The second session of Day 5 at the Paris 2024 Olympic Boxing Tournament, held at the North Paris Arena, delivered another thrilling series of bouts. Athletes in the Women’s 60kg and the Men’s 57kg, 63.5kg, and 71kg categories took to the ring, each determined to advance in their respective brackets.
CINDY NGAMBA’s Historic Victory:
In the Women’s 75kg weight category, Cindy Winner DJANKEU NGAMBA, who competes for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, had a breakthrough moment as she won her first-ever match at the Olympics. NGAMBA triumphed over the third-seeded Tammara AMANDA THIBEAULT (CAN) in a hard-fought battle, clinching a 3:2 split decision victory.
NGAMBA, who lives and trains in the United Kingdom, is one of two refugee athlete scholarship holders who made history by qualifying for the Olympic Games at the Boxing Road to Paris 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, last March. Born in Cameroon, NGAMBA moved to the UK at the age of 11, where she found a second family with the GB Boxing Team.
Ngamba who is also the flagbearer for the EOR team along with taekwondo athlete Yahya AL-GHOTANY said: “It’s an honour for me to represent this special team and carry the flag for the millions of us around the world. I am very grateful to the IOC for this special opportunity. My biggest hope is that, at this year’s Olympic Games, we can make people stand up and pay attention. Show them what refugees are capable of, because we have some big ambitions.”
Advancing to the quarterfinals, NGAMBA will face Davina MICHEL (FRA), who made her home fans proud by decisively defeating Baison MANIKON (THA) with a commanding 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
Other results of the session:
The Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Carlo PAALAM (PHI) was the first to advance to the Men’s 57kg division quarterfinals after outscoring 22-year-old JUDE GALLAGHER (IRL). PAALAM delivered a strong performance, particularly in the closing moments, securing a 5:0 win. Up next for him is Charlie SENIOR (AUS), the 2023 Pacific Games gold medalist, who also advanced with a 4:1 victory over VASILE USTUROI (BEL) by landing powerful blows throughout the match.
In the same weight category, Luiz Gabriel OLIVEIRA (BRA) faced off against Jahmal HARVEY (USA) for the sixth time in their careers (winning twice and losing three times). HARVEY emerged victorious once again in this closely contested bout, clinching a 3:2 split decision win.
Omar ELAWADY (EGY) had to concede defeat to Asadkhuja MUYDINKHUJAEV (UZB) in the Men’s 71kg class, with the Uzbek athlete earning a full scorecard with a 5:0 victory. Shortly afterward, a sell-out crowd of 5,000 packed the venue to witness the contest between home favorite Makan TRAORE (FRA) and Nikolai TERTERYAN (DEN). The 2023 European Games gold medalist from Denmark showcased his offensive skills, securing a 4:1 victory.
In a close battle, Zeyad EASHASH (JOR) and team Jordan celebrated a hard-fought victory over 2023 Asian Games gold medalist Sewonrets Quincy Mensah OKAZAWA (JPN). EASHASH displayed determination and power, earning a crucial 3:2 split decision win.
In the Women’s 60kg category, the quarterfinal match between Shih Yi WU (TPE) and Maria Jose PALACIOS ESPINOZA (COL) determined the second semifinalist. PALACIOS ESPINOZA edged the first round 3:2 by a narrow margin, but WU’s solid punches in the subsequent rounds earned her a decisive 4:1 split decision victory.
Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Kellie HARRINGTON (IRL) lived up to expectations by defeating 2023 Pan American Games silver medalist Angie Paola VALDES PANA (COL) with a commanding 5:0 decision, securing her place in the semifinals and ensuring another Olympic medal.
The action will resume this evening at 20:00 (CET) with another session of exciting boxing.
Find the event schedule and the results here.
