In a landmark achievement, Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez secured the country’s first-ever gold medal in boxing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Competing in the men’s 63.5-kilogram division, Alvarez triumphed over France’s Sofiane Ouhima in a closely contested 3-2 split decision on Wednesday.
From the outset, Alvarez showcased exceptional skill and strategy, dominating the first round with his precise punches and maintaining optimal distance. His performance earned him the unanimous nod from all judges for the opening round. As the match progressed into the second and third rounds, the intensity heightened as Ouhima relentlessly pursued the slicker Cuban boxer. Despite the fierce competition and the home crowd’s strong support for Ouhima, Alvarez’s resilience and tactical prowess ultimately prevailed, securing him the gold medal.
Alvarez’s victory not only marks a historic moment for Cuba in the realm of Olympic boxing but also highlights the nation’s enduring legacy in the sport. His triumph serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the globe, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance.
In other notable performances, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak earned a bronze medal in the 80-kilogram category after a tense 3-2 split decision against Kazakhstan’s Nurbek Oralbay. Khyzhniak demonstrated his boxing acumen in the decisive third round, overpowering Oralbay to secure the judges’ favor.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Bakhodir Jalolov continued his impressive run in the men’s over-92-kilogram division, defeating Germany’s Nelvie Raman Tiafack with a unanimous decision. Jalolov’s dominance in the ring paves the way for his upcoming face-off against Spain’s Ayoub Ghadfa in the final bout of the competition.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a testament to the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence, with athletes like Alvarez leading their countries to historic victories on the global stage.
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Alvarez wins Cuba's first boxing gold at Paris 2024 in men's 63.5kg
cgtn.com
