Masalov, Ibarreche and Mukhiddinov are among the semi-finalists of the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament

The second competition day with the quarter-finals was held at the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament in Gomel. Belarus’ Andrei Masalov won his battle easier than his expected on Day while Spain’s Oier Ibarreche amazed with his footwork. The main sensation of the day was delivered by an Uzbek newcomer, Akhmadjon Mukhiddinov.

The men’s flyweight (52kg), bantamweight (56kg), lightweight (60kg), light welterweight (64kg), welterweight (69kg), middleweight (75kg), light heavyweight (81kg), heavyweight (91kg) and super heavyweight (+91kg) boxers were in action in the second day of boxing at the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament.

The event is live streamed at Gomel Boxing’s YouTube channel from Day1 and all of the stakeholders can follow the bouts. Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan joined to the event from the Asian continent and all of them strengthen the annual Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament.

The competition is the next preparation opportunity for the youngsters before the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships which will be held in Kielce, Poland this April. Boxers who were born in 2002, 2003 and in 2004 are eligible to attend in the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament in Gomel.

The safety of all participants, the continuous medical checks, the social distancing, the hygienic preparations, wearing masks and all of the health controls are the responsibility of the local organizers in Gomel to avoid any new Covid-19 cases during the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament.

The bout of day

Kazakhstan’s Abzal Serik was gold medallist at the Fujairah 2019 ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships and following his tournament titles, he arrived to Belarus as one of the top names. Serik, who will be turning to 18 later this year, met with Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Abdullaev in the quarter-finals of the light welterweight (64kg). His Uzbek opponent was member of the national team already at the Puerto Princesa 2017 ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships. Serik tried to keep the distance against the strong Uzbek who moved up four weight categories within three years. Kazakhstan’s pride had the stamina and condition to keep the top level until the end of the bout and advanced to the last four.

The surprise of the day

Kazakhstan’s Yerassyl Tankay won the 2019 Bornemissza Youth Memorial Tournament and their 2020 edition of the Youth National Championships. The 18-year-old boxer moved up to the lightweight (60kg) and he was the favourite against Uzbekistan’s Akhmadjon Mukhiddinov who had less experiences in the international stage. Tankay was not able to maintain the best fighting range and suffered an unexpected loss to the Uzbek newcomer in the second day of boxing.

The Round-up

Spain’s Oier Ibarreche joined to the international events in 2019 and developed step by step in all aspects of boxing. The 18-year-old Spaniard had a dangerous rival in the second day of boxing, Kyrgyzstan’s’ Erbol Asankadyrov who returned to Belarus after a short break. Ibarreche had strong footwork in the bout which decided this quarter-final at the Yukov Prizes Youth Tournament. Uzbekistan’s Mirzabek Mirzakhalilov eliminated another favourite in this category, Kazakhstan’s Bekzat Konysbay.

Belarus’ Yan Krukouski competed several junior and youth events in the recent three and half years and he was the host country’s best prospect at the welterweight (69kg). The 18-year-old boxer faced with Kazakhstan’s Armat Armanuly who claimed his Youth National title in January. The Belarusian moved ahead and tried to rule the middle of the ring but Armanuly’s counter-punches arrived with perfect timing. The Kazakh boxer knew the best tactic against Krukouski and marched to the semi-finals of the competition.

Belarus’ Andrei Masalov expected a tough battle against his fellow Raman Kaziankou at the light heavyweight (81kg) therefore he was in top shape in the first round. Masalov controlled the first three minutes with tough punches while Kaziankou was not able to do his previous performance therefore their bout delivered a clear result. Masalov won the bout before the final gong while Kazakhstan’s ASBC Asian Junior Champion favourite, Yerassyl Zhakpekov also advanced to the semi-finals.

You may follow LIVE the Tournament:

Afternoon session https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR153PUKH6enZz9hqEAb8rfhZKzqU0fA2T4KgCGSXmqsnkotrIBt4JY7u4g&v=MZVa7UMHE78&feature=youtu.be

Evening Session https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR0cOPAvtV4ZTCK14KfR0Ng92ESV4C5CApsF-NawER1qL9XQxUzzom7bGXw&v=jQ6-zfUrwnA&feature=youtu.be