Two new Olympic gold medalists emerged at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The men's flyweight and women's bantamweight gold medals were awarded. Additionally, the finals are scheduled for the women’s 75kgs and men’s featherweight competitions.
Dusmatov secures second Olympic gold
Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusmatov won his second Olympic gold medal in the men’s flyweight competition, by defeating Billal Bennama of France and disappointing the local crowd. Bennama, who was knocked out by Dusmatov in 2023, fared better in Paris but still lost a three-round decision. Dusmatov, a 31-year-old professional boxer, previously won gold at Rio 2016, sparking further debate over the inclusion of professional boxers at the Games.
Yuan Chang becomes China’s first female boxing gold medalist
China’s Yuan Chang made history by becoming her country’s first female Olympic gold medalist in boxing, when winning the women’s bantamweight title. Chang defeated Turkey’s Hatice Akbas by counter-punching effectively to nullify Akbas, who had been the divisional favorite.
Controversial decision costs Ngamba spot in the final
Cindy Ngamba, representing the Olympics Refugee Team and training with Team Great Britain, was controversially denied a place in the women’s 75kgs final. Questionable scoring led to Panama’s Atheyna Bylon advancing instead. Ngamba’s feel-good story ended in frustration – an all-too-common occurrence in Olympics boxing. Bylon will face China’s Li Qian, who outpointed Australia’s Caitlin Parker in a lackluster semi-final, in the final.
Featherweight final set – with a surprise contender
Kyrgyzstan’s Munarbek Seitbek Uulu continued his surprising Olympics run by defeating the tournament favorite Javier Ibanez to reach the men’s featherweight final. Seitbek Uulu, who beat Jahmal Harvey in the previous round, stands a chance of winning gold in an unlikely journey.
Uzbekistan’s Abdumalik Khalokov will join him in the final after a dominant victory over Australia’s Charlie Senior. Uzbekistan is poised to replicate its success from the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the nation won three gold medals.
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