Category: Tokyo 2020
Tokyo 2020: medals, results and highlights of the Olympic Tournament
08/08/2021
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Tournament came to an end today, Sunday 8 August, with the last four gold medal matches held at the Kokugikan Arena, the indoor sporting venue widely recognized as the spiritual home of the Japanese national sport of Sumo wrestling.
There, 276 bouts were held in 13 weight categories (eight men’s and five women’s events), with 289 athletes (102 women boxers and 187 male boxers) from 80 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team competing from 24 July through 8 August. This represented a major improvement in terms of gender equity, compared to past editions of the Games: the number women’s weight categories have been increased from three at Rio 2016 (36 participating women) to five at Tokyo 2020 (102 participating women), and the number of men’s weight categories has been reduced from ten at Rio 2016 to eight at Tokyo 2020.
Medal Standings
A total of 25 different countries finished on the podium here in Tokyo, compared to 19 countries at Rio 2016.
Cuba finished atop of the medal table of the tournament, collecting an impressive number of four gold and one bronze, for a total tally of 5 medals.
Cuban boxers were on the podium in five out of eight men’s event, winning half of the men’s titles up for grab here in Tokyo, thanks to Andy CRUZ (men’s light) Roniel IGLESIAS (men’s welter), Arlen LOPEZ (men’s light heavy) and Julio La CRUZ (men’s heavy). Lazaro ALVAREZ joined them in the standings table by claiming bronze in the men’s feather.
Great Britain finished in second, with two medals of each colors, and tied the Russian Olympic Committee (1 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze) atop of the rank by total with a tally of six medals. Brazil followed in fourth place, with its best Olympic result ever in boxing (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze).
Download the full medal table here
Download the ranking by NOC here
Download the tournament statistics here
Download the full Tokyo 2020 Boxing Results Book
Highlights
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were a stage of success, records, and historical achievements for a number of athletes and countries.
Home hero IRIE Sena (JPN) – who won the first title of the tournament on her home turf, competing in a newly established women event – became the first female boxer representing Japan to win an Olympic medal when she claimed gold in the women’s feather final on 3 August. At 20 years old, IRIE became the second-youngest female boxer to claim an Olympic tile in the history of the sport, after Claressa SHIELDS (USA), who was 19 years when she won the women’s middle in 2012.
In the same event, bronze medalists Irma TESTA (ITA) handed Italy its 48th Olympic medal in boxing and its first ever in a women’s event, and Nesthy PETECIO (PHI) gave Philippines its first Olympic medal in boxing since 1996. A few days later, on 7 August, PETECIO’s teammate Carlo PAALAM became the first man representing Philippines in 25 years to claim an Olympic medal in any sport, as he secured the men’s fly silver medal.
On 3 August, competing in the men’s welterweights event, Cuba’s Roniel IGLESIAS won his second Olympic gold medal after claiming the light-welter in 2012. He is the seventh boxer to win two weight categories at the Olympic Games, and the third from Cuba. At the same time, IGLESIAS claimed his third Olympic medal in total after also taking bronze in the light-welter in 2008, equaling Cuban record of three Olympic medals in the sport, achieved by Felix SAVON (3 gold), Teofilo STEVENSON (3 gold) and Lazaro ALVAREZ (3 bronze). The Cuban champion is now on the way to his fourth Olympic Games, having said that he will try his best to participate and break all records in Paris 2024.
His teammate Arlen LOPEZ (CUB) followed him on the podium on 4 August, winning the men’s light-heavy event, to become the eighth boxer to win Olympic gold medals in two events, and the first to achieve this in the men’s middleweight (2016) and men’s light heavyweight (2020). But that was not all, for dream-team Cuba: on 5 August, in the men’s featherweight category, Lazaro ALVAREZ (CUB) finished in third and became the first boxer to win an Olympic boxing medal in three different weight categories. The 30-year-old took bronze in the men’s bantam in 2012 and finished third in the men’s light in 2016. Sharing the third step the podium with him, here in Tokyo, Samuel TAKYI gave Ghana its fifth Olympic medal in any sport and the first since the men’s football team took bronze in Barcelona in 1992.
On 7 August, three out of four medalists of the women’s fly event won a first-time medal in female boxing for their respective countries. Gold medalist Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA gave Bulgaria its first Olympic Games gold medal in boxing since Atlanta 1996 and became the first woman representing Bulgaria to win an Olympic Games medal in boxing. Silver medalist Buse Naz CAKIROGLU (TUR) became the first woman representing Turkey to win an Olympic Games medal in the sport, while bronze medalist HUANG Hsiao-Wen (TPE) claimed the first boxing medal for her country. Later in the day, CAKIROGLU’s teammate Busenaz SURMENELI (TUR) became the first person representing Turkey to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, when she took the women’s welter title.
In today’s women’s light event, bronze medalist Mira POTKONEN (FIN), who is 40-year and 264-day-old, became the oldest individual Olympic medallist from Finland since 1948, when artistic gymnast Heikki SAVOLAINEN (40 years, 320 days) won gold in the men’s pommel horse. POTKONEN, a bronze medallist in women’s lightweight at Rio 2016 and the 2019 world championships, also became the oldest Olympic medallist in boxing across all events, beating the record held by Great Britain’s Richard GUNN, who was 37 years old when he won the men’s featherweight gold in 1908.
Another women’s medal – the silver won by Beatriz FERREIRA at today’s lightweights final – finished in the spotlights as it turned out to be Brazil’s 20th medal in Tokyo, a fresh record for the country whose previous best had been a total tally of 19 at the Rio Games.
Results and Drawsheets:
All Tokyo 2020 Medalists by Weight Category
Women’s Fly (48-51kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Women’s Feather (52-57kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Women’s Light (57-60kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Women’s Welter (64-69kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Women’s Middle (69-75kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Fly (48-52kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Feather (52-57kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Light (57-63kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Welter (63-69kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Middle (69-75kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Heavy (81-91kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg): Draw Sheet – Final Standings
Day 15: JALOLOV (UZB) beats TORREZ (USA) to become new Super Heavy Olympic Champion
08/08/2021
Bout #276, the last match of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament, crowned Bakhodir JALOLOV of Uzbekistan as the new Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) Olympic Champion.
JALOLOV – the tallest super heavyweight contender here in Tokyo, faced USA’s Richard TORREZ JR, who at 188cm is one of the shortest fighters in the division. The 27-year-old Uzbek, taking full advantage of his extra centimetres, beat the 22-year American boxer in an epic final, giving him a standing count amid round two, and then dominating round three, to secure a unanimous decision win.
JALOLOV had landed in Tokyo as the favourite in this event. After a fifth place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Uzbek boxer won the last three Asian Championships in a row, in 2017, 2019 and 2021, and gained a spot on the Tokyo’s draw at the Boxing Road to Tokyo qualifier in Paris, earlier this year. Today, he claimed Uzbekistan’s 10th gold medal in the history of the Olympic Games.
“I’m really happy to be the champion,” JALOLOV said. “It feels like a dream for me. I’m still thinking that I’m sleeping. I’m really glad. I’m thankful to all the boxers that I competed with, and all fans who watched my fights. I appreciate it.”
“The next step is my activity in professional boxing,” he continued. “I’ll focus more on professional boxing.”
Silver medalist TORREZ said: “I’ve been on the medal podium before, and it’s one of the best and worst feelings to ever feel. To not have that flag raised, to not have that anthem played, to sit there and one guy is crying tears of the joy, the other sadness. When you are in that position it’s really tough. So maybe one day I’ll look back and say I did a good job, because I do believe I did a good job, but it’s tough.”
“This is one of the most bittersweet moments I’ve ever felt,” he added.
Frazer CLARKE (GBR) and Kamshybek KUNKABAYEV (KAZ) took the bronze medals.
Updated Drawsheet:
Day 15: Lauren PRICE (GBR) defeats LI (CHN) become the new women’s middleweight champion
08/08/2021
Lauren PRICE brought Great Britain a memorable gold medal after winning today’s Women’s Middle (69-75kg) final match against LI Qian of People’s Republic of China.
The 27-year-old from Sheffield (GBR)controlled the bout with smart tactical play and claimed a brilliant unanimous decision victory to close her glorious Tokyo 2020 Olympic path. Owing to PRICE’s medal, Team GB matched the medal tally of the Olympic Games London 2012 and reach the record of six medals in boxing.
Newport-born PRICE became the first boxer from Wales to win an Olympic gold medal for Great Britain in boxing. The previous Welsh boxer to claim an Olympic medal was Fred EVANS (GBR), who took silver in the men’s welter in 2012. Also, PRICE became the second reigning world champion in the women’s middleweight to claim Olympic gold in this event, after Claressa SHIELDS (USA) at the Olympic Games Rio 2016. Furthermore, the British boxer became the second woman representing Great Britain to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, after Nicola ADAMS won the women’s flyweight in 2012 and 2016.
Speaking after her victory, PRICE said: “I am over the moon, a dream come true really. It’s been a dream of mine since I was eight years old watching Kelly HOLMES (GBR) win that gold. I’ve always said I didn’t know how I was going to get here and what sport I was going to do, but the dream has always been to get to the Olympic Games.”
“To win gold is just the icing on the cake and I can’t really put into words what it means to me right now.”
The #2 seeded LI won the silver, her second Olympic medal. The Chinese boxer had indeed already claimed bronze in this event at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and became the second Chinese woman to win multiple Olympic medals in boxing, after REN Cancan took silver and bronze in the women’s flyweight in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Speaking about today’s performance, LI said: “I think I wanted to win too much, and it affected my performance. I know her style of fight, and I wanted to put pressure on her and control the distance. She’s very quick, and I became quite passive. I fought a little too conservatively. I wanted to go for it, but afraid that it would lead to mistakes.”
“Next up would be preparing for the national games. Paris?” she said, smiling, “I’ll have to work hard!”
Nouchka FONTIJN (NED) and Zenfira MAGOMEDALIEVA (ROC) were awarded with the bronze medals.
FONTIJN added bronze to her silver medal from Rio in the women’s middleweight and became the second boxer from Netherlands to claim multiple Olympic medals in boxing, after Arnold VANDERLIJDE in men’s boxing.
MAGOMEDALIEVA claimed the first medal in women’s boxing for ROC at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and previously won world titles in women’s heavyweight (2014) and women’s light heavyweight (2019).
Updated Draw Sheet
Day 15: CRUZ wins Men’s Lightweight gold and propels Cuba atop of the medals table
08/08/2021
At today’s Men’s Light (57-63kg) gold medal match, Cuba’s Andy CRUZ and USA’s Keyshawn DAVIS met for the third time on the ring, after fighting against each other in the 2019 World Championship and Pan American Games finals.
In 2019, 25-year-old CRUZ had won both medal matches, leaving DAVIS in second.
Today, during the last competition day of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing, it was no different.
The Cuban boxer – dubbed “the Matador” – claimed the brightest medal via a 4:1 split decision. After starting-off the match with a brilliant round one, CRUZ suffered the intensity of DAVIS’ action in round two, fighting then back in round three to eventually convince the judges.
“I’m very happy because I could reach my goal. It was my goal to reach gold and I accomplished that,” the Cuba boxer said, after the match.”
CRUZ propelled Cuba atop of the medal standings. His gold is the fourth for Cuba (and the fifth medal in total) in the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Tournament, following the titles won by Roniel IGLESIAS (Men’s Walter), Arlen LOPEZ (Men’s Light Heavy) and Julio La CRUZ (Men’s Heavy), and the bronze medal secured by Lazaro ALVAREZ in the Men’s Feather event.
22-year-old DAVIS from Alexandria, VA, USA, said: “Everything was worth it, man. Even though it’s a silver medal, I still learned a lot about myself in this tournament, leading up to the silver medal. I think I’m a better fighter now.”
“I’m proud because I put my professional career on hold, put my money on hold to accomplish my dream. And I did that,” he added. “A lot of people wouldn’t take that risk, wouldn’t take that opportunity to put what they have on hold when everything was going their way, they were getting everything they wanted, risking their career, putting their bodies on the line to do something extraordinary, and I did that.”
Bronze medals in the event went to Hovhannes BACHKOV (ARM) and Harry GARSIDE (AUS).
Updated Drawsheet:
Day 15: Ireland’s HARRINGHTON wins the women’s lightweight title
08/08/2021
On last day of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Olympic Tournament, the ring of the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo saw Women’s Light (57-60kg), Men’s Light (57-63kg), Women’s Middle (69-75kg) and Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg).
In the first final of the day, Kellie Anne HARRINGHTON (IRL) became the new Women’s Light (57-60kg) Olympic champion as she defeated Beatriz FERREIRA of Brazil in a breathtaking final match.
FERREIRA got off to a good start by taking the opening round but HARRINGHTON settled into the bout in the second, taking that round before also taking the third to win. The 31-year-old from Dublin claimed a 5:0 sharp victory to climb atop of the podium.
Speaking after the gold medal victory, the Irish boxer said:
“I have no words. The hard work, dedication, sacrifice that has gone into this. The lonely moments, the tears. My family knows, my coaches know, the coaches here know, it hasn’t even hit yet.”
“I’m crying as I have a sense of relief. When I get back and I’m in my room on my own, or when I get to the team, it will hit… I’m just relieved.” She also added.
“I never have any expectations going into tournaments. I just go in and expect to perform. I just focus on me and good things happen then. When you can do all of the little things, good things come after that.”
“I do love that I have this medal, but it’s step by step to get there and performance is key. If you don’t perform well then you can’t move on to the next stage.“
Kellie Anne HARRINGTON became the third boxer representing Ireland to claim an Olympic gold medal in the history of the sport, after Michael CARRUTH won the men’s welterweight at Barcelona 1992 and Katie TAYLOR won the women’s lightweight at London 2012.
Also, HARRINGTON gave Ireland its second Olympic gold medal of Tokyo 2020, after it won the men’s lightweight double sculls in rowing.
Silver medalist, Beatriz FERREIRA, can be proud of herself as she became the second Brazilian woman to claim an Olympic medal in boxing, after Adriana ARAUJO took bronze in the women’s lightweight at London 2012.
It’s a great achievement for the Salvador-born who also gave Brazil its 20th medal of Tokyo 2020, making this the most successful Olympic Games for Brazil in terms of total medals. Brazil took 19 medals at Rio 2016.
The Brazilian boxer, regarding her opponent, said: “We know each other from other championships. Even if we didn’t know each other, being at the Olympic Games, we try our best. We are champions so even if I didn’t get the gold, I’m still very happy that she got it. I’m happy for my results too. So, hugging each other was good, because we represent how much the sport means to us. I’m really happy for her win.”
“The silver is really important for me because I participated in several championships, but this is the only one that I could get on to the podium for. I worked really hard and this is a great result for me.” She added.
Sudaporn SEESONDEE (THA) and Mira Marjut Johanna POTKONEN (FIN) took the bronze medals.
This was an historic result for the Thai boxer who became the first woman from Thailand to win an Olympic boxing medal. It was the 15th medal in total for the NOC in boxing.
“It was my goal to win a medal. I’ve spent so much time in practice in order to make it. It’s not only my medal, but the medal of all Thai people. I will try hard to win a medal again.” SEESONDEE said.
Furthermore, at the age of 40-year-old and 264 days, POTKONEN, who is the oldest athlete of the Boxing Tournament, won her second Olympic medal, after bronze in this event at Rio 2016. She became the second boxer from Finland to win multiple Olympic medals, after Pentti HAMALAINEN won gold and bronze in 1952 and 1956 respectively.
On winning the bronze, POTKONEN commented: “I’ve been working hard for more than a decade. Now I’m a two-time Olympic medallist. It’s a great reward. Now it’s the end of my career. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
“This medal required harder work than before. This was the hardest medal to win, but it’s not related to Covid. It’s just personal issues like training and injuries.”
Updated Draw Sheet
Day 14: SURMENELI earns welterweights title, becomes Turkey’s first Olympic boxing champ ever
07/08/2021
In the last final of Tokyo 2020 Boxing Tournament’s Day 14, reigning world champion Busenaz SURMENELI claimed Turkey’s first Olympic gold medal ever in boxing, winning the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) final at the Kokugikan Arena.
The 23-year-old Turkish boxer beat the 2019 Asian Champion GU Hong of the People’s Republic of China (32) via a 3:0 decision, as GU was given a -1 pt. warning penalty in the final.
In what will go down in history as a memorable day for the Turkish boxing movement, SURMENELI secured her Olympic title minutes after her teammate Buse Naz CAKIROGLU winning Turkey’s first female Olympic boxing medal ever, a silver, in the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) event.
“I am really happy to get that. I am just a pioneer and this medal is for all Turkey. I hope to win more medals,” SURMENELI said.
“I had promised my late grandfather. And I accomplished my promise, that is why I was so emotional after the victory. I know he died, but I believe that he’s watching me. The first thing when I return back to Turkey, I will go back to his grave and show my medal.”
Nobody won a single round against the Turkish athlete, along the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tournament. SURMENELI won them all collecting a series of sharp scores: 5:0 against KOSZEWSKA (POL), 5:0 against LYSENKO (UKR), 5:0 against BORGOHAIN (IND), and finally 3:0 today.
“I am just trying my best,” SURMENELI commented. “In the last two years I have only lost one bout, and that happened because I was injured. I will keep on working to stay at this level.”
Silver medalist GU said:
“I don’t have regrets, because I did my best. There are still things I didn’t do well enough in training. I was unable to control myself because I didn’t do enough. But I did my best over the four bouts.”
“I am a bit sad because I did not win the brightest medal. I was unable to fully express myself, and that’s one thing I’m not satisfied with myself today,” she continued. “At the same time, I am very happy because I am sharing the podium with these great boxers. We are here, we all made it.”
Lovlina BORGOHAIN (IND) and Oshae JONES (USA) took the event’s bronze medals.
Updated Draw Sheets:
Day 14: One-punch knockout makes Brazil’s SOUSA the Men’s Middleweight Olympic champion
07/08/2021
Hebert SOUSA of Brazil won the gold medal match in the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) division owing to an unbelievable knockout victory over the top runner Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK (UKR).
The Ukraine boxer was dominating the first two rounds, ahead 20-18 on the judges’ scorecard and just a couple of minutes away from the gold medal. But in the third round KHYZHNIAK was suddenly knocked out by SOUSA with a powerful left hook that put the Ukraine boxer down on the canvas. This has been revealed to be the winning weapon of the 22-year-old Brazilian boxer who overturned the result and claimed the victory.
Hebert SOUSA became the second person representing Brazil to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing after Robson CONCEICAO (BRA) won the men’s lightweight at the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
Describing the punch of the victory, the Olympic Champion said: “I didn’t manage to do many knockouts, but I trained a lot during my training sessions. I used that backhand punch and I got lucky.”
After receiving the gold medal, he said: “It is fantastic, and I am very emotional. I want to jump. I’m very happy. Many people supported me. This medal will bring happiness to our country.”
It was still a success for silver medallist Oleksander KHYZHNIAK (UKR), who handed Ukraine its first Olympic medal in the men’s middleweight event. The previous Ukraine-born boxer to claim an Olympic medal in this event was Viktor SAVCHENKO (URS), who took silver at the Olympic Games Moscow 1980 while representing the Soviet Union.
Speaking about his future, KHYZHNIAK said: “I will try to remain in amateur boxing. I want to turn this silver into gold. I’ve played him before, and I want to face him again.”
Eumir MARCIAL of the Philippines and Gleb BAKSHI of the Russian Olympic Committee were awarded the event’s bronze medals.
Speaking about his achievement, MARCIAL commented: “I’ve been preparing for this since I was young and I’m here now. In the last two months we were in Colorado to train and do our best. I’m thankful to my coaches for training me well. I’m very thankful to all who supported me.”
BAKSHI said: “We arrived here to win, and we have a very strong team; we are happy with the results, we won six medals and we go back home feeling proud.”
Updated Draw Sheets:
Day 14: KRASTEVA leads women’s flyweight final, winning Bulgaria’s first boxing gold since 1996
07/08/2021
Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA of Bulgaria finally made it. The 35-years-old Bulgarian athlete secured today’s Women’s Fly (48-51kg) Olympic gold medal, beating Turkey’s Buse Naz CAKIROGLU between the ropes of the Kokugikan Arena.
By leading all three rounds, KRASTEVAleft no chances to her opponent, claiming a unanimous decision victory, and giving Bulgaria its first Olympic Games gold medal in boxing since Atlanta 1996.
The veteran boxer – who competed in the bantamweights division from 2016 to 2018, winning the 2018 European Championship – climbed atop of the Olympic podium at her second Games edition. In 2012, in London, she had closed the tournament in fifth place. Today, she became the first woman representing Bulgaria to win an Olympic Games medal in boxing (each of Bulgaria’s other 18 Olympic Games medals in boxing were won by men).
KRASTEVAsaid: “This gold medal means a lot, as this has been a long-term effort for both my team and me. I am the first women boxer to win an Olympic gold for my country, I am so proud of this achievement.”
“During the final match I felt very well and very strong, because I did a very good preparation before the Games,” she continued. “I also studied a lot and worked on how to lead the bout, in terms of style and tactics, and that made the job easier for me.”
“I had a very difficult draw at the beginning of the tournament,” she added. “Nevertheless I made it, and I believe that I showed some good boxing through the course of the competition, and that I deserved this gold medal.”
Buse Naz CAKIROGLU of Turkey, a first-time Olympian who arrived here in Tokyo as one of the favorites, having won the 2019 European Championship and European Games titles, as well as the 2019 World Championship silver medal, secured today’s silver, becoming the first woman representing Turkey to win an Olympic Games medal in boxing.
Bronze medals went to NAMIKI Tsukimi of Japan, and HUANG Hsiao-Wen of Chinese Taipei.
Updated Draw Sheets:
Day 14: YAFAI wins Team GB’s first boxing title in Tokyo as he becomes the new Men’s Flyweight champion
07/08/2021
Day 14 of the Olympic Boxing Tournament saw four thrilling final matches in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Women’s Fly (48-51kg), Men’s Middle (69-75kg) and Women’s Welter (64-69kg) divisions.
Team GB celebrated as Galal YAFAI won the gold medal match against Philippines’ Carlo PAALAM in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg) weigh class.
YAFAI dominated the first two rounds, while PAALAM gave it all to claim the third, but the final result eventually turned in favor of the British athlete. The Birmingham-born boxer claimed a brilliant 4:1 victory, becoming the new flyweight Olympic champion. YAFAI also became the first man representing Great Britain to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing since the Olympic Games London 2012, when Anthony JOSHUA and Luke CAMPBELL took gold. Furthermore, the British boxer gave Great Britain its first Olympic medal in the men’s fly since 1956, when Terence SPINKS won gold in this event.
Speaking after the final, YAFAI said: “Yeah Olympic champion, man, it’s crazy. You don’t really get much of a smile out of me, but I’m over the moon now.”
“It’s a massive day for me, I dreamt this moment since I was young. I’m overwhelmed. I grew up watching Olympic boxers winning medals and I’m so glad that I can follow their footsteps.”
On his side, Carlo PAALAM (PHI) can be extremely proud of his silver medal, as he becomes the first man representing the Philippines to claim an Olympic medal in any sport since boxer Mansueto VELASCO took silver in the men’s light fly at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, 25 years ago.
“The silver medal symbolizes what I went through because when I was a young boy, I was a scavenger and I collected junk and garbage.” PAALAM commented. “I know this medal is made out of recycled materials, and I can identify with it because it is also made from waste material and garbage.”
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had, I’m young but I believe in myself.” He also added.
Ryomei TANAKA (JPN) and Saken BIBOSSINOV (KAZ) took the two bronze medals.
TANAKA, who won Japan’s third medal in the Tokyo 2020 boxing tournament, said: “Many people told me that is my greatest match and I was aiming for this. I feel very happy because I got the medal, but I really wanted to be part of a fight that everyone can remember. The happiest thing is that I fought a match you guys can remember.”
“This is my greatest achievement ever, I want to thank everyone.” – the Japanese boxer added.
Updated Draw Sheets:
Day 13: Heavyweights’ La CRUZ (CUB) dominates over GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (ROC) to win second Olympic title
06/08/2021
Julio La CRUZ lifted Cuba atop of the Tokyo 2020 podium, at the Kokugikan Arena, today, as he claimed the Men’s Heavyweights (81-91kg) Olympic title, defeating Muslim GADZHIMAGOMEDOV of the Russian Olympic Committee by a landslide unanimous decision of the five judges (5:0 points).
La CRUZ, the 2016 Light-Heavyweights Olympic Champion, secured his second Olympic gold back-to-back through an energetic and spectacular performance, putting up a show made of speed and explosiveness. The Cuban boxer always managed to be out of reach (no surprise he’s dubbed “the untouchable”) in spite of his opponent’s height advantage, stinging back with extreme precision at every given chance.
“There was a lot of attention on the fight as my opponent is the current world champion,” said La CRUZ. “But my team and trainers gave me a lot of confidence that I could win the fight, and they were right. They said that I had to believe in myself.”
“I think the judges did a great job here in Tokyo,” he continued. “We boxers did our best and put up a great show for the world to enjoy. The judges were part of this equation, with their fair decisions.”
La CRUZ is the third Cuban to win gold here in Tokyo, after the victories of Arlen LOPEZ in the Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) and of Roniel IGLESIAS in the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) events.
The 31-year-old legendary boxer is now looking forward to Paris 2024, where he could become the third Cuban boxer to earn three Olympic titles in the history of the sport.
“We have been training very hard and we will continue to do so,” La CRUZ commented. “I am certainly looking forward to Paris, and to win another gold medal there. There’re many capable boxers in this wight class, as we have seen here in Tokyo, so we will need to work even harder to succeed at the next Games.”
24-year-old GADZHIMAGOMEDOV, who had walked into the Games as the reigning world champion, secured today’s silver, setting his sights on Paris 2024.
Abner TEIXEIRA of Brazil and David NYIKA of New Zealand were awarded the event’s bronze medals.
Earlier in today’s session, the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) and Men’s Light (57-63kg) semifinals saw four more athletes advancing to the final matches.
Top-seed Lauren PRICE, representing Great Britain, made it to the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) gold medal final. In today’s semifinal bout, the boxer from Sheffield prevailed over the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Nouchka FONTIJN of The Netherlands, through a 3:2 split decision victory. Next up for her is the #2 seeded LI Qian of the People’s Republic of China, who booked a slot in the 8 August’s final following a unanimous decision win over Zenfira MAGOMEDALIEVA (ROC).
In the Men’s Light (57-63kg) division, the first semifinal saw 22-year-old Keyshawn DAVIS (USA) defeating Armenia’s Hovhannes BACHKOV. The boxer from Alexandria, VA, marched on with a 5:0 victory and is now only one step away from the brightest medal. On his way to the highest step of the podium, he will meet Andy CRUZ of Cuba, who dominated his semifinal bout against Harry GARSIDE of Australia from the first to the last round, earning a unanimous verdict.
Event schedule and results:
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets:
Day 12: ROC’s BATYRGAZIEC takes men’s featherweight gold, ALVAREZ (CUB) earns third consecutive bronze
05/08/2021
Albert BATYRGAZIEC of the Russian Olympic Committee became the new Men’s Feather (52-57kg) Olympic Champion today, as he beat USA’s Duke RAGAN, from Cincinnati, OH, via a 3:2 split decision at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Arena.
The 23-year-old first-time Olympian earned a 10 from four out of five judges in both the first and the second rounds, leaving almost no chances to RAGAN. The ROC’s athlete played defensive in round three, managing his advantage to finish atop of the podium and to collect his first gold medal ever in a world-level competition.
BATYRGAZIEC said: “The Olympic Games is serious business. I am so glad that I managed to prove to everyone that I deserved this victory.”
“There’s no easy bout, there’s no easy rival here at the Olympic Games. All boxers who made it here to Tokyo deserve respect and are a potential winner.”
BATYRGAZIEC only started competing in boxing five years ago, after a junior career in kickboxing events: “I was the Russian kickboxing champion before I turned 18,” he commented. “I set a new goal for myself when I turned 18 and moved on to boxing. I was dreaming of an Olympic gold. And I made it. Five years later, I made my dream come true.”
RAGAN, the 2019 Pan American Games bantamweights silver medalist, collected silver, USA’s 12th Olympic medal in the men’s featherweight division, more than double than any other NOC.
“I gave my 100%. I couldn’t find my rhythm in the first rounds. Only later in the bout. But then it was too late,” RAGAN said, commenting on his bout.
The 23-year-old American boxer had decided to turn professional in August 2020, after the 2020 Olympic Games were postponed. He won his first four fights as a professional, but in June 2021 he was offered the chance to compete at the Games as he qualified through the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) rankings.
“I got the call saying that I’m qualified and it’s like a dream come true. This is all I ever wanted, it was always my goal to go to the Olympics,” the American boxer commented. “I am so blessed to be here.”
Bronze medals went to Lazaro ALVAREZ of Cuba and Samuel TAKYI of Ghana.
ALVAREZ became the first boxer to win three Olympic medals in three different weight categories – having collected bronze medals both at the London Games, in the bantamweights, and in Rio de Janeiro (lightweights). After the medal ceremony he said:
“I will continue on to the Paris 2024 Olympics, I will be competing in the welterweight category, and I hope I can win a fourth medal at my fourth participation.”
Earlier today, the Women’s Light (57-60kg), Men’s Fly (48-52kg) and Men’s Middle (69-75kg) semifinals bouts were contested here at the Kokugikan Arena.
In the Women’s Light (57-60kg) event, top seed Kellie Anne HARRINGTON (IRL)and Sudaporn SEESONDEE (THA) lit up the stage with a tight semifinal round. The 31-year-old from Ireland came up on top with a close 3:2 split decision, moving on to gold medal match. In the final bout, scheduled on 8 August, she will square off against Beatriz FERREIRA of Brazil, who outscored Finland’s Mira Marjut Johanna POTKONEN with a sharp 5:0.
Carlo PAALAM (PHI) secured a unanimous decision victory in the Men’s Fly (48-53kg) semifinal, disappointing Japan’s Ryomei TANAKA. The Pilipino boxer is now up for a final bout against Great Britain’s Galal YAFAI who prevailed over Saken BIBOSSINOV (KAZ) via a 3-2 split decision after a high-energy match.
In another intense semifinal bout, Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK (UKR) clinched a hard-fought 3:2 win over Eumir MARCIAL of the Philippines in the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) division. The top runner from Ukraine will climb onto the ring again on 7 August, when he will face Brazil’s Hebert SOUSA (who defeated 4:1 ROC’s 2019 World champ Gleb BAKSHI) in the final round of the tournament.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 11: Cuba’s LOPEZ claims second gold back-to-back, leaves WHITTAKER (GBR) in tears
03/08/2021
Arlen LOPEZ did it again. The 28-year-old Cuban boxer won today’s Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) weight category gold medal match, claiming his second Olympic title back-to-back (in Rio, he had collected the brightest medal in the middleweights category).
Today, on the ring of Tokyo’s Kokugikan Arena, he defeated Great Britain’s 24-year-old Benjamin WHITTAKER, a first-time Olympian whose best achievement so far had been a World Championship bronze and a European Championship silver, both in 2019.
LOPEZ dominated the first two rounds of the match, turning out to be too fast to catch. In round three, as the peace of the bout slowed down a bit, WHITTAKER fought back, winning the points of four judges out of five. But that was not enough to gain the most coveted medal, that went to LOPEZ with a 4:1 split decision.
LOPEZ said: “It feels great to be back atop of the Olympic podium. I want to dedicate this medal to my family, I was talking to them just a minute ago, before coming into this press conference room, as they are the first people, I want to share my joy with.”
“Many people did not believe in me; they did not believe I could make it. Today, I proved them wrong.”
“The pandemic did not stop me. I used the one-year postponement to train longer and harder for the Games.”
WHITTAKER, who was crying after his loss, said: “I did not win silver. I have lost gold. Nobody trains for a silver medal. Nobody trains to end up in second or third. I have lost it, and that’s why I was so emotional out there.”
“Arlen is a great boxer; I have lost to a great athlete. This time was his time. I will now go back to the gym; I will change a few things and train harder for the next Olympics. And, hopefully, next time it will be my time.”
The two Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) bronze medals went to Cuban-born Azeri boxer Loren Berto ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ and to the Russian Olympic Committee’s Imam KHATAEV.
“It feels great to be here, among the medalists,” ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ said. “I have huge respect for the athletes with whom I am sharing the podium with. Yes, we represent different countries, and we fight on the ring, but in the end, we are all friends, and we pushed each other to the top, also through lock-downs and postponements.”
Earlier today, in the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) semifinal, top seed Buse Naz CAKIROGLU (TUR) left no chances to Hsiao-Wen HUANG (TPE), winning by unanimous decision after an intense bout. CAKIROGLU secured a spot in the final scheduled on Saturday 7 August, when the Turkish boxer will meet Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA of Bulgaria (who prevailed on NAMIKI Tsukim of Japan).
Turkey claimed another brilliant success in the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) division owing to the #1 seeded Busenaz SURMENELI (TUR) who defeated India’s Lovlina BORGOHAIN in the semifinal via a sharp 5:0 victory. In the gold medal match (7 August) she will go on the ring against the People’s Republic of China’s GU Hong, who advanced to the with a 4:1 victory over Oshae JONES (USA).
In the first of the two Men’s Super-Heavy (+91kg) semifinals contested today, Bakhodir JALOLOV (UZB) and Frazer CLARKE (GBR) put an impressive show on the ring. After two rounds of great boxing (led by JALOLOV), the referee stopped the bout during round three due to an injury reported by CLARKE, letting JALOLOV advance to the final match.
There, on 8 August, the Uzbek will meet USA’s Richard TORREZ JR, who dominated his semifinal bout against Kazakhstan’s Kamshybek KUNKABAYEV, gaining access to the final as the referee stopped the bout due to an injury of his opponent.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 10, morning session: Japan’s Sena IRIE wins first Tokyo 2020’s Boxing gold
03/08/2021
20-year-old Japanese boxer IRIE Sena won the first gold medal of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Olympic Tournament, at the Kokugikan Arena, today. The young Japanese talent prevailed over Nesthy PETECIO of the Philippines in a thrilling Women’s Feather (54-57kg) final match, securing Japan’s first ever gold medal in a women boxing event. The last Japanese boxer to win Olympic gold had been MURATA Ryota (JPN), in the men’s middleweight class, in 2012.
IRIE also became the second-youngest female boxer to claim Olympic gold, after Claressa SHIELDS (USA), who was 19 years when she won the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) in 2012, and the second female boxer to claim an Olympic medal on home soil, after Nicola ADAMS (GBR) in the Women’s Fly (48-52kg) in London (gold).
Speaking after the medal ceremony, the young Japanese boxer said: “By the time I came back to my senses I heard Kimigayo(the national anthem) playing. That’s when I felt like I became the best in the world. It made me tear up. I opened the door of history completely. I have sacrificed this past year to boxing. I don’t even feel like it’s finished.”
IRIE also commented on what this medal means for women’s boxing: “By winning this medal, I hope the media gives more coverage on women’s boxing and the sport expands. People may think women who box are violent and have a rough temper, but I think I proved today that is not the case.”
The silver medal went to Nesthy PETECIO (PHI) who gave the Philippines its first Olympic medal in boxing since 1996 when Mansueto VELASCO (PHI) took silver in the men’s light fly event.
PETECIO claimed the Philippines its second medal of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, following a gold medal won by weightlifter Hidilyn DIAZ (PHI). It is only the second time the Philippines has won multiple medals at a single Olympic Games since 1932.
The Pilipino boxer, expressing her emotions after the match said: “It means a lot to me because I dedicate this win aside from my family, for my country, for my best friend who died last February 13th. Especially I dedicate this win, this medal, to my coaches, especially Nolito VELASCO (PHI). I’ve seen how he sacrificed a lot for this competition, so that’s why I’m emotional. Really emotional because this is an important tournament not [just] for me, but for my country and for my coaches.”
She also wanted to send a message to LGBTQ+ people: “I would like to say this, I am proud to be part of the LGB [community].”
The two bronze medalists on the podium were Italy’s Irma TESTA, who handed Italy its 48th Olympic medal in boxing and its first ever in a women’s event, and Karriss ARTINGSTALL (GBR), who became the second female boxer representing Great Britain to win a medal at the Olympic Games, after Nicola ADAMS who won the Women’s Fly (48-52kg) in 2012 and 2016.
Speaking after the medal ceremony, ARTINGSTALL explained her plans after these Olympic Games: “I’m going to go to Paris [2024]. I do want to turn professional at some point but in the pro game, I’m just not ready for it at the minute. I want to tick all the boxes off as an amateur. I’ve got a world medal, a European medal, now an Olympic medal. I need a Commonwealth medal and a European Games medal, and then I’ll be making my way over to the pro scene.
TESTA expressed her feelings on winning Italy’s 600th medal at the Olympics: “I can only say that I am really proud. For me, it was really important to win a medal in order to make women’s boxing in Italy more popular. So, it’s the first medal ever for women’s boxing [in Italy], and with this medal, I can show young girls in Italy that boxing is also a sport for women and not just men. I think today is proof of that.”
Earlier, during today’s morning session, Ryomei TANAKA (JPN) made once again Japan proud after defeating Olympic Games Rio 2016 silver medallist Yuberjen Herney MARTINEZ RIVAS (COL) in their Men’s Fly (48-52kg) quarterfinal bout.
Right after, the 23-year-old from the Philippines Carlo PAALAM claimed a great victory over Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin ZOIROV. The Pilipino boxer at the end of a fierce match continues his brilliant Olympic path.
Later in the session, in the Men’s Feather (52-75kg) semifinal, Duke RAGAN (USA) and Samuel TAKYI (GHA) put on an impressive show. After a close match, United States of America’s RAGAN clinched a 3:2 split decision victory to reach the final. On the other hand, TAKYI closed can now bring back home in Ghana a memorable bronze medal.
In the following bout, there was another success for the US team: 22-year-old Keyshawn DAVIS triumphed over Gabil MAMEDOV (ROC) by 4:1 points. As a result, DAVIS guaranteed the United States of America their fourth medal in this boxing tournament. Next up for the American boxer is seed #4 Hovhannes BACHKOV of Armenia who was able to secure a spot in the semifinal of the Men’s Light (57-63kg) division (6 August), beating Uzbekistan’s Elnur ABDURAIMOV via a unanimous decision.
Top seed Muslim GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (ROC) keeps going on in the Olympic tournament after defeating the #4 seeded David NYIKA (NZL). The boxer from the Russian Olympic Committee will be on the stage for the Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) final aiming at his first Olympic gold medal.
In the Women’s Light (57-60kg) category, top runner Kellie Anne HARRINGTON (IRL) keeps shining: after today’s victory over Imane KHELIF (ALG) by 5:0 she secured the semifinal match against Sudaporn SEESONDEE (THA). The Thai boxer, after a tight bout against the young British talent Caroline DUBOIS (GBR), came out on top with a close-call 3:2 split decision.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 9, afternoon session: Cuban boxers pocket three medals. Japan proud of NAMIKI’s success
01/08/2021
It was a fascinating Day 9’s afternoon session, at the Kokugikan Arena. The Tokyo 2020 boxing tournament saw the Women’s Fly (48-51kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg), Men’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) quarterfinals and Men’s Welter (63-69kg) and Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) semifinals.
Cuban boxers definitively stole the show today, by securing three medals to their home country. In the first semifinal of the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) class, Roniel IGLESIAS claimed a unanimous verdict over Andrei ZAMKOVOI (ROC) to book a spot in the final and try to conquer the coveted gold medal. Also his teammate Arlen LOPEZ can keep on chasing the Olympic gold, as he defeated Loren Berto ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ (AZE) in their Light Heavy (75-81kg) semifinal bout, moving one step closer to the highest step of the podium.
“He’s a good boxer because he’s a European champion and we are both boxing at a very high level, so I think it is normal that when you are boxing at such a high level that you can stand a lot of punches,” LOPEZ said about his opponent. “He’s actually one of my countrymen (ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ was indeed born in Cuba) so now he’s competing for another country but he’s also one of us.”
The Cuban boxer, who will fight next in the gold medal match, added: “I think for every athlete in every sport here it is very important to compete for the gold medal. It was a very difficult tournament because we had the pandemic and I was training hard. I’m very happy that I get the chance to compete for the gold medal a second time (he was middleweight gold medalist at the Olympic Games Rio 2016) and that is very special to me.”
In the Men’s Feather (52-57kg) class, another Cuban ace, Lazaro ALVAREZ overscored Chatchai-Decha BUTDEE (THA) via a 3:2 split decision victory after a very close match.
Later in the session, Dainier PERO delivered the first disappointment to team Cuba, as he was beaten 4:1 by United States of America’s Richard TORREZ JR in their quarterfinal Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) bout.
Speaking after his performance, TORREZ said: “It’s great but we’re not here for a medal, we’re here for a gold, and that’s my goal. I can’t wait to get off the phone with my dad, tell him what we did.”
“Yes, I’m happy. I know I can go back, and I can almost hang my hat off this but that’s not what I’m here to do. I’ve been a medalist before and medals are great, but I’m not here to be a medalist, I’m here to be a gold medalist. That’s my goal. That’s my ambition.”
TORREZ JR will now have to deal with Kamshybek KUNKABAYEV (KAZ) who was guaranteed a spot in the semifinal after winning today’s match against Ivan VERIASOV (ROC).
This afternoon, the Kokugikan Arena also saw a brilliant success of the home hero NAMIKI Tsukimi of Japan who advances in the semifinal of the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) division owing to a clear 5:0 victory over Ingrit Lorena VALENCIA VICTORIA of Colombia. In the next round, scheduled for August 4, NAMIKI will meet Bulgaria’s Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA who prevailed over People’s Republic of China Yuan CHANG by a 4:1 win.
It was a good day also for Russian Olympic Committee’s Albert BATYRGAZIEV who beat Tsendbaatar ERDENEBAT (MLG) in his Men’s Feather (52-57kg) quarterfinal match and now will meet Lazaro ALVAREZ (CUB) in the second semifinal of the division.
Later in the session, two more medalists emerged in the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) quarterfinals. Brazilian boxer Hebert SOUSA, at the end of a fierce battle, came out on top with a close-call 3:2 split decision over Kazakhstan’s Abilkhan AMANKUL. In the semifinal, SOUSA will face BAKSHI Gleb of the Russian Olympic Committee who defeated Darrelle VALSAINT JR with a 5:0 victory.
Tomorrow the Olympic Boxing Tournament will take a break: no bouts will be contested. The action at the Kokugikan Arena will resume on Tuesday 3 August with eighteen additional bouts.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 9, morning session: TAYKI assured Ghana’s first Olympic Medal since 1992. Team GB granted three medals
01/08/2021
It’s already day 9 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament. Today the Kokugikan Arena hosted the Women’s Fly (48-51kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg), Men’s Super-Heavy (+91kg) and Men’s Middle (69-75kg) quarterfinals and Men’s Welter (63-69kg) and Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) semifinals.
Talented 20-year-old Samuel TAKYI of Ghana put in place a memorable performance, today, winning over Ceiber David AVILA SEGURA (COL) to advance in the Olympic Tournament and securing at least a bronze medal in the Men’s Feather (52-57kg) division.
The medal, regardless of its color, will be Ghana’s first at the Olympic Games since the men’s football team claimed bronze at Barcelona 1992. The medal will also be Ghana’s first in boxing since middleweight Prince AMARTEY took bronze at Munich 1972, and their fourth in all.
“I’m very, very happy. I give thanks to God. I’m very happy because Ghana has not taken a boxing medal for nearly 50 years,” TAKYI said. “So now I’m the first with the Olympic medal. I really thank God very much, and I also thank my coaches and anybody who support me.”
“I’ve dyed my hair a gold color. I’m going to make history and I’m going to win the gold color,” he also added. “I’m going to take the gold here.”
Right after, in the same weight category, United States of America’s Duke RAGAN clinched a 3:2 split decision win after a hard-fought bout against Ireland’s Kurt Anthony WALKER. He will join TAKYI in the semifinal on Tuesday 3 August.
It was a memorable day also for Team GB, that is assured three medals as Benjamin WHITTAKER (GBR), Frazer CLARKE and Pat McCORMACK all advanced in the brackets of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Olympic tournament.
The Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) semifinal saw Benjamin WHITTAKER (GBR) put on an impressive show defeating Imam KHATAEV of the Russian Olympic Committee. The 24-year-old from Great Britain will jump on the ring for his Olympic gold medal match on Saturday 4 August. His opponent will be revealed in today’s afternoon session.
In the Men’s Super-Heavy (+91kg) class, the 29-year-old from Burton-On-Trent (GBR) Frazer CLARKE, progressed in the semifinal due to the disqualification of his opponent Mourad ALIEV of France. Next up for the British boxer will be the top-seed JALOLOV Bakhodir from Uzbekistan who keeps advancing in the Olympic Tournament after his second 5:0 victory in a row, this round over Satish KUMAR of India.
Last but not least, Pat McCORMACK will walk on the ring in the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) division on Tuesday 3 August, passing through the semifinal without even wearing the gloves, as result of a walk-over. Unfortunately, Ireland’s Aidan WALSH was forced out of the match due to an ankle injury.
It has been a successful morning also for the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) division’s top seed Buse Naz CAKIROGLU (TUR) who advances in the semifinal owing to a 5:0 victory over Jutamas ITPONG of Thailand.
“I am really feeling emotional but as a team we came here to get the gold medal, we want to write the history by getting the gold medal and we hope to do it. But I am really emotional.”
CAKIROGLU, speaking about what getting a medal will mean for inspiring female boxers in Turkey, said:
“We were already on this road by getting good scores, good results in the European championship, world championship and there are little girls that come to my house to get my signature. I believe that by getting successful in the Olympics, this will increase, and we will inspire more little girls.”
The Turkish boxer and 2019 European Games champion will meet the number #4 seed from Chinese Taipei Hsiao-Wen HUANG who triumphed in her quarterfinal match against Nina RADOVANOVIC (SRB). HUANG will become the first boxer from Chinese Taipei to win an Olympic medal.
“It is unbelievable. It’s a very proud moment for me. I have been getting lots of support from all my family. Now that I have won a medal my family will not be so worried and nervous about me.”
HUANG also explained how she used her height advantage over her opponent: “My height advantage is the main reason I’m winning. It is a good tactic I can use; I can keep my distance while throwing punches. I was confident that I would win the match throughout the fight.”
Later in the session, Ukraine’s top runner Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK moved into the semifinals of the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) division and is one win away from the gold medal as he defeated Euri CEDENO MARTINEZ of the Dominican Republic by 4:1. He has now to meet Eumir MARCIAL of the Philippines, who earned a thrilling victory by knocking out his opponent Arman DARCHINYAN (ARM) in round 1.
The action continues at 5:00 PM at the Kokugikan Arena with ten additional bouts to be contested.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 8, afternoon session: Japan’s IRIE advances to Women’s Feather final, ROC and CHN granted a Women’s Middle medal
31/07/2021
Home boxer IRIE “The Crocodile” Sena made Japan proud once again, today, as she beat Great Britain’s Karriss ARTINGSTALL advancing to the gold medal match in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) weight class.
Competing on her home turf, the 20-year-old first-time Olympian outdid her opponent with a split decision score of 3:2 points, after leading round one, and then resisting the British’s assaults throughout round two and three. ARTINGSTAL’s journey in Tokyo ends here, but she collects a bronze medal, stepping on the podium at her first Olympic participation.
IRIE said: “It was a very close match but if I had lost in the third round I probably would’ve regretted it for the rest of my life so I made myself stronger in the last match, mentally.”
“After every punch I was able to go past the punches and get a punch in, which is why I was able to win.”
“The opponent was very strong so even though I was guarding, I was being pushed back so I thought that I had lost. But I am really glad to have won.”
“I honestly did not think I would be going to final so I’m really happy to have come this far, and now that I have gone to final, I want to get the gold.”
The Women’s Feather final match will see IRIE going up against Nesthy PETECIO of the Philippines on 3 August, as the Pilipino boxer qualified for the final earlier today, beating Italy’s Irma TESTA.
Two more medallists emerged from the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) quarterfinals, today. Russian Olympic Committee’s Zenfira MAGOMEDALIEVA advanced to the semifinal through a 4:1 victory over Rady Adosinda GRAMANE of Mozambique. The 2019 World and European Champion – competing in her first edition of the Games – is aiming at the tournament’s brightest medal, while is already assured at least a bronze. On the way leading to the gold medal match she will face Rio 2016’s Olympic bronze medallist LI Qian of the People’s Republic of China, as the Chinese athlete served a 5:0 defeat to Pooka RANI of India in today’s quarterfinal.
In the Men’s Fly (48-52kg) weight class, Cuba’s Yosbany VEITIA overscored Ghana’s Tetteh SULEMANU. Seed #3 VEITIA made it look easy, as he defeated his opponent with a clean 5:0 win, moving on to the quarterfinal. There, he will face Galal YAFAI of Great Britain, who clinched a 3:2 victory over Zambia’s Patrick CHINYEMBA.
Saken BIBOSSINOV of Kazakhstan claimed a unanimous decision victory in the last Men’s Flyweight round of 16 bout, upsetting seed #2 Billal BENNAMA of France, who had been one of the main protagonists of the Boxing Road to Tokyo qualifier in Paris, earlier this year. Propelled to the quarterfinal, BIBOSSINOV will meet Spain’s Gabriel ESCOBAR MASCUNANO, who took a 4:1 victory on Bulgaria’s Daniel Panev ASENOV.
The Men’s Light (57-63kg) division round of 16 continued this afternoon with another Cuban success, as Andy CRUZ upset Great Britain’s Luke McCORMACK via a 5:0 decision. Wanderson DE OLIVEIRA of Brazil, who had the best of Dzmitry ASANAU of Belarus, will meet him in the quarterfinal. The last Lightweights quarterfinal match will see Zakir SAFIULLIN of Kazakhstan facing Australia’s Harry GARSIDE.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 8, morning session: PETECIO advances to the gold-medal match. Testa claims historical bronze for Italy
31/07/2021
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament’s Day 8 continues at the Kokugikan Arena, with four weight classes going on the ring during the morning session: the Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Men’s Light (57-63kg), Women’s Middle and Women’s Feather (54-57kg).
The first semifinal of the tournament took place this morning, in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) category. After a tight match, the Pilipino boxer Nesthy PETECIO earned a 4:1 victory over the 2019 European champion Irma TESTA of Italy. PETECIO – in tears as her name was announced as the winner – can now advance to the gold-medal match scheduled for Tuesday 3 August.
“This means so much to me as not only it is my dream, it is my father’s dream. It’s not for me, it’s for my family, my country and for all the people from the Philippines who have prayed for me. I love you; I love you.” The boxer from the Philippines said, commenting on today’s win.
“The coaches gave me a plan and if the first plan did not work then we could change it. She was taller and tried to use that advantage, but I didn’t mind. Inside the ring, we are just the same. I got better and better as the fight went on as I have that spirit.”
On the other side, TESTA collected the first, historical, Olympic medal (bronze) ever won by an Italian female boxer.
“I’m so grateful and happy to be here, to win a medal, and I’m happy to fight with this opponent. She’s a world champion, a big champion, and I’m happy to fight with her,” she said.
The morning session saw Colombia’s Yuberjen Herney MARTINEZ RIVAS fiercely overcoming India’s front runner and #1 seeded AMIT via a 4:1 on points win in the Men’s Fly (48 – 52kg) division. Advancing in the brackets, he will meet the home champion TANAKA Ryomei of Japan who triumphed over the People’s Republic of China’s HU Jianguan.
In the same weight category, the Rio 2016 gold medalist Shakhobidin ZOIROV (UZB) claimed his second 5:0 unanimous verdict in this Olympic tournament, at the expenses of Daniel David VARELA de PINA of Cape Verde.
23-year-old Carlo PAALAM, from the Philippines, put in place an incredible performance over seed #4 Mohamed FLISSI (ALG) and is now a step closer to the Olympic medal. The next opponent on his path will be Uzbekistan’s ZOIROV who will face in the quarterfinal on Tuesday 3 August.
In bout #194, United States of America’s Keyshawn DAVIS dominated his preliminary round of 16 of Men’s Light (57-63kg), outstanding his opponent from France Sofiane OUMIHA as the referee stopped the contest in round 2. Next up for him is Gabil MAMEDOV of the Russian Olympique Committee, who prevailed over Louis Richarno COLIN (MRI).
In the same weight category, Armenian boxer and 2019 European Games champion Hovhannes BACHKOV claimed a 4:1 win over Javid CHALABIYEV (AZE), advancing to the next phase of the tournament where he will square off against Elnur ABDURAIMOV (UZB). The boxer from Uzbekistan and #4 seeded showcased excellent boxing skills to win his bout against Bakhodur USMONOV (TJK), today.
Later in the session, the Kokugikan Arena saw two Women’s Middle (69-75kg) quarterfinal bouts. Top seed Lauren PRICE from Sheffield (GBR) came up with another success owing to a 5:0 victory over Atheyna BYLON of Panama.
Speaking after the win that assures her an Olympic medal, PRICE said:
“It has not really sunk in yet, but this has been my dream since I was an eight-year-old. Just to be an Olympian, let alone (win a) medal.”
“I cannot really put it into words what it means to me yet. I was a bit emotional in the ring as soon as it finished as I knew the decision as we get the scores as we go along.”
“It was kind of hard to hold it in, but it’s been emotional this week as well seeing the whole team medaling. You have kind of got to hold a bit back to concentrate on yourself, but we have got a great team and there are many more medals to come.”
“It just goes to show GB Boxing put the work in, even though the pandemic, and it just goes to show how much they sacrificed and pushed for us. t has just all paid off and we are definitely one of the fittest teams here.”
The British boxer, a 2019 World Champion, will now have to face Nouchka FONTIJN of The Netherlands (on August 6) for a spot into the semifinal.
Boxing will continue in the afternoon session with ten additional bouts to be contested in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Men’s Light (57-63kg), Women’s Middle and Women’s Feather (54-57kg) weight classes.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 7’s afternoon session produces eight Tokyo 2020 medalists
30/07/2021
Eight quarterfinals matches took place this afternoon, at the Kokugikan Arena, producing eight Tokyo 2020 medalists. Two bronze medals are indeed awarded in Olympic boxing, meaning that all athletes who advance to the semifinals are granted at least a medal.
In today’s Women’s Welter (64-69kg) quarterfinals, the 2019 Pan American Games champion Oshae JONES of USA had the best of Maria Altagracia MORONTA HERNANDEZ of the Dominican Republic, giving her a standing countdown 1:30 minutes into round two, and eventually gaining a pass to the semifinal with a 4:0 decision that guarantees the USA at least a bronze medal in this event.
“I’ve thought about winning a medal and had a vision of me standing on the podium. I practise my gold-medal speech every day, so I plan on winning!” Said JONES.
In the next phase of the tournament, the 23-year-old American boxer will go up against GU Hong of the People’s Republic of China, a two-time Asian Champion seeded #2 in this tournament, who beat Mozambique’s Alcinda Helena PANGUANA, today.
Two more Tokyo 2020 medalists emerged from the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) quarterfinals, adding up to Cuba’s and Russian Olympic Committee’s medal tables.
2012 Olympic Champion, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and reigning Pan American Champion Roniel IGLESIAS did not delude the expectations of his fans, today. Leading the match from the first to the last round, he beat USA’s first-time Olympian Delante JOHNSON by unanimous decision. IGLESIAS is now granted at least a bronze, his third medal out of four Olympic editions (in Rio de Janeiro he missed out the podium, finishing in fifth place).
IGLESIAS said: “It is my third medal which is very important but what I really want is to win the gold medal. It is a historic moment for me and for my country, Cuba. I am very happy at this achievement.”
“Many people didn’t believe I would compete in Tokyo,” he continued. “There were some bad moments after I had an injury, but I’ve shown that all the sacrifice and hard work was worth it.”
On his way to the gold medal match, the Cuban athlete will face Seed #2 Andrei ZAMKOVOI of the Russian Olympic Committee, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, who cleared today’s bout against Eskerkhan MADIEV of Georgia with a sharp 5:0 victory.
Rio 2016 Men’s Middleweights Champion Arlen LOPEZ of Cuba stole the show in the Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) quarterfinal, dominating the match against Rogelio ROMERO TORRES of Mexico. The 28-year-old Cuban boxer claimed a 5:0 win with ease, moving on to the semifinal and thus being assured at least a bronze medal.
LOPEZ knows very well the athlete he’s going to meet next, on 1 August: Loren Berto ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ, representing Azerbaijan here in Tokyo, is a Cuban-born boxer. Today, he outscored (5:0) Bayram MALKAN of Turkey, granting a medal to the Azeri team.
Cuban boxers were in the spotlight also during the Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) weight class quarterfinals, today. Reigning Olympic Champion Julio LA CRUZ of Cuba met Cuban-born – naturalized Spaniard – Enmanuel REYES PLA to decide who was going to advance onto the semifinal and to set foot on Tokyo’s podium. The match turned into a tight duel: the athletes studying each other across round one, and then finishing tied after round two. Round three eventually turned in favor of LA CRUZ, who clinched a 4:1 split decision win thanks to his dodging abilities, and to a series of precise counterpunches landed toward the end of the match.
The Cuban star is now up against Abner TEXEIRA of Brazil, who made it through by crushing the Olympic dream of Jordan’s Hussein IASHAISH (4:1 split decision).
Earlier this afternoon, in the Women’s Light (57-60kg)’s round of 16, 2019 World Champ Beatriz FERREIRA of Brazil claimed a 5:0 win over Chinese Taipei’s WU Shihi-Yi to advance in the tournament. In the quarterfinal match (3 August) she will meet Rayhona KODIROVA of Uzbekistan, who disappointed Naomie YUMBA of the Democratic Republic of Congo via a 5:0 decision. Esra YILDIZ of Turkey collected a unanimous decision, at the expense of the 2019 Pan American Games silver medalist, Argentina’s Dayana Erika Iohann SANCHEZ. Rio 2016’s bronze medalist Mira Marjut Johanna POTKONEN (FIN) was the last confirmed quarterfinalist of the division, as she stunned the 2018 Asian Games gold medalist OH Yeonji (KOR) via a 4:1 victory.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 7, morning session: Great Britain, India and Turkey reach the podium
30/07/2021
The action continues at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, where today’s morning session saw boxers stepping on the ring to compete in the Women’s Light (57-60kg), Women’s Welter (64-69kg), Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Light Heavy (81-91kg) and Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) events.
Top-seeded Pat McCORMACK pulled off a massive upset as he stunned BATUROV Bobo-Usmon of Uzbekistan in the first quarterfinal of the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) division. At the end of a fierce battle, McCORMACK came out on top with a 4:1 split decision. Now guaranteed at least a bronze medal, he moves a step closer to make his dream of winning the Olympic title come true.
“It was a good fight. I got the first two rounds under my belt then got cut in the last round as he was coming in with his head, throwing everything in along with the kitchen sink. But I got through it, got the win, so over the moon.” McCORMACK said. “It feels unbelievable. I’ve always dreamed about getting a medal at the Olympics. But now it’s time to change the color.”
Also, the British boxer was asked if his progression in the tournament has gone as planned:
“Yeah, I feel like I’m getting better each fight. I’m warming into the tournament, and hopefully, I will just keep getting better. Second round I felt unbelievable, was getting into my flow, hitting and moving. That’s the aim of the game, and now I can’t wait to push on in the next fight and get a place in that final.”
The Sunderland-born athlete will now have to deal with 24-year-old Aidan WALSH, from Belfast (IRL), who secured a medal for Ireland winning his quarterfinal bout against CLAIR Merven (MRI).
Later in the session, in the Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) division, Benjamin WHITTAKER (GBR) clinched a significant 3:2 split decision win over Keno MACHADO (BRA) after a very close match.
WHITTAKER, who has been guaranteed at least a bronze medal, said: “It’s a bit weird. I’ve been saying every time I’ve fought that a bronze is nothing, a silver is nothing but when you do get that feeling (of winning a medal), you can’t help it, the emotion came out of me. I was crying, bogies were flying everywhere. I was trying to keep as calm as I could, but I couldn’t help it. I’ve just got to compose myself now as Sunday is when it gets real.”
The British athlete will be joined in the semifinal by Russian Olympic Committee’s Imam KHATAEV who knocked out his Spanish opponent Gazimagomed Scham JALIDOV GAFUROVA in round 3.
Earlier in the session, the first round-of-16 bouts of the Women’s Light (57-60kg) division saw the success of the experienced boxer Kellie Anne HARRINGTON (IRL), who beat 21-year-old Italian athlete Rebecca NICOLI. Ireland’s flagbearer and seed #1 in this tournament put in place an excellent performance and is now up to the Algerian athlete Imane KHELIF who earned a unanimous decision victory against Mariem HOMRANI EP ZAYANI of Tunisia.
Speaking after her match, HARRINGTON expressed her feelings on finally getting to fight at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020:
“It feels good to get started. We left on the 30 June and now it’s the 30 July. It’s been a month away, so it’s good to get going and in a good way. Happy days. I was getting anxious; it’s been a long wait. It’s sticky and warm, so you’re not really walking around much. You’re seeing your apartment and the food hall. I feel like I’m living in the food hall and for a boxer to say they feel like they’re living in the food hall is something else. This is a great journey, but this is not the destination. This is just part of my journey.”
“It’s a great achievement to be competing at an Olympic Games, but if it happens, it happens. I am more than just a boxer. I am Kellie Anne Harrington. I’m a living person. I have a fantastic family and a great job at home and I’d just like to say hello to everybody at St Vincent’s Hospital. That’s who I am, this is just a part of the journey I’m on in life. It’s not the destination.”
Later into the session, the 2018 Youth Olympic Games Champ Caroline DUBOIS (GBR) showed all her talent against Rashida ELLIS (USA), winning a tight bout with a 3:0 decision.
“It feels good. She is a talented fighter, she is special, she is experienced. She’s a world bronze medalist and I’m a nobody.” The British boxer said after her performance. “I have come up from the youths. I have won nothing and I’m here just trying to prove my worth.”
DUBOIS was asked if opponents seeing her as a ‘nobody’ is a motivation: “It feels like nobody knows me. They all look at Kellie Anne HARRINGTON (IRL) or Rashida as somebody, as special, and they look at me and say, ‘oh, she is just from the youths who only won things at youth level’. But now it’s time to prove my worth.”
“All the boxers are going to be tough and they are going to get harder as I go along, but I think I’m good enough.”
“I’ve earned my place and I’m coming for a gold medal. I don’t want a medal; I want the medal. I want it bad; I want it more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.”
Advancing to the next round, the young British boxer will meet Thailand’s Sudaporn SEESONDEE who claimed her second 5:0 victory of the tournament, eliminating Simranjit Kaur BAATTH of India.
In the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) class, two more bronze medals found a home. They are indeed guaranteed to top-seed Busenaz SURMENELI of Turkey (beating Anna LYSENKO of Ukraine) and to India’s Lovlina BORGOHAIN (prevailing on seed #4 4 Nien-Chin CHEN of Chinese Taipei), who both advanced to the quarterfinals. They will meet on the ring of the Kokugikan Arena on Wednesday 4 August.
Two Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) division quarterfinals closed today’s morning session. Muslim GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (ROC) and Ammar Riad ABDULJABBAR (GER) were the first to take the center of the ring. The athlete from the Russian Olympic Committee advanced with a clear 5:0 victory after a high-energy bout. Next up for him will be David NYIKA (NZL), who secured a spot into the semifinals via a brilliant performance and a unanimous decision win over Uladzislau SMIAHLIKAU (BLR).
Starting at 5:00 PM (Japan’s time), Women’s Light (57-60kg) event preliminary rounds of 16 and Women’s Welter (64-69kg), Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Light Heavy (81-91kg) and Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) division quarterfinals will light up the Kokugikan Arena.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 6, afternoon session: Mary KOM stopped at round of 16, hopes to inspire youngsters with her experience
29/07/2021
India’s national hero Mary KOM did not make it through today’s Women’s Fly (48-51kg) round of 16. Venezuela’s Irismar del Valle CARDOZO ROJAS, seed #3 in this tournament, stopped her via a 3:2 split decision after a tight match.
KOM, a 2012 London Olympics’ bronze medalist, a mother of four and a politician who serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the parliament of India), earned the nickname “Magnificent Mary” through her numerous victories on the ring. The first Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal, she is regarded as one of the sport’s greatest, with six World titles, one Asian title, and a total tally of nine World Championship medals on her count.
“Split decision is just a name,” KOM said right after the bout, commenting on her loss. “I have the advantage of experience, but she is young, she is the future. Maybe she can improve a lot. For me, I have been fighting 20 years. It’s easy to count to 20, but when you’ve had that long career, competition, tournament, one or two days with the family, training…It’s not easy.”
Asked on whether she will continue after this tournament, she answered:
“Paris? I don’t know, there is an age limit (40 years old). Maybe it will change, I don’t know. But I’m still strong enough. It’s what’s in your heart and your mind. It’s about if you have the willpower, a strong mentality. Being focused, disciplined. For 20 years all my focus has been on fighting, and I know all my country is with me.”
“I hope there are so many young boxers coming up due to me, but we want more to become champions. Maybe now it is a chance for the youngsters.”
Today’s Women’s Fly (48-51kg) round of 16 also saw the victories of Japan’s NAMIKI Tsukimi (5:0 against Brazil’s Graziele SOUSA), Bulgaria’s Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA (5:0 against USA’s Virginia FUCHS) and China’s CHANG Yuan (5:0 against Charley-Sian DAIVSON of Great Britain). They all advanced to the quarterfinals, to be held on 1 August.
The Men’s Super-Heavy (+91kg) round of 16 continued this afternoon. USA’s Richard TORREZ JR beat 5:0 Chouaib BOULOUDINATS of Algeria, and in the quarterfinal (scheduled on 1 August) he will meet Dainier PERO of Cuba, who had the best of Colombia’s Camilo Cristian SALCEDO CODAZI by a landslide 5:0 decision, today.
TORREZ said: “I felt good. I didn’t do everything I wanted to do, but I completed most of the tasks I had. I’d give myself a C+ or a C for that.”
“I’ve had to wait almost a week to get my first fight, while everyone on the men’s side of the tournament won their first fight. I was sitting there, calling my dad, saying, ‘what am I going to do?’, and my dad was saying, ‘don’t worry, you’re going to win too, all you’ve got to do is go out there and perform’. That’s what I did.”
“My opponent today was no joke, everyone is an Olympian, but looking forward I know it will be a tough competition, and I want to be extremely prepared. I want to do my best performance every time.”
In the same weight class, Ivan VERIASOV of the Russian Olympic Committee secured a comfortable 5:0 win over Cameron’s Maxim YEGNONG NJEYO, gaining access to the quarterfinal where he is up to seed #2 Kamshybek KUNKABAYEV of Kazakhstan.
In the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) round of 16, seed #3 Hebert SOUSA of Brazil stunned China’s Erbieke TOUHETA via a 3:2 split decision, booking a slot in the 1 August’s quarterfinal against Abilkhan AMANKUL (KAZ), who outscored Uzbekistan’s Fanat KAKHRAMONOV with a 5:0 win.
Darrelle VALSAINT JR of Haiti and Gleb BAKSHI (ROC) also advanced to the category’s quarterfinals, today. They will meet on 1 August after beating David TSHAMA MWENEKABWE (COD) and Troy ISLEY (USA), respectively.
VALSAINT JR said: “It’s an honor to represent Haiti in the Olympics and I am on the verge of making history for my country, as the last time Haiti had a medal was 1928. I believe in myself and I know I can make history.”
Action at the Kokugikan Arena is due to start again tomorrow morning, 30 July, at 11:00 AM (Japan’s time).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 6, morning session: Uzbekistan’s star JALOLOV dominates on his debut in Tokyo
29/07/2021
It’s Day 6 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament. Today, the Kokugikan Arena hosts 22 bouts in three weight classes: the Men’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) and Women’s Fly (48-51kg).
Today’s morning the session was opened by an intense Men’s Middle (69-75kg) match between the top seed Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK (UKR) and the local hero MORIWAKI Yuito (JPN). The Japanese boxer had to bow to the 2019 European Games gold medalist from Ukraine who claimed a unanimous decision victory. In the quarterfinals, KHYZHNIAK will meet Dominican Republic’s Euri CEDENO MARTINEZ, who defeated Francisco Daniel VERON via a 3:2 split decision in order to advance.
The Armenian boxer Arman DARCHINYAN, making his Olympic debut here in Tokyo, passed through the round of 16 beating Andrej CSEMEZ (SVK) with a 5:0 victory. Coming up next for him is seed #4 Eumir MARCIAL of the Philippines, who dominated his bout earning a pretty fast win against Younes NEMOUCHI (ALG) as the referee stops the contest 2:41 into the first round.
“It was over very quickly. It was an accident; he got a cut on a clash of heads and the doctor said it was a big cut, so he stopped the fight.” Said MARCIAL. “I would have liked more fight time as I knew I could relax in that first round. I know I will have to do better in my next fight, and I will prepare for it properly.”
MARCIAL spoke also about his preparation for Tokyo 2020: “I have been training for this since I didn’t make Rio. I’ve worked hard for four years for this moment so I will be ready.”
The Pilipino athlete trained with renowned boxing coach Freddie ROACH (USA) at his gym in Los Angeles, California. “That’s been good, and I learnt a lot of tactics from coach Freddie and his other trainers and I can use that experience in my competition here.” He said. “At the same time, I am very grateful to my national team coaches as for the last month before we came here, they have given me all the support I needed. We’ve trained hard for this, so let’s go!”
Later into the session, the Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) division was on stage at Kokugikan Arena. The top seed and World Champion Bakhodir JALOLOV (UZB) outscored Azerbaijan’s Mahammad ABDULLAYEV, pursuing his dream to become the second boxer from Uzbekistan to claim an Olympic medal in Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) after Rustam SAIDOV (UZB), who took bronze in this event in 2000.
Speaking after the match, JALOLOV said: “My fight was really good. I always think that my first fight will be difficult but this time it was really easy. I hope the next fight will be even easier.”
In bout #147 Satish KUMAR of India put on an impressive performance defeating Ricardo BROWN of Jamaica to enter the quarterfinals. As a result, the JALOLOV – KUMAR match will take place on Sunday, August 1st, and the winner will be guaranteed a medal.
In the following match, the heaviest Super Heavy boxer of the tournament, Frazer CLARKE of Great Britain (119 kg), pulled off a massive upset in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament as he stunned Tsotne ROGAVA of Ukraine in their round of 16 of the Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) division.
Today’s was CLARKE’s debut in an Olympic tournament, after missing out on London 2012 and Rio 2016:
“It’s a great feeling. Waiting is something I have become very good at, so an extra six days didn’t seem that long, to be honest. I was itching to get in there, and I had to ease back…on the training, I was so keen to let my hands go. But I had a couple of days off before this fight and it served me well, as once I got into the ring I was ready to go.”
The British boxer will now face Mourad ALIEV of France, the number #4 seed in the tournament and a silver medalist of the 2019 European Games, who marched on with a unanimous decision over Siyovush ZUKHUROV (TJK).
Later on in the morning, Women’s Fly (48-51kg) CAKIROGLU Buse Naz (TUR) came out on top with a close 3:2 split decision over RAKHIMOVA Tursunoy (UZB) at the end of a fierce battle. In the next round, the top seed from Turkey will have to deal with 23-year-old Jutamas JITPONG (THA) who showed her fighting qualities against the Pilipino boxer Irish MAGNO, beating her by a clear 5:0.
The Women’s Fly (48-51kg) event continued with Serbia’s Nina RADOVANOVIC claiming her second 5:0 victory of the Olympic tournament, this time over Ornella HAVYARIMANA of Burundi.
In the last action of the morning session, there was disappointment for Italy’s Giordana SORRENTINO as she was beaten on a unanimous decision by the #4 seeded Hsiao-Wen HUANG (TPE) in the round of 16 bout. The boxer from Chinese Taipei will be back on the ring on Sunday, 1 August, against RADOVANOVIC for a chance to enter the semifinals.
The Olympic Boxing Tournament is going forward this afternoon starting at 5:00 PM (Japan’s time) with eleven more exciting boxing performances in Men’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) and Women’s Fly (48-51kg).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 5, afternoon session: IRIE secures Japan’s first, historical medal in women’s boxing. ARTINGSTALL lifts Team GB on the podium
28/07/2021
Two more medalists emerged from day 5’s afternoon session, in Tokyo, as the last Women’s Feather (54-57kg) quarterfinals took place on the Kokugikan Arena’s ring, today.
Karriss ARTINGSTALL of Great Britain and Japan’s IRIE Sena won their respective quarterfinal bouts, outdoing Australia’s Skye NICOLSON and Romania’s Maria Claudia NECHITA, respectively (both by a 3:2 split decision). Advancing to the semifinals, they are granted at least a bronze medal, along with PETECIO (PHI) and TESTA (ITA) who cleared their quarterfinals earlier today.
ARTINGSTALL and IRIE will now meet on the ring on 31 July, to decide who will move on to the gold medal match, scheduled on 3 August.
IRIE, competing on her home turf here in Tokyo, is guaranteed the first medal in Olympic Games history for Japan by a female boxer. Right after the bout, she said: “This is the result of 13 years’ hard work. I’ve made history, but it is still just a little contribution. I want to do more. Winning gold would be so much bigger.”
“Before the fight, I was getting so much support from my family and friends so I tried to forget I was fighting for a medal as I did not want the extra pressure,” she continued.
“If I had not got the bronze medal at least then I will have been very sad having worked so hard for this. It would not have been easy going back to the Village with the other athletes without a medal.”
IRIE was holding her hands in prayer while she waited for the result, which she took on a split decision (3-2):
“I was really worried before the result, but when I heard I’d won, it is just a great feeling. I would give myself 50 out of 100 for this performance. It will need to be more in the semifinal if I want to win the silver medal. I’ll aim for 100 out of 100.”
ARTINGSTALL said: “I am just over the moon to have got myself on that podium. I just keep grabbing this lion on my chest and I just can’t believe it. Well, I can believe it, obviously, as it’s in front of my eyes, but it’s amazing, I am lost for words.”
“Being an Olympian is the pinnacle of the sport. Getting here is everyone’s dream, isn’t it?” She continued. “But then to medal, and get yourself on that podium….It’s unbelievable and honestly, I can’t put into words what it means to me.”
“This is a tough category,” ARTINGSTALL added. “There are some really good girls in there and if you are not on your A game on the day then you are not getting the win, it’s as simple as that.”
In the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) round of 16, Zenfira MAGOMEDALIEVA (ROC) continued to impress the audience and the judges, as she outscored USA’s Naomi GRAHAM by 4:1 points to move on to the quarterfinal. There, she will face Adosinda Rady GRAMANE of Mozambique, as the 25-year-old first-time Olympian beat Ecuador’s Erika Stefania PACHITO JURADO.
The weight class’ round of 16 continued with a stunning victory recorded by Pooja RANI of India, who smashed Ichrak CHAIB of Algeria gaining a clear 5:0 win to advance to the quarterfinal, where seed #2 LI Qian of the People’s Republic of China is waiting for her after defeating Ireland’s Aoife O’ROURKE by 5:0.
Later today, In the Men’s Feather (52-57kg) round of 16, two-time Olympic bronze medalist Lazaro ALVAREZ of Cuba stunned Iran’s Daniyal SHAHBAKHSH, clearing the first round with ease, and then winning the bout as the referee stopped the contest amid round two. In the quarterfinal (1 August), he will go against Thailand’s Chatchai-Decha BUTDEE, who clinched a 4:1 victory over Argentina’s Mirco Jehel CUELLO. The other Men’s Feather quarterfinal will see Mongolia’s Tsendbaatar ERDENEBAT boxing against seed #2 Albert BATYRGAZIEV of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Today’s afternoon session was closed by the last four Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) weights round of 16’s bouts. Seed #3, Cuba’s Arlen LOPEZ, had the best of Mohammed HUMRI of Algeria, moving on in the tournament. On 30 July, he will meet Mexico’s Rogelito ROMERO TORRESS who grabbed a 4:1 victory over Croatia’s Luka PLANTIC at the end of a tight and fierce duel. The last quarterfinal will see Turkey’s Bayram MALKAN boxing against Azerbaijan’s Loren Berto ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ, after the pair passed through their respective round of 16 bouts, today. MALKAN eliminated Ghana’s Shakul SAMED after giving him a count-down amid round two, while ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ gained a split decision win over Dilshod RUZMETOV of Uzbekistan.
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tournament continues tomorrow, with action due to start at 11:00 AM (Japan’s time) at the Kokugikan Arena.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 5, morning session: PETECIO and TESTA eye the Women’s Feather podium, winning their quarterfinals
28/07/2021
It’s day 5 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament. The Kokugikan Arena’s ring will be the stage of twenty-six bouts through the morning and evening session, with action taking place in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg), Women’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg) and Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) weight classes.
Today’s morning session kicked off with the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) event quarterfinals. The first to stop on the ring were Philippine’s Nesthy PETECIO and Yeni Marcela ARIAS CASTANEDA (COL). The Pilipino boxer showed great balance in a tense contest to triumph by unanimous decision, advancing to the semifinal and therefore being granted a medal.
PETECIO will hand the Philippines its sixth Olympic boxing medal, its first in a women’s event, and its first since 1996.
“I am so happy for this moment,” PETECIO said right after the bout. “This is my first Olympics and I have won my first medal. I don’t really know how I feel right now. This tournament is proving so special to me; I am just so blessed.”
She will next meet Italy’s Irma TESTA, who won her quarterfinal match against Canada’s Caroline VEIREK by 5:0 points, through a great performance. Also, TESTA is now granted at least a Bronze, as she moves on to the semifinal bout against PETECIO, to take place on Saturday 31 July.
“I am guaranteed a medal which makes me so happy,” TESTA said. “This is going to be the first Italian medal (by a woman) in the history of Olympic boxing. I have worked so hard to achieve this dream. I know what effort I have put into it.”
“But now I want to focus on my next fight as I know she will be a very strong opponent. At the semifinal of an Olympic Games, you know your opponent will be at a very strong level.”
“My goal always was to try and get a medal, but to me, the most important thing, more than the medal, was to have a good performance.”
“I am going up against PETECHIO, who is the world champion, so I know she will be very tough. But when you reach this far in the competition then everyone is a candidate to win.”
In Women’s Middle (69-75kg) category, top-seeded Lauren PRICE from Sheffield (GBR) moved on to the quarterfinals by defeating Myagmarjargal MUNKHBAT of Mongolia in the round of 16. Her next opponent emerged from bout #117, as two-time Olympian Atheyna BYLON (PAN) beat Australia’s Caitlin PARKER.
Later into the session, Tammara THIBEAULT (CAN) convinced the judges, claiming a 4:1 victory over 20-year-old Nadezhda RYABETS. The 2019 World Championship bronze medalist will now face the 2016 Olympic silver medalist Nouchka FONTIJN of the Netherlands, who bested Poland’s Elzbieta WOJCIK in bout #119.
In the Men’s Feather (52-57kg) round of 16, Kurt Anthony WALKER (IRL) outscored the #1 seed Mirazizbek MIRZAKHALILOV (UZB) at the end of a great match.
“I’m over the moon,” said the 26-year-old Irish athlete, commenting on his big win over the top seed. “I really can’t explain it, but I worked on it and I knew it was going to happen. I believed. I knew. I’m not surprised.”
“It’s just brilliant. I never would have thought it before I came, it’s a fairytale. But there is still more work for me to do. I need to recover, go back and get more tactics and hopefully get a medal.”
Next up for WALKER will be United States of America’s Duke RAGAN who dominated the bout against Serik TEMIRZHANOV (KAZ) and impressed all five judges in the last, decisive round.
In bout #122 the young Samuel TAKYI (GHA) stole the show in Men’s Feather (52-57kg) division. The 20-year-old from Ghana – who had qualified through the Boxing Road to Tokyo African qualifier in Dakar (SEN), secured a 5:0 on points victory over Jean Carlos CAICEDO PACHITO (ECU). As he advances in the brackets, he will meet Ceiber David AVILA SEGURA of Colombia, who earned a split decision win over Everisto MULENGA of Zambia.
In Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) class Imam KHATAEV (ROC) moved a step forward to reach the quarterfinals after toppling the top seed and 2019 World Champ Bekzad NURDAULETOV of Kazakhstan.
The following round of 16 bout of the weight category saw Gazimagomed Scham JALIDOV GAFUROVA (ESP) prevailing over Paulo AOKUSO (AUS). The Australian boxer tried his best to attack the Spanish in the final round, but JALIDOV GAFUROVA showed off his defensive skills, protecting his advantage.
Today wasn’t a good one for Daxiang CHEN (CHN) as he was beaten from the Brazilian Keno MACHADO in his last-16 Men’s Light-Heavy (75-81kg) bout. The referee stops the contest 1:41 into the second round. MACHADO, who proceeds to the next round, will be joined by Benjamin WHITTAKER (GBR) who overcame his biggest hurdle so far, as he defeated the #4 seeded Abdelrahman ABDELGAWWAD of Egypt via a 5:0 unanimous decision in order to advance.
Action continues in Tokyo, with the afternoon’s session starting at 5:00 PM (Japan’s time) with thirteen additional bouts among Women’s Feather (54-57kg), Women’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg) and Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 5, afternoon session: Tokyo welcomes los Cubanos
27/07/2021
It’s finally time for los Cubanos to step on the ring, at the Kokugikan Arena, the boxing venue of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Tournament. A series of favorable BYE in the initial draw meant no Cuban athletes had boxed here yet, delaying the debut of one of the most successful Olympic boxing teams of all times (with a total tally of 73 medals, Cuba is second only to USA’s 114 podiums) until this afternoon.
The 2012 Olympic Champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Roniel IGLESIAS (CUB) had a slow start into his Men’s Welter (63-69kg) match facing Japan’s Sweonrets Quincy Mensah OKAZAWA, the 32-year-old Cuban boxer lost the first round and had to fight hard to claim the second. It was only at the beginning of round #3 that he regained his usual rhythm, controlling his opponents with a series of measured and well-calculated shots, to eventually win a spot in the quarterfinal by a 3:2 split decision.
There, he will meet USA’s first-time Olympian Delante JOHNSON. The 22-year-old boxer from Cleveland, OH, beat Kazakhstan’s Alaikhan ZHUSSUPOV thanks to a 4:1 split decision, to keep his Olympic dream alive.
In the same weight category, Georgia’s Eskerkhan MADIEV outscored Uganda’s Shadiri BWOGI, booking a quarterfinal match against London’s 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Andrei ZAMKOVOI (ROC), who passed through the round of 16 by beating Stephan ZIMBA of Zambia.
In the Men’s Heavy (81-91kg), the 2016 light-heavyweight Olympic Champion Julio LA CRUZ, the second Cuban athlete up on the ring today, administrated his energies throughout the round of 16 bout against Kenia’s Elly Ajowi OCHOLA. LA CRUZ danced around the ring, showcasing his dodging abilities and sharp counterpunches, to secure a 5:0 unanimous decision victory. He’s now up to a fellow Cuban-born athlete, Enmanuel REYES PLA, who represents Spain after being naturalized in 2020. REYES PLA gained his quarterfinal slot by knocking-out Rio 2016 Silver medalist Vassilly LEVIT of Kazakhstan amid round 2, today.
In another highlight Men’s Heavy weight class match, Hussein IASHAISH of Jordan smashed Julio Cesar CASTILLO TORRES of Ecuador, fighting back after a slow start in round one, to win a spot in the quarterfinal by split decision. Born and raised in the refugee camp of Baqa, in Jordan, IASHAISH comes from a family of boxers, which counts fifteen members in the sport. His brother Zeyad Eishaih Hussein EASHASH is also here in Tokyo, and competed in the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) class right until his elimination in the round of 16, earlier this morning.
IASHAISH said: “My brother came to me after his fight and told me he had been unlucky with his defeat, but that I would get the medal for both of us and that my medal is his medal. We can both of us go back together as brothers with a medal.”
“Right now, I am so happy,” he added. “I knew I was fighting a very tough opponent, the third-ranked boxer here. I knew how he fights, but I just stuck to the tactics my coaches gave me hoping I would beat him.”
In the quarterfinals, the Jordan athlete will face Brazil’s Abner TEIXEIRA who eliminated Great Britain’s Cheavon CLARKE, today.
In the Women’s Light (57-60kg) round of 32, Chinese Taipei’s Shih-Yi WU had the best of Sweden’s Agnes ALEXIUSSON, winning on points with a 4:1 split decision, while Mira Marjut Johanna POTKONEN of Finland clinched a 3:1 victory over Maiva HAMADOUCHE of France.
Closing day 4 at the Kokugikan Arena, the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) round of 16 saw the victories of Oshae JONES of USA (3:2 against Mexico’s Brianda Tamara CRUZ SANDOVAL) and Maria Altagracia MORONTA HERNANDEZ of the Dominican Republic (5:0 against Myriam DA SILVA of Canada). Alcinda Helena PANGUANA (MOZ) also advanced to the quarterfinals, outdoing Elizabeth AKINYI of Kenia as the referee stopped the contest amid round #2.
The two-time Asian Championship winner and #2 seed in this tournament GU Hong of the People’s Republic of China gained the last quarterfinal slot, as she defeated Thailand’s 19-year-old Baison MANIKON by unanimous decision, in the last bout of the day.
Tomorrow, 28 July, action is set to begin at 11:00 AM (Japan’s time) here in Tokyo, with the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) quarterfinals and the Women’s Middle (69-75kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg), Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) round of 16 bouts on the schedule.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Day 4, morning session: “This is where dreams are made of or broke”
27/07/2021
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Tournament continues today, with Sessions #7 and #8 taking place at the Kokugikan Arena and twenty-seven bouts scheduled in four weight classes: Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Heavy (81-91kg), Women’s Light (57-60kg) and Women’s Welter (64-69kg).
Round of 16 in the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) started off with the 2019 World Championships silver medalist Pat McCORMACK (GBR) pulling off a massive upset in the Tokyo 2020 Boxing Olympic Tournament as he stunned Aliaksandr RADZIONAU (BLR).
After his victory in his opening bout, he had said: “It was a good one to get out of the way. He is a decent fighter, messy, but I just hit, turned him. I had to be careful as he was being a bit devious with his head but I’m through to the next round.”
The top seed owing to today’s unanimous decision victory smoothly lands to the quarterfinals. To join him here the 2019 Asian Games Champion Bobo-Usmon BATUROV of Uzbekistan who earned a three-round hard-fought but well-deserved split decision win over Rohan POLANCO EMILIANO (DOM).
McCORMACK, watching his next opponent on television after his bout, commented: “Yeah, I saw him just win the first round. He is a good fighter but if I’m on my game then I will beat him.”
The British boxer, who will turn professional after the Games also added: “Winning the Olympic gold medal, I don’t think there is a bigger prize in sport. I have dreamed of that since I watched Anthony JOSHUA and Luke CAMPBELL winning and I thought, if I get there then I can do that. After this, it’s the end of the amateurs and onto the pros and the next chapter. Can’t wait.”
Later on, Aidan WALSH (IRL) made his Olympic debut, taking on Cameroon’s Albert MENGUE AYISSI in the last 16 of the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) weight class. The Belfast’s boxer marched on with a unanimous points victory. Therefore, the Walsh family still have the chance for a medal, after yesterday’s defeat of Aidan elder sister Michaela. Next up for him will be Merven CLAIR (MRI), who earned a marvellous split decision win over #4 seeded Zeyad Eishaih Hussein EASHASH (JOR).
The boxer from Mauritius, who is one win away from an Olympic medal, said: “Winning an Olympic medal would mean everything to me, but also having had the chance to represent my country here is a great accomplishment. That’s what I have been dreaming about and thinking about for so long. When the pandemic hit, we still trained hard and that’s the reason I’m here today. I’m really enjoying this experience. I feel really good.”
The first Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) bout of the day saw #1 seeded Muslim GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (ROC) outstanding Algeria’s Abdelhafid BENCHABLA with a clear, unanimous decision win. On Friday 30 July, the Russian Olympic Committee’s boxer will have to deal with Ammar Riad ABDULJABBAR of Germany who came out on top from his contest against Jose Maria LUCAR JAIMES (PER).
In the same weight category, Uladzislau SMIAHLIKAU (BLR) advances in the tournament after clinching a split decision win over Ato Leau PLODZICKI-FAOAGALI of Samoa. Coming up next for him it’s seed #4 David NYIKA from New Zealand, who fully comfortably controlled his match today, beating the 2019 Africa Games silver medalist Youness BAALLA (MAR) by 5:0.
Speaking after the match, NYIKA said: “I did everything that I was hoping to do. The execution was up to par so I’m happy with that. I know that the game plan we put together was exactly what it needed to be. I’m pretty confident in my abilities and it’s great to use some of the fight analysis stuff we’ve done, getting an idea of who I’m fighting, so I can prepare for the fight.”
Later in the session, Women’s Light (57-60kg) Rebecca NICOLI (ITA) sealed her first victory in the Olympic tournament at the end of a fierce duel against the Mexican Esmeralda FALCON REYES. The Italian athlete came out on top with a close-call 3:2 split decision in the third round. She secured a spot in the next round where seed #1 Kellie Anne HARRINGTON (IRL) is waiting for her.
Today’s turned into a successful Olympic debut also for the 2018 Youth Olympic Champion Caroline DUBOIS (GBR) who ruled her preliminary round against Donjeta SADIKU of Kosovo. The British boxer, awarded by the BBC as Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2019, moves on in the brackets and will face USA’s Rashida ELLIS on Friday 30 July.
“The fight went as planned. We knew she was a tough opponent and she would try and make it as messy and scrappy as possible. She is older and has more experience than me and has fought at a major level. She has been to worlds, Europeans, so she has fought the best. I knew she was going to be tough and she wanted it just as bad as me and it was going to be a battle of wills.” – DUBOIS said.
Later in the morning, the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) event, top seed Busenaz SURMENELI (TUR) shutout winning (5:0) pushes her into the last eight, where she will face Ukraine’s Anna LYSENKO on Friday.
There was a disappointment, instead, for Nadine APETZ (GER) as she was beaten by unanimous decision by India’s Lovlina BORGOHAIN in her last-16 Women’s Welter (64-69kg) bout.
BORGOHAIN next opponent emerged from the last bout of the session, won by seed #4 Nien-Chin CHEN (TPE), who disappointed Angela CARINI (ITA) with a close-call 3-2 split decision after a tight match.
Thirteen additional bouts will light up the afternoon at the Kokugikan Arena. Action will start at 5:00 pm with four weight divisions on the ring: Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Heavy (81-91kg), Women’s Light (57-60kg) and Women’s Welter (64-69kg).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Day 3, afternoon session: “everybody wants to get gold”
26/07/2021
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament’s day 3 continued this afternoon, with the second session of the day starting at 5.00 PM (Japan’s time).
A tight Men’s Fly (48-52kg) preliminary contest opened the session: 20-years-old Patrick CHINYEMBA (ZAM) clinched a split decision victory against Australia’s Alex WINWOOD. The young boxer from Zambia is now up to Birmingham-born Galal YAFAI (GBR), who ruled his bout against Koryun SOGHOMONYAN (ARM) right to minute 1:54 into round 3 when the referee stopped the contest giving him the victory.
YAFAI said: “It was a comfortable win. I fought him a few weeks ago in the European Olympic qualifier and managed to beat him comfortably there. I knew he would come for it more this time and he did, but I was ready.”
“I was controlling the fight, but he was catching me with some silly shots. Maybe it was because I beat him recently, but no excuse, I have got to work on my defence.” – the British boxer added. “I love to represent my country in what I’m doing. I’m at a second Olympic Games and hopefully, it will be even better this time and I win a medal.”
In the following bout, Daniel Panev ASENOV of Bulgaria produced an excellent performance claiming a victory by unanimous decision over Cosmin-Petre GIRLEANU (ROU). In his next match, ASENOV will meet Madrid’s Gabriel ESCOBAR MASCUNANO (ESP), who took centre stage in his Men’s Fly (48-52kg) bout, securing a comfortable 5:0 win against Argentina’s Nicaon Ramon QUIROGA. Saken BIBOSSINOV (KAZ) outscored Yankiel RIVERA FIGUEROA from Puerto Rico and moved to the round of 16 where he will have to answer to #2 seeded Billal BENNAMA (FRA).
In the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) class, the all-African duel between Democratic Republic of the Congo’s David TSHAMA MWENEKABWE and Cameron’s Dieudonne Wilfred SEYI NTSENGUE started off in favor of the latter, who won 4:1 and 3:2 the first two rounds. But TSHAMA MWENEKABWE fought back furiously in round three, turning the tables of the match in his favor. Scoring a series of fast, precise, and powerful punches, the 24-year-old boxer secured five 10s, claiming an overall victory by split decision to advance to the round of 16.
In the same weight class, four unanimous decisions decided the remaining round of 32 bouts: Algeria’s Younes NEMOUCHI outscored Uganda’s Kavuama David SSEMUJJU; Erbieke TUOHETA of the People’s Republic of China beat Ashish KUMAR of India; powerhouse Uzbekistan celebrated another victory as Fanat KAKHRAMONOV sealed a win against Georgia’s Giorgi KHARABADZE, and USA’s Troy ISLEY disappointed Belarus’ Vitali BANDARENKA.
In the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) weight class, Karriss ARTINGSTALL of Great Britain continued to advance in the tournament, claiming her second consecutive 5:0 victory here in Tokyo, besting her opponents Jucielen ROMEU of Brazil, who was seeded third in this tournament.
ARTINGSTALL said: “I said I’d get better as the tournament went on and I think I performed better in the bout than I did in the first one.”
“Seeds mean absolutely nothing to me, it’s a number,” she added. “One, twos, threes, whatever you want to call yourself; until you get in that ring with me and beat me, I’m not going to say you’re better than me or you box better than me.”
The British athlete also commented on being able to compete here in Tokyo: “It’s amazing, the arena, the atmosphere. I know that the hall is empty but I’m still enjoying it. There’s a buzz and I think it’s just because the team is absolutely flying. We’re all on form, we’re all enjoying it as it’s the Olympics, after all, and we’re making the most of them.”
In the quarter-final (on 28 July), she will face Australia’s Skye NICOLSON, who won today’s bout against Keamogetse Sadie KENOSI of Botswana by a 4:1 split decision.
“I am taking every fight as it comes,” continued the British athlete. “But I want to get myself on that podium and I want my face cemented on that wall in Sheffield at boxing HQ so they can look at my face for the rest of their lives. Everybody wants to get gold.”
Romania’s Maria Claudia NECHITA of Romania and Japan’s IRIE Sena also won their respective bouts and will meet in the quarterfinals.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing, which sees 289 athletes (187 men and 102 women) from 81 delegations competing at the Kokugikan Arena, will continue tomorrow, with action set to begin at 11.00 AM (Japan’s time).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated draw sheets
Boxing continues at Tokyo 2020: morning session’s wrap-up
26/07/2021
Day 3 of the Olympic Boxing Tournament has started in the capital of Japan. Twenty-six bouts are scheduled for today at the Kokugikan Arena, in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Men’s Middle (69-75kg) and Women’s Feather (54-57kg) weight classes.
Session number 5 of the Olympic Tournament kicked off this morning with a sensational victory of Colombia’s 29-years-old Yuberjen Herney MARTINEZ RIVAS, who beat Rajab Otukile MAHOMMED of Botswana. He secured a place in the round of 16 of the Men’s Flyweight division, where he will meet seed #1 AMIT (IND).
In the following bout, People’s Republic of China’s Jianguan HU impressed all the five judges, winning his bout against Georgia’s Sakhil ALAKHVERDOVI by unanimous decision. Next Saturday he will have to deal with Ryomei TANAKA of Japan, who dominated his bout claiming a 5:0 victory against Yoel FINOL RIVAS, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist.
TAKANA said: “I knew he was the silver medalist for the Rio Olympic Games. He is tall, too. His weapon is a left straight (punch). My weapon is also left straight. Having the same strength, I wanted to win that.”
Speaking about his preparation for the Games, he added: ” I went back to the beginner’s mentality that I can never lose. I have spent this past year telling myself I am definitely winning the fights.”
Later in the morning, the 2019 flyweight World Champion Shakhobidin ZOIROV of Uzbekistan showcased his skills by controlling his round of 32 bout from start to finish, obtaining a unanimous decision victory over Batuhan CIFTCI (TUR).
In the Men’s Fly (48-52kg) weight category, 23- years-old Carlo PAALAM (PHI) advanced in the brackets, showing smart tactical play and terrific energy against Ireland’s Brendan IRVINE. In the same weight class, Tetteh SULEMANU (GHA) expressed his talent outdoing Rodrigo MARTE de la ROSA (DOM).
The Men’s Middle (69-75kg) event saw Yuito MORIWAKI, representing Japan, playing a good opening bout against Iran’s Seyedshahin MOUSAVI. Both athletes showed excellent skills, but it was the Japanese boxer who managed to seal the victory in the third round.
Right after the victory, MORIWAKI said: “I lost to him last year, so the concept was ‘revenge’. I am glad I could achieve that.”
“From last year I felt that he was a very aggressive fighter. So today I decided not to entertain it, and just performed my boxing.”
Then, commenting about being able to compete at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, he added: “I was able to come here mostly because of the support from people around me. I will not forget gratitude for them and do my best.”
Ukraine’s Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK, seeded #1 in this tournament, will be his opponent in the next bout on the schedule, on Thursday 29 July.
In preliminary bout #64 Francisco Daniel VERON from Argentina, owing to a unanimous decision victory over Adam CHARTOI (SWE), secured a spot in the round of 16 where he’s going to meet Euri CEDENO MARTINEZ (DOM). The Dominican Republic’s boxer advanced in the brackets as the referee stopped his bout against Eldric SELLA RODRIGUEZ of the Refugee Olympic Team.
Later into the session, Andrej CSEMEZ (SVK) overcame Aaron Solomon PRINCE (TTO) to win his first bout here in Tokyo.
In the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) class, Nesthy PETECIO (PHI) clinched a victory on points against the #1 seeded LIN Yu-Ting (TPE). The Pilipino boxer lost the second round, giving then all in the third section of the bout, to gain a memorable victory. She’s now through to the quarterfinals. Joining her there, Yeni Marcela ARIAS CASTANEDA of Colombia and Canada’s Caroline VEYRE who won their respective bouts to advance in the tournament.
A spectacular bout between Irma TESTA (ITA) and Michaela WALSH (IRL) closed today’s morning session. The Italian from Torre Annunziata showed a brilliant performance against the #4 seeded from Ireland, securing an unanimous decision. Now she advances to the quarterfinals and can continue his quest for the Olympic glory.
Another Olympic Boxing session is about to start at the Kokugikan Arena, this afternoon. Thirteen more bouts in Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Men’s Middle (69-75kg) and Women’s Feather (54-57kg) classes will be contested from 5:00 pm (Japan local time).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Tokyo 2020 day 2: Mary KOM advances in the brackets, Refugee Olympic Team debuts at the Kokugikan Arena
25/07/2021
India’s national hero Mary KOM started-off her Tokyo 2020 campaign by securing a victory against Miguelina Hernandez GARCIA of the Dominican Republic, in the Women’s Fly (48-52kg) round of 32 bout that opened today’s evening session.
The London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist and six-time world champion passed through the bout thanks to a 4:1 split decision, advancing to the round of 16 where she will face #3 seeded Ingrit Lorena VALENCIA VICTORIA of Colombia – the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist – in a high-profile match.
Mary KOM said: “It has been very painful the last couple of years, for everybody because of the pandemic and everything shut down. We are all suffering the same problem and every athlete has to train at home, but for us boxers we need a training partner. I’m so lucky where I live in Delhi that I could set up a little gym with equipment and a bag, but the only thing missing was a sparring partner which is the most important for the eye contact and everything.”
“I have been training hard to make the fitness level and I am still learning the sport. I have a lot of experience, I have been fighting almost 20 years and it is not easy.”
“I have all the medals in my hand. Olympic medal (bronze) from 2012, Commonwealth Games gold, six-time gold at world championships. It’s not easy to count them, but the difficult part is continuously winning and performing, it’s not easy,” she added, commenting on what is driving her on after such a long career.
“What is left that is still not in my hand, that’s the Olympic gold medal,” she continued. “That is what is driving me and pushing me to carry on. I am trying my best, if I am able to get it then I will be so grateful, but if not then I will still be so happy for all the medals I have won in the past.”
Later into the session, Charley-Sian DAVISON of Great Britain smashed Rabab CHEDDAR of Morocco, with a landslide unanimous victory on points. Coming in next, she will face seed #2 CHANG Yuan of the People’s Republic of China, on 29 July.
The British athlete said: “I know a lot of people were watching me as this is such a big event, but I performed well.”
Asked what inspired her to return to boxing after having three children, she said:
“After I had my eldest, I watched the 2012 Olympics on the television. Watching Nicola ADAMS (GBR) and all the rest of them boxing, I always had the bug there and wanted to get back into the gym. That drove me back into it really. A few of my teammates at the club were training, and seeing them on social media really made me want to go back in the gym again.”
DAVIS only rejoined the Great Britain Olympic Programme in 2020. “I didn’t expect to get my shot so soon,” she commented. “I didn’t expect to be in this situation.”
Advancing in the brackets, she could end up meeting mother-of-four Mary KOM, who is in her half of the draw.
“We were taking about that earlier,” said DAVIS. “What a fight that would be, the ‘Battle of the Super Mums’. I’d love that! I know her background, and she is a brilliant athlete who has done so well in the sport. She was the first one to do it as a mum, so I’m basically following on from her.”
In the same division, Japan’s NAMIKI Tsukimi, competing on her home turf against Catherine NANZIRI of Uganda, claimed the victory by unanimous decision, and will meet Graziele SOUSA of Brazil in the round of 16 on 29 July.
USA’s well experience flyweight boxer, 33-year-old Virginia FUCHS, secured a spot in the round of 16 as well, disappointing 26-year-old Svetlana SURUIANOVA (ROC). The American athlete is now up for a match against Bulgaria’s Stoyka Zhelyazkova KRASTEVA, who eliminated NGUYEN Thi Tam of Vietnam on points by split decision.
In the Men’s Light (57-63kg) weight class, seed #4 Elnur ABDURAIMOV of Uzbekistan beat Mongolia’s Chinzorig BAATARSUKH, while Great Britain’s Luke McCormack beat India’s Manish KAUSHIK (both with a split decision), to advance to the round of 16.
Later today, the Refugee Olympic Team made its debut at the Kokugikan Arena, as Wessam SALAMANA met Brazil’s Wanderson DE OLIVEIRA. The 35-year-old athlete – who represented Syria at the 2012 Olympics, and now lives in Germany after taking the difficult decision to flee his country for the safety of his family – did not make it through the round of 32, as his Brazilian opponent nailed the victory by unanimous decision.
Zakir SAFIULLIN of Kazakhstan had the best of Peru’s Leodan PEZO SABOYA, while Japan’s Daisuke NARIMATSU left no chances to Fiston MBAYA MULUMBA of the Democratic Republic of Congo, both winning on points by unanimous decision.
Harry GARSIDE of Australia won the last Men’s Light (57-63kg) bout of the day, eliminating John UME of Papua New Guinea to book a spot in the round of 16 bout against seed #2 Jonas JONAS of Namibia, to be held on 31 July.
Mohammed HOUMRI of Algeria made it through Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) round of 32 as he beat Venezuela’s Nalek KORBAJ BARRERA by split decision. He is now up to Arlen LOPEZ of Cuba, seeded #3 here in Tokyo: the two will meet on 28 July.
In the same weight category, Luka PLANTIC of Croatia beat Odai Riyad Adel ALHINDAWI of Jordan at the end of one of the most intense bouts of the day. The two athletes finished the second round tied, and it was only throughout the third round that PLANTIC was able to prevail with a series of furious but precise punches, clinching a narrow victory by a 3:2 split decision to move ahead in the tournament. On 28 July, he will box Rogelio ROMERO TORRES of Mexico.
Uzbekistan’s Dilshod RUZMETOV won the last bout of the day, prevailing on Ireland’s Emmet BRENNAN by unanimous decision.
The Olympic Boxing Tournament will continue tomorrow (26 July) at the Kokugikan Arena with twenty-six bouts in three weight divisions: Men’s Fly (48-52kg), Men’s Middle (69-75kg) and Women’s Feather (54-57kg).
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Updated Draw Sheets
Tokyo 2020 day 2: fourteen bouts contested during today’s first session
25/07/2021
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing tournament continues today at the Kukugikan Arena. Two sessions and twenty-nine preliminary bouts in three weight categories will light up day 2 of competitions.
In the first session of the day, Uzbekistan’s Tursunoy RAKHIMOVA won by split decision against Sandra DRABIK of Poland in their Women’s Fly (48-51kg) round of 32 bout. In the same weight category, Irish MAGNO from Philippines beat Kenia’s Christine ONGARE winning the bout by unanimous decision.
ONGARE, who was competing in her first Olympics, shared her thoughts speaking right after the match:
“I have achieved a dream just to get here. I did not get everything I wanted, which was to win, but you can’t always get everything you want I am still very grateful as now when people look at the list of Kenya’s Olympians, I will be one of them.”
“The fight went OK. I gave my all, but I was facing a very good boxer.”
The Women’s Fly (48-51kg) event continued with Thailand’s JITPONG Jutamas, Serbia’s Nina RADOVANOVIC and Italy’s Giordana SORRENTINO earning the winning score in their respective bouts to advance in the tournament.
In the Men’s Light (57-63kg) event Keyshawn DAVIS (USA) showed his fighting qualities against Enrico LACRUZ of The Netherlands to reach the round of 16. The 22-year-old American athlete can keep on chasing his dream to become the youngest Olympic Champion in this event since 1992, when Oscar DE LA HOYA (USA) won gold at the age of 19.
“I feel great, I got a unanimous decision on my Olympic debut. I felt like I could have given more, but I did what I had to do.” DAVIS said after the win. “In my previous competitions, especially in the amateurs, each day I got better and better, got more in the groove. Today was just the start and there is more to come.”
Competing in the same weight class, Louise Richarno COLIN (MRI) clinched a split decision victory against Abdelhaq NADIR of Morocco, propelling ahead in the brackets. He’s now up to Gabil MAMEDOV of the Russian Olympic Committee, who outscored Poland’s Damia Durkacz earlier today. Hovhannes BACHKOV (ARM) and Jabid CHALABIYEV (AZE) won their respective bouts, and will meet in their next bout, in the round of 16.
Imam KHATAEV (ROC) stole the show in the Light Heavy (75-81kg) division, as he clearly beat the Moroccan Mohamed ASSAGHIR by referee stops contest 1:30 into round 3, after leading the first two rounds. He will meet #1 seeded in the tournament, Kazakhstan’s Bekzad NURDAULETOV in the round of 16, on 28 of July.
In the last fights of the sessions, Daxian CHEN (CHN) and 2019 World Championship bronze medalist Benjamin WHITTAKER (GBR) snatched two split decision victories, moving on to the round of 16.
Action continues in Tokyo: the evening session at the Kokugikan Arena starts at 5:00 pm (Japan local time) with fifteen more bouts to be contested.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Action begins in Tokyo: 27 bouts contested on Day 1 of the Olympic Boxing Tournament
24/07/2021
Twenty-seven bouts took place on day 1 of the Tokyo 2020 Boxing tournament, held at the Kokugikan Arena. Boxers competed in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg), Women’s Welter (64-69kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg), Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) and Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) weight classes. Both Women’s event made their debut in the Olympic program, today.
Women’s Feather (54-57kg) reigning world champion Nesthy PETECIO (PHI) won today’s opening bout, defeating Marcelat SAKOBI MATSHU of the Democratic Republic of Congo by unanimous decision.
Speaking right after her victory, the 29-years-old boxer from the Philippines said:
“The fight went great and I feel really happy. It is good to get the first fight out of the way. This is my first Olympics but there are mixed emotions really. I want to enjoy it but I know I need to improve.”
She will face the #1 seeded LIN Yu-Ting (TPE) in the next round, on Monday 26 July.
“I know Yu-Ting very well, we have fought before. But it’s a fight I am very excited about. I know she also will have been looking at facing me in the draw so it will be a great fight.” PETECIO commented.
Nikolina CACIC (CRO), Irma TESTA (ITA), Karriss ARTINGSTALL (GBR) and IRIE Sena (JPN) won their respective bout, advancing in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) category.
Japan’s SENA, who beat Yamileth SOLORZANO (ESA) to move on in the brackets, said:
“Boxing is a minor sport in Japan, but it would mean so much for the sport and for me to win a gold medal. It’s hard to say it in words. But I have been training for this moment for 13 years and winning gold is what I have been dreaming about all that time.”
ARTINGSTALL (GBR), who defeated Botswana’s Keamogetse Sadie KENOSI by unanimous decision, said:
“It’s not my best performance at all, I wouldn’t even rate it over a six. I’m usually fast feet, fast hands, pinging them left, right and center, and making it hard for them to land a shot on me. It’s easier that way, you don’t come out with any bruises at the end of it, but I (have) just done what I had to do. I ground it through, did what I could do to get the win. I’ll warm up throughout the tournament, and you’ll definitely see better performances from me.”
In the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) event, Karolina KOSZEWSKA (POL) and Baison MANIKON (THA) won their respective bouts to advance in the tournament.
United States of America’s Duke RAGAN delivered a convincing performance in the Men’s Feather (52-57kg) event, beating Samuel KISTOHURRY of France in their round of 32 bout.
“It feels great. It’s obviously a dream come true,” the American boxer said. “Even when I’d turned professional, I thought my Olympics dream was over, so to be able to come back, it means a lot to me, so hopefully I get a chance to fight at gold and win gold.”
In the same weight category, Kurt Anthony WALKER of Ireland claimed victory on points over Jose QUILES BROTONS of Spain, after a difficult second round.
“I thought I had done enough. I was dominant in the first and third rounds. In the second he gave his all but then he had nothing left for the third,” the Irish boxer explained.
“I had to dig deep, but that’s a great first fight for me,” he added.
In the next round, he will have to deal with the #1 seeded Mirazizbek MIRZAKHALILOV (UZB).
“He’s got two arms and two legs like myself, so it doesn’t bother me. If you want to be the best then you have to beat the best,” WALKER said about the world champion from Uzbekistan. “I’m fighting at the Olympics which is more than I thought I’d be doing last year so I’m happy.”
Bout #12 was dominated by the Men’s Welterweight (63-69kg) boxer Merven CLAIR (MRI), who won over Wyatt SANFORD of Canada by unanimous decision.
“In Rio I was too small for the 75Kg (category) so I decided to go back to 69Kg, and I feel a lot better, I feel great now.” Mauritius’ boxer said. Five years ago, while competing in Rio de Janeiro, he had lost his very first bout into the tournament.
“Right now, I am ranked seventh in the world and #1 in Africa,” he added. “Even though I have not boxed for more than one year as my country was locked down, I’m satisfied with the performance.”
“I know there are things I need to correct before my next fight. But I’ve a great coach and he pressures us a lot to get better. I dedicate this, my first victory at an Olympic Games, to my coach.”
“Now I can focus on my next fight. I want to get to the semi-finals as I really want a medal to take back home to my family.”
In the following bout, the last of today’s Session 1, Algeria’s Abdelhafid BENCHABLA outscored Uzbekistan’s Sanjar TURSUNOV in the only Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) bout being held today.
In the last fight of the day, it was Azerbaijan’s Mahammad ABDULLAYEV who made it through the Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) event round of 32, by winning on points against Bahrain’s Danis LATYPOV.
The action will continue tomorrow with two sessions and 29 more preliminaries bouts in three weight categories: Women’s Fly (48-51kg), Men’s Light (57-63kg) and Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg).
Updated Draw Sheets
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Tokyo 2020 Boxing tournament kicks-off at the Kokugikan Arena
24/07/2021
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing tournament kicks off today at the Kokugikan Arena, an indoor sporting venue widely recognized as the spiritual home of the Japanese national sport of Sumo wrestling. There, 276 bouts will be contested in 13 weight categories (eight men’s and five women’s events) from 24 July through 8 August.
Today, two sessions and twenty-seven bouts will be contested, in the Women’s Feather (54-57kg), Women’s Welter (64-69kg), Men’s Feather (52-57kg), Men’s Welter (63-69kg), Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) and Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) weight classes (find the Draw sheets here).
Both Women’s events scheduled for today will make their Olympic debut on the ring of the Kukugikan Arena.
Women’s Feather reigning world champion Nesthy PETECIO (PHI) will be the first to get on the ring today, hoping to win the maiden Olympic gold medal. PETECIO can potentially hand Philippines its sixth Olympic boxing medal and its first in a women’s event. The most recent boxer representing Philippines to collect an Olympic medal was Mansueto VELASCO (PHI, silver) in the men’s light flyweight in 1996.
As in Rio, professionals will face amateurs here in Tokyo. “It’s a great initiative to involve the professional boxers in the Olympic Games,” said heavyweight David NYIKA (NZL), during yesterday’s IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) press conference. “It gets rid of some of the stigma around professional versus amateur boxing. I have boxed as a professional-amateur for seven years now and I don’t feel like there are many professionals that can beat me over three rounds. It just goes to show how hard athletes in amateur boxing work to get to this level.”
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
IOC BTF introduced to international media at Tokyo 2020 Press Conference
23/07/2021
The IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) took the opportunity to explain the journey that brought 289 boxers from 81 delegations to Tokyo 2020 during a press conference held at Main Press Centre, earlier today in Tokyo.
IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell, the Chair of the IOC Boxing Task Force Watanabe Morinari, and the Head of IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) Lenny Abbey were joined at the table by female boxer and Ireland’s flagbearer Kellie Harrington (women’s Light 57-60kg) and BTF’s Athlete Ambassador David Nyika of New Zealand (men’s Heavy 81-91kg).
IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell, speaking about the IOC Boxing Task Force journey, said:
“We wanted to find a solution for the boxers, to have boxing here in Tokyo. Everything is being done to not only allow boxing to stay in the Games for Tokyo, but to put the focus on the athletes themselves.”
He then added: “We also were very keen to use the opportunity to promote gender equality in boxing, and I think that’s been shown each step of the way again. We went from 36 women in Rio to what will finally be 102 female boxers here in Tokyo. Also increasing the number of (female) weight categories from three in Rio to five here in Tokyo. On the technical official side, we’ve significantly increased the number of female officials in 14 international technical officials here out of 58 which has been a big jump also from previous Games.”
Concerning the boxing scoring system introduced by the BTF, McConnell added:
“As you’ll see here in Tokyo, and it has been the same with each of the qualifiers, the scores will be publicly displayed at the end of each round, not just at the end of the fight. We think this is really a step forward so the boxers know what’s happening with the scoring at the end of each round, everyone knows how the scoring is being done round by round.
“We’ve also put in place more objective and transparent referee and judging criteria and selection process. That’s been done at each of the qualifiers and had really strong, positive feedback after each of the qualifying events we’ve had, from the boxers themselves including the very experienced Olympic boxers involved in those Olympic qualification events.
“We’ve also put in place mandatory prevention and education courses around competition manipulation. So, every qualified athlete, every qualified team official, and every qualified technical official here in Tokyo has gone through that training and education.”
The Chair of the Boxing Task Force, Watanabe Morinari talked about the BTF mission:
“We arrive here after a long journey. The BTF has done as much as possible during the time available to protect the integrity of the sports and to ensure the athletes have a fair field of play on which to compete.
“The BTF focus for the next 16 days, is to ensure the boxers are able to compete at their best on a fair field of play.”
Head of the BTF, Lenny Abbey, answered questions on the changes introduced by the BTF in the referees and judges selection process:
“We took a very extensive process when it came to deciding how we would consider the eligible pool of technical officials for all of the qualification events and the Olympic Games. We started off with background checks, and those that past the background checks had extensive exams on integrity. We have explained to them what is expected. We amended the regulations to provide more clarity on what we expect when it comes to judging and scoring.”
“The refereeing and judging and selection of every technical official for the qualifying events was random. When it comes to the section of referees and judges at a specific qualification event that is also done randomly from a system. There is no human involvement in that.”
Kellie Harringon touched on the point of increased gender equity and transparency:
“From London to Rio, there were only three women’s Olympic events, and now here in Tokyo we have five. It opens the door to a lot of more female athletes who thought that they hadn’t got a shot at getting to an Olympic Games, and now here they are, and here I am also. So that’s just been fantastic.”
“In regards to the scores being displayed after every round, I think that’s absolutely positive. I never know whether I win or lose a fight, anyway. But it does help to know if you are up or down. I could be winning clearly, and I will come back thinking: am I winning or losing? You never know when you are inside (the ring) what’s happening.
BTF Athlete Ambassador David Nyika commented on the Boxing Road to Tokyo qualification:
“I can say as an athlete, as a competitor, and as a spectator, that these qualifying tournaments have been absolutely spot on. I’ve never felt safer and in better hands than I have since the IOC stepped in and took charge.”
On the topic of refereeing and judging, the New Zeeland’s athlete added:
“I know I’m not the only athlete who feels that in the past they’ve been on the receiving end of unfair judging, unfair referring, so this is a massive step in the right direction and I really hope that these changes that are being implemented can stand strong and continue to be a part in our sport. I get a lot of comfort knowing that the BTF is taking this role very seriously”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament will start tomorrow with two sessions and 27 bouts on the ring of the Kokugikan Arena.
Tokyo 2020: Official Draw and Sport Entries Check
22/07/2021
The Tokyo 2020 Boxing Official Draw took place today, at the Kokugikan Arena (the boxing competition venue), where 276 bouts will be contested in 13 weight categories (eight men’s and five women’s events) from 24 July through 8 August.
Find the complete Official Draw results here:
| Men’s Super Heavy (+91kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Heavy (81-91kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Light Heavy (75-81kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Middle (69-75kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Welter (63-69kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Light (57-63kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Feather (52-57kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Men’s Fly (48-52kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s Middle (69-75kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s Welter (64-69kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s Light (57-60kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s Feather (54-57kg) | Draw Sheet |
| Women’s Fly (48-51kg) | Draw Sheet |
The Official Draw followed the Boxing Sports Entries Check, that was held today at the Team Processing Center of the Olympic Village. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Boxing Tournament will see 289 athletes (102 women boxers and 187 male boxers) from 80 National Olympic Committees and the Refugee Olympic Team competing on the ring of the Kokugikan Arena.
Event schedule and results
Find the event schedule and the results here.
Tokyo 2020: download the Boxing Media Guide
21/07/2021
The IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) Media Guide for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been published and can be downloaded here: http://boxing.athlete365.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tokyo-2020-Boxing-Media-Guide.pdf
Other useful resources for media include:
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Competition
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Competition Schedule
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Event Regulations
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Qualification
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualification System
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Allocated Quota Places – Overview
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Allocated Quota Places – Detail
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Ranking & Seeding
- Summary of Boxing and Seeding for the Olympic Boxing Qualifying Events and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
- Boxing Task Force Rankings
- Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Seedings
Other resources
Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier closed in Paris. Next stop is Tokyo!
08/06/2021
Paris, 8 June 2021 – The Boxing Road to Tokyo European Qualifier came to an end, today, 8 June 2021. The event which had started last year in London (GBR) and was stopped after day 3 of competition, to then resume in the French capital on 4 June 2021 distributed a grand total of 77 Tokyo 2020 Olympic quota places, which went to 21 different countries (61 quotas were awarded here in Paris, 16 in London, last year).
Great Britain secured the highest number of Tokyo 2020 slots, claiming four women’s quotas and seven men’s quotas, qualifying a total of 11 athletes (two in London and nine here in Paris). The Russian Olympic Committee followed in second, with 10 quota places (three women’s quotas, seven men’s quotas), while Ireland followed in third with a three men’s and three women’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic berths.
168 boxers from 37 countries competed here at Le Grand Dome, in the outskirts of Paris. After 170 bouts conducted in four days, today it was all about the medals, and the ranking points that will be used to seed boxers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (being among the top-seeded athletes means a better position in the Tokyo draw).
Thirteen finals were scheduled to take place today (day 5 of competition), across all the Olympic weight categories. Two medal matches were not disputed, as Rio 2016 Silver medallist, Sofiane Oumiha of France, won gold in the Men’s Light (57-63kg) final, and Azerbaijan’s Loren Alfonso Dominguez finished atop of the Light Heavy (75-81kg)’s podium by walkover.
Host country France celebrated the victory of Mouras Aliev, who won the Men’s Superheavy (+91kg) gold medal match by points, beating Great Britain’s Frazer Clarke. In the first round, the French boxer gave Frazer a standing count, and continued leading throughout the bout, alternating great defence and powerful blasts. His teammate Billal Bennama claimed gold in the Men’s Fly (48-52kg) event, beating Great Britain’s Galal Yafai after the second round, as the referee ordered to count the points after a cut. Today’s fourth French finalist, Samuel Kistohurry, lost to Russia’s Albert Batyrgaziev in the in the Men’s Feather (54-57kg) event.
It turned out to be an overall great day also for Great Britain, with seven athletes entered in 13 finals, eventually walking out of Le Grand Dome with two gold and five silver medals. It was once again #1 seeded Pat McCormack and Lauren Price who finished in the spotlights, winning the Men’s Welter (63-69kg) and the Women’s Middle (69-75kg) finals.
McCormack went against Russia’s Andrei Zamekovoi, in a rematch of the 2019 World Championship final that was won by the Russian on his home turf. It wasn’t an easy one as for the first time in this Boxing Road to Tokyo European Qualifier, the British boxer gave the impression he could lose the match. After a slow start, he took advantage of his unmatchable speed in the third and last fraction of the bout, to win by unanimous decision.
Price confirmed to be the best European boxer in her weight class, claiming gold in the final against Russia’s Zenfira Magomedalieva (seeded #3).
Russia’s Heavyweight (81-91kg) finalist Muslim Gadzhimagomedov, the #1 seeded boxer in the qualifier, confirmed to be one of world’s bests in the event, as he outscored Spain’s Emmanuel Reyes Pla by unanimous decision to secure gold. The second top-seeded Russian athlete competing here today, Gleb Bakshi, lost the Men’s Middle (69-75kg) final to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who clinched a split decision in his favour.
Turkey claimed two gold medals, to close this qualifier in style. In the Women’s Fly (48-51kg) event, Buse Naz Cakiroglu had the best of Great Britain’s Charley-Sian Davison. Her teammate Busenaz Surmeneli dominated the Women’s Welter (64-69kg) final, winning by a unanimous decision over Germany’s Nadine Apetz.
In the Women’s Feather (54-57kg) event, two-time world champion Irma Testa of Italy left no chances to Irish boxer Michaela Walsh – who had walked into this qualifier as the second-best ranked athlete – winning by unanimous decision. Later in the day, Ireland collected a gold medal in the Women’s Light (57-60kg) event, thanks to the stamina of Kellie Harrington, who controlled Great Britain’s Caroline Dubois throughout a nervous final to win by points.
Coming in next are the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, kicking-off on the 24th of July. Check the complete Boxing schedule on the Olympics.com website.
Reply the action!
The Boxing Road to Tokyo European Qualifier was broadcasted live on the Olympic Channel, with all the women’s and men’s bouts across all weight categories available with commentary in English and Spanish. News, photos and results can be found on online on the dedicated Paris Qualifier page of the Athlete365 Boxing Corner website. We encourage fans to join the conversation online using the hashtag #Boxing.
Tokyo 2020 boxing Olympic qualifying path to be restructured
15/02/2021
Lausanne, 15 February 2021 – In the past 10 days, and reflecting the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) goals of transparency and putting athletes first, the BTF has consulted all boxing NFs, NOCs, its technical experts, the boxing Athlete Ambassadors and medical experts for their input, to understand the individual situations and considerations for the remaining Olympic boxing qualification events. This has included a review of the current challenges to international travel and related restrictions in many countries, and the resulting impacts on a fair and equitable Olympic qualification process.
The main consensus of the feedbacks received on the remaining boxing Olympic qualification process was as follows:
- To ensure fair and safest possible conditions for the boxers from all regions, including having the same opportunity to recover and properly prepare for both the qualifiers and, more importantly, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020;
- The importance of safeguarding the minimum period of 30 days between consecutive events (i.e. the last Continental Olympic Qualifier and the Final World Qualifier, and the Final World Qualifier and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020), especially given the current situation; and
- Additional concerns regarding the ever-evolving travel restrictions, quarantine requirements and governmental policies that could affect the athletes’ preparation timelines, their ability and ability to participate in the Olympic qualifiers and the presence of technical officials at these qualifiers.
The BTF met on 12 February 2021 and reinforced the health and safety of the athletes as the key focus, along with prioritising the Continental Olympic Qualifiers. This prioritisation of the continental events:
- Ensures that athletes of all regions have a fair and equal opportunity to qualify;
- Increases the time for athlete recovery and appropriate preparation for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, reinforcing the BTF’s focus on medical and safety considerations; and
- Protects the BTF rankings and seeding system for the Tokyo 2020 boxing tournament.
Therefore, after exploring all possible scenarios, the BTF has decided to restructure the remaining parts of the boxing qualification pathway for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as detailed below.
Completion of continental qualification events
The African and Asian/Oceanian continental qualification events have been completed, and the European qualification event has been partially completed.
European Olympic Qualifier:
The European Olympic Qualifier, initially scheduled to be held in London (GBR) in April 2021, has now been pushed back to June 2021. The location and dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.
Americas Olympic Qualifier:
The Americas Olympic Qualifier has been confirmed to take place in Buenos Aires (ARG) from 10 to 16 May 2021.
Replacement of World Olympic Qualifier with use of BTF rankings
As a consequence of prioritising the Continental Olympic Qualifiers, and the rescheduling of the European Olympic Qualifier, the final stage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic boxing qualification process has been restructured. The final World Olympic Qualifier, scheduled to take place in Paris (FRA) in June 2021, will not be held.
The 53 quota places (32 men and 21 women) planned to be allocated at the final World Olympic Qualifier will now be allocated equally across the four regions (Africa, Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe) and all the weight categories. Following the fundamental principle of universality, one nominal quota (by name) will be allocated to the best ranked athlete not yet qualified per region and per weight category, as per the BTF rankings upon the conclusion of each respective continental event.
This ensures a new reallocation pathway, which is based on international on-field results recorded over the past four years (2017-2021), including but not limited to the BTF Olympic Qualification Events.
To ensure the utmost transparency and integrity of the allocation process, the BTF rankings were reviewed by an external auditor to ensure that all results have been accounted for accurately and in compliance with the BTF’s “Summary on Ranking & Seeding for the Olympic Boxing Qualifying Events and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020”.
Athlete Ambassador Mary Kom of India – Olympic bronze medallist (London 2012) and six-time World Champion – added: “I would like to thank the Boxing Task Force for listening to our feedback, and for putting the health and safety of the athletes first in their decision process. BTF events are Olympic qualifiers, we should never forget that. Everybody deserves a fair opportunity to participate and have the appropriate time to recover after a competition and to prepare for the Olympic Games.”
Athlete Ambassador Shelley Watts – a Rio 2016 Olympian and a 2014 Commonwealth Games Champion from Australia – said: “All boxers from all regions should have the same opportunity to prepare, compete and qualify for the games & recover between events. While I feel sorry for the athletes not getting a chance to compete in a Final World qualifier, I 100% support the BTF’s solution to rearrange the qualification pathway to Tokyo 2020 in the best interests of all athletes!”
“This is the best way forward,” continued Athlete Ambassador Lukmon Lawal, London 2012 Olympian and 2011 All Africa Games silver medalist from Nigeria. “The BTF found a way to reorganise the Olympic Qualification path in a transparent manner. The continental qualifiers are protected, and the best boxers in the world will have another chance to qualify for the Games through on-field results accounted in the BTF Ranking.”
2016 Olympic Silver medalist and 2008 World Champ Sarah Ourahmoune, an Athlete Ambassador from France, said: “In my opinion, cancelling the Final World Qualifier and using the BTF World Ranking to distribute the 53 Olympic Quotas is the best option, in today’s context. This ensures that no athlete is excluded from the new qualification pathway to Tokyo 2020. We should not forget how many nations around the world are now facing travel restrictions and quarantine periods that affect boxers’ preparation and ability to compete.”
An updated version of the Tokyo 2020 Qualification System for Boxing – reflecting the aforementioned changes – will be published as soon as possible following the formal approval of the IOC Executive Board, which is expected by the end of February 2021.
Tokyo 2020 Boxing European Qualifier update
29/01/2021Lausanne, 2021/01/29 – The Boxing Task Force (BTF), in a virtual meeting conducted yesterday, decided that the European Qualifier for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Boxing tournament will no longer be taking place in London in April.
The decision was taken in light of the current situation and increased travel restrictions to/from the UK and taking into consideration the feedback received from the European Boxing Federations and NOCs.
The BTF is currently evaluating all possible options (including April in another location) and will provide an update regarding the European Qualifier on 17 February 2021.
The BTF would like to express its gratitude to the British Olympic Association, GB Boxing, UK Sport and all their stakeholders involved for their great commitment and efforts in supporting us during these extremely difficult and ever evolving times.
Boxing legend Klitschko announced as “IOC Boxing Task Force Champion”
19/02/2020 
Atlanta 1996 Olympic champion Wladimir Klitschko (UKR) has been announced today as the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) Champion.
The super-heavyweight legend will join the BTF along with the 10 Athlete Ambassadors, who were nominated earlier this year in an effort to promote the athletes’ voice by engaging with the athletes face-to-face at the competition venues as well as through digital channels on issues that are most prevalent within the boxing community.
Klitschko will be engaging with athletes and fans at selected Boxing Road to Tokyo qualifying events, and across digital channels, helping the BTF to spread the values of boxing and fair play.
Klitschko said: “I had the chance of taking part in the Olympic Games in 1996. That participation was the origin of my further career – and in some way made me the person I am today. Now I want to give back what I received and support the initiative for boxers to keep getting the same chances I had and be part of the next Olympic Games.”
The BTF was created by the IOC Executive Board (EB) in June 2019. This followed a decision by the IOC Session to keep boxing on the sports programme for Tokyo 2020, but to suspend IOC recognition of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) due to concerns over finance, governance, ethics and refereeing and judging.
The IOC EB gave the Boxing Task Force the mandate to organise and deliver the five qualification events for boxing and the Olympic boxing competition in Tokyo, and to develop a Tokyo 2020 qualification system for boxing. The overarching goal of the BTF is to minimise any disruption for the athletes and to create a clear, just and fair pathway for boxers to realise their dream of competing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Tokyo 2020 tournament will feature 286 boxers (186 men, 100 women) competing in 13 weight classes (eight for men, five for women). Olympic Quota Places will be awarded during the Boxing Road to Tokyo, which comprises four continental qualifiers to be held in Dakar, Senegal (20-29 February), Amman, Jordan (Asian/Oceanian qualifier, 3-11 March), London, Great Britain (European qualifier, 14-24 March) and Buenos Aires, Argentina (Americas qualifier, 26 March–3 April). A fifth and last competition, the Final World Qualifying Event, will be held in Paris, France, from 13 to 20 of May.
The qualifiers will be broadcast by the Olympic Channel, through multi-platform coverage that will include live streaming of all bouts across all weight categories from the first day of competition through to the finals for each event. Coverage will be available in all territories worldwide at olympicchannel.com and its apps for mobile and connected TV devices. Find additional information and updates on the events at https://boxing.athlete365.org