The evening session of Day 7 at the North Paris Arena kicked off with the Women’s 57kg round of 16, featuring an intense showdown between the Philippines’ Nesthy PETECIO and the home favorite Amina ZIDANI (FRA). The bout was a closely contested duel, with ZIDANI edging the first round by a narrow 3:2 margin. However, PETECIO, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, made a strong comeback in the second round, showcasing her power with impactful blows and an aggressive strategy that convinced all five judges to score the round 10/9 in her favor. Despite ZIDANI’s best efforts to counterattack in the final round, it wasn’t enough, and PETECIO secured a 4:1 split decision victory. The Pilipino boxer will now face China’s Zichun XU (CHN) in the quarterfinals, after XU earned a 3:2 win over 2023 Pan American Games silver medallist Valeria ARBOLEDA MENDOZA (COL).
In the same weight category, Ashleyann LOZADA MOTTA of Puerto Rico made her nation proud by defeating 2023 Asian Games silver medallist Karina IBRAGIMOVA (KAZ) with a commanding 5:0 unanimous decision. LOZADA MOTTA’s next challenge is set for August 4, where she will face Julia SZEREMETA of Poland, who was too strong for Australia’s Tina RAHIMI, outclassing her with a sharp 5:0 victory.
The Men’s 51kg quarterfinal saw David DE PINA of Cabo Verde secure his country’s first Olympic medal by overcoming Patrick CHINYEMBA (ZAM) in a dominant performance, sealing a 5:0 unanimous decision win. DE PINA, who qualified for Paris 2024 through the 2nd World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok, will now face Rio 2016 gold medallist Hasanboy DUSMATOV (UZB) in the semifinal. DUSMATOV advanced after clinching a 3:2 split decision victory over Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Saken BIBOSSINOV (KAZ) in a hard-fought bout that tested both fighters’ endurance and skill.
In the Men’s 80kg quarterfinal, Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK (UKR) delivered a stunning performance against Brazil’s Wanderley DE SOUZA PEREIRA. KHYZHNIAK launched an all-out attack from the start, landing quick and heavy blows that targeted his opponent’s face, securing a decisive 5:0 victory. With this win, KHYZHNIAK advances to the semifinals, guaranteeing himself another Olympic medal. He will next face a formidable challenge in two-time Olympic champion Arlen LOPEZ CARDONA (CUB). LOPEZ CARDONA, who is on a quest for his third Olympic gold, emerged victorious in a closely contested 3:2 split decision bout against Uzbekistan’s 20-year-old Turabek KHABIBULLAEV.
The Men’s +92kg quarterfinals brought joy to Team France and the home fans as Djamili-Dini ABOUDOU MOINDZE (FRA) clinched a 4:1 split decision win over Gerlon Gilmar CONGO CHALA of Ecuador. ABOUDOU MOINDZE’s victory sparked celebrations in the North Paris Arena, and he will now advance to the semifinals, where he will face Ayoub GHADFA DRISSI EL AISSAOUI of Spain. The Spanish boxer secured his place in the semifinals with a dominant 5:0 win over Armenia’s Davit CHALOYAN.
Looking ahead, the competition will continue tomorrow with quarterfinals in the Men’s 57kg, 71kg, and Women’s 50kg, 66kg divisions, as well as two semifinals in the Women’s 60kg category, where the first bronze medals of the tournament will be awarded. The afternoon session starts at 15:30, and the evening session at 20:00 (CET).
Find the event schedule and the results here.
