AIBA’s HeadsUp! initiative puts boxers first

The International Boxing Association has finalised a new initiative designed to nurture boxing careers. Based upon the four core pillars of sport, health, education and sustainability, the HeadsUp! charter is formally unveiled at the AIBA 2015 World Boxing Championships in Doha.

“It is essential that AIBA fulfils its duty to provide a strong, secure framework within which boxers can develop and excel from grassroots to pro competition,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. “HeadsUp! will now be adopted by the world’s boxing federations to help all of our athletes enjoy stable futures in their sport.”

With health as its primary focus, AIBA Medical Commission has worked behind the scenes at the principal boxing competitions in 2015, concluding in Doha with HeadsUp! workshops conducted with referees and training sessions with coaches to better educate their boxers in the prevention of cuts and concussions.

The removal of headguards in men’s competitions came in the light of the commission’s study of 11,000 AIBA bouts around the world. The Almaty 2013 World Championships, the first without headguards for 30 years, showed a decrease in the number of concussions compared to the Baku competition in 2011.

To maintain the improvements, bringing a change in training methods to literally keep boxers’ heads raised during bouts was imperative. “Since being introduced in 1984, headguards have brought a psychological as well as physical cushion that has led to a passive style of boxing,” says Dr Khadri of the AIBA Medical Commission. “We need to teach the correct way to box with a better stance – heads up – and that requires ongoing education of boxers and referees.”

President of the Asian Boxing Confederation, Mr. Serik Konakbayev, became the first to sign the charter during his visit to the Doha World Championships. “As President of the ASBC I am very proud that we are the first AIBA confederation to sign this important charter, and I would like to congratulate the President of the Qatar Boxing Federation, Mr Yousef Ali Al Kazim, on being the first Asian federation to sign its support of this important initiative for the future of boxing and the health of boxers,” said Mr Konakbayev.

Today AIBA formally released its HeadsUp! charter to the international boxing federations during the competition in Doha, when it will be shared with all 196 national federations around the globe.

Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao lands in Doha and inspires Filipino light flyweight Rogen Ladon to a surprise victory at the AIBA World Championships

The President of the Qatar Boxing Federation Yousuf Ali Al Kazim and AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu welcomed a true legend of modern boxing, Manny Pacquiao, to Doha for the AIBA World Championships on Thursday morning.

“It was an honour to be invited by Dr Ching-Kuo Wu and AIBA and Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, and it is a pleasure to be here among these exceptional boxers and supporting my fellow countryman Rogen Ladon at the historic first edition of the competition in the Middle East,” said the eight-time World Champion.

Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao lands in Doha and inspires Filipino light flyweight Rogen Ladon to a surprise victory at the AIBA World Championships

The “People’s Champion” joined the crowds for the start of the afternoon session on day three of the competition to cheer Ladon as he took on Mexico’s number one boxer and two-time PanAmerican Games champion Joselito Velazquez.

His presence was clearly a source of huge inspiration for the young Filipino, and Ladon was quick to gain the advantage over the number-one seed. Velazquez responded well, but was ultimately overcome by the occasion and was comprehensively beaten 3:0 on points

Pacquiao was quick to congratulate his fellow countryman after the bout, and was impressed by the standard of competition. “The boxers here are chasing not just gold,” said Pacquiao, “but a place in their national team for the Olympic Games, the dream of any sportsman and the result of years of hard work. The Qatar Boxing Federation and Local Organising Committee have provided a magnificent stage for them to compete on.”

Uzbekistan shine and Qatar make history on an action-packed second day of the AIBA World Championships

The second day of the AIBA World Boxing Championships saw 44 bouts of top-quality boxing and a very special guest at Doha’s Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, with the winners in five categories going through to the last 16.

As the total number of match-ups over the opening two days of competition reached 83, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees, was welcomed to ringside by AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Uzbekistan shine and Qatar make history on an action-packed second day of the AIBA World Championships

Emphatic flyweight performances by Kazakhstan’s Olzhas Sattibayev and Venezuela’s Yoel Finol were superseded by a pair of crowd-pleasing knockouts midway through the first session of the day.

Egyptian Walid Said Mohamed’s had Eumir Marcial on the canvas in the very first round of their bout, and the Filipino welterweight couldn’t get back up before the referee’s ten-count. Morroccco’s super heavyweight Mohammed Arjaoui then scored a technical knockout in the third round of their super heavyweight bout.

One of the day’s big surprises came late on, as US national champion Steve Nelson was knocked out of the light heavyweight competition by Morrocco’s Hassan Saada, but the day belonged to Uzbekistan. The strong team secured three victories in total, including Elshod Rasulov’s amazing battle with Venezuela’s AMBC American Champion Albert Ramirez.

“I know it was only my first fight here in the championships, but I am happy to beat such a big rival as the Venezuelan. I’ve had some injuries in recent years but now I feel in top form. The atmosphere of the championships is excellent and I hope I can reach my goals in Doha,” said Rasulov after the bout.

Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Russia are the only countries to remain unbeaten after two days of competition, while hosts Qatar have now notched up two World Championship wins for the first time following Nuraydin’s victory over Bosnia’s Bosnjak.

Thursday sees the second preliminary round get underway, with all eyes on the big match-up between Cuba’s 2015 Panamerican Games winner Andy Cruz and Russia’s European Games gold medallist Bakhtovar Nazirov.

Manny Pacquiao Will Be His Special Guest At 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha

At the opening press conference on day one of the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships, the President of AIBA Dr Ching-Kuo Wu made the surprise announcement that Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers of modern times, will be amongst the spectators in Doha.

Pacquiao will arrive in Doha on Thursday and watch the afternoon session.

Highlighting the importance of such a high-profile name coming to the competition, Dr Wu said: “This is the benchmark for future World Championships and I am pleased that Manny Pacquiao accepted my invitation to come and share his thoughts and ideas first hand.”

“We are very happy with the decision to choose Doha to host the 18th edition of our competition. This is a top class venue with top class athletes, and it will make for a fantastic championship”, he said.

Asma Bint Thani al Thani of the Qatar Olympic Committee reflected on the opening ceremony and the impact of the competition on the city. “Last night we saw a breathtaking opening ceremony involving people from all over the world. It is very important for us here to bring this event to life and introduce the noble art of boxing.”

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu announces Manny Pacquiao will be his special guest at 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha

It was a sentiment echoed by Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, president of the Qatar Boxing Federation. “What really left an impression were the key messages of transparency, friendship and effort, values we would like to highlight in our efforts to promote boxing in particular – and sport in general – in Qatar.”

“We want to leave the best possible experience for athletes, spectators and our guests, and we are keen for success and hope to host more AIBA comps like the APB or WSB in the future”, said Al Kazim.

Official Draw For 2015 AIBA World Championships Holds in Doha

The official draw for the 2015 AIBA World Championships brings some tough bouts and thrilling match-ups for the opening rounds in Doha

The official draw for the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships took place at the Ezdan Hotel in Doha this afternoon, following the official weigh-in earlier in the day. AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu welcomed the 243 boxers taking part in the 10-day competition, which begins with the preliminary rounds running from Tuesday to Friday.

Opening proceedings with the 49kg class, the first round highlight for Tuesday afternoon sees India’s Commonwealth Games silver medalist Laishram Devendro Singh take on Britain’s young hope Harvey Horn. As with all the weight classes, the four top seeds join the action in the last 16, with Uzbekistan’s ASBC Asian Champion and second seed Hasanboy Dusmatov looking to have the best run to the final.

Official Draw For 2015 AIBA World Championships Holds in Doha

In the 56kg class, Ireland’s WSB number one boxer and EUBC European Championship winner Michael Conlan has a golden opportunity to bring home his country’s first ever AIBA World Championship gold medal. The pick of the first preliminary round sees Thailand’s defending ASBC Asian champion Chatchai Butdee face the Ukrainian AIBA World Championship bronze medalist Mykola Butsenko.

In a 60kg class loaded with big bouts, Cuba’s two-time AIBA World Champion Lazaro Alvarez has a good chance of reaching the semi finals, while the first round highlight sees Russia’s WSB star Adlan Abdurashidov face Kazakhstan’s ASBC Asian Championship silver medalist and WSB Team Champion, Zakir Safiullin.

The ever-strong Cuban team brings no fewer than five top seeds to Doha; Yosbany Veitia, Lazaro Alvarez (60kg), Yasnier Toledo (64kg), Arlen Lopez (75kg) and Erislandy Savon (91kg). Two years ago in Almaty, however, it was Kazakhstan who topped the team rankings, and in Doha they have four top-ranking boxers competing. AIBA Boxer of the Year for the last two years Daniyar Yeleussinov is a strong contender for gold in the 69kg category, and he is joined by fellow top seeds Kayrat Yeralyev (56kg), Adilbek Niyazymbetov (81kg) and Ivan Dychko (+91kg).

Uzbekistan’s talented young Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games winner Bektemir Melikuziev is undefeated since joining the elite 75kg class in January. The 19-year-old middleweight star’s Doha campaign begins with an intriguing match against Georgian veteran Zaal Kvachatadze.

In the welterweight category, Lithuania’s EUBC European Champion Eimantas Stanionis faces Ireland’s London 2012 Olympian Adam Nolan in the preliminary round. “Nothing has changed after the draw, and as a new European Champion I have got great expectations in Doha. You can’t change the draw so I will do my best to win in the ring against everybody. I know my Irish opponent well enough, but I am also well prepared,” said Lithuania’s Stanionis following the official draw.

Seconds Out Before Doha 2015 As 260 Boxers Are Gearing Up For Gold

Today was announced the official list of confirmed boxers who will be competing in AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha on 5-15 October 2015 following in the footsteps of legends Félix Savon and Zhou Shiming. Top boxers in ten weight categories from 73 countries will be contesting World Champions titles.

“This edition of the AIBA World Boxing Championships will be a key event in the run up to Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the top boxers from all five continents converge in Doha, Qatar, to compete in an astounding venue. For the 1st time, all boxers had to qualify to the World Championships ensuring that boxing fans will enjoy the most remarkable show the Elite of the boxing world has to offer“, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Kicking off on 5 October at the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, the World Boxing Championships represent ten days of boxing action with 260 boxers taking part in this historic event, including 94 boxers from Europe, 66 from Asia, 51 from Americas, 32 from Africa and 17 boxers from Oceania region. Beyond the iconic gold medal, boxers will also be competing for 23 Olympic quota places to Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The current medal table leader Cuba are coming to the World Championships with a ten-men-strong squad, while Russia will be looking for more medals with seven boxers representing their team. Amongst the headliners in Doha boxing fans will be able to witness reigning champions Lázaro Alvarez (60kg), Daniyar Yeleussinov (69kg), Zhanibek Alimkhanuly (75kg), Julio César la Cruz (81kg) and Mahammadrasul Majidov (91+kg).

Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiya Arena

“Doha is ready to welcome all of the boxers and officials to AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 and we are confident that the event will be held at the highest level. Local fans are looking forward to the event, which demonstrates the vitality of boxing in our region”, said Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF) President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim.

The first World Boxing Championships were held in Havana, Cuba in 1974 and a total number of 274 boxers from 45 countries entered the competition where 11 World Champions were crowned while Cuba and Soviet Union won eight medals respectively.

AIBA World Boxing Championships will be broadcast live in key markets on free-to-air channels, including BBC, Fox Africa and RAI Italy.

Harutyunyan, A True Champion On And Off The Ring

Artem Harutyunyan (GER) the new APB Light Welterweight (64 kg) Champion who defeated Armen Zakaryan (RUS) on 22 September is also a champion with remarkable off the ring activities which attracted attention among local media and boxing fans alike. Indeed, Harutyunyan took the initiative to invite 500 Syrian refugees to his fight in Hamburg in order to show his support and solidarity with them.

He said: “I invited 500 refugees to my fight. I had previously been in a refugee camp in Hamburg and was teaching some boxing lessons. In 1991 my family fled from Armenia to Germany so I know what a hard time the refugees have. I want to offer them a future with the sport of boxing and be a role model for them. Sport can connect people no matter where they are from. I like to help people as much as I can”.

Harutyunyan, a true champion on and off the ring

Surrounded by his supportive fans, friends and family, as well AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu and German Boxing Federation President Jurgen Kyas, Harutyunyan was awarded the prestigious APB Light Welterweight bout following his triumph.

AIBA President Dr Wu praised the boxer’s initiative: “Boxing has the power to change the world and Harutyunyan’s actions embody the values that our sport stands for – respect, solidarity and humility. I am very proud that one of our APB Champions is living these values both inside and outside of the ring”.

AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) World Championship bout in Hamburg was the last in the series of the title events in the pro competition identifying one champion in each weight category of Cycle I of the competition. Fighting in front of a hugely supportive audience in Hamburg, Harutyunyan was awarded the victory by split decision after 12 rounds of intense action.

World’s Top Boxers Face Ultimate Challenge As AIBA Pro Boxing World Championship Matches Are Announced

World’s top boxers face the ultimate challenge of their careers as AIBA Pro Boxing World Championship matches are announced across the world with already sold out venues.

AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) World Championships are set to ignite the boxing calendar in September with the world’s top fighters facing the ultimate challenge of their careers. Following the wrap-up of the Cycle I Round 2 matches, Champions and Challengers will meet in September to contest the 12 round APB World Championship matches.
“The entire sporting world is eagerly awaiting the APB World Championship matches which are set to produce the most spectacular boxing matches of this season. With world class talent in every weight class, fans have the opportunity to view excellent boxers compete for the APB World Title. AIBA Pro Boxing is the pinnacle of boxing, which provides a unique opportunity for pro boxers to qualify to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

The defending Champions and Challengers, who will compete in APB World Championships will win a quota to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Consequently the respective National Olympic Committees will have to confirm the names of the qualified boxers to the International Boxing Association.

Heavy hitting in Germany

On 22 September in Hamburg, Germany, in a sold out venue, two titles will be up for grabs. The Super Heavyweight (91+ kg) Champion Erik Pfeifer (GER) will defend his title against multiple Romanian National Champion Mihai Nistor (ROM). The second title bout will see Artem Harutyunyan (GER) face Light Welterweight (64 kg) Champion Armen Zakaryan (RUS). In their previous fight Zakaryan was given his hardest match of the competition from the tough Harutyunyan, but battled the storm and established his ultimate dominance by winning APB World Title. The event will be broadcasted live by ProSieben Sat 1.

“I will do everything that it takes to ensure that I remain the reigning Champion in the 91+kg division. It will be a spectacular bout and I will go all out to keep my APB World belt”, said Erik Pfeifer.

His Challenger, a multiple Romanian National Champion Mihai Nistor said: “My philosophy is very simple – winners win and losers have excuses. I am definitely a winner and I know that the ring will define the true Champion of the 91+kg division in AIBA Pro Boxing. I hope the crowd will enjoy the show”.

China will root for the ‘Little Green Dragon’

APB returns to China for the key Bantamweight (56 kg) match when Jiawei Zhang (CHN) looks to give his home fans much to celebrate against the AIBA Pro Boxing Champion and Olympic silver medalist Khedafi Djelkhir (FRA) in Foshan on the 13th September.

On 11 September in Guiyang , the Light Flyweight (49 kg) APB Champion ‘Little Green Dragon’ Bin Lyu (CHN) will be defending his title against 2013 AIBA World Champion Birzhan Zhakypov (KAZ) in China.

The fights will be broadcasted by Guizhou TV, Shenzhen TV Sports Channel and Letv (internet TV).

Double pleasure for Russian fans

Kicking off on 11 September in , an incredible Flyweight (52 kg) title bout is set for Russia where undefeated Champion Misha Aloian (RUS) faces a rematch against Elias Emigdio (MEX). In the previous fight Aloian was able to outbox the dangerous Emigdio and fans around the world are now eager to see if Emigdio will be able to force his style on the defending Champion in a sold out venue.

On 18 September Russia will host two title matches in Moscow. At 91kg, the two-time AIBA World Champion Clemente Russo (ITA) will challenge the unbeaten APB Heavyweight Champion Aleksey Egorov (RUS). At Light Heavyweight (81 kg) the World Championship Match between Champion Ehsan Rouzbahani (IRI) and the powerful Mathieu Bourderlique (FRA) will take place. Both fights will broadcasted by TV Boetz.

Turkish hopes

An expected 7000 fans will witness in Erzurum on 19 sept Welterweight (69 kg) Champion Onur Sipal’s (TUR) defense of his title as he will enjoy home advantage in Turkey against London 2012 Olympic Games bronze medalist Andrey Zamkovoy. The fight will be broadcasted by NTVspor in a sold out venue.

On the same day will be hosted , in a full capacity venue in Tashkent Uzbekistan a Lightweight (60 kg) title battle between Champion Berik Abdrakhmanov (RUS), and the in-form Hurshid Tojibaev (UZE), who will look to impress the home crowd.

WSB Season VI Group Draw Yields Dramatic Match-Ups Of The World’s Top Boxing Teams

World Series of Boxing Group Draw has set the stage for the upcoming Season VI, as current Champions Astana Arlans face Azerbaijan Baku Fires, Puerto Rico Hurricanes and Uzbekistan team. Season V runners-up Cuba Domadores are facing a varied collection of opponents including Algeria Desert Hawks, Ukraine Otamans and China Dragons.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, who opened the Draw, said: “Season VI will be an extraordinary competition as we will be able to witness 16 truly amazing and legendary teams go head to head for the honour to compete in WSB Finals”.

He added: “I am confident that all teams will offer a magnificent spectacle and that this will be one of the best boxing seasons our fans have ever seen”.

The 16 teams were drawn into four groups of four teams with the top seed in each group occupied by Season V semi-finalists:

Group A: Cuba Domadores, Algeria Desert Hawks, Ukraine Otamans, China Dragons

Group B: Mexico Guerreros, USA Knockouts, Morocco Atlas Lions, British Lionhearts

Group C: Russian Boxing Team, Rafako Hussars Poland, Argentina Condors, Caciques de Venezuela

Group D: Astana Arlans Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Team, Azerbaijan Baku Fires, Puerto Rico Hurricanes.

Followign the Draw the General Manager of Cuba Domadores Alberto Puig de la Barca said: “All the teams are very strong this year. All the franchises will do a god job and it will not be easy to beat any of them. We have been matched against three very good teams and we will have to plan well. The format of Season VI is really good with four groups and less matches, which will allow the boxers to be in a perfect shape throughout the whole Season”.

Two teams from each group will progress further and will contest play-offs to determine the last four and ultimately two finalist teams to battle it out in the World Series of Boxing Team Finals.

AIBA Unveils Names Of First Boxers, Who Qualified To AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015

AIBA unveils names of first boxers, who qualified to AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 on 60 Days To Go before the event

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) confirmed today the names of first 30 boxers, who will compete in AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 to be held in October following the final confirmations of their respective National Federations.

“AIBA World Boxing Championships is the most anticipated event of the world boxing calendar and these first confirmed European boxers prove the high level of the future bouts. In total, 260 boxers will compete for a chance to qualify to Rio 2016 and demonstrate the utmost appeal of our sport before hundreds of thousands of TV viewers and fans from all over the world”, – said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

The 30 boxers have gained their qualification quotas to AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 through Baku 2015 European Games. Further qualification places to Doha are available through the AIBA Confederation Boxing Championships taking place in August and September this year.

Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF) President Yousuf Ali Al Kazim said: “The preparations to AIBA World Boxing Championships are in full swing and Doha is gearing up to host the event in state of the art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The event is a tremendous opportunity for the sport of boxing to reach out to the new audiences in Qatar and the region”.

Below are the names of boxers who have qualified to AIBA World Boxing Championships Doha 2015 through Baku 2015 European Games:

Joseph JOYCE (91 KG) qualified to AIBA World Boxing Championships through Baku 2015 Eur opean Games ©Getty Images

Men’s Light Fly (46 – 49kg) Brendan IRVIN (IRL)
Men’s Light Fly (46 – 49kg) Muhammed UNLU (TUR)
Men’s Light Fly (46 – 49kg) Dmytro ZAMOTAYEV (UKR)
Men’s Fly (52kg) Vincenzo PICARDI (ITA)
Men’s Fly (52kg) Elvin MAMISHZADA (AZE)
Men’s Fly (52kg) Hamza TOUBA (GER)
Men’s Bantam (56kg) Bakhtovar NAZIROV (RUS)
Men’s Bantam (56kg) Tayfur ALIYEV (AZE)
Men’s Bantam (56kg) Dzmitry ASANAU (BLR)
Men’s Light (60kg) Albert SELIMOV (AZE)
Men’s Light (60kg) Sofiane OUMIHA (FRA)
Men’s Light (60kg) Sean MCCOMB (IRL)
Men’s Light Welter (64kg) Collazo SOTOMAYOR (AZE)
Men’s Light Welter (64kg) Vincenzo MANGIACAPRE (ITA)
Men’s Light Welter (64kg) Viktor PETROV (UKR)
Men’s Welter (69kg) Parviz BAGHIROV (AZE)
Men’s Welter (69kg) Joshua KELLY (GBR)
Men’s Welter (69kg) Yaroslav SAMOFALOV (UKR)
Men’s Middle (75kg) Michael O’REILLY (IRL)
Men’s Middle (75kg) Zoltan HARCSA (HUN)
Men’s Middle (75kg) Xaybula MUSALOV (AZE)
Men’s Light Heavy (81kg) Teymur MAMMADOV (AZE)
Men’s Light Heavy (81kg) Valentino MANFREDONIA (ITA)
Men’s Light Heavy (81kg) Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK (UKR)
Men’s Heavy (91kg) Abdulkadir ABDULLAYEV (AZE)
Men’s Heavy (91kg) Paul OMBA BIONGOLO (FRA)
Men’s Heavy (91kg) Gevorg MANUKIAN (UKR)
Men’s Super Heavy (91+kg) Mahammadrasul MAJIDOV (AZE)
Men’s Super Heavy (91+kg) Tony YOKA (FRA)
Men’s Super Heavy (91+kg) Joseph JOYCE (GBR)

Cuba, Canada And USA Are Top Boxing Countries In Toronto 2015 Pan American Games

Two spectacular closing days of action saw the final champions crowned in the boxing tournament of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games on Friday and Saturday.

The highlight of the boxing tournament finals was Canada’s three-time AMBC American Women’s Continental Champion Mandy Bujold defeating AIBA Women’s World Champion Marlen Esparza in front of her home fans in a packed Oshawa Sports Center to win a gold medal in women’s 51 kg weight category on her birthday.

“I felt great in the ring tonight against Marlen Esparza. I was able to put my game plan to work, and I could see her punches coming. I fought smart and I am proud of that. I am going to celebrate my gold medal and my birthday tonight with everyone who came to Oshawa to cheer me on,” said Canada’s gold medallist Mandy Bujold after her final bout.

The Cuban boxers claimed three gold medals on the first day of the finals, and their strong team doubled that tally on the second day, making Cuba the most successful boxing nation in the history of Pan American Games. With Cuba winning six gold medals, the hosts Canada won three, USA – two, while Mexico and Venezuela won one gold medal each. In total, 11 different countries earned a medal during these games, showcasing the vitality of boxing all over Americas.

Mandy Bujold with her gold medal during the medal ceremony

“These Pan Am Games were an incredible event to promote our sport with astounding performances from men and women boxers in a fully packed Oshawa Sports Center. The diversity of our medalists and the countries awarded sent an utmost signal one year before the Olympic Games in Brazil. Boxing will be one of the most exciting sport to follow with amazing athletes getting ready to reach the ultimate pinnacle of their careers”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

The gold medal winners per weight category are:

Women’s 51 kg: Mandy Bujold, Canada
Women’s 60 kg: Caroline Veyre, Canada
Women’s 75 kg: Claressa Shields, United States of America
Men’s 49 kg: Joselito Velasquez, Mexico
Men’s 52 kg: Antonio Vargas, United States of America
Men’s 56 kg: Andy Cruz Gomez, Cuba
Men’s 60 kg: Lazaro Alvarez, Cuba
Men’s 64 kg: Arthur Biyarslanov, Canada
Men’s 69 kg: Gabriel Maestre, Venezuela
Men’s 75 kg: Arlen Lopez, Cuba
Men’s 81 kg: Julio Cesar La Cruz, Cuba
Men’s 91 kg: Erislandy Savon, Cuba
Men’s +91 kg: Leinier Pero, Cuba

America’s Best Men And Women Boxers Ready To Go Head To Head As Pan American Games Boxing Competition Starts

The boxing tournament of the iconic Toronto 2015 Pan American Games begins on Saturday, July 18, as 120 of the best men’s and women’s boxers from the Central, North and South America regions compete for gold medal glory.
10 men’s weight categories from Light Flyweight (49 kg) to Super Heavyweight (91+ kg) will feature across three 3 minute rounds, while the trio of Olympic women’s weight classes will respectively fight over four rounds of 2 minutes.

“Boxing has always been one of the most popular sports in the Pan American Games. I think one of the most anticipated matches in Toronto for all fans will be women’s Middleweight clash between the unbeatable American Claressa Shields and home favourite Ariane Fortin-Brochu. The men competition should also showcase amazing bouts as the line-up features such talented and experienced athletes”, said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Ariane Fortin-Brochu and Claressa Shields at AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships Jeju 2014

The first edition of the Pan American Games was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1951, and since then the continent’s biggest multi-sport event has been held every four years. In 2011, women joined the boxing tournament for the very first time as the Cuban athletes dominated the men’s section of the competition with eight gold medals.

American Boxing Confederation President Mr Osvaldo Bisbal said: “Some of the best men and women boxers will be competing in Toronto and I am expecting truly great boxing performances from Latin American countries with strong boxing heritage. I’m sure Canadian and International fans will passionately support past and future Olympic and World boxing champions in truly legendary clashes”.

Cuba has enjoyed the most success in the history of the event with 116 boxing medals, while USA has earned 101 medals. Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela have also traditionally performed well, while host nation Canada has only won three boxing medals since 1951.