BAKHODIR Jalolov is now a two-time Olympic gold medallist after beating Ayoub Ghadfa to claim super-heavyweight gold. The big Uzbek toiled hard to keep the younger man at bay but resisted the temptation to plant his feet and score a KO, instead opting to step off and secure history. The judges’ decision was unanimous.
Currently 14-0 as a professional, with 14 knockouts, Jalolov has switched comfortably back to the amateur circuit for another crack at Olympic glory. Jalolov also won gold at the Tokyo Games, beating Frazer Clarke and Richard Torrez en route to success.
He stepped straight out on the front foot here, seeking to dominate Ghadfa behind his portside jab and thumping left hand. Ghadfa had moments of success, but two standing counts at the close of the opener made it an uphill climb for the Spaniard.
Ghadfa’s left jab and left hook were working in round two, but Jalolov’s languid lefts were also landing. The Spanish fighter needed a huge punch to turn it all around. It was not be as Jalolov shut matters down.
Li Qian wins Olympic gold at middleweight
Li Qian of China won Olympic gold at middleweight, defeating Panama’s Atheyna Bylon by split decision. Qian let out a scream after a competitive contest that saw the winner pick the right shots at the right time.
Winning any form of medal was already a history-making achievement for the Panama puncher. Qian’s sharp right hand and added experience landed her a clean first round.
The referee was on Bylon’s case in the second round as she resorted to some clinching and fringe moves to try and get into the fight. She snared a round, but her southpaw skills fell short as Qian picked off the better shots.
The China woman prevailed 4-1 overall as Beylon won the third on all five cards as she gave a huge effort to try and turn it around.
Abdumalik Khalokov wins Olympic featherweight gold
UZBEKISTAN’S Abdumalik Khalokov claimed gold in the men’s featherweight final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Khalokov won by unanimous decision over underdog Munarbek Seitbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan.
After plenty of twisting and bending, Khalokov was ahead on all five scorecards after the first round. Seitbek Uulu tried to throw the left jab in that round and again in the second as the Kyrgyzstan fighter tried to apply pressure on the dynamic dancer.
The bout got messy at times and the referee had to admonish both men for holding and grappling offences. Quality Khalokov, 24, started showboating in round three as Seitbek Uulu turned southpaw to try and turn it around. The Uzbek earned a UD and his country’s fourth boxing gold medal of the games.
Lin Yu-ting wins Olympic gold at featherweight
Lin Yu-ting won a featherweight gold medal, defeating Poland’s Julia Szeremeta by unanimous decision.
It was a real clash of styles. Szeremeta’s hands down, confident swagger against Lin’s taller, upright, rangy stance. Lin was the significantly more experienced woman. Similar to Imane Khelif, who won gold last night, Lin Yu-ting has had to contend with a firestorm of issues.
Following a solid 5-0 opening round, Lin opened the second round behind her telephone pole left jab. Szeremeta searched desperately for a big equalising shot, but her chin was often in range for Lin’s scything inside shots. Those earned the Chinese Taipei fighter a second session sweep.
Szeremeta needed a stoppage as Lin came out southpaw in the third, bloodying Szeremeta’s nose. Lin floated home to take gold by complete shutout. Szeremeta’s silver marks the first-ever female boxing medal win for Poland.
