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Olympic Boxing Recaps: 21 July (Day 2)

Session 1 Day 02:

Light Flyweight

The USA's Albert GUARDADO survived a late comeback by Botswana's to secure a narrow 11-9 victory in the closest match of an Olympic boxing session dominated by one-sided wins. GUARDADO led comfortably throughout the match, Also advancing in the light flyweight class, Sabin Marius BORNEI of Romania overcame an early deficit to post a 16-10 decision over Jose PEREZ of the Dominican Republic, Thailand's Somrot KAMSING defeated Turkey's Yasar GIRTIL, 19-4, Beibus MENDOZA (COL) downed Domenic FILIANI (CAN), 12-1 and Oleg KIRYUKKHIN from Ukraine posted the first shutout of the 1996 Olympic competition with a 12-0 win over , Anicet RASONNAIVO of Madagascar. Yosvani AGUILERA of Cuba stopped Stefan STROM in the second and Mansueto VELASCO (PHI) stopped TSAI Chih-Hsiu (TPE) in the first round. AGUILERA is the younger brother of 1992 bronze medalist Roel VELASCO.

KIRYUKHIN (UKR): "I was better in every aspect. In every area. I was sure of myself from the start. I had seen this fighter before in other championship matches. I was the better class. On this level, I was just better than he was. I felt in control from the start."


Lightweight:

Canada's Michael STRANGE issued a warning to competitors in the lightweight class, as well as anyone who may face one of his Canadian teammates, after MARTINEZ cruised to a 15-1 decision over Francisco MARTINEZ of Mexico.

"It felt good - - excellent. The whole Canadian team had a great training camp before we came in. We're in great shape. Every other country better watch out. Getting the first (bout) out of the way is the hardest for me. Now I can give it 110 percent."

Also advancing in the lightweight class, Dennis ZIMBA (ZAM) stopped Serguei OSTROCHAPKINE (BLR) in the third round, and Tontcho TONTCHEV (BUL) stopped his Oktavian TAYKOU in the second. Other boxers that moved on to the second round are Jaroslav KONECNY (CZE), Veongvisct PHONGSIT (THA), Miguel MOJICA (DOM), Terrance CAUTHEN (USA), and Soo-yung SHIN (KOR)

STRANGE (CAN):


Heavyweight:

Spectators got their first look at some of the competition's "big" men Sunday with heavyweight action and a glimpse at the 1995 World silver medalist.

Luan KRASNIQI of Germany was the runner-up at the 1995 World Championships and defeated Rusian CHAGAYEV (UZB), 12-4. New Zealand's Garth DA SILVA (NZL) stopped Ireland's Cathal O'GRADY but not without a struggle. Both boxers came out swinging as O'GRADY took an early lead before DA SILVA threw a flurry of punches to knockdown O'GRADY for an eight count. O'GRADY still lead the bout 5-3 at the time, but DA SILVA threw another flurry of combinations and forced the referee to give O'GRADY another eight count and stop the match. Also advancing to the next round, Serguei DYCHKOV (BLR) defeated Romans KUKLINS (LAT) , 16-6 and Russia's Igor KSHININ defeated Mustapha AMROU of Egypt 17-4.

KSHININ: "I thought I was faster with the hands. I didn't know I was that far ahead. I wouldn't have done anything differently."


Light Flyweight/48 kg.

In the evening session of the light flyweight class, Alfred TETTEH (GHA) lost more than just the bout in his battle with Hamid BERHILI (MAR). During the first few minutes of the bout TETTEH's protective cup fell to the canvas and he had to sneak back to the corner in order to return it to its proper place. BERHILL won the bout by a score of 10-5. Other light flyweights advancing to the second round included. China's Xiangzhong YANG, Spain's Rafael LOZANO, South Africa's Masibulele, Mexico's Jesus MARTINEZ, and Indonesia's Peter BALAZ.

I felt like I controlled the fight, but not a lot," said Rafael LOZANO (ESP) after his bout. " I don't feel like anyone else is stronger than me. I'm going to fight to win the medal."


Lightweight/60 kg

The lightweight class bout between Agnaldo NUNEZ (BRA) and Henry KUNSI (PNG) ended in a tie with a score of 11-11 with NUNEZ declared the winner of the bout by virtue of the tiebreaker, 57-47. Those advancing to the second round include Fabrizio NIEVAS (ARG), Sergey KOPENKIN (KGZ), 1993 world champion Leonard DOROFTEI (ROM). and Koba GOGOLADZE (GEO). By far the crowd's favorite bout of the night featured Romeo BRIN (PHI) and 1995 Pan American Games gold medalist Julio VALLADARES GONZALEZ (CUB). VALLADARES GONZALES won the fight by a score of 24-13, and received a standing ovation from the crowd for his efforts.

"It was a very strong competition, but I had a plan of attack and executed it. I had very good physical preparation and my faith in God," said NUNEZ in explaining his tie-breaker win.


Heavyweight/91kg.

In an early-round upset in the heavyweight division, Giorgi KANDELAKI (GEO) won on retirement at the end of the second round over Pan American Games silver medalist, Thompson GARCIA (ECU). Olympic boxing fans also got their first look at defending gold medal champion Felix SAVON of Cuba who defeated Andrei KUMYAVKA (KGZ), 9-3.

The much anticipated fight started out slowly and was scoreless until the final 30 seconds when both boxers landed punches to end the first round at 1-1. SAVON took charge in the second round for a 6-2 lead before adding to his total for the 9-3 . Those advancing to the second round also include Woiciech BARTNIK (POL) and Kwamena TURKSON (SWE).


This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department.


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An estimated 5.3 million visted Centennial Olympic Park between opening day - 13 July - and closing day - 4 August, making the park the most single most visited Olympic site during the Games.