The Paris 2024 Olympic Boxing tournament continues today at the North Paris Arena. Day 2 of the competition features three sessions and twenty-four preliminary bouts across five weight categories. The men’s 51kg, 71kg, and 92kg categories, as well as the women’s 50kg and 66kg classes, will all see action today.
In the first bout of the morning session, the spotlight was on the Men’s 51kg match between Omid AHMADISAFA of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team and Roscoe HILL of the USA, the 2023 Pan American Games bronze medallist.
AHMADISAFA was formerly a member of the Iranian national boxing and kickboxing teams, defected from the Iranian national team during a tournament in Italy in 2021 and later sought asylum in Germany. Today, Omid faced a formidable opponent as HILL dashed his hopes of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics, defeating him with a commanding 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
In the Men’s 71kg event, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Damian DURKACZ (POL) faced off against Rami Mofid KIWAN (BUL). The bout was close: the Polish boxer edged the first round 3:2, but the Bulgarian counterattacked in the second and third rounds, earning five 10/9 scores from the judges in both rounds and sealing a 5:0 win.
MAKAN TRAORE (FRA), the 2023 European Games bronze medallist, faced a tough opponent today, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Aidan WALSH from Ireland. In a fierce bout, the Irish started strong with an impressive display of punches, taking the lead 5:0. However, TRAORE, cheered by the home crowd, stepped up in the second and third rounds, changing the tide of the match and securing a 4:0 victory to advance in the tournament.
Olaitan Adam OLAORE (NGR), the fifth seed in the Men’s 92kg weight category, couldn’t make it through his preliminary bout against Aibek ORALBAY (KAZ). The Kazakh athlete showcased impactful blows in the ring, outscoring his opponent and earning a full scorecard from all judges.
In another thrilling Olympic bout, Enmanuel REYES PLA, representing Spain but born in Cuba, faced off against 2023 Asian Games silver medallist Xuezhen HAN. After a pulsating battle with both athletes displaying exceptional boxing skills, REYES PLA emerged victorious with a 4:1 split decision from the judges.
In the Women’s 50kg event, 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist Zareen NIKHAT (IND) faced Maxi Carina KLOETZER (GER). The match began with KLOETZER showcasing her skill and agility, narrowly edging the first round with a 3-2 score. However, the tide began to turn in the second round. NIKHAT, adapted her strategy and increased her offensive output. By the third round, NIKHAT’s relentless pressure and precision punches overwhelmed the German boxer securing a decisive 5:0 victory.
Rio 2016 bronze medallist and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Ingrit Lorena VALENCIA VICTORIA of Colombia was too strong for Mongolian Yesugen OYUNTSETSEG, outscoring her with a sharp 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
In a tough ring clash, 2023 European Games bronze medallist Rosie ECCLES (GBR) battled against Aneta RYGIELSKA (POL). The bout was intense from the start, with both boxers showcasing exceptional combinations and tactical prowess. As the rounds progressed, the tension in the arena grew, with neither boxer willing to give an inch. Ultimately, it was RYGIELSKA’s strategic precision and consistent performance that impressed the judges, allowing her to seal a narrow 3:2 split decision win.
The boxing competition will continue in the afternoon session at 15:30 (CET) and in the evening session at 20:00 (CET) with a total of 16 additional bouts.
Schedules and Results:
Find the event schedule and the results here.
