 1 but ultimately losing to the Irish in rounds 2 and 3. Both Davina-Myrha Michel and Aoife O’Rourke secured Paris 2024 quota places and will now face each other in the European Games gold medal match on July 2.
In the Men’s 57kg weight category, Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL) defeated Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE) with a score of 4-1 and will compete in the gold medal match against Spain’s Jose Quiles Brotons, who won 5-1 against Belgium’s Vasile Usturoi.
Vakhid Abbasov from Serbia claimed a unanimous decision victory over France’s Makan-Vie Traore in the Men’s 71kg category, earning a place in the final against Nikolai Terteryan (DEN), who advanced to the gold medal bout via a walkover in his semifinal match against Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR).
In the Men’s +92kg semifinals, Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) won a hard-fought match against Germany’s Nelvie Raman Tiafack (4-1), securing a spot in the gold medal match against Delicious Justin Orie (GBR), who outscored Yordan Alain Hernandez Morejon (BUL) 5-0 to advance in the tournament. Both Mahammad Abdullayev and Delicious Justin Orie were granted Paris 2024 qualification slots.
The boxing tournament of the III European Games will continue with two nights of medal matches on July 1st and 2nd, featuring 13 finals in the Nowy Targ Arena. Stay tuned for more exciting boxing action!
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded today, by event:
- Women’s 75kg: Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), Aoife O’Rourke (IRL)
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama (FRA), Samet Gumus (TUR)
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley (IRL), Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA)
- Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), Delicious Justin Orie (GBR)
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded at the European Games, by event:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR), Stanimira Petrova (BUL), Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU), Hatice Akbas (TUR)
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR), Giordana Sorrentino (ITA), Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP), Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA)
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa (ITA), Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL), Micahela Walsh (IRL), Amina Zidani (FRA)
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington (IRL), Estelle Mossely (FRA), Gizem Ozer (TUR) and Natalia Shadrina (SRB)
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori (HUN), Oshin Derieuw (BEL), Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR), Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR)
- Women’s 75kg: Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), Aoife O’Rourke (IRL)
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama (FRA), Samet Gumus (TUR)
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi (BEL), Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL), Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE), Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP).
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy (IRL), Sofiane Oumiha (FRA), Lasha Guruli (GEO), Richard Kovacs (HUN)
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore (FRA), Nikolai Terteryan (DEN), Vakhid Abbasov (SRB), Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR)
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA), Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR), Gabrijel Veocic (CRO), Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE)
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley (IRL), Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA)
- Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), Delicious Justin Orie (GBR).
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded at the Euopean Games, by country:
France, 7 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 75kg Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA), 30 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama, 30 June 2023
Turkey, 6 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 51kg: Samet Gumus, 30 June 2023
Ireland, 5 Quota Places:
- Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 75kg: Aoife O’Rourke (IRL), 30 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley, 30 June 2023
Italy, 4 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 92kg: Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), 30 June 2023
Bulgaria, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz, 28 June 2023
Great Britain, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles, 28 June 2023
- Men’s +92kg: Delicious Justin Orie, 30 June 2023
Azerbaijan, 2 Quota Places:
- Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev, 28 June 2023
- Men’s +92kg: Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE), 30 June 2023
Belgium, 2 Quota Places:
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw, 28 June 2023
Hungary, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs, 28 June 2023
Serbia, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov, 28 June 2023
Spain, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons, 28 June 2023
Croatia, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic, 28 June 2023
Denmark, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan, 28 June 2023
Georgia, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul, 28 June 2023
Romania, 1 Quota Place:
- Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, 28 June 2023
Sweden, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, 28 June 2023
Ukraine, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, 28 June 2023
Men’s 51kg and 92kg quota places awarded at today’s European Games afternoon session
30/06/2023Today marked the semifinals of the boxing tournament at the III European Games in Krakow and Malapolska, held at the Nowy Targ Arena from June 23 to July 2.
After six days of competition and a day-off to reconfigure the arena from two rings to one, the afternoon session determined the finalists in the Women’s 54kg, 60kg, and 66kg, as well as the Men’s 51kg, 63.5kg, 80kg, and 92kg weight categories.
Moreover, four Paris 2024 Olympic quota places were at stake in the afternoon session, with two each in the Men’s 51kg and 92kg categories. According to the boxing qualification system for Paris 2024, only two quotas will be awarded in these two weight classes at the European Games, meaning only the gold and silver medalists will secure a ticket to Paris. Four more quotas will be distributed tonight during the evening session to the winners of the Women’s 75kg and Men’s +92kg semifinals.
In the first semifinal of the day, Bulgaria’s Stanimira Petrova triumphed over Great Britain’s hopeful Charley-Sian Taylor Davison with a unanimous decision, in the Women’s 54kg weight class. Petrova impressed boxing experts at the European Games, progressing through the tournament with three consecutive 5-0 victories. In the final scheduled for July 1, Petrova will face Romania’s Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, who secured her spot in the gold medal match with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Turkey’s Hatice Akbas. All four semifinalists had already secured a Paris 2024 Olympic quota place on June 28 by reaching the semifinals.
In the Women’s 60kg category, the highly anticipated clash between the 2020 and 2016 Olympic Champions ended in favor of Ireland’s Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, Kellie Harrington. She delivered a commanding performance, defeating France’s Rio 2016 champion Estelle Mossely with a resounding 5-0 score. Harrington seemed inspired by competing against one of the world’s best athletes in her category, elevating her boxing to another level compared to her previous bouts in the European Games tournament, where she had secured two split decisions out of three. In the final, Harrington will meet Serbia’s Natalia Shadrina, who earned her place in the gold medal match with a 4-1 split decision victory over Turkey’s Gizem Ozer. All four semifinalists have already claimed a Paris 2024 Olympic slot.
Belgium’s Oshing Derieuw took center stage in the first Women’s 66kg semifinal, comfortably defeating Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori with a unanimous decision from the judges. Derieuw, a professional boxer, displayed exceptional confidence in the ring, showcasing the tremendous work she and her team had put in over the past months and weeks to adapt to the Olympic-style boxing. However, her path to the top of the European Games podium will feature a formidable opponent: Turkey’s Busenaz Surmeneli, the 2020 Olympic Champion. Surmeneli secured her place in the final with a 4-1 split decision victory over Great Britain’s Rosie Joy Eccles, demonstrating her skills and power in the third round. With both boxers already holding Olympic quotas, their final is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the tournament.
In the Men’s 51kg category, France’s Billal Bennama, the 2022 European Champion, claimed the first Olympic qualification slot of the day by defeating Great Britain’s Kiaran Bradley MacDonald with a unanimous 5-0 score in the semifinals. Bennama will now face Turkey’s Samet Gumus, who secured a 4-1 victory over Italy’s Federico Emilio Serra to earn a place in the final and secure the second available Paris 2024 quota.
Another French boxer, Rio 2016 silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha, took the spotlight in the Men’s 63.5kg semifinals. The experienced athlete outscored Ireland’s rising star Dean Clancy with a commanding 5-0 victory, setting up a final against Georgia’s Lasha Guruli, who prevailed 5-0 against Hungary’s Richard Kovacs.
In the Men’s 80kg event, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak left no chance for his Italian opponent Salvatore Cavallaro, winning by a 5-0 unanimous decision with all judges scoring 10/9 in every round. Croatia’s Gabrijel Veocic will boxe Khyzhniak in tomorrow evening’s final after securing a 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Murad Allahverdiyev.
Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine dashed Poland’s hopes as he defeated local favorite Mateusz Bereznicki with a unanimous decision, dominating all three rounds with a dodge-and-hit style reminiscent of Cuban boxing. Mouhiidine fulfilled his dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games, as today’s victory secured him a ticket to Paris. Moving forward in the tournament, he will face Ireland’s Jack Marley. In one of the most intense fights of the day, Marley overcame Spain’s Enmanuel Reyes Pla with a 4-1 decision, claiming the second Paris 2024 quota place up for grabs. The Spanish athlete had clearly won the first round, while the second round leaned in Marley’s favor. Therefore, the outcome was determined in the third round, where Marley gave his all to secure a slot at the next Games.
The boxing tournament of the III European Games serves as a continental qualifier for the Boxing Road to Paris series supervised by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). A total of 44 Olympic quota places were up for grabs in Nowy Targ, with the majority of 40 already distributed. The remaining four quotas will be awarded tonight during the evening session in the Women’s 75kg and Men’s +92kg categories.
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded today, by event:
- Women’s 75kg: to be assigned during the evening session, today
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama (FRA), Samet Gumus (TUR)
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley (IRL), Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA)
- Men’s +92kg: to be assigned during the evening session, today
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded at the European Games, by event:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR), Stanimira Petrova (BUL), Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU), Hatice Akbas (TUR)
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR), Giordana Sorrentino (ITA), Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP), Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA)
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa (ITA), Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL), Micahela Walsh (IRL), Amina Zidani (FRA)
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington (IRL), Estelle Mossely (FRA), Gizem Ozer (TUR) and Natalia Shadrina (SRB)
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori (HUN), Oshin Derieuw (BEL), Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR), Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR)
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama (FRA), Samet Gumus (TUR)
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi (BEL), Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL), Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE), Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP).
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy (IRL), Sofiane Oumiha (FRA), Lasha Guruli (GEO), Richard Kovacs (HUN)
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore (FRA), Nikolai Terteryan (DEN), Vakhid Abbasov (SRB), Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR)
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA), Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR), Gabrijel Veocic (CRO), Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE)
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley (IRL), Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA)
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded at the Euopean Games, by country:
France, 6 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 51kg: Billal Bennama, 30 June 2023
Turkey, 6 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 51kg: Samet Gumus, 30 June 2023
Ireland, 4 Quota Places:
- Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 92kg: Jack Marley
Italy, 4 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 92kg: Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), 30 June 2023
Bulgaria, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz, 28 June 2023
Belgium, 2 Quota Places:
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw, 28 June 2023
Hungary, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs, 28 June 2023
Great Britain, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison, 28 June 2023
- Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles, 28 June 2023
Serbia, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov, 28 June 2023
Spain, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez, 28 June 2023
- Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons, 28 June 2023
Azerbaijan, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev, 28 June 2023
Croatia,1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic, 28 June 2023
Denmark, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan, 28 June 2023
Georgia, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul, 28 June 2023
Romania, 1 Quota Place:
- Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc, 28 June 2023
Sweden, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, 28 June 2023
Ukraine, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak, 28 June 2023
European Games: 36 Paris 2024 Olympic Quota Places Awarded today
28/06/2023The III European Games boxing tournament held at the Nowy Targ distributed 18 additional Paris 2024 quota places during today’s evening session. Together with the slots awarded at today’s afternoon session, this brought the total number of quota places awarded to 36 in a single day. These allocations are part of the 44 Paris 2024 qualification slots to be granted during the European Games, which serve as a Boxing Road to Paris qualifier.
France and Turkey emerged on top at the ened of the day, securing the highest number of Paris 2024 qualification slots, with five each. Bulgaria, Ireland, and Italy also claimed three slots each. In total, 17 countries earned at least one Quota Place, including Ukraine.
Boxing powerhouse Turkey continued its jubilant streak at the Nowy Targ Arena. Earlier in the day, they had secured two quota places in the Women’s 60kg (Gizem Ozer), and in the Women’s 66kg category (Busenaz Surmene). In the evening session, they started off with a third Olympic slot clinched by Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the Women’s 50kg quarterfinal, where she outscored local medal hopeful Natalia Rok (POL). Cakiroglu will now face Giordana Sorrentino (ITA) in the semifinal, as Sorrentino advanced in the tournament (and collected a quota place) by defeating Serbia’s Nina Radovanovic with a score of 4-1. In the same weight category, Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP) outscored Rita de Pinho Soares (POR), securing her country’s first Paris 2024 Olympic quota in boxing. In the semifinals, she will meet Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA), who secured the fourth quota place in this weight category with a 3-1 victory against Ireland’s Daina Moorehouse.
In the Women’s 54kg event, Romania’s Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc dominated her bout against Poland’s Sandra Drabik, securing a commanding 5-0 win that earned her a place in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. She is set to face Hatice Akbas in the semifinal, who claimed the fourth Olympic quota for her country, Turkey, by defeating Sirine Charaabi (ITA).
The spotlight turned on Italy’s Irma Testa, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, as she triumphed over Jenifer Fernandez Romero (ESP) with a score of 5-0, leading in all three rounds with a flawless performance. Testa secured an Olympic slot in the Women’s 57kg weight class and will now meet Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL) in the semifinals. Staneva also secured an Olympic slot with a decisive 5-0 victory over Poland’s Julia Szeremeta. The other weigh class’s semifinal will feature Ireland’s Micahela Walsh and France’s Amina Zidani, who both emerged victorious in their respective bouts against Melissa Juvonen Mortensen (DEN) and Mahsati Aghamaliyeva Hamzayeva (AZE), securing their spots at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In the Women’s 75kg category, only two Olympic quota places are available at the European Games, guaranteeing the finalists a ticket to Paris. In the semifinals, Davina-Myrha Michel (FRA) will face Irina Nicoletta Schoenberger (GER) after defeating Melissa Gemini (ITA) and Monika Langerova (CZE), respectively. In the other semifinal, Poland’s Elzbieta Wojcik will go up against two-time European champion Aoife O’Rourke from Ireland. Both athletes secured their spots with unanimous 5-0 decisions over Turkey’s Busra Isildar and Sweden’s Love Nelli Holgersson.
Belgium’s Vasile Usturoi swiftly secured victory in a fierce Men’s 57kg bout when the referee stopped the contest at the end of Round 1, as he outclassed his opponent Frederik Lundgaard Jensen (DEN). Usturoi will now face Spain’s Jose Quiles Brotons in the tournament’s semifinal. Both Usturoi and Brotons have guaranteed quota places through their victories. In an even faster match in the same category, Sweden’s Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim knocked down his opponent Roland Veres (HUN) in just 55 seconds, earning an Olympic qualification slot and advancing in the tournament. He will now face Bulgaria’s Javier Ibanez Diaz in the semifinals, who also secured an Olympic berth by defeating Armenia’s Artur Bazeyan in an intense bout.
In one of the closest matches of the day, France’s Makan-Vie Traore secured victory against Azerbaijan’s Sarkhan Aliyev by a razor-thin margin of 3 points to 2 in the Men’s 71kg event. Traore also earned the opportunity to represent his country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a nominal quota place. In two days time, he will face Serbia’s Vakhid Abbasov, another quota place winner, who emerged on top in a split decision (4 to 1 points) against Armenia’s Gurgen Madoyan. The other semifinal in this weight category will see Nikolai Terteryan (DEN) facing Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR). Terteryan, a southpaw, secured a unanimous decision win over Alban Beqiri (ALB) in a powerful match. Erdemir, on the other hand, outscored Magomed Elim Sultanovic Schachidov (GER). Both winners were granted quota places.
No quotas were up for grabs in the Men’s 92kg quarterfinals, as only two slots will be awarded in this weight class at the European Games. Azerbaijan’s Mahammad Abdullayev advanced by outclassing Greece’s Stylianos Roulias with a commanding score of 5-0. In the next phase, the semifinal, he will face Germany’s Tiafack Nelvie Raman. Yordan Alain Hernandez Morejon from Bulgaria will go up against Delicious Justin Orie from Great Britain.
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded today, by event:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR), Stanimira Petrova (BUL), Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc (ROU), Hatice Akbas (TUR)
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu (TUR), Giordana Sorrentino (ITA), Laura Fuertes Fernandez (ESP), Wassila Lkhadiri (FRA)
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa (ITA), Svetlana Kamenova Staneva (BUL), Micahela Walsh (IRL), Amina Zidani (FRA)
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington (IRL), Estelle Mossely (FRA), Gizem Ozer (TUR) and Natalia Shadrina (SRB)
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori (HUN), Oshin Derieuw (BEL), Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR), Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR)
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi (BEL), Javier Ibanez Diaz (BUL), Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim (SWE), Jose Quiles Brotons (ESP).
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy (IRL), Sofiane Oumiha (FRA), Lasha Guruli (GEO), Richard Kovacs (HUN)
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore (FRA), Nikolai Terteryan (DEN), Vakhid Abbasov (SRB), Tugrulhan Erdemir (TUR)
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA), Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR), Gabrijel Veocic (CRO), Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE)
Paris 2024 Boxing Olympic Quota places awarded today, by country:
France, 5 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Wassila Lkhadiri
- Women’s 57kg: Amina Zidani
- Women’s 60kg: Estelle Mossely
- Men’s 63.5kg: Sofiane Oumiha
- Men’s 71kg: Makan-Vie Traore
Turkey, 5 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Hatice Akbas
- Women’s 50kg: Buse Naz Cakiroglu
- Women’s 60kg: Gizem Ozer
- Women’s 66kg: Busenaz Surmeneli
- Men’s 71kg: Tugrulhan Erdemir
Bulgaria, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Stanimira Petrova
- Women’s 57kg: Svetlana Kamenova Staneva
- Men’s 57kg: Javier Ibanez Diaz
Ireland, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 57kg: Micahela Walsh
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy
Italy, 3 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Giordana Sorrentino
- Women’s 57kg: Irma Testa
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro
Belgium, 2 Quota Places:
- Men’s 57kg: Vasile Usturoi
- Women’s 66kg: Oshin Derieuw
Hungary, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori
- Men’s 63.5kg: Richard Kovacs
Great Britain, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison
- Women’s 66kg: Rosie Joy Eccles
Serbia, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 60kg: Natalia Shadrina
- Men’s 71kg: Vakhid Abbasov
Spain, 2 Quota Places:
- Women’s 50kg: Laura Fuertes Fernandez
- Men’s 57kg: Jose Quiles Brotons
Azerbaijan, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Murad Allahverdiyev
Croatia,1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Gabrijel Veocic
Denmark, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 71kg: Nikolai Terteryan
Georgia, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 63.5kg: Lasha Gurul
Romania, 1 Quota Place:
- Women’s 54kg: Lenuta Lacramioara Perijoc
Sweden, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 57kg: Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim
Ukraine, 1 Quota Place:
- Men’s 80kg: Oleksandr Khyzhniak
Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR) Becomes First Boxer to Qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
28/06/2023Great Britain’s Charley-Sian Taylor Davison has made history as the first boxer to secure a qualification for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the Women’s 54kg quarterfinals at the III European Games, Davison emerged victorious against Sweden’s Zehra Milli, securing her spot in the tournament’s semifinals, and booking a ticket to Paris.
Davison, who previously participated in the Tokyo Olympics and finished in 9th place, is a mother of three from Lowestoft (GBR), who staid seven years away from the sport to start a family before Tokyo 2020, after having won several junior medals. Today, she said: “I am so happy; this is a dream coming true. I had already competed in Tokyo, and it didn’t go so well there as I was inexperienced. But this time is different, I have worked hard, the experience is there, now, I believe in myself, now.”
Looking ahead, Davison will face Bulgaria’s Stanimira Petrova in the semifinals on June 30. Petrova secured her own Paris 2024 quota by defeating Ireland’s Jennifer Lehane with a resounding 5-0 score.
In the larger context of the tournament, a total of 44 quota places are up for grabs across 13 weight categories during this Boxing Road to Paris qualifier. Thirty-6 of these quotas are set to be distributed today, with 18 allocated in the afternoon session and another 18 in the evening session.
As the afternoon session progressed, two Olympic champions swiftly added their names to the list of Paris 2024 qualified athletes.
Kellie Harrington from Ireland, the 2020 Olympic Champion in the Women’s 60kg category, secured a well-deserved 4-1 split decision victory against Sweden’s Agnes Alexiusson. Harrington’s win advances her to the semifinals and secures her place in the Paris 2024 Games, where she will defend her title. Shortly after, Estelle Mossely, the Rio 2016 gold medalist from France, triumphed over Kosovo’s Donjeta Sadiku with a 4-1 decision, securing her own quota place. The clash between these two champions in the upcoming semifinal promises to be a spectacle on June 30 at the Nowy Targ Arena.
The other two Women’s 60kg quarterfinal winners, Gizem Ozer (TUR) and Natalia Shadrina (SRB), who claimed their victories against Hanna Okhrei (UKR) and Sara Beram (CRO) respectively, also earned qualification for Paris 2024.
In the Women’s 66kg quarterfinals, Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori showcased her dominance with a commanding 5-0 win over Luna Amaro Beeloo from the Netherlands, securing her Paris 2024 quota. She will meet Belgium’s Oshin Derieuw in the semifinals, who secured her own qualification with a narrow 3-2 victory over France’s Emilie Sonvico. Additionally, Great Britain’s Rosie Joy Eccles claimed her spot in the next Games with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Ireland’s Amy Broadhurst. Eccles faces a formidable opponent in the semifinals, 2020 Olympic Champion Busenaz Surmeneli from Turkey, who dashed the hopes of Poland’s Aneta Rygielska with a commanding 5-0 decision.
In the Men’s 51kg weight class, only two Paris 2024 Quota Places are to be awarded at the III European Games, meaning that only the two finalists will secure their berths for Paris. Great Britain’s Kiaran Bradley Macdonald emerged victorious with a commanding 5-0 decision against Serbia’s Omer Ametovic, propelling him to the semifinals where he will face France’s Billal Bennama. The other semifinal features Turkey’s Samet Gumus and Italy’s Federico Emilio Serra, both securing their spots with impressive 5-0 victories.
Ireland’s Dean Clancy showcased his prowess in the Men’s 63.5kg category with a dominant performance against Italy’s Gianluigi Malanga, earning a qualification for Paris 2024. He will face off against France’s Sofiane Oumiha, the Rio 2016 silver medalist, in the semifinals. Another thrilling quarterfinal saw Georgia’s Lasha Guruli secure a Paris 2024 Quota with a resounding 5-0 victory over Bulgaria’s Radoslav Simeonov Rosenov, mirroring the feat achieved by Richard Kovacs from Hungary in his match against Aleksej Vitorovic Sendrik from Serbia.
Italy celebrated their first Olympic quota place in the Men’s 80kg event, as Salvatore Cavallaro dominated his bout against Gradus Kraus from the Netherlands with a sharp 5-0 performance. His next challenge will be none other than Ukraine’s Tokyo 2020 Silver medalist, Oleksandr Khyzhniak, in what promises to be a spectacular and breathtaking matchup. Croatia’s Gabrijel Veocic also claimed his Paris 2024 ticket with a convincing 5-0 win, setting up a highly anticipated encounter with Azerbaijan’s Murad Allahverdiyev, who dashed Armenia’s hopes with a resounding 5-0 victory over Hambardzum Hakobyan.
Moving forward in the tournament, Jack Marley from Ireland secured a place in the semifinals of the Men’s 92kg category by defeating Marko Calic from Croatia with a 4-1 score. Marley’s upcoming challenge is Spain’s Enmanuel Reyes Pla, with the winner securing a qualification slot for the Games. In the same weight category, Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine advanced to the other semifinal alongside Mateusz Bereznicki from Poland.
As the III European Games continue to unfold, the stakes are high for the athletes competing for their Paris 2024 quota places. Follow today’s evening session, where 18 more Olympic berth will be awarded in 5 weight categories.
Results: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Photos: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Videos: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Paris 2024 Quota places awarded today:
- Women’s 54kg: Charley-Sian Taylor Davison (GBR), Stanimira Petrova (BUL)
- Women’s 60kg: Kellie Harrington (IRL), Estelle Mossely (FRA), Gizem Ozer (TUR) and Natalia Shadrina (SRB)
- Women’s 66kg: Anna Luca Hamori (HUN), Oshin Derieuw (BEL), Rosie Joy Eccles (GBR), Busenaz Surmeneli (TUR)
- Men’s 63.5kg: Dean Clancy (IRL), Sofiane Oumiha (FRA), Lasha Guruli (GEO), Richard Kovacs (HUN)
- Men’s 80kg: Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA), Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR), Gabrijel Veocic (CRO), Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE)
Day-5 Evening Session: Exciting Action Unfolds in Round of 16 Matches at III European Games Boxing Tournament
27/06/2023Twenty-four more bouts took place in the evening session at the Nowy Targ Arena, marking Session 10 of the III European Games Boxing Tournament in Krakow and Malapolska. Starting at 18:00, this session concluded the Round of 16 matches for the Women’s 50kg, 57kg, and 75kg, as well as the Men’s 57kg, 71kg, and +92kg weight classes, shaping the brackets for the upcoming quarterfinals.
In the Women’s 50kg category, Spain’s Laura Fuertes Fernandez secured victory in the first bout of the evening with a 3-2 split decision win over Sofie Vinther Rosshaug from Denmark. She is now set to face Rita de Pinho Soares from Portugal in the quarterfinals. Another matchup in the same category will feature France’s Wassila Lkhadiri against Daina Moorehouse from Ireland, who defeated Ukraine’s Tetiana Kob on points.
Michaela Walsh from Ireland, the 2022 Commonwealth champion, dominated her Round of 16 bout in the Women’s 57kg division with a convincing unanimous decision win against Turkey’s Aysen Taskin. Walsh will now face Melissa Juvonen Mortensen from Denmark, who secured a 5-0 victory over Dea Bolanca from Croatia.
In the same weight category, Mahsati Hamzayeva Aghamaliy from Azerbaijan emerged victorious with an unanimous decision over Armenia’s Tatevik Khachantryan. She is scheduled to face France’s Amina Zidani, who won 4-1 against Lucie Sedlackova from Czechia.
Poland’s Elzbieta Wojcik thrilled the home crowd as she triumphed over Ukraine’s Anastasiia Chernokolenko in the Women’s 75kg event. Displaying excellent skills, Wojcik claimed a comfortable 5-0 victory. She will now face Busra Isildar from Turkey, who narrowly defeated Lithuania’s Gabriele Stonkute with a 3-2 score.
In another Women’s 75kg matchup, Love Nelli Holgersson from Sweden put on an impressive performance, securing a dominant 5-0 decision win against Serbia’s Nikolina Gajic. Holgersson will meet Ireland’s Aoife O’Rourke in the quarterfinals, who advanced after a tense bout against Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba of the European Refugee Team with a slim 3-2 margin.
Turning to the Men’s event, Vasile Usturoi from Belgium emerged victorious with a unanimous decision win against Albania’s Ardit Murja in the Men’s 57kg weight class. Usturoi will now face Denmark’s Frederik Lundgaard Jensen in the quarterfinals. Jensen showcased his skills with a commanding 5-0 victory over Great Britain’s Jack James Dryden.
Spain’s Jose Quiles Brotons secured his place in the Men’s 57kg quarterfinals with a unanimous decision win against Batuhan Ciftci from Turkey. Brotons will face Georgia’s Artyush Gomtsyan in the next round. Earlier in the day, Gomtsyan secured his spot by defeating Poland’s Jaroslaw Iwanow with a 4-1 score.
In the Men’s 71kg category, Albania’s Alban Beqiri cleared the Round of 16 with a 4-1 victory over Lithuania’s Aleksandr Trofimcu. Beqiri will meet Nikolai Terteryan from Denmark, who achieved a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Italy’s Salvatore Cavallaro.
In the Men’s +92kg division, Yordan Alain Hernandez Morejon from Bulgaria secured a 4-1 decision win against Italy’s Diego Lenzi. Hernandez Morejon is now set to face Lithuania’s Jonas Jazevicius, who defeated Shpejtim Shabani from Kosovo by RSC (Referee Stop Contest).
Delicious Justin Orie, the Commonwealth champion from Great Britain, delivered an outstanding performance, winning with a flawless 5-0 score against Norway’s Omar Mohamed Shiha. Armenia’s Davit Chaloyan, who won by unanimous decision against Martin Pinc from Czechia, will face Orie in the quarterfinals.
The III European Games Boxing Tournament is currently underway at the Nowy Targ Arena in Krakow and Malapolska, Poland. A total of 319 athletes from 42 countries and the European Refugee Team are competing in 13 weight categories from June 23 to July 2. This tournament is part of the Boxing Road to Paris series, supervised by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU), and serves as a continental Olympic qualifier for the upcoming Games. There are 44 qualification slots available for the best boxers in each category.
The tournament will continue tomorrow, June 28, with the quarterfinals phase. Stay tuned for more exciting action at the Nowy Targ Arena!
For results and drawsheets, visit https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
Explore photo galleries at: https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Watch European Games TV coverage at: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Day-5 Afternoon Session: Olympic medalists Testa and Cakiroglu advance to the quarterfinals
27/06/2023The action at the III European Games Boxing Tournament in Krakow and Malopolska, a qualifying event of the Boxing Road to Paris series with 44 qualification slots at stake, continues today. Taking place at the Nowy Targ Arena from June 23 to July 2, the tournament showcases 319 athletes from 42 nations and the European Refugee Team, competing in 13 weight categories, including 7 men’s and 6 women’s divisions.
During today’s afternoon session, the Women’s 50kg, 57kg, and 75kg, as well as the Men’s 57kg, 71kg, and +92kg weight classes, entered the ring for their Round of 16 bouts. The victors of these matches progress to the Quarterfinal phase, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow, June 28, for their respective weight categories.
In the Women’s 50kg category, Buse Naz Cakiroglu from Turkey, the Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and reigning European Games champion, showcased her skills with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Anush Grigoryan from Armenia. Cakiroglu will now face local athlete Natalia Rok from Poland, who secured a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Maxi Carina Kloetzer from Germany.
Giordana Sorrentino from Italy claimed a 4-1 victory in her bout against Great Britain’s Demie-Jade Resztan. Sorrentino’s next opponent will be Serbia’s Nina Radovanovic, who defeated Hungary’s Petra Mezei. These two boxers will meet tomorrow, on June 28, for a spot in the semifinals.
Moving on to the Women’s 57kg category, Irma Testa from Italy, the Tokyo Olympic Bronze medalist and current World and European Games champion, faced a tough challenge in her debut bout. Testa started slow, and after two rounds, the match was evenly scored. However, in the third round, she managed to gain a margin and secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Great Britain’s Elise Jacquelin Glynn. Testa will now face Spain’s Jenifer Fernandez Romero, who outscored Marianna Basanets from Ukraine with a commanding 5-0 performance.
In another Women’s 57kg match, Julia Szeremeta from Poland triumphed in a tense bout against Vilma Siiri Mar Viitanen from Finland, winning by a split decision (4-1). Szeremeta’s next opponent will be Svetlana Kameno Staneva from Bulgaria, who secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Romania’s Maria Claudia, today.
In the Women’s 75kg category, Davina-Myrha Michel from France dominated her bout against Hungary’s Timea Nagy, winning by a commanding score of 5-0. Michel will meet Italy’s Melissa Gemini in the quarterfinals. Gemini secured a 4-1 victory over Slovakia’s Jessica Triebelova earlier in the day. Additionally, Monika Langerova from Czechia claimed a 5-0 victory over Vasiliki Stavridou from Greece, while Germany’s Irina Nicoletta Schoenberger outscored Aynur Rzayeva from Azerbaijan by the same margin. Langerova and Schoenberger will face each other in an exciting quarterfinal match.
Moving to the Men’s divisions, in the Men’s 57kg category, Roland Veres from Hungary secured a 4-1 split decision victory over Murat Yildirim from Germany, despite a 1-point deduction for holding. Veres will now face Sweden’s Nebil Mahmud Ibrahim, who collected a dominant 5-0 victory over Farid Walizadeh, representing the European Refugee Team. In the other quarterfinal matchup, Artur Bazeyan from Armenia will face Bulgaria’s Javier Ibanez Diaz. Bazeyan won his bout against Matvejs Prokudins from Latvia, while Ibanez Diaz defeated Taras Bondarchuk from Ukraine.
In the Men’s 71kg weight class, Sarkhan Aliyev from Azerbaijan and Makan-Vie Traore from France advanced to the quarterfinals with victories over Eskerkhan Madiev from Georgia and Petar Kresimir Knezevic from Croatia, respectively. Gurgen Madoyan from Armenia secured an unanimous decision win against Pavel Kamanin from Estonia and will face Serbia’s Vakhid Abbasov, who claimed a 3-2 victory over Rami Mofid Kiwan from Bulgaria, in the next phase of the tournament.
Lastly, in the Men’s +92kg category, Greece’s Stylianos Roulias secured a convincing victory over Jure Simunovic from Slovenia, recording a score of 5-0. Roulias will now face Mahammad Abdullayev from Azerbaijan, who defeated Nikoloz Begadze from Georgia by a score of 3-1. Spain’s Ayoub Ghadfa Drissi El Ai dominated his match against Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi and earned a unanimous decision victory. He will meet Germany’s Nelvie Raman Tiafack, who outdid Djamili-Dini Aboudou Moindze from France on points, by split decision.
The stage is almost set for the quarterfinals in these weight categories: this evening’s session will complete the brackets for tomorrow’s matchup.
Remember, you can access the official results and drawsheets on the European Games official website at: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/.
Additionally, you can view photo galleries at https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/ and watch live or playback the bouts on the European Games TV at https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing.
Day-4 Evening Session: Quarterfinal Brackets Take Shape in Women’s 54/60/66kg, and Men’s 51/80/92kg Categories
26/06/2023The evening session of Day 4 at the European Games Boxing Tournament in Nowy Targ, Poland, witnessed 24 intense bouts in the Round of 16 for the Women’s 54kg, 60kg, and 66kg, as well as the Men’s 51kg, 80kg, and 92kg categories, matches that shaped the tournament’s brackets for the forthcoming quarterfinals (see this news about today’s afternoon session for a complete overview).
In the Women’s 54kg division, Sandra Drabik of Poland delighted the home crowd by securing a 4-1 split decision victory over Armenia’s Ekaterina Sycheva. Drabik’s impressive performance earned her a place in the quarterfinals where she will face Lenuta Lacramio Perijoc from Romania, who won by unanimous decision against Georgia’s Ana Khunjua. Another standout performance came from Hatice Akbas of Turkie, who claimed an unanimous decision win over Hungary’s Hanna Lakotar. Akbas will advance to the quarterfinals to face Italy’s Sirine Charaabi, who outscored Croatia’s Nikolina Cacic by 5-0 points.
In the Women’s 60kg category, southpaw Hanna Okhrei from Ukraine emerged victorious with a 4-1 decision over Nayara Arroyo Rodriguez of Spain. Okhrei will now meet Turkie’s Gizem Ozer, who won by a 4-0 decision against Lithuania’s Ana Starovoitova. Croatia’s Sara Beram also secured her spot in the quarterfinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bulgaria’s Aslahan Sezgin Mehmedova. Beram will face Natalia Shadrina from Serbia, who outclassed Alessia Mesiano of Italy with a sharp 5-0 decision.
Continuing with the evening session, the Women’s 66kg bouts provided thrilling action. Ireland’s Amy Broadhurst secured her place in the quarterfinals with a unanimous decision win over Beatrise Rozentale from Latvia. On June 28Broadhurst will face Great Britain’s Rosie Joy Eccles, who outscored Assunta Canfora of Italy by 4-1 points. Another Polish athlete, Aneta Rygielska, advanced in the tournament with a hard-fought 4-1 split decision victory over Stefanie von Berge from Germany. Rygielska, supported by her enthusiastic home crowd, is set to face the highly anticipated Turkish boxer Busenaz Surmeneli, who defeated Paraskevi Mavrommati of Greece by referee stoppage.
In the Men’s 51kg category, Italy’s Federico Emilio Serra secured a place in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought match against Rudolf Garboyan from Armenia. Serra emerged victorious with a late surge in the third round. In the next round, Serra will face Hungary’s Attila Bernath, who dominated his preliminary bout against Masud Yusifzada from Azerbaijan. On ring B, Spain’s Molina Salvador shattered the hopes of Ireland’s Sean Mari with an impressive 5-0 performance, securing a place in the next phase of the tournament. Salvador will face Turkie’s Samet Gumus, who defeated Dmytro Zamotayev from Ukraine with a 3-1 decision.
In the Men’s 80kg category, Estonia’s Stiven Aas moved forward as his opponent, Daniel Ilyushonok from Israel, was disqualified 10 seconds into round 3. Aas will face Croatia’s Gabrijel Veocic, who secured a dominant 5-0 victory on points against Paul Andrei Aradoaie from Romania. Murad Allahverdiyev from Azerbaijan clinched a hard-fought 4-1 split decision win against Nikita Nystedt from Finland, earning a spot in the quarterfinals against Armenia’s Hambardzum Hakobyan, who outscored Serbia’s Vladimir Mironchikov by a narrow 3-2 margin.
Lastly, in the Men’s 92kg category, Poland’s Mateusz Bereznicki thrilled the home crowd with a narrow and hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hungary’s Levente Hunor Kiss. Bereznicki’s exceptional performance sets up an exciting quarterfinal clash with Israel’s Yan Zak, who secured a 4-1 victory over Andrei Zaplitnii from Moldova. Completing the quarterfinal brackets, Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine and Turkie’s Berat Acar emerged victorious against Ukraine’s Arkadii Kartsan and Lewis Robert Williams from Great Britain, respectively, paving their way to face each other in the next round.
Check the official results and the drawsheets on the European Games official website at: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
You can also check our photo galleries at https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/ and watch or replay all matches on the European Games TV at https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing.
Stay tuned for more action at the European Games Boxing Tournament, continuing tomorrow, June 27, at the Nowy Targ Arena!
Two Olympic Champions advance on Day 4 of the European Games boxing tournament
26/06/2023The boxing tournament at the III European Games in Krakow and Malopolska moves ahead at full speed. Today, June 26, is an action-packed day-4 with 48 bouts to be contested on two rings between the afternoon and evening sessions.
It’s the Round of 16 for the Women’s 54kg, 60kg, and 66kg, and the Men’s 51kg, 80kg, and 92kg categories. Today’s matches will determine who’s moving on to the quarterfinals, and thus getting closer to the 44 Olympic Quota Places to be awarded here. This tournament serves as a Boxing Road to Paris qualification event, with direct, nominal qualification slots for Paris 2024 at stake.
In the afternoon session, 24 bouts took place, with some of the best amateur boxers stepping into the ring.
Two Olympic champions made their way to the quarterfinals in the Women’s 60kg event. On Ring A, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington (IRL) outscored Armenia’s Elida Kocharyan by 5-0. At the same time, on Ring B, Estelle Mossely from France met Chelsey Laurent Heijnen (NED). After a tight round 1, Rio 2016 champion Mossely gained an edge in round 2 to eventually dominate round 3 and secure a unanimous decision victory. On June 28, Harrington will face Sweden’s Agnes Alexiusson who overcame Sandra Kruk of Poland with a sharp 5-0 unanimous decision after leading all three rounds. Mossely, on her side, will meet Kosovo’s Donjeta Sadiku who clinched a split-decision win over Anna Julia Jenni (SUI).
In the Women’s 54kg category, Charley-Sian Ta Davison (GBR), boxing in red, won her very first bout in the tournament as she defeated Maria Del Carme Romero Molina from Spain with a unanimous decision. In the quarterfinal to be held on June 28, she will meet Sweden’s Zehra Milli who won her match against Mayssen Lambot (BEL) by unanimous decision today.
In the same weight category, Bulgaria’s Stanimira Petrova and Ukraine’s Anastasiia Kovalchuk stepped into the ring at Nowy Targ Arena for the first time today, as they had both passed through the Round of 32 without boxing. Petrova advanced via a “bye,” while Kovalchuk took advantage of a walkover. Full of fresh energy, the two boxers staged an intense and powerful bout, which saw Kovalchuk coming out on top with a split decision score of 4-1. In a couple of days, she will meet Jennifer Lehane (IRL) in the quarterfinal. The Irish boxer gained a hard-fought win by unanimous decision today as she beat Greece’s Antonia Filippa Giannakopoulou.
In the Women’s 66kg category, France’s Emilie Sonvico won the bout against Sona Harutyunyan (ARM) as the referee stopped the contest amid round 2. On June 28, she will face Belgium’s Oshin Derieuw who outscored Shahla Allahverdiyeva (AZE) 5-1 points today. In the same weight class, Hungary’s Luca Hamori secured a 5-0 win against Madeleine Elisa Angelsen (NOR), collecting her second victory by unanimous decision in this tournament, which propels her into the quarterfinal phase. Up next, she will go against Luna Amaro Beeloo (NED) who won a hard-fought match against Ukraine’s Mariia Bova (UKR) with a split decision (4-1) today.
In the Men’s 51kg category, the home crowd at the Nowy Targ Arena burst with excitement as Poland’s Jakub Slominski stepped into the ring to face Bulgaria’s Daniel Asenov. The Polish athlete boxed consistently across the three rounds, gaining a razor-thin edge over his competitor blow after blow, to eventually secure a split decision with a 3-2 score. He will meet one of the strongest competitors in the category in the quarterfinals in two days. Indeed, the 2022 European Champion Billal Bennama (FRA) who moved on in the brackets as he won his Round of 16 match against Bashkim Bajoku (KOS) by unanimous decision. In the meantime, on Ring A, Kiaran Bradley Macdonald (GBR) claimed a unanimous decision win over Salah Ibrahim Omar (GER), advancing to the Men’s 51kg quarterfinal where he will face Serbia’s Omer Ametovic who today beat Leon Vranjes (BIH) as the referee stopped the bout at the beginning of the second round.
Today is the third consecutive day that a Salvatore Cavallaro goes into the ring here in Nowy Targ. Two Italian cousins who share both their name and surname are competing in the tournament in the 71kg and 80kg Men’s event. Today, it was the 80kg Cavallaro’s turn to get through the ropes as he competed against Spain’s Gazimagomed Sch Jalidov Gafurova. The Italian boxer initially suffered the longer reach of his opponent, just to eventually clinch a split decision victory (4-1) through a powerful last round. Cavallaro will be up against Kraus Gradus (NED) in the quarterfinals on June 28. No worries, though: every day is a Cavallaro day here in Nowy Targ, and tomorrow it will be his cousin’s turn in the spotlight at the 71kg event.
In the same Men’s 80kg division, but boxing on Ring B, it was Ireland’s Kelyn Cassidy who secured a unanimous decision victory against Great Britain’s Taylor Jay Bevan after a high-energy bout that kept the spectators breathless from the first to the last second. The Irish boxer won the first round, while the British turned the second in his favor, leaving the decision to the third. There, Cassidy gave his best, putting up a show of dominance that convinced the judges to award him the victory. In two days’ time, the skilled up-and-coming boxer will have to face Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and reigning European Games champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak from Ukraine, who beat Michail Tsamalidis (GRE) to advance in the tournament.
Moving on to the Men’s 92kg category, the 2022 European Championship silver medalist Enmanuel Reyes Pla (ESP) outscored Armenia’s Narek Manasyan, securing a unanimous decision win to move on to the quarterfinals where he will meet Germany’s Alexander Chris Okafor (who defeated Slovakia’s David Michalek in the Round of 16). In the same class, Marko Calic (CRO) won with a unanimous decision against Simonas Urbonavicius (LTU) and is set to face Jack Marley (IRL) in the quarterfinals as the Irish boxer claimed a narrow victory (4-1) on points against Greece’s Vagkan Nanitzanian today.
The Boxing Tournament at the European Games continues this evening when 24 more bouts will take place, starting at 18:00.
You can check the official results and the drawsheets on the European Games official website at: https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/reports/BOX/all-event/
You can also check our photo galleries at https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/ and catch the rewind of all matches on the European Games TV at https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing.
Explosive Night of Boxing at the III European Games: Champions Emerge in Thrilling Bouts
25/06/2023
The III European Games Boxing Tournament in Nowy Targ, Poland, continued with a riveting evening session featuring 19 preliminary matches in the Women’s 75kg and Men’s 63.5kg, 71kg, and +92kg categories. The arena was filled with anticipation as the athletes showcased their skills, delivering excellent performances.
In the Women’s 75kg category, the stage was set for fierce competition. Davina-Myrha Michel from France emerged victorious with a captivating split decision win (3:2) over Kerry Susan Davis from Great Britain. Meanwhile, the home crowd erupted with excitement as Poland’s Elzbieta Wojcik capitalized on the electric atmosphere, delivering a masterful display of speed and precision. She claimed a well-deserved 4:1 victory on points against Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad.
Representing the European Refugee Team, Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba displayed remarkable skill and determination, securing a unanimous decision win over Ani Hovsepyan from Armenia in the same Women’s 75kg division. This marked the first bout and the first victory of an European Refugee Team member in this boxing tournament.
In the Men’s 63.5kg category, the action was intense. Radoslav Simeon Rosenov from Bulgaria showcased his prowess, claiming a resounding unanimous decision victory over Reese Lynch from Great Britain. In a closely contested match, Alexandru Paraschiv from Moldova emerged triumphant with a split decision win (3:2) over Aleksej Vitorov Sendrik from Serbia. Additionally, Richard Kovacs from Hungary delivered a scintillating performance, outscoring Narek Hovhannisyan from Armenia with a commanding 4:1 score.
The Men’s 71kg category witnessed thrilling bouts and exceptional performances. Salvatore Cavallaro from Italy, cousin of the homonymous Salvatore Cavallaro who triumphed in the Men’s 80kg event the previous day, showcased his skills in a close Round-of-32 bout against Ireland’s Dean Walsh. In a hard-fought contest, Cavallaro emerged as the victor, securing a narrow 3:2 win. Meanwhile, Aleksandr Trofimcuk from Lithuania claimed a razor-thin edge victory (4:1) over Esad Avdic from Austria. Alban Beqiri from Albania displayed his strength and technique, prevailing over Dejan Leburic from Slovenia with a notable 4:1 score. Danish boxer Nikolai Terteryan dominated his bout against Diogo Marcelino Da Silva from Portugal, earning a unanimous decision win with several impressive 10/8 decisions in his scorecard.
In the Men’s +92kg category, another Italian athlete, Diego Lenzi, secured a commanding unanimous decision victory over Juraj Soldo from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Jonas Jazevicius caused an upset, earning a hard-fought split decision win (4:1) against Poland’s Radoslaw Kawczak.
Adding to the excitement, Great Britain’s Delicious Justin Orie exhibited his skills, outpointing Marko Milun from Croatia with a convincing 4:0 score in the same Men’s +92kg division. In the final match of the day, Davit Chaloyan from Armenia left little chance for Vladan Babic from Serbia, dominating the entire bout with his skills and utilizing his longer reach to secure a unanimous decision victory.
The III European Games Boxing Tournament, which also serves as a Boxing Road to Paris qualifier with 44 Olympic slots at stake, will continue tomorrow, June 26.
Stay up to date with the latest results, tomorrow’s schedule, and additional content by visiting the official website of the III European Games at https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/schedule/BOX/all-days/all-event.
You can also check our photos galleries at https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/ and catch the rewind of all matches on the European Games TV at https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing.
Stay tuned for more boxing action!
European Games Day-3: Poland in the Spotlight, +92kg Boxers Make Their Debut
25/06/2023The Nowy Targ Arena was ablaze with excitement as the Boxing Tournament of the III European Games continued on June 25, with a Polish athlete featuring in the very first match of the day, and the Men’s +92kg category started competing. Over 300 athletes from various countries are competing in 13 weight categories from June 23 to July 2, vying for the prestigious European titles and the 44 Paris 2024 Olympic Quota Places.
During Day 3 of the tournament, two more sessions take place, featuring a total of 38 preliminary bouts in the Women’s 50kg and Men’s 63.5kg, 71kg, and +92kg events.
The first session of the day (#5 of the tournament) commenced with a thrilling match featuring the local hero, Natalia Rok from Poland. In the Women’s 50kg category, Rok faced off against Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Gena Chukanova Georgieva. With the home crowd rallying behind her, the young Polish boxer put on a consistent performance, securing a split decision victory (4:1 points) and advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
In the same weight category, Denmark’s Sofie Vinther Rosshaug claimed a resounding victory with a unanimous decision against Nela Freiherrova from the Czech Republic. On ring B, Ukraine’s Tetiana Kob and Finland’s Pihla Matilda Kaivo-Oja engaged in a closely contested match. Kaivo-Oja took the first round, while Kob rebounded in the second. Ultimately, it was Kob’s performance in the third round that sealed the deal, as she secured a 4:1 victory and progressed in the tournament.
In the Men’s 63.5kg Round of 16 bout, Rio 2016 Silver medalist Sofiane Oumiha of France faced Germany’s Assan Hansen. Oumiha emerged victorious with a 4:1 split decision, showcasing his skills and determination. Another closely fought match in the same weight category saw Gianluigi Malanga from Italy triumph over Petr Novak of the Czech Republic with a split decision victory (4:1 points). Turkey’s Bilge Kagan Kanli also secured a split decision win (3:2) against Shpetim Bajoku from Kosovo. In a tightly contested bout, Dean Clancy from Ireland emerged victorious with a 3:2 split decision.
Moving on to the Men’s 71kg Round of 32, 2021 World Championship bronze medalist Sarkhan Aliyev of Azerbaijan demonstrated his dominance against Michal Takacs from Slovakia, claiming a unanimous decision victory despite a standing count in the third round. Meanwhile, on ring B, Vakhid Abbasov from Serbia showcased his exceptional boxing skills and footwork against Miroslav Kapuler-Ishchenko from Israel, securing a clear 5:0 decision.
In the same weight category, Eskerkhan Madiev from Georgia emerged triumphant as the referee stopped the contest just 8 seconds into Round 2, awarding Madiev the victory over Martins Blumentals from Latvia. Croatia’s Petar Kresimir Knezevic secured a unanimous decision win against Cosmin Daniel Hermeziu from Romania, while France’s Makan-Vie Traore also won by unanimous decision, defeating Patriot Behrami from Kosovo. With impressive performances, Pavel Kamanin from Estonia and Gurgen Madoyan from Armenia both secured neat 5:0 unanimous decisions against Gianni Dedic from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Stefan Savkovic from Montenegro, respectively. Additionally, southpaw Rami Mofid Kiwan from Bulgaria showcased his rapid footwork, outscoring Tony Jas from the Netherlands with a unanimous decision victory (5:0).
In the first Men’s +92kg bout of the tournament, Ayoub Ghadfa Drissi El Ai from Spain faced Alexei Zavatin from Moldova. Ghadfa Drissi El Ai exhibited exceptional skills, nullifying his opponent’s longer reach and controlling the match throughout all three rounds, ultimately winning by a unanimous decision.
Continuing in the heaviest weight category, two-time World Championship bronze medalist Mahammad Abdullayev from Azerbaijan dominated his bout against Ugur Aydemir from Turkey, leading in the first two rounds and forcing the referee to stop the contest in Round 3.
Nelvie Raman Tiafack from Germany, displaying speed, confidence, and pure power, collected several 10/8 decisions on his way to the round of 16, showcasing his dominance in the ring as he defeated Stan Gijsbertus Bertens from the Netherlands by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, on ring A, Jure Simunovic from Slovenia secured victory with a 4:1 split decision over Laszlo Lajos Felfoldi from Hungary.
The action-packed European Games Boxing Tournament will continue with the second session of the day, scheduled to start at 18:00 CET later today.
Make sure to stay updated with the latest competition information, results, schedules, and additional content by visiting the official website of the III European Games at https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/schedule/BOX/all-days/all-event. Additionally, you can catch the live action on European Games TV at https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing.
Stay tuned for more exhilarating matches as the III European Games Boxing Tournament unfolds at the Nowy Targ Arena.
Day-2’s Evening Session Unveils Mixed Results as Prominent Champions Take to the Ring
24/06/2023The evening session of the second competition day of the European Games Boxing Tournament saw 19 more bouts being contested on the two rings of the Nowy Targ Arena, where 319 athletes are competing in 13 events from June 23 to July 2. It was a session of mixed results and emotions. The host country Poland celebrated two victories, witnessing two of its athletes advancing in the tournament. However, one of the most anticipated boxers, reigning European Games champion Loren Berto Alfonso Dominguez from Azerbaijan, was defeated in his very first bout. Sharing the spotlight, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion Busenaz Surmeneli from Turkie lived up to the expectations of her fans, breezing through her preliminary bout effortlessly.
There are 44 Olympic Quota Places (22 men, 22 women) at stake, in this first leg of the Boxing Road to Paris qualification pathway. The qualification slots will be awarded to the best athletes in each event (see the Qualification System for details), so passing these first preliminary bouts and moving on in the brackets of the tournament is a must for those chasing the Paris 2024 Olympic dream.
In the Women’s 54kg category, the session started strong with the Nowy Targ Arena cheering out loud for the local boxer Sandra Drabik (POL), competing in red. Boxing on her home turf, the young Polish athlete met France’s Delphine Mancini in a very close bout, and the cheering of the home crowd accompanied her to victory with a 4:1 split decision. Hanna Lakotar from Hungary also secured a 4:1 split decision win against Claudia Totova from Czechia. Italy’s Sirine Charaabi claimed a unanimous decision victory over Finland’s Emma Natalia Jokiaho, after putting her opponent down twice in standing counts during rounds 2 and 3. Lenuta Lacramio Perijoc from Romania emerged victorious against Zeynab Rahimova from Azerbaijan as the referee stopped the contest just 44 seconds into the first round.
Moving on to the Women’s 66kg category, Busenaz Surmeneli from Turkie, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion, had an easy victory in her bout against Austeja Auciute from Lithuania, recording an unanimous decision and advancing toward the next phase of the tournament and the Paris 2024 qualification slots. Anna Luca Hamori from Hungary dominated her bout against Marketa Tojnarova from Czechia, securing an unanimous decision win with a full scorecard across the three rounds. Amy Broadhurst, the reigning European and Commonwealth champion from Ireland, showcased her skills once again as she outscored Milena Matovic from Serbia, winning via an unanimous 5:0 decision after dominating the third and last round.
In the Men’s 80kg category, Daniel Ilyushonok from Israel advanced into the tournament by knocking down Altin Shala from Kosovo 1 minute and 51 seconds into round 3. Estonia’s Stiven Aas secured a split decision in his favor, defeating Leo Cvitanovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 to 1 points. Murad Allahverdiyev from Azerbaijan finished in the spotlight with a dominant performance against Kevin Boakye Schumann from Germany, resulting in the contest being stopped by the referee at the 2:05 mark of the third round. Nikita Nystedt from Finland showcased his skills, outclassing Rudolfs Ozols from Latvia and forcing the referee to stop the contest.
In the Men’s 92kg category, reigning European Games champion Loren Berto Alfonso Dominguez from Azerbaijan suffered a setback in his very first bout, losing to Yan Zak from Israel by a split decision of 4:1 points after a closely fought match. A few minutes earlier, the Nowy Targ Arena burst into applause when the home athlete Mateusz Bereznicki from Poland secured an unanimous decision victory over Pavol Hrivnak from Czechia. Lewis Robert Williams from Great Britain outclassed his opponent Taulant Jakupi from Kosovo, who had to abandon the match during round 2, allowing Williams to advance in the tournament. Arkadii Kartsan from Ukraine also progressed to the next stage by defeating Filip Nenadovic from Serbia with an unanimous decision.
Photos of all bouts are available in the gallery section of this website, at https://boxing.athlete365.org/boxing-road-to-paris-2024/europ-photo-galleries/
Live action can be followed on European Games TV at: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing](https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
At the same time, information, results, schedules, and additional content by visiting the official website of the III European Games at https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/schedule/BOX/all-days/all-event .
As the competition continues, the intensity rises and the boxers strive to secure their places in the next rounds, inching closer to their Olympic dreams and the coveted Paris 2024 qualification slots. The Boxing Tournament of the III European Games continues tomorrow, June 25, with the first session of day-3 scheduled at 13:00. Stay tuned!
Day-2 of Action-Packed Bouts at III European Games Boxing Tournament
24/06/2023Day-2 of the Boxing Tournament at the III European Games kicked off in full swing with 25 thrilling bouts at the Nowy Targ Arena, today. Athletes from various weight categories, including Women’s 54kg and 57kg, as well as Men’s 51kg, 80kg, and 92kg, showcased their skills and determination to advance further in the tournament.
With a total of 319 athletes competing for the European Games titles and 44 Olympic quota places, this event serves as a continental Boxing Road to Paris qualifier along the Olympic qualification pathway managed by the IOC Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU).
In the Women’s 57kg category, Michaela Walsh from Ireland, the reigning Commonwealth champion, dominated her bout against Olga Pavlina Papadatou from Greece, securing a unanimous decision victory. Walsh, who had previously won silver at the 2019 European Games, is now focused on securing a qualification slot for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, following her participation in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Maria Claudia Nechita from Romania claimed a hard-fought victory by split decision (3:2) over Asya Ari from Germany in another intense Women’s 57kg matchup. Meanwhile, Marianna Basanets from Ukraine emerged victorious in her match against Ajla Vojic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the referee stopped the contest during the first round.
Amina Zidani from France delivered an impressive performance, securing a unanimous decision win against Ana Marija Milisic from Switzerland in the Women’s 57kg category. Elise Jacquelin Glynn from Great Britain also secured a unanimous decision victory, eliminating Serbia’s Andela Brankovic and advancing further in the tournament’s brackets.
In the Women’s 54kg division, Ireland’s Jennifer Lehane claimed a closely contested match, defeating Sara Cirkovic from Serbia by a narrow margin of 3:2 points, as she impressed the judges with a strong third round. Spain’s Maria Del Carme Romero Molina secured a split decision victory (4:1) against Bojana Gojkovic from Montenegro in another thrilling Women’s 54kg bout.
While Anastasiia Kovalchuk from Ukraine advanced to the next round by walk-over, Mayssen Lambot from Belgium showcased her skills and claimed a unanimous decision win in her bout against Iulia Coroli from Moldova.
In the Men’s 51kg category, Attila Bernath from Hungary outscored David Alaverdian from Israel with a score of 4:1, dominating the first two rounds and leaving few opportunities for his opponent to mount a comeback. Martin Molina Salvador from Spain secured victory as the referee stopped the contest during the second round of his match against Dumitru Vieru from Moldova. Salah Ibrahim Omar from Germany emerged triumphant with a unanimous decision win against Allan Morozov from Estonia. In the same event, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Billal Bennama from France showcased his prowess, securing a comprehensive 5:0 victory against Sakhil Alakhverdovi from Georgia.
The Men’s 80kg category witnessed some intense matchups. Oleksandr Khyzhniak from Ukraine, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, emerged victorious in a closely contested match against Georgii Kushitashvili from Georgia. The Ukrainian athlete displayed exceptional skills in the first two rounds of the match. With strategic maneuvering, he consistently pushed his opponent to the ropes, effectively neutralizing his longer-reach advantage. In an impressive display of power, Khyzhniak dominated the third round, delivering powerful blows that resulted in his opponents being counted by the referee multiple times. Eventually, the referee had no choice but to stop the bout, declaring Khyzhniak the victor.
In the same weight category, Gradus Kraus from the Netherlands secured the quickest victory of the day, as the referee stopped the contest some 30 seconds into the first round of his match against Jindrich Janecka from the Czechia. Lithuania’s Robertas Liorancas claimed a unanimous decision win against Andrei Chiriacov from Moldova, showcasing his dominance in the first two rounds while fending off Chiriacov’s comeback attempts in the third round.
Gazimagomed Sch Jalidov Gafurova from Spain, a bronze medalist at this year’s Mediterranean Games, secured a unanimous decision victory against the home athlete Klemens Szczepaniak from Poland. Kelyn Cassidy from Ireland delivered an impressive performance, defeating Mindaugas Gedminas from Norway in the Men’s 80kg category. Cassidy’s strategic defense and precise counter-blows helped him secure victory in all three rounds.
Michail Tsamalidis from Greece claimed a unanimous decision win over Arjan Iseni from North Macedonia in another thrilling Men’s 80kg bout. Salvatore Cavallaro from Italy led the match against Redis Karaj from Albania, ultimately winning by unanimous decision.
In a captivating matchup between Southpaw Mathieu-Albert Bauderlique from France and Taylor Jay Bevan from Great Britain in the Men’s 80kg event, Bevan’s exceptional footwork and ring control proved decisive. Bevan secured the first two rounds with a scorecard full of 10/9s in his favor and dominated the third round, forcing Bauderlique into a standing countdown. Bevan emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
In the Men’s 92kg category, Enmanuel Reyes Pla from Spain, a 2022 European Championship silver medalist, claimed a split decision victory (4:1) over Soheb-Youcef Bouafia from France. Marko Calic from Croatia emerged triumphant in a thrilling Balkan derby against Dzemal Bosnjak from Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing a unanimous decision win. Alexander Chris Okafor from Germany displayed his skills and secured a unanimous decision victory against Gelian Rojku from Albania. Vagkan Nanitzanian from Greece advanced to the next round as he overwhelmed Michel Erpelding from Luxembourg, prompting the referee to stop the bout during the third round.
The Boxing Tournament of the III European Games will continue with the second session of the day, scheduled to start at 18:00 CET.
Stay updated with the latest competition information, results, schedules, and additional content by visiting the official website of the III European Games at https://results.european-games.org/EG2023/ENG/schedule/BOX/all-days/all-event
Additionally, live action can be followed on European Games TV at: https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing](https://europeangames.tv/sports/boxing
Stay tuned for more action as the III European Games Boxing Tournament unfolds at the Nowy Targ Arena.
European Games day-1 continues with 18 more preliminary bouts
23/06/2023The second session of Day 1 at the Boxing Tournament of the III European Games in Krakow, held at the Nowy Targ Arena, provided fans with another round of great bouts. Athletes in the Women’s 60kg and the Men’s 57kg, 63.5kg, and 71kg categories took to the ring, determined to advance in the brackets.
In the Women’s 60kg category, Hanna Okhrei from Ukraine showcased her skills and earned a unanimous decision victory against Tara Bohatjuk from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gizem Ozer from Turkey left no room for doubt as she secured a flawless victory of 5:0 on points against Cristina Chiper from Moldova. Sara Beram from Croatia progressed in the brackets with a decisive unanimous decision win over Germany’s Lena Marie Buechner. Italy’s Alessia Mesiano displayed her dominance in the ring, securing a full scorecard unanimous decision victory against Loredana Andree Marin from Romania.
The Men’s 57kg division witnessed impressive performances as well. Jack James Dryden representing Great Britain impressed the judges, earning a sharp score of 5:0 against Riad Labidi from France. Jose Quiles Brotons from Spain showcased his skills and secured a convincing 5:0 victory over Andrei Valentin Gavae from Romania. Batuhan Ciftci from Turkey advanced in the brackets with an unanimous decision win against Kirill Serikov from Estonia. Competing on home turf, Jaroslaw Iwanow from Poland thrilled his supporters cheering him loud at the Nowy Targ Arena with a split decision victory of 4:1 point against Michele Baldassi from Italy.
In the Men’s 63.5kg event, the bouts were filled with intensity. Reese Lynch, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion representing Great Britain, displayed his dominance as he outperformed Marcis Grundulis from Latvia, securing a sharp score of 5:0 after dominating all three rounds. Radoslav Simeon Rosenov from Bulgaria emerged victorious with a split decision of 4:0 in his match against Wael Mejri from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Viliam Tanko from Slovakia clinched the victory in his match against Semjon Kamanin from Estonia with a score of 4:1. Alexandru Paraschiv from Moldova outscored Norway’s Sayed Kazemi with 5 points, securing a well-deserved victory. Aleksej Vitorov Sendrik from Serbia dominated the bout with a full scorecard and forced his opponent, Abdallah Nazih Abou-Arab from Denmark, into a standing countdown twice, securing a unanimous decision victory. Narek Hovhannisyan from Armenia secured a close split decision victory of 3:2 against Ahmad Shtiwi from Israel. Lasha Guruli from Georgia also secured a split decision victory of 3:2 over Adrian Thiam Creus from Spain. Richard Kovacs from Hungary showcased his skills and earned a convincing 5:0 victory against Andriejus Lavrenovas from Lithuania.
In the Men’s 71kg category, Eskerkhan Madiev from Georgia displayed his prowess in the ring, earning a 4:0 victory against Youba Sissokho Ndiaye from Spain. Aleksandr Trofimcuk from Lithuania showcased his dominance with a flawless 5:0 victory over Soma Mester from Hungary. Miroslav Kapuler-Ishchenko from Israel impressed the judges, securing a clear unanimous decision victory of 5:0 against Milos Bartl from the Czech Republic. The last bout of the day in the Men’s 71kg category saw Martin Skogheim from Norway emerge triumphant with a unanimous decision victory and a full scorecard against Rafail Pafios from Cyprus.
The Boxing Tournament of the III European Games, which serves as a qualification event for the European continent on the Road to Paris, will continue on June 24. With over 300 athletes from 42 countries and the Refugees Olympic Team competing until July 2, the stakes are high as they vie for the European Games titles and the 44 qualification slots to Paris awarded in each category.
Thrilling Action as III European Games Boxing Tournament begins in Nowy Targ
23/06/2023The 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.
IOC Session withdraws recognition of International Boxing Association
22/06/2023
Upon the recommendation of the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the IOC Session, which met remotely on 22 June 2023, has decided to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter (OC). Read the full article at: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-session-withdraws-recognition-of-international-boxing-association
2023 European Games: the Official Draw
22/06/2023The Official Draw for the 2023 European Games Boxing took place today, June 22, at the COS Zakopane Hall in Zakopane (POL). Two Olympic Champions will be boxing in the very first two bouts of the Tournament tomorrow, June 23.
Starting tomorrow, June 23, and continuing until July 2, a total of 319 boxers from 42 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team will compete in 13 weight categories, vying for one of the 44 Paris 2024 qualification slots to be awarded at the III European Games. The tournament will be held at the Nowy Targ Arena, with two daily sessions scheduled from June 23 to June 30 (with a day off on June 29), and one daily session on July 1 and 2.
Two Olympic champions will take center stage in the opening bouts of the tournament tomorrow (June 23). In Ring A, Kellie Harrington from Ireland, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion, will face off against Mirolava Jedinakova from Slovakia in the Women’s 60kg event at 13:00 CET. Simultaneously, in the same category but on Ring B, Estelle Mosseley of France, the Rio 2016 Olympic Champion, will go head-to-head with Teresa Benedict Makinen from Finland. A total of 37 bouts will be held throughout the day across both rings and two sessions.
The Official Draw followed the Technical Meeting, presented by the 2023 European Games Boxing Competition Manager, Pawel Grabowski, the Chair of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU), Alex MCLIN, and the competition’s Technical Delegate, Marina Ni.
Find the complete Official Draw results here:
| Men’s +92kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 92kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 80kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 71kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 63kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 57kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 51kg | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s 75kg | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s 66kg | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s 60kg | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s 57kg | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s 54kg | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s 50kg | Draw Sheet |
More information on the European Games official website
Find the event schedule more information here.
319 Boxers Ready to Compete in Nowy Targ as III Olympic Games Officially Open
22/06/2023The official lighting of the torch marked the beginning of the III European Games at Krakow’s Henryk Reyman Stadium. The grand opening ceremony on June 21 showcased a remarkable fusion of sports and artistry, welcoming 7,000 athletes who will compete in 29 sports across thirteen cities in southern Poland.
The Boxing Tournament, which is conducted under the supervision of the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU), will take place at the Nowy Targ Arena. A total of 319 boxers (193 men and 126 women) from 42 countries, and the Refugee Olympic Team, will compete in 13 weight categories from June 23 to July 2.
With 44 Paris 2024 Quota Places at stake (22 men, 22 women), the tournament holds significant importance, offering a chance to secure a participation slot for the Games out of the total 248 available. Following this event, the Boxing Road to Paris qualification pathway will continue with four more continental qualifiers in 2023 and two ad-hoc world qualifiers in the first and second quarters of 2024 (refer to the Qualification System for further details).
The boxing action at the European Games begins tomorrow, with the first bout scheduled for 13:00 CET. From June 23 to June 30 (with a break on June 29), two sessions will be held daily at 13:00 and 18:00, respectively. The final stage of the Tournament on July 1 and 2 will feature a single session per day, starting at 18:00 and 13:00, respectively.
European Games in Krakow Set to Kick Off Boxing Road to Paris 2024 Qualification Pathway
20/06/2023The stage is set for a great display of boxing excellence as the third edition of the European Games descends upon the vibrant city of Krakow, Poland. From June 23 to July 2, 2023, the Nowy Targ Arena will bear witness to the first leg of the Boxing Road to Paris 2024 qualification pathway, where boxers from across the continent will battle it out for a chance to secure their coveted spots at the upcoming Olympic Games.
This tournament marks the beginning of the qualification journey that will culminate at the grand stage of Paris 2024. Over the course of seven qualification tournaments, spread from June 2023 to May 2024, the best boxers in the world will engage in fierce competition to secure their spot. Five continental qualification tournaments in 2023 will be followed by two world qualification tournaments in the early months of 2024. In total, 248 Quota Places, equally divided between men and women, are up for grabs across 13 weight categories, providing boxers with a golden opportunity to realize their Olympic dreams.
The Nowy Targ Arena will witness some of Europe’s finest boxers vying for supremacy. With the stakes set high, a total of 44 Paris 2024 Olympic quota places (22 women, 22 men) will be up for grabs in this first qualification tournament of the series. The tournament features 13 weight categories, including seven men’s events and six women’s events.
As the boxing world turns its attention to Krakow, several standout athletes have emerged as ones to watch. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable contenders who are poised to make a mark on the tournament:
Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) – Competing in the Men’s 63.5kg category, Sofiane Oumiha is hailed as one of France’s brightest hope for Paris. Having claimed a silver medal in Rio 2016, Oumiha’s elite boxing skills and unwavering determination make him a formidable force in the ring.
Irma Testa (ITA) – Known for her entertaining boxing style, Irma Testa of Italy has already left her mark on the sport. With a bronze medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Women’s 57kg category, Testa’s agility and flair make her a crowd favorite and a force to be reckoned with.
Kellie Harrington (IRL) – A reigning gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, Kellie Harrington represents one of Ireland’s best chances for glory. With her exceptional skills and proven track record, Harrington carries immense expectations as the biggest name in the tournament.
Enmanuel Reyes Pla (ESP) – Born in Cuba and now representing Spain, Enmanuel Reyes Pla is regarded as an excellent boxer in the Men’s 92kg category. Armed with a wealth of experience and technical prowess, Reyes Pla possesses the skills necessary to shine on the European stage and further on to on the road to the Paris 2024 ring.
Elzbieta Wojcik (POL) – Hailing from Poland, Elzbieta Wojcik brings a blend of past achievements and homegrown aspirations to the Women’s 75kg category. With a gold medal from the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and a bronze from the European Games in 2019, Wojcik aims to clinch the ultimate prize in front of her home crowd.
Loren Berto Alfonso Dominguez (AZE) – Another Cuban-born talent, Loren Berto Alfonso Dominguez represents Azerbaijan in the Men’s 92kg category. With a bronze medal from the Tokyo Olympics already under his belt, Dominguez possesses the skill and determination to make his mark in Krakow.
Teresa Benedicta Makinen (FIN) – The youngest boxer in the Women’s 60kg category, Teresa Benedicta Makinen, embarked on a promising journey to the her first European Games. Picking up the torch from the retired legendary Mira Potkonen, who won her second Olympic medal in Tokyo at the age of 40, Makinen represents Finland’s future of this weight category.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team Paris 2024 athletes, Farid Walizadeh (Men’s 57kg), originally from Afghanistan and now residing in Portugal, and Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba (Women’s 60kg), originally from Cameroon and now training with Team GB in England, adds an inspiring and hopeful dimension to the event.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage, including news, photos, and official documents, as the Road to Paris 2024 unfolds before our eyes in Krakow.
Find additional information on the event on the Boxing page of the official 2023 European Games website, and download the full schedule here.
Dakar to host Africa’s Paris 2024 Boxing continental qualification tournament
14/06/2023The second leg of the boxing qualification pathway to Paris 2024 will be held in Dakar, Senegal, from the 9th through the 15th of September 2023.
The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the African continent, with 18 Olympic quota places up for grabs (11 women, 7 men) in 13 events.
The boxing tournament, organized by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU), will take place at the Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, on the outskirts of the capital city. The venue – which will be one of the sporting hubs of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games – was inaugurated in 2018 and has already hosted several national and international sports events, including the African Boxing Road to Tokyo qualifier in 2020.
Dakar’s tournament will be the second of the five continental Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournaments, with the first being the 2023 European Games in Krakow, Poland (44 quota places, 22 women, 22 men). The qualification path will then continue at the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China, from the 23rd of September to the 8th of October 2023, where 34 quota places will be distributed (20 women, 14 men). The Pan American Games (20 October – 5 November 2023, in Santiago, Chile) will qualify the best 30 boxers from the Americas (16 women and 14 men), while 13 quotas will be awarded at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where the last boxing qualifier of the year will be conducted between the 27th of November and the 2nd of December.
Two World Qualification Tournaments, to be held in the first and second quarters of 2024 (dates and locations to be confirmed), will serve as additional qualification events, offering NOCs with up to three possibilities to secure tickets to Paris. According to the Paris 2024 Qualification System for Boxing, only National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that have not yet qualified an athlete in a specific weight category via the respective continental qualification tournament will be allowed to enter one athlete per weight category.
IOC Executive Board recommends to IOC Session to withdraw recognition of International Boxing Association
08/06/2023The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today recommended to the IOC Session to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter (OC).
Find the full news on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) website, here https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-executive-board-recommends-to-ioc-session-to-withdraw-recognition-of-international-boxing-association
Paris 2024 boxing qualification system to achieve a fair process for all NOCs
06/12/2022The delivery model for the Paris 2024 Olympic boxing competition and Olympic boxing qualifiers was discussed today by the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Designed by the IOC in close collaboration with boxing experts, the Olympic qualification system focuses on:
- Achieving a fair process for all NOCs – with the same number of qualification events available to their boxers, regardless of weight category;
- An increased number of qualification opportunities in comparison to Tokyo 2020;
- Retaining the Athlete Eligibility Criteria successfully used in the Tokyo 2020 boxing qualification system;
- Reviewing the quota place distribution per weight category in comparison to the International Boxing Association (IBA)’s proposal; and
- Reviewing the quota place distribution per qualification tournament in comparison to IBA’s proposal.
The new qualification system was approved by the IOC EB in September and is based on direct qualification through selected competitions, including the use of NOC regional multisport events as Olympic boxing qualification tournaments. Following the continental phase of the quota place allocation, two world qualification tournaments are planned to be held in 2024, with the goal of providing a balance in terms of geographical opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Details can be found here.
This process puts boxers first, reducing the complexity of the qualification process by using existing regional events and giving up to three qualification opportunities, ultimately achieving a fair and equal pathway for all boxers.
The “Paris 2024 Boxing Event Regulations” for the qualification tournaments and the Olympic Games are due to be published as early as possible in 2023.
With regard to anti-doping, the testing at the Olympic qualification tournaments will be carried out in addition to IBA’s existing programme, in close collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
New boxing qualification system approved for Paris 2024
08/09/2022A new boxing qualification system for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was approved by the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today after a full update on the situation of boxing, including governance issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Boxers’ pathway to Paris 2024 approved
After deciding last June that the boxing qualifying events and competitions for Paris 2024 would not be run under the authority of the IBA, the IOC EB was presented with an additional qualification model, which was approved during its meeting in Lausanne.
Designed by the IOC in close collaboration with boxing experts, the new qualification system is based on direct qualification through selected competitions, including the use of National Olympic Committee (NOC) regional multisport events as Olympic boxing qualification tournaments. The responsibility for the boxing competitions in the following events will therefore not lie with the IBA, and alternative arrangements will be put in place with the respective event organisers:
- Pan-American Games – Santiago 2023
- European Games – Krakow 2023
- Pacific Games – Honiara 2023
- Asian Games – Hangzhou 2022 (taking place in 2023)
- ANOCA (Africa) multisport event to be confirmed
Following the continental phase of the quota place allocation, two world qualification tournaments are planned to be held in 2024.
The new Olympic qualification process puts boxers first, lowering the complexity of the qualification process by using existing regional events and giving up to three qualification opportunities, ultimately achieving a fair and equal pathway for all boxers.
Remaining concerns over IBA
The various IOC concerns around the governance of the IBA, including the refereeing and judging process and the IBA’s financial dependency on the state-owned company Gazprom, are still ongoing.
The IOC EB today received a report on the issues related to competition management and refereeing and judging processes highlighted by independent experts during the boxing competition at the recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
It also noted that no clear efforts have been made by the IBA to respect and fully implement the roadmap set out by the IOC EB in December 2021 with regard to the IBA’s governance.
As a consequence, the IOC EB has sent a letter to the IBA informing it of the IOC’s ongoing grave concern. Boxing is currently not included in the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 and, considering the absence of any real evolution, the IOC Executive Board is not in a position to reverse its decision. This letter will be shared with the NOCs and national boxing federations.
IOC EB: IBA not in position to run qualifying events and boxing competitions for Paris 2024
24/06/2022In the interest of the athletes and the boxing community, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that the boxing qualifying events and competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will not be run under the authority of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The decision is centred on the athletes and the need to provide certainty on the Olympic competitions and qualifications leading to Paris 2024. It follows the continuing and very concerning issues of the IBA, such as its governance and its refereeing and judging system.
The IOC administration will finalise on an exceptional basis alternative models for the organisation of these boxing competitions, working closely with the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and athletes’ representatives. The outcomes of these discussions and suggested recommendations will then be presented to the IOC EB in due course.
Whether or not boxing will be included on the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 will be discussed at a later stage.
Continuing concerns
The various IOC concerns around the governance of the IBA, including the refereeing and judging process and its financial dependency on the state-owned company Gazprom, are still ongoing.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced on 14 June 2022 that the decision of the IBA Interim Nominations Unit, which had deemed the presidential candidate Boris van der Vorst and three other electoral candidates ineligible for election the day prior to the scheduled IBA elections, had been overturned. The CAS arbitrator accepted the request that they be reinstated as eligible candidates. Furthermore, the CAS stated that Umar Kremlev had committed the same rule violation yet had been admitted to the election as the sole candidate.
With regard to the planned IBA qualification pathway to Paris 2024, the IOC EB noted that no host-city agreements had been signed for the qualification competitions and that there was an insufficient number of certified referees and judges to deliver the planned events.
Background information
Following an investigation and report by an IOC Inquiry Committee in 2019, recognition of the International Boxing Association (at that time still called AIBA) was suspended by the IOC. This suspension is still in force today. Following the suspension, the IOC created a special Task Force with the remit to deliver the qualification events for the boxing tournament at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Led by IOC Member and President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe, the Boxing Task Force delivered a clear, fair and transparent pathway for boxers to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and ensured a fair and just competition, both on the road to Tokyo and at the Games.
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