Karmilchyk and Alakhverdovi are the first European quarter-finalists at the AIBA World Boxing Championships

Boxers at the minimumweight (48kg), light welterweight (63.5kg), middleweight (75kg) and light heavyweight (80kg) were in action in the sixth days of boxing at the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Belgrade. Belarus’ Yauheni Karmilchyk and Georgia’s Sakhil Alakhverdovi are the first European quarter-finalists in the busy championship.

Following six preliminary competition days, 310 bouts are concluded in the AIBA World Boxing Championships where the total number of boxers is 510 from 88 nations representing four Confederations. Among the 88 countries, 38 arrived from the European continent which competes with 246 boxers in Serbia’s capital city. The Technical Delegate of the AIBA Men’s Elite World Boxing Championships is Mr. Marko Marovic of Croatia.  

The bout of the day

Armenia’s team captain in the national team, Hovhannes Bachkov claimed two bronze medals in the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Hamburg and in Yekaterinburg, furthermore he is the European Games winner. The 29-year-old Armenian had a crucial battle against Azerbaijan’s young hope Malik Hasanov which was more than a tactical contest but a manly battle between the neighbouring nations. Bachkov, who joined to the international events in 2008, received a warning in the bout but his excellent rhythm guaranteed his success in a top contest on Day6.

The surprise of the day

Turkey sent a young team to the AIBA World Boxing Championships and among them Kerem Ozmen showed fantastic performance in the sixth competition day. The 20-year-old Turkish competes in his first top international elite event but he impressed not only with his enthusiasm but his power. The Turkish youngster shocked Serbia’s ex-Russian boxer Pavel Fedorov in the first round and he knocked down his local opponent. The host nation’s experienced boxer tried to return to the match but Ozmen stopped him with powerful shots therefore the Turkish talent caused a top surprise in the round of 32 at the light welterweight (63.5kg).

The Round-Up

Belarus’ Yauheni Karmilchyk claimed bronze medal at the Kharkiv 2017 EUBC European Boxing Championships at the age of 19 and after the re-introduction of the minimumweight (48kg), the young boxer returned in top shape. The small Belarusian attacked from the first minutes against Kenya’s taller Martin Maina and tried to catch his African opponent. Karmilchyk ruled the middle of the ring, he was never stopped attacking and bowed out a technician rival which means he is the first European quarter-finalist in Belgrade. Georgia’s Sakhil Alakhverdovi also reached the Top8 in this weight class following his success over India’s Govind Kumar Sahani.

Italy’s Salvatore Cavallaro had a serious injury two months ago but he had excellent rehabilitation and returned in time to attend in the AIBA World Boxing Championships. He is not in 100% shape yet but he won his opening contest in Belgrade and he was faster than Belarus’ Kiryl Samadurau and took the lead on the scorecards. The Italian middleweight (75kg) boxer, who has got 10 years of international experiences, moved a lot on feet and his second appearance was better than his debut. The Italian had the perfect tactic, worked from longer distance and eliminated his Belarusian rival using his speed.

Scotland’s new elite No.1, Sam Hickey claimed silver medal at the 2016 EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships and he used the recent five years to develop in all terms of boxing. The Scottish moved up to the middleweight (75kg) where he is not only strong enough but his technical skills are also world class. The 21-year-old boxer maintained the best fighting distance against Bulgaria’s Rami Kiwan and his single shots reached the target. The Bulgarian also progressed but Hickey’s current skills were better to win their tactical battle in Belgrade.

France’s Moreno Fendero began boxing relatively late but after two years of experiences he competed in major youth competitions. The French progressed this year, he claimed medals in all of his international championships and tournaments. The 22-year-old Fendero is a strong puncher at the middleweight (75kg) who spent a short time in the ring today against Cyprus’ Andreas Kokkinos. The French caught his rival with a powerful shot in the first round and the referee counted the Cyprian immediately. Kokkinos was able to continue the contest but Fendero moved him closer and knocked out the best Cyprian boxer in Belgrade.

Serbia’s former Russian boxer Vladimir Mironchikov competes in his first AIBA World Boxing Championships but the 23-year-old hope has got all of the requiring skills to beat any of the top stars at the light heavyweight (80kg). The Serbian boxer controlled all of the exchanges against Turkey’s teenager, Kaan Aykutsun and advanced to the last 16. The Russian Boxing Federation’s boxer in this weight class, new National Champion Savelii Sadoma is also 23 and won his second contest in Belgrade. Following his narrow opening success, the Russian knocked out Armenia’s Hambardzum Hakobyan in the round of 32.

Montenegro is working hard on its developments and following the country hosted the EUBC Youth European Boxing Championships twice, their small elite team reached also good results in Belgrade. Petar Marcic not only won his first contest in the AIBA World Boxing Championships but he bowed out from his way his second rival, Barbados’ tall Charles Cox Jr. at the light heavyweight (80kg). The 24-year-old Montenegrin controlled the second and third rounds with nice hooks and advanced to the last 16 which is the country’s best performance in the AIBA World Boxing Championships since 2007.

Ireland’s Keylan Cassidy attended at the 2017 EUBC U22 European Boxing Championships but since then he was not able to join to any of the big events. The Irish light heavyweight (80kg) boxer worked hard in his gym and next to his national title, Cassidy controlled his round of 32 contest against Mexico’s Said Olvera today. In another excellent light heavyweight (80kg) contest Belarus’ 21-year-old Aliaksei Alfiorau eliminated Croatia’s former EUBC European Youth Champion Luka Plantic.

Germany’s Kevin Schumann earned silver medal at the EUBC U22 European Boxing Championships in Roseto degli Abruzzi this June and won also the Cologne Boxing World Cup. A former European Champion, Mr. Michael Timm’s pupil had a tough job against Serbia’s 19-year-old Almir Memic who used aggressive style of boxing against the German. Schumann moved a lot on feet to find the best counter-attacking positions and he succeeded several times in the exchanges. Memic proved he is a real fighter, he did not give up the bout but Schumann’s technical skills decided their contest.

Quote of the day

“It is a fantastic feeling to win two contests already in the AIBA World Boxing Championships. The first one was tough but I was able to do it much better secondly against my Polish rival. I felt that I have the speed advantage and after the massive leading, I enjoyed the final round today,” added Hungary’s Pal Kovacs to his success in Belgrade where he eliminated Poland’s Daniel Adamiec at the light heavyweight (80kg).