Erislandy ALVAREZ BORGES of Cuba and Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK of Ukraine both made history today at the Paris 2024 Olympic Boxing Tournament, each claiming gold in their respective weight classes at the iconic Stade Roland Garros.
ALVAREZ, a 24-year-old first-time Olympian, became the new Men’s 63.5kg Olympic Champion after a hard-fought battle against France’s Sofiane OUMIHA. The Cuban boxer, who secured his spot in the Games through the 2nd World Qualifying Tournament, came out strong with an aggressive strategy that earned him a perfect score of 10 from all five judges in the opening round. Despite a counterattack from OUMIHA in the second and third rounds, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. ALVAREZ clinched a 3:2 split decision, standing atop the podium with his first gold medal in a world-level competition—a remarkable achievement for the young Cuban.
ALVAREZ expressed his feelings after the victory: “I am very happy. He is a very strong rival. I had a lot of changes since the world championships. Thank God I got the gold medal which is what we promised, for me and for Cuba. All I’m thinking now is rest so I can have time to keep bringing gold medals back to Cuba.” Asked about his Olympic gold medal the Cuban added: “I promised this and now I have it.”
“It is incredible to be part of Cuba’s boxing history. We have such a great record” – ALVAREZ added as he is joining the list of Cuba’s Olympic champions: “I dedicate this gold medal to my grandmother, who sadly passed away, and I dedicate it to my country and to my old teacher who told me that I could achieve great things. With this gold medal I have.”
Shortly after, Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK of Ukraine claimed his first Olympic gold medal in the Men’s 80kg category, following his silver at Tokyo 2020. KHYZHNIAK faced Kazakhstan’s Nurbek ORALBAY in a thrilling final. The Ukrainian boxer took a narrow lead in the first round, only to see ORALBAY rally in the second, setting up a tense final round. Both athletes gave it their all, but KHYZHNIAK’s relentless attacks and powerful blows ultimately secured him a 3:2 split decision victory, earning him the coveted gold medal.
“I’m ecstatic. Since I was a boy I’ve dreamed of being on this step of the podium.” – the Ukrainian boxer commented after his victory: “Since getting the silver medal in Tokyo (2020 Olympic Games) to this day and finally getting the gold I have worked so hard. But I’ve done it. It’s a gold medal for Ukraine.”
Earlier in the session, Yu Ting LIN of Chinese Taipei secured a unanimous decision victory in the Women’s 57kg semifinal, defeating Turkey’s Esra YILDIZ KAHRAMAN. LIN will now face Poland’s rising star, Julia SZEREMETA, in the final. The Polish, a formidable 20-year-old talent, overcame Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Nesthy PETECIO of the Philippines with a 4:1 split decision. PETECIO started the bout with strong, powerful punches, but SZEREMETA’s brilliant counterattacks in the subsequent rounds won over the judges, earning her a spot in the gold-medal match.
In another intense semifinal bout, defending Tokyo 2020 champion Bakhodir JALOLOV of Uzbekistan dominated Germany’s Nelvie Raman TIAFACK in the Men’s +92kg division, securing a commanding 5:0 victory. The #4 seed from Uzbekistan now looks ahead to the final on August 10, where he will face Spain’s Ayoub GHADFA DRISSI EL AISSAOUI. The Spanish boxer advanced to the final after a masterful tactical display against France’s Djamili-Dini ABOUDOU MOINDZE, winning a controlled 5:0 decision in their thrilling semifinal encounter.
Boxing will continue tomorrow, 8 August, at 21:30 (CET) at the Roland Garros with four semifinals bouts to be contested in the Men’s 57kg, Women’s 75kg, as well as the final in the Women’ 54kg and Men’s 51kg weight category.
Find the event schedule and the results here.
