Paris Olympic Games - Men’s Amateur Boxing Guide
Hey there - it’s been a while. Since my last article, quite a lot has happened in amateur boxing, including a full-blown civil war between IBA and the IOC as well as plenty of back-and-forth about the future of the sport. After three years of uncertainty however, boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics is finally here. With the amateur game effectively split down the middle following the establishment of breakaway governing body World Boxing, you’d be forgiven for struggling to know who to look out for at the Games. Don’t worry though - I’ll be bringing you back up to speed with predictions for each division, fights that you won’t want to miss as well as some potential stars of the future to keep tabs on. It’s worth remembering that this is only a rough guide and injuries, upsets or robberies can quickly change the landscape of an entire weight class, so be mindful if you’re looking to bet.
One last thing - as you might have been able to discern from the title, I won’t be discussing female amateur boxing here. I don’t follow the women’s game to the same extent as the men’s, and therefore feel unqualified to give any opinions or insight. Thanks for understanding!
51kg (Flyweight)
Flyweight remains one of the deepest divisions in amateur boxing with world-class talent across the board. One fighter has separated himself from the pack throughout this Olympic cycle though - 2016 Olympic gold-medallist and reigning world champion Hasanboy Dusmatov (UZB), who has picked up wins over Billal Bennama (FRA), Saken Bibossinov (KAZ) and Thitisan Panmot (THA) in the past year. Dusmatov looks like the man to beat in Paris, although he’ll likely have to navigate a tricky rematch with Bibossinov as well as a potential showdown with Amit Panghal (IND) in the semi-finals. Whilst Amit currently holds a 2-1 lead in their rivalry, the pair’s last meeting was over five years ago and all three bouts have been close, tightly-contested affairs. The Indian star will have to get past potential banana skin Patrick Chinyemba (ZAM) first however, with Chinyemba arguably deserving the nod when they met in the semi-finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. On the other side of the bracket, home hope Billal Bennama (FRA) and World Championship silver-medallist Roscoe Hill (USA) will be amongst the favourites to reach the final with Alejandro Claro Fiss (CUB), Nijat Huseynov (AZE) and Yunior Alcántara (DOM) also in contention.
Predictions:
Gold - Hasanboy Dusmatov (UZB)
Silver - Billal Bennama (FRA)
Bronze - Amit Panghal (IND), Yunior Alcántara (DOM)
Given the depth of talent at 51kg, you can never be sure exactly how the podium is going to unfold as we saw last time in Tokyo. That being said, it’s hard to pick against Hasanboy Dusmatov here. The Uzbek is arguably the best amateur in the world pound-for-pound and whilst he’ll have his work cut out making it to the final, I think Dusmatov will go all the way in Paris and join an exclusive list of two-weight Olympic champions. As for Amit, Chinyemba is about the worst possible matchup for him early on and the Zambian is more than capable of springing an upset. But I can see the Indian’s superior accuracy and eye-catching counters being just enough to earn the nod in the eyes of the judges.
The other half depends on the outcome of Bennama-Hill. If the Frenchman can build up a lead in the opening round, it’s his fight to lose - Hill is at his best on the backfoot against aggressive opponents, and isn’t nearly as comfortable when forced to lead. It’s a close one to call, but I’m going for Bennama with home-field advantage seeing him get over the line. Either man should prove too good for Alejandro Claro Fiss, with Hill beating the Cuban at last year’s Pan-American Games and Bennama on the wrong side of questionable judging when the pair met earlier this year. Nijat Huseynov against Yunior Alcántara will likely determine who gets bronze - whilst both are young and have limited international experience, I’m leaning towards the Dominican to make the podium. Alcántara is difficult to look good against, which may sway the judges in a close fight.
Fights to watch: Bennama-Hill and Amit-Chinyemba look like the picks of the early matchups, with potential QF’s between Dusmatov-Bibossinov, Amit-Panmot and Huseynov-Alcántara seeing the competition really start to heat up. Dusmatov-Amit in the semi’s promises to be a supreme display of skill and technique, and you can rest assured that the final will similarly be a high-quality affair.
Ones for the future: Dusmatov looks to be on the brink of a world title shot at minimumweight in the professional ranks, and it would be great to see the Uzbek mix it up with the likes of Oscar Collazo, Knockout CP Freshmart and the Shigeoka brothers. As for Amit, it’s probably a little too late to make a serious run at the pro’s. Instead, keep an eye out for young talent including Rafael Lozano Jr. and Juanma López de Jesús, the son of former world champion and Puerto Rican standout Juan Manuel ‘Juanma’ López. I wouldn’t worry too much about USA’s Roscoe Hill, who isn’t going to be winning over too many fans with his style.
57kg (Featherweight)
Featherweight is one of the most intriguing divisions at Paris 2024, with plenty of fresh, exciting young talent making up the field. Reigning world champion Abdumalik Khalokov (UZB) should rightfully be considered the man in the division, with victories over Javier Ibáñez (BUL), Carlo Paalam (PHI), Saidel Horta (CUB) and Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu (KGZ) in the past two years. The Uzbek hasn’t been unbeatable however, and there’s still several matchups at 57kg that we haven’t seen yet. Bantamweight world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan (KAZ) announced himself at featherweight after coming out on top of a fiercely-contested national selection tournament, whilst 2021 world champion Jahmal Harvey (USA) remains a threat on the other side of the draw. European champion Ibáñez, World Championship silver-medallist Horta, Olympic flyweight runner-up Paalam, Yilmar González (COL), Jude Gallagher (IRL) and Aider Abduraimov (UKR) will also be in the mix for a podium spot.
Predictions:
Gold - Abdumalik Khalokov (UZB)
Silver - Jahmal Harvey (USA)
Bronze - Javier Ibáñez (BUL), Carlo Paalam (PHI)
In terms of predictions, featherweight is a bit of a mixed bag - some sections of the draw look relatively straightforward to call, whilst others could go one of several ways. Khalokov was my pick for gold before the draw was announced, and I think he’ll be pretty pleased with his route to the final overall. Whilst a quarter-final matchup against Kazakh sensation Sabyrkhan appears to be 50/50 on paper, I expect Khalokov to frustrate his rival with slick defence, lateral movement and counters en route to winning a clear decision. Sabyrkhan hasn’t really impressed me at 57kg, and he was lucky to qualify after taking a controversial decision over Asror Vokhidov in Busto Arsizio earlier this year. In the bottom half of the bracket, Paalam-Gallagher should decide who Khalokov faces in the semi’s - Khalokov comfortably outpointed Paalam at last year’s World Championships and I’d favour the Uzbek against both.
I’m not nearly as confident when it comes to the other half of the draw, however. I like Jahmal Harvey to make the final, but he’ll have to navigate some tricky matchups along the way including a first-round meeting with familiar rival Luiz Oliveira (BRA). The pair are currently tied at 2-2 in their head-to-head, with Harvey claiming the most recent win at the 2023 Pan-American Games, and should he advance he’ll likely face Saidel Horta in the last eight. Harvey edged Horta when they met in the final of last year’s Pan-Ams, but it was a close bout that could have gone either way so expect another fight that goes down to the wire. Who joins Harvey in the semi’s is anyone’s guess, although I’m tentatively picking Cuban-born Ibáñez to advance. Both Abduraimov and González are real dark horses though, and I wouldn’t count either out.
Whether it’s Harvey, Ibáñez or Horta, I can’t see past Khalokov topping the podium at featherweight. Although the Uzbek had a tendency to unravel under pressure a few years ago, I’m not sure there’s anyone in the current 57kg field - including Sabyrkhan - who can force him into a dogfight these days. Khalokov will take confidence from previous wins over Ibáñez and Horta, and Harvey, who is at his best when countering on the backfoot against aggressive opponents, will likely struggle with Khalokov’s speed and slick outside boxing.
Fights to watch: Immediately pencil in any fights featuring Sabyrkhan - the Kazakh’s fluid switch-hitting, creative combinations and sheer aggression make him compulsory viewing. If he gets past José Quiles (ESP), a potential QF against Khalokov is one of my most anticipated matchups of the Games. Harvey-Oliveira, Ibáñez-Abduraimov and Gallagher-Paalam should also be worth checking out, and keep your calendars open for the final on August 10th.
Ones for the future: Harvey is arguably the star of this U.S. team, and looks to have a bright future as a pro. The Maryland native is a comfortable switch-hitter with an impressive ring IQ, and has a mean streak that will serve him well going forward. Khalokov is also an interesting prospect, although there are some concerns about his physicality and stamina over 12 rounds, and make sure to keep track of Sabyrkhan as well. Whilst the Kazakh’s recklessness and disregard for fundamentals may end up costing him at the elite level, he’s electric in the ring and will no doubt feature in plenty of exciting contests. Last but not least, don’t sleep on talented young Irishman Jude Gallagher who continues to improve with each fight.
63kg (Lightweight)
Back at Tokyo 2020, 63kg (then light-welterweight) was one of the strongest divisions in the sport. But with Andy Cruz, Keyshawn Davis and Hovhannes Bachkov departing for the pro’s and Russia’s Gabil Mamedov unable to compete, lightweight doesn’t have the same depth of talent this time around. That’s not to say there aren’t good fighters in the division however - reigning lightweight world champion and Olympic silver-medallist Sofiane Oumiha (FRA) is the current favourite for gold, followed by light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Abdullaev (UZB). Lasha Guruli (GEO) looks like a safe bet for the podium, whilst World Championship silver-medallist Erislandy Álvarez (CUB), Bunjong Sinsiri (THA), Wyatt Sanford (CAN) and Radoslav Rosenov (BUL) will also be vying for medals. There’s a handful of wildcards at 63kg as well, in particular Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbaiuly (KAZ), Jesús Cova (VEN) and Tokyo bronze-medallist Harry Garside (AUS), who hasn’t fought much since his impressive run at the Olympics three years ago. The lightweight field is certainly intriguing, and it’ll be interesting to see how things play out.
Predictions:
Gold - Sofiane Oumiha (FRA)
Silver - Lasha Guruli (GEO)
Bronze - Ruslan Abdullaev (UZB), Erislandy Álvarez (CUB)
I’m backing Oumiha to upgrade his silver medal at Rio 2016 to gold in Paris, and think he’s pretty much a lock for at least the semi’s. I expect Oumiha to be joined there by Ruslan Abdullaev, although the Uzbek will have his work cut out against one of Sanford, Rosenov or Bakhodur Usmonov (TJK) in the quarters. If we get Oumiha-Abdullaev, I like the Frenchman to advance for two reasons - the stylistic matchup favours Oumiha, with Abdullaev a little predictable when leading. The Uzbek is at his best countering against aggressive opponents who close the gap for him, and I can see him struggling with Oumiha’s length and movement on the backfoot. Secondly, home advantage will likely play a part - Oumiha is the poster boy of French boxing, and has been gifted at least one win at every major tournament he’s competed in. You might think that, now the Olympics are no longer under the stewardship of the IBA, home decisions are a thing of the past. Tell that to Yuberjen Martínez, who was robbed of a medal against Ryomei Tanaka back in Tokyo.
On the other side of the bracket, Lasha Guruli should make the semi-finals without too much trouble and he’ll likely be joined by Erislandy Álvarez, who should have too much firepower for Bunjong Sinsiri in their quarterfinal matchup. Guruli-Álvarez is a close-call on paper, and whilst the Cuban is scintillating at his best he can be quite hot-and-cold in terms of performance. I’m going to opt for the consistency of the Georgian here with Álvarez coming up just short and settling for bronze.
A gold-medal matchup between Oumiha and Guruli would be a repeat of last year’s final at the European Games, which the Frenchman won by majority decision. There’s no reason for me to pick against him this time around, and I think we’ll finally see Oumiha close out his amateur career as Olympic champion in Paris.
Fights to watch: Rosenov-Usmonov should immediately be on your radar, with Wyatt Sanford awaiting the victor in the round of 16. Abdullaev-Martínez and Guruli-Hasanov will also be worth catching early on, and keep your eyes peeled for a potential Álvarez-Sinsiri QF as well as a bout between Guruli and the Bazarbaiuly/Ibarreche winner. If we get to see Oumiha against Abdullaev in the semi’s, that one will take place on Sunday 4th August. And, of course, make sure to tune in for the final on Wednesday 7th.
Ones for the future: At just 22 years old, Ruslan Abdullaev looks to be the next blue-chip prospect coming out of Uzbekistan. Abdullaev has already received plenty of interest from promoters and his style is well-suited to the pro’s, so you’ll likely be hearing more about him in the future. Wyatt Sanford, Miguel Ángel Martínez and 20 year-old Radoslav Rosenov also have real upside, although the latter might struggle to get off the ground given his nationality. Don’t forget about Erislandy Álvarez either, with Cuba increasingly struggling to keep hold of its amateur talent. Álvarez is electric when he’s in the mood and is more aggressive than your typical Cuban, with creative combinations and a real vicious streak.
71kg (Welterweight)
At every Olympics, there’s always at least one division that’s going to be a nightmare to predict - in Paris, that division is 71kg. If there’s any favourite it’s current world champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov (KAZ), but not by much. The Kazakh has looked vulnerable at times with razor-thin wins over Nishant Dev (IND) and Bayramdurdy Nurmuhammedov, and he needed a last-minute stoppage to beat Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (UZB) at the 2023 Asian Games. Nishant, Marco Verde (MEX), Nikolai Terteryan (DEN), Omari Jones (USA) and the tricky Sewonrets Okazawa (JPN) are also in the running for gold, with a number of matchups that are coin-flips on paper. Don’t write off the likes of Rami Kiwan (BUL), Damian Durkacz (POL), Vakhid Abbasov (SRB) or Lewis Richardson (GBR) either. 71kg is a straight up shark tank, and if you’re a betting man I’d steer well clear.
Predictions:
Gold - Aslanbek Shymbergenov (KAZ)
Silver - Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (UZB)
Bronze - Nishant Dev (IND), Omari Jones (USA)
Without any real confidence, I’ve opted for Shymbergenov to join the long list of Olympic champions from Kazakhstan at this weight. The Kazakh’s path to gold is about as tough as it gets at 71kg, with Zeyad Ishaish (JOR) posing a real threat in his opening bout. Shymbergenov prevailed on a 3:2 split when the pair last met in the finals of the 2022 Asian Championships, and whilst Shymbergenov was able to pick Ishaish off with counters as the latter charged in, he was docked a point for excessive holding which is worth keeping in mind. Should Shymbergenov advance, he’ll face Sewonrets Okazawa in a rematch of last year’s Asian Games semifinal which saw Okazawa steal a controversial split-decision. Although Shymbergenov underperformed by his own standards, the Kazakh was screwed over by the judges and I expect him to get revenge this time around. The winner of Nishant-Verde will likely await in the semi-finals, in what seems destined to be another close and tightly-contested bout. Nishant beat Verde by - you guessed it - split-decision when they fought at the 2021 World Championships, and whilst both men have improved since then it’s difficult to predict what the judges will prefer - the volume and aggression of Verde or Nishant’s sharp counterpunching.
The other half of the bracket is just as much of a headache. Despite a lengthy absence from competition, Tokyo bronze-medallist Aidan Walsh (IRL) did well to qualify for the Olympics in Bangkok last month although I’m not convinced he’s back to his best yet. Whilst the Irishman should beat Makan Traoré (FRA), a matchup with Terteryan would likely prove a step too far. I’ve been going back-and-forth on a potential quarterfinal matchup between Terteryan and Muydinkhujaev since the draw was announced, and whilst Terteryan is the more established fighter at the weight I think he’ll struggle with the movement of Muydinkhujaev. The Dane doesn’t appear to be as comfortable against fellow lefties, and I can envision him waiting too long which allows Muydinkhujaev to get off first and rack up points. What makes the fight interesting is that, despite his obvious talent, Muydinkhujaev is prone to defensive lapses which have got him in trouble before. It’s another fight which could go a number of ways, which isn’t exactly what you want to read in a predictions piece. Right now, I’m going to stick with my gut and back the Uzbek.
I’m taking one final stab in the dark and picking Omari Jones to complete the podium at 71kg, although he’ll be in tough against the winner of Durkacz-Kiwan. Durkacz is a real handful for anyone at the weight, and Kiwan has impressed since moving down from middleweight with some quality scalps under his belt. The American is a very good boxer in his own right however, having picked up a close points win over Nishant back at the first World Olympic qualifier, and he has a solid chance of medalling here. I’m not sure I’d favour him in a potential semi-final against Muydinkhujaev or Terteryan - who beat Jones at the Strandja memorial last year - though.
This entire division has been a whole lot of guesswork and we could see a range of different medallists - from Kiwan and Walsh to Richardson or Ishaish. I’m fully prepared to look back on these picks in two weeks time and be dead wrong on just about everything.
Fights to watch: Generally, steer well clear of watching Sewonrets Okazawa whose awkward-but-effective style often makes for difficult viewing. Instead, focus on Nishant-Rodríguez, Durkacz-Kiwan, Terteryan-Walsh and Shymbergenov-Ishaish in the early going, although be warned that the latter may well end up being a sloppy affair. Anything from the QF’s onwards should be on your list just for sheer chaos. Verde is probably the most exciting fighter in this division, so check him out at any opportunity.
Ones for the future: Generally speaking, my immediate thoughts go to the Americans in this category purely because of their marketability. Jones doesn’t have a particularly pro-friendly style however, which may hold him back. Instead, have a look at Marco Verde and Team GB’s Richardson who’s likely to link up with either Matchroom or Queensberry once the Games have concluded. Muydinkhujaev could also gather some traction in the pro’s, although I think he’s too vulnerable defensively to make it at the top level.
80kg (Middleweight)
My personal favourite division in amateur boxing right now, 80kg is guaranteed fireworks with several all-action fighters across the board. Standouts include reigning world champion Nurbek Oralbay (KAZ), Ukrainian wrecking ball Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR) - who has arguably established himself as #1 at the weight since moving up from 75kg - and defending Olympic champion Arlen López (CUB). López will be looking to join Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón and László Papp as one of the only men to win three gold medals, so history is on the line in Paris. There’s also several podium contenders in the form of Eumir Marcial (PHI), Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan (CHN), Turabek Khabibullaev (UZB) and Gabrijel Veocic (CRO), as well as fun additions such as Callum Peters (AUS), Cristian Pinales (DOM), Hussein Ishaish (JOR) and Weerapon Jongjoho (THA). I can’t wait for 80kg to get underway, and think we’ll see a few fight-of-the-year contenders here in the next two weeks.
Predictions:
Gold - Arlen López (CUB)
Silver - Nurbek Oralbay (KAZ)
Bronze - Oleksandr Khyzhniak (UKR), Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan (CHN)
The biggest question mark at 80kg is Arlen López’s fitness. The Cuban’s talent is undeniable, but he’s known to lack discipline during Olympic cycles with a couple of underwhelming losses to Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan (CHN) and Imam Khataev in the last two years. I bet against López in Tokyo for the same reason however, and he ended up cruising to gold without barely dropping a round. Things will certainly be more difficult in Paris, with the Marcial-Khabibullaev winner looming in the last eight followed by a potential blockbuster semi-final against Oleksandr Khyzhniak. López is one of the only boxers at middleweight who can beat Khyzhniak - amateur enthusiasts might recall a matchup with bulldozer Christian Mbilli at Rio 2016 - but will he be able to keep up with the Ukrainian’s pace? It’s a gamble, but I think López can pull it off. I’m confident that one of these two will leave Paris with gold around their neck, I’m just not entirely sure which one it’ll be.
In the other half of the draw, I like Nurbek Oralbay’s chances of making the final. The Kazakh has gone from strength to strength since winning the World Championships last year, and should prove too good for Peters, Murad Allahverdiyev (AZE) and whoever he faces in the semi’s. Whilst I wouldn’t pick Oralbay over Khyzhniak - who beat him at the Bocskai István memorial last year - I wouldn’t rule him out either, although López could well prove to be a difficult stylistic matchup for Oralbay if the Cuban is on top-form (and he’ll need to be to stand a chance of reaching the final).
We’ll likely see Tanglatihan and Veocic duke it out for bronze, which could go either way. Tanglatihan’s recent run of results is a cause for concern, with losses to Taylor Bevan, Hambardzum Hakobyan and Oralbay in the past year, but I still fancy him to sneak a split-decision and secure a spot on the podium. I can’t envision either man going further than that however.
Fights to watch: All of them. With one or two exceptions (specifically a potential matchup between Oralbay and Allahverdiyev), there really shouldn’t be a dull contest at 80kg. Marcial-Khabibullaev, Veocic-Ishaish, Oralbay-Peters and Tanglatihan against the Pinales-Jongjoho winner will make for essential viewing, and of course you’ll want to tune in to anything involving Khyzhniak. If we end up getting a dream semi-final between the Ukrainian and López, make sure to drop whatever you’re doing and grab the popcorn on Sunday August 4th.
Ones for the future: Khyzhniak is the obvious choice here, and for good reason. Whilst there are question marks over how well his style will translate to the 12 round format, the Ukrainian will simply never be in a boring fight. Peters is also an exciting prospect despite concerns over his gas tank, and Marcial is already making some noise in the pro ranks since turning over. It’s also worth taking note of several fighters who didn’t qualify for Paris, in particular Taylor Bevan, Gradus Kraus, Rahim Gonzales and Sam Hickey.
92kg (Heavyweight)
Despite the absence of current world champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov due to Russia’s exclusion from boxing, 92kg is in great health overall. Reigning Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz (CUB) will be bidding to cement his status as one of the greatest amateurs of all-time with a third gold medal in Paris, whilst World Championship silver-medallist Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA), Lazizbek Mullojojov (UZB) and Keno Machado (BRA) are also amongst the favourites to top the podium.
Medal contenders include Aibek Oralbay (KAZ), Giorgii Kushitashvili (GEO) and the Cuban-born pairing of Loren Alfonso Domínguez (AZE) and Enmanuel Reyes (ESP), with Jack Marley (IRL), Victor Schelstraete (BEL) and Davlat Boltaev (TJK) all solid outside bets. As you may have noticed, the heavyweight draw is very uneven compared to other weight classes and several of the division’s top names are concentrated in the same quarter of the bracket. It’s going to be seriously tough for Patrick Brown (GBR) to make his mark in Paris, although stranger things have happened.
Predictions:
Gold - Aziz-Abbes Mouhiidine (ITA)
Silver - Julio César La Cruz (CUB)
Bronze - Giorgii Kushitashvili (GEO), Enmanuel Reyes (ESP)
Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine is the best heavyweight in the world for me right now, but there’s a couple of things going against him here - the Italian got about the worst draw possible with meetings against Mullojonov and Machado - two of the division’s elite - early on, and his style isn’t always looked on favourably by the judges in close fights. If Mouhiidine can make it to the final, I think he’ll be too fast and dynamic for the ageing La Cruz. But should he come up short at any point, I’d strongly favour the Cuban maestro to be crowned Olympic champion for a third time. Whilst La Cruz isn’t quite as slick as he once was, he has a relatively favourable run here with matchups against familiar rivals Loren Alfonso and Reyes en route to the final. A meeting with Aibek Oralbay in the quarters looks like it could be his toughest test on paper, but despite possessing real power I think that the Kazakh is too predictable offensively to beat La Cruz. There’s a solid chance that we end up getting a La Cruz-Mullojonov final in what would be a rematch of last year’s bout at the World Championships, where the Uzbek won a close decision. Home advantage was a factor on that occasion though and I’d favour La Cruz to eke past Mullojonov this time around. You’d also fancy the Cuban in a potential gold-medal bout against Machado, with La Cruz outpointing his rival in the 2023 Pan-American Games final.
Should he get past Boltaev in his opening bout (which is far from a sure thing), I fancy Russian-born Kushitashvili to claim bronze in Paris and think he’ll be too experienced for young Irishman Jack Marley in a potential quarter-final. Cuban export Reyes also has a strong chance of making the podium, and will be favoured in contests against Xuezhen Han (CHN) and Schelstraete.
Fights to watch: Mouhiidine-Mullojonov is the clear standout of the opening bouts, although not everyone will find the Italian’s bouncy footwork and in-and-out raids to their taste. Machado-Brown and Marley-Bereznicki are also worth checking out, and if you’re a fan of Cuban boxing you’ll want to catch a technical chess match between slicksters La Cruz and Loren Alfonso. Pay attention to La Cruz-Oralbay, Kushitashvili-Marley, Reyes-Schelstraete and Machado against the the Mouhiidine/Mullojonov winner in the QF’s, and make sure to keep your diaries open for the final itself on Friday August 9th.
Ones for the future: Whilst the top order at heavyweight don’t have much in the way of pro appeal, Brown, Schelstraete and Marley could all go on to have successful careers in the paid ranks. Schelstraete’s power and exciting style makes him a solid prospect, and both Brown and Marley have youth - and potentially strong domestic backing - on their side. American Jamar Talley, who narrowly missed out on qualification for Paris, is also a name worth remembering.
92+kg (Super-heavyweight)
92+kg continues to be the weakest division in amateur boxing, with Olympic and world champion Bakhodir Jalolov (UZB) dominant over the past several years. A lot of the drama in this division will instead come from who’s going to end up on the podium, with Joshua Edwards (USA), Abner Teixeira (BRA), Nelvie Tiafack (GER), Diego Lenzi (ITA), Kamshybek Kunkabayev (KAZ), Delicious Orie (GBR), Djamili-Dini Aboudou (FRA) and newly-minted European champion Ayoub Ghadfa (ESP) amongst the best of the rest. Big-punching Teremoana Junior (AUS) is probably #2 at the weight, but he’ll likely fall shy of the podium with a prospective QF against Jalolov on the horizon. I’m expecting some upsets at super-heavyweight with the contenders splitting wins between themselves over the past two years, and you feel that just about anyone could wind up medalling on their day.
Predictions:
Gold - Bakhodir Jalolov (UZB)
Silver - Kamshybek Kunkabayev (KAZ)
Bronze - Joshua Edwards (USA), Djamili-Dini Aboudou (FRA)
To the surprise of virtually no one, Jalolov is the overwhelming favourite to repeat as champion in Paris and you’d be a brave man to bet otherwise. His toughest test will almost certainly come against the dangerous Teremoana in the quarterfinals, and whilst anything can happen at super-heavyweight you’d expect Jalolov to repeat his win over the Aussie at last year’s World Championships. The winner of Edwards-Tiafack should be a solid pick for joining the Uzbek in the semi’s, and although I’ve picked the American to advance I’m not sure he’ll pose too many issues for Jalolov as we saw in their last meeting.
Elsewhere, local hopeful Djamili-Dini Aboudou has a good shot of picking up a medal if he can get past the solid yet unspectacular Abner Teixeira in the quarter-finals. The Brazilian lost a split-decision to Aboudou back at the Belgrade Winner final last year and has been putting off ACL surgery to compete in Paris, so it’s unlikely he’ll be at his best. It’s not quite as clear who will join Aboudou in the last four however. Veteran Kunkabayev has a difficult opener against Ghadfa, who is inconsistent but possesses real power, and the winner will likely face Delicious Orie for a place in the semi’s with the Brit having recently beaten first-round opponent Davit Chaloyan (ARM) at the 2023 European Games. Kunkabayev isn’t the same fighter as he was a few years ago, but I think he’ll still have enough in the tank here to progress - especially when you consider Orie’s poor run of form in the last several months. It’s difficult to see Kunkabayev overcoming a lopsided head-to-head record against Jalolov in the final however, with the Uzbek having won their last five meetings by unanimous decision.
Fights to watch: Super-heavyweight usually delivers when it comes to sloppy slugfests, and Tiafack-Abdullayev fits the bill early on. Both Teixeira-Aboudou and Teremoana-Lovchynskyi are worth catching as well, and if the Aussie advances make sure you don’t miss a shootout with Jalolov in the QF’s. Whilst the final itself will probably end up being a formality, it’s also the last bout of the Games so tune in on Saturday August 10th.
Ones for the future: You’ve no doubt heard all about Jalolov, who has been touted as a potential world champion in the pro’s, but stay on the lookout for Teremoana Junior as well. The Pacific Islander is a massive puncher with a likable personality, and could well end up being a fan favourite. I’m not entirely sold on Joshua Edwards’ prospects as a pro, and think Delicious Orie will end up being closer to Frazer Clarke than Anthony Joshua or Joe Joyce. Djamili-Dini Aboudou, Diego Lenzi and Nelvie Tiafack could also be solid fringe-level contenders should they choose to switch over.