Boxing at Paris 2024 (Les Jeux de la XXXIII Olympiade)

30-27 x5 to Wanderely Pereira

 

Eumir Felix de los Santos Marcial (PHI) vs. Turabek Khabibullaev (UZB), Men's 80kg (176.3lb, light heavyweight)

 

Khabibullaev leery of the vaunted power of the Filipino banger Marcial, who is managed by Manny Pacquiao and was forced to move up from middleweight (where he took Olympic bronze in Tokyo) as these Olympics don't include such a division.

Good round for the Uzbek, carefully popping jabs and evading, rewarded by all five judges.

 

Marcial needs to go all out in the last round or he isn't making the podium.

 

Khabibullaev rocked! Just over a minute left...Marcial's hourglass emptying...

 

UD for Khabibullaev

Minor upset there. Shame, because Khyzhniak vs. Marcial could have been absolutely explosive.

 

His style's built for them.

 

Arlen López Cardona (CUB) vs. Kaan Aykutsun (TUR), Men's 80kg (176.3lb, light heavyweight)

 

In the final men's contest of the Olympic boxing day, living Cuban legend Arlen "Maravilla" López continues his quest to become the fourth ever pugilist to win three Olympic gold medals.

Astronomical leap up in class for the vastly less experienced 22 year old from Türkiye.

 

Razor thin first - Aykutsun taking it on three of five judges' scorecards!

 

PHENOMENAL bounceback round for López, crisp shots leading and countering, making his opponent miss and pay...taking Aykutsun to school.

 

Judges unanimous giving the second round to López. 10-9 x5

 

López is one of the most seamless switch-hitters I've ever seen.

Blink and you would miss it...balance & rhythm unaffected...

 

UD for López, 29-28 x3, 30-27 x2