ENEWS 6 special edition

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ENEWS 6

15 September 2004

Olympic Games review

by Ognian Georgiev

The 28th Summer Olympics are over as well as the 22nd Olympic boxing tournament. 284 fighters from 72 countries entered the competition. Ooops sorry, Super-Lightweight Igor Pashchuk (UKR), who beat world champion Willy Blain in the semifinals of the European championships (ECH) in Pula’04 (CRO), didn’t pass the medical test, so for the stats the number is 283.
A fellow boxing journalist once told me a “whoever wins, at the end Germans are the winners”. In our case the winner is Cuba, who were the №1 in team competition with five gold medals, two silver and one bronze. For the fourth consecutive time boxers from the island of liberty dominated over other boxing nations. Russia finished second with three golds and three bronzes, despite the ambitions of their head coach Nikolay Khromov and the entire national association after team Sbornaia’s place at last year world championships (WCH) in Bangkok (THA).

Kazakhstan and Thailand shared third place with equal results, securing one medal of each color. The USA disappointed once again finishing fifth, but the Americans got at least one title, compared with Sydney 2000, when they came back without Gold. Two of the big surprises Belarus (0-2-0) and Egypt (0-1-2) finished respectively sixth and seventh. For the former Soviet Union republic it was their first Olympic medal as an independent nation. The same for Egypt if we don’t take into account flyweight Abdelmomeim Elguindi, who fought in Rome under the flag of the United Arabic Republic. Speaking of former Northeastern African unions the other member, Syria also signed itself into the Olympic boxing medallists table. So did China.

Now let’s see what happened int each division:

48 kg
The tournament didn’t start well for Kenyan hope Suleiman Balili, who was pulled out due to a leg injury one week before the games. He was attacked by thugs during an early morning jog outside his home in the sprawling Eastleigh residential district of Nairobi in January. The first African reserve from Namibia Joseph Jeremia entered in his place. Another reserve, but from the Asian region came in the form of the biggest Pakistani medal hope Karim Nouman, who tested positive for illegal substances. Toshiyuki Igarashi (JAP) replaced him.
The draw put into the upper part of the bracelet the best European fighters, while in the lower were placed Americans and Asians, who were considered to have good chances. As expected World and European champion Sergey Kazakov started very well and reached the semifinal. There he met the 17-year old Turk Atagun Yalcinkaya, who eliminated, on his road to the medals, Azerbaijani Jeyhun Abiyev and runner up from ECH’04 Alfonso Pinto (ITA).
Atagun managed to get to Athens in the final European qualification in Baku. During his training in Sofia (BUL) before the second tournament in Plovdiv (BUL) the Turkish fighter fell and injured his arm, which forced him to miss the event. According to an eyewitness, the Olympic champion from Moscow’80 and current Bulgarian national team coach Petar Lesov, the young talent was hunted by a pack of Bulgarian street dogs, before he fell…
The young successor of the Ottoman Empire switched back the memories of numerous wars between Russia and his country during XV-XIX century and for the joy of his compatriots won the contest against Kazakov with a score of 26:20.
"I promised I would win the gold medal and I am working towards that step by step. I am so happy and excited and now I think I can win the final", said the winner after the fight with his famous opponent.
At the same time WCH from Belfast’01 Yan Bartelemy (CUB) won four consecutive victories. The last, in the semis was sweet revenge for his loss in WCH’03 to Bangkok’s silver medalist Zou Chiming (CHN). The final bout started unexpectedly once again as Yalcinkaya got an early lead taking the first round 4:2. But at the beginning of the second everyone in the hall knows who deserves to be crowned as the new super-flyweight Olympic champion. With his win Bartelemy became the third Cuban to win a gold medal in the 48 kg division after Jorge Hernandes and Rogelio Marcelo.

51 kg
The draw was unlucky for the three main favorites. World champion Somjit Jongjihor (THA), European champ Georgi Balakshin (RUS) and Yuriorkis Gamboa (CUB) were obliged to meet each other before the semifinal. Winner of the three way match was theCuban, who easily overcame his next opponent in the semifinal Rustam Rachimov (GER) by 20:11. Former World champion Jerome Thomas (FRA) used the advantage of the draw and without any problems reached the semifinal. There he met Fuad Aslanov (AZE), who in a very close contest beat Polish hope Andrzej Rzany. A lot of observers thought the decision in this quarterfinal should be reversed, but as we know the final word is always held by the judges. The Azer boxer proved that he deserved his medal after a very close fight with the Frenchman. After the first three rounds the score was equal, and only the bigger experience of Thomas brought him victory.
Despite many years experience it wasn’t enough for Jerome to get the victory in the final. Gamboa was quicker and more precise. Thomas matched his opponent in the first round, but after that the King of the ring was the young Cuban.
“I am disappointed now because I am a winner and not used to losing. But I am very proud of what I have achieved. Four years ago I won a bronze medal and now I have silver”, said the Frenchman after the fight. His future as an amateur is uncertain and he may follow the Olympic champion from Sydney Brahim Asloum, who turned professional after the Games four years ago.

54 kg
The Bantamweight division was considered one of the toughest. Two main favorites - Olympic champion from Sydney Guilermo Rigondeaux (CUB) and World champion from Bangkok Agasi Mamedov (AZE) were put into different parts of the draw. But in the book of fate wasn’t written that they shall meet. Rigo met his first serious hurdle in the third round, when overcoming European champion and silver medalist from WCH’03 Gennadi Kovalev (RUS) by 20:5. The Russians presentation was far from expected as he scored no points against the Cuban for more then four minutes. Next for Guilermo was former world junior champion and bronze medallist from Bangkok Bahordirjon Sooltanov (UZB). Once again the great defense of Rigo was insurmountable.
Mamedov also started very well with wins over third placed in Bangkok Detelin Dalakliev (BUL) and young Ukrainian Maxim Tretyak. But the Azer fighter met an unexpected obstacle in the form of Thailands Worapoj Petchkoom, who had shown earlier his ambitions beating former European champion Khavasi Khasigov (BLR). It wasn’t Mamedov’s day in the semifinal and hehad to be satisfied with a bronze medal after a 19:27 points defeat. The surprises stopped here for Petchkoom, who received a free lesson in ringcraft from the future legend and now just 23 years old, modest guy Guillermo Rigondeaux!

57 kg
Petchkoom’s road to glory was like a buck in front of an elephant when comparing the action at featherweight. Once again the luck wasn’t best friend to the three favorites here – Luis Franco (CUB), Euro champ Vitaly Tajbert (GER) and ECH runner up Khedafi Djelkhir (FRA). Tajbert survived and was forging ahead to the final, where he hoped to meet and probably take revenge for his WCH’03 gold medal defeat, Galib Jafarov (KAZ). But before getting to the Olympic final he was expected to beat unknown North Korean Song Guk Kim. Here the German failed and brought joy, fun and a lot of money to the bookmakers. Russian Alexey Tischenko started poorly and in his second round fight against Shahrin Imranov (AZE) was losing by 10 points. Advised well by the Russian coaching staff he got back in the match to get the victory after causing an injury to his opponent. Next he was scheduled to meet world champ Jafarov and as almost no one expected he eliminated him by 36:26. The rest was history, which will always rest in Tischenko’s mind. Two successful matches, full of action and power punches against South Korean Jo Sewk Hwan in the semifinal and Kim in the final and the Olympic champ became Russian. A great feeling as six months ago he wasn’t in Nikolay Khromov’s main team.

60 kg
Two names, two great individuals and two boxing showmen stole the limelight in the lightweight division. 17-year old Amir Khan (ENG) and his father aged fellow boxer Mario Kindelan (CUB) reached the final. The young Brit earned the respect of European champion Dimitar Shtilianov (BUL) and Asian №1 Jong-Sub Baik (KOR) before reaching the semifinal. There the Pakistani origin boxer eliminated strong Kazakhstan fighter Serik Yeleyov by 40:26. Super Mario also walked with reliable steps to the gold contest. In the quarters he beat former European champion Rovshan Huseinov (AZE) and in the semis ex-European junior champ Murat Khrachev (RUS). The Cuban ended his championship career as always – smiling after the final gong.
"Kindelan told me I should stay amateur and I would be the next Olympic and World champion”, said Amir Khan after the match. Will he follow the word of the legend? If someone knows, please let me know

64 kg
A Cuban and a Thai fighter showed that it’s time for fresh blood in the Ssuper-lightweight division. The time for veterans is almost over after the early defeats of two of the greatest boxers in the world - Alexander Maletin (RUS) and Willy Blain (FRA). They met in the second round of the event. The Russian, who is three times European champion, was defeated for the second consecutive time by the Frenchman since the WCH’03 final. Blain thought he had cleared his way to the gold, but in his next match the dream was ended by Manus Boonjumnong (THA). The Asian got to the final after taking the scalp of another European – Romanian Ionut George. In the opposite side of the draw Yudel Cedeno passed through Uzbekistan representative Dilshod Mahmudov and Bulgarian hope Boris Georgiev to get into the final. It was a very disappointing event for PanAmerican champion Patrick Lopez (VEN), who lost in the first round to Italian Michele Di Rocco, It was the same for Mexican Juan de Dios Navaro, who became a spectator after just one bout against Kazakhstanian Nurzhan Karimzhanov.
The tactical battle for gold was won by Boonjumnong, but the eight minutes of the final, accompanied by the public’s whistles, were unanimously considered as the ugliest of the entire tournament.

69 kg
As in the martial arts movies two of the best fighters always must always meet in the end. In the cinema one of them is the good guy and the other the bad. Here the scenario was different, we had two heroes – twice Olympic champion Oleg Saitov (RUS) and twice World champion Lorenzo Aragon (CUB). Both were 30 years old, with birthdates separated by just one month, but they had never fought each other. Unfortunately they will never meet in the ring.
The Cuban got to the semifinal with only one tough match against Azerbaijan veteran Ruslan Khairov (16:14). It was the same for Saitov, whose corner and fans trembled throughout the fight with Egyptian Mohamed El Hekal, as he won by just a point. Aragon stepped into the last level after beating Korean Jung-Joo Kim (38-10) and waited for the Russian. A famous European, who is master of the guitar and always played in front of his teammates during the long and grey training camps, failed to achieve his dream by finding his place among legends Laszlo Pap, Teofilio Stevenson and Felix Savon. The killer of his reverie was Bakhtiar Artayev (KAZ), who overplayed Saitov by two points. The young Kazakhstani showed to the world that it’s time for a generation change and stole the glory from Aragon in the final, scoring a victory with a points margin of 36:16. For his tremendous run Artayev was awarded the “Val Barker” trophy.

75 kg
As it was in the Flyweight division the draw put in one cage four of the favorites. World champ Genady Golovkin (KAZ), Cuban Yourdanis Despaigne, USA hope Andre Dirrell and Sydney Olympics runner up Marian Simion (ROM) with only one of them to reach the final. American continent representatives met in the quarterfinal and after a very close fight Dirrell progressed (12:11). The Romanian veteran surprisingly lost to Ramadan Yasser (EGY) by 24:36. “I was robbed by the judges. This is my last Olympic Games and I will now retire", Simion said after the result was met by jeers from the crowd at the Peristeri Hall. The controversial decision cleared the road for Golovkin, who beat Dirrell in the semis.
European champion and runner up from Sydeny Gaidarbek Gaidarbekov (RUS) showed great form in his opening bouts easily reaching the semi-final. His opponent Suriya Prasathinphimal (THA) overcame two very strong boxers to secure himself a medal. First he scored a victory against Javid Taghiev (AZE), and then eliminated former European champion and silver medallist from the WCH Oleg Mashkin (UKR). His winning streak was ended by the Russian, who qualified for the final with a 28:22 points win. The more experienced Gaidarbekov looked fresher and more precise in the gold contest and earned a well-deserved Olympic title.

81 kg
Twice World and twice European champion Evgeny Makarenko (RUS) was considered as the most certain Olympic gold medalist from the entire field. The Russian, who has been beaten only once in the last four years, started well against Cuban Yoan Pablo Hernandes. But in the second round American Andre Ward demonstrated that USA boxing hasn’t fallen into a long sleep, and after disappointing last year in the WCH he scored a clear victory by 23:16 and passed through to the semis, where he met former world champion from Houston’99 Utkirbek Haidarov (UZB).
With a very easy route to the final Magomed Aripgadziev (BLR) saved some power for the decisive bout. The hosts had big hopes for Helias Pavlidis, but after an unlucky injury he lost the quarterfinal against Ahmed Ismail (EGY), despite the fact that he had a strong points lead.
Power punching Ward was faster then the Belarusian and was crowned as Olympic champ. The biggest losers of light-heavyweight competition are the amateur boxing fans, who will no longer see the American, because just afew days after the Games, he announced that he will turn professional.

91 kg
The expected Heavyweight division final came about in the first round. The two best fighters from WCH’03 Odlanier Solis (CUB) and Alexander Alexeev (RUS) met in the opening bout. The Rules of boxing are strict as only one may continue to the next stage and the other must pack his luggage. In this case the Cuban was the winner with 24:21 points. He didn’t have any problems until the end of the competition where he grabbed the Olympic title. His opponent in the final Victor Zuyev (BLR) showed a lions heart and became one of the favorites here. After a couple of silver and bronze medals from World and European championships the young Belarusian got closer to first place. Despite the loss, he leaves the event with great experience.
“I would like to congratulate my opponent on his victory. The Cubans have dominated this division, but we will try hard to dethrone them”, promised Zuyev.
Unexpected were the bronze medals of Mohamed El Sayed (EGY) and Naser Al Shamy (SYR). For the first time two Africans are placed among the best four in the Heavyweight division.

+91 kg
For the third time during writing this article I was asking myself if it needed to be made a seeded draw. If you ask why, I will answer: Because it isn’t fair in one part of the bracelet to be put the World champion, silver and bronze medalists in last European championships, Olympic Games runner up, bronze medalist from last world championships, African champion and former world championships runner up. What a field! There can be only one finalist, in our case – Alexander Povetkin (RUS) and another bronze medalist – Roberto Camarelle (ITA). The long expected final between these two great fighters was transferred to a semifinal, which was won by the Russian – 31:19.
And what about the other super-heavyweight semifinal between the Egyptian, carrying the name of legendary Mohamed Ali, and Cuban Michel Lopez, who isn’t strong enough to win the PanAmerican Games. The African won here in a very controversial match 18:16, but during the fight he was injured and didn’t come out for the gold contest.

Nice end for the Olympic Games - with one fighter waiting for the other to enter the Super-Heavyweight final. No one gets in the ring and the referee lifts the hand of the winner. Great finish for the audience, who paid from 100-180 Euros to watch six matches, cut to five.

Clash of continents

Continent Participants Total medals Gold Silver Bronze
Europe 90 18 3 5 10
Asia 62 12 2 3 7
America 60 20 6 2 2
Africa 60 4 0 1 3
Oceania 11 0 0 0 0


Song of Heroes

48 kg

Yan Bartelemy – The Comeback
24 years, 172 cm
Born in Naranjo
World champion from Belfast’01
Pan American champion from Santo Domingo’03

Yan made his comeback as the king of light-flyweights
“I will continue boxing and my aim is to win more Olympic medals in the future. I had not boxed Yalcinkaya in the past. He is a strong opponent, but I proved to be better than him. I dedicate my victory to my family, my friends, the people of Cuba and to the President of Cuba, Fidel CASTRO. I could not believe that I am a champion. I prepared myself so much that I could not sleep all night thinking about the fights. Now it’s time for celebrations. I will allow myself to eat many things."

51 kg

Yuriorkis Gamboa – The Fresh blood
22 years, 150 cm
Born in Havana
Pan American champion from Santo Domingo’03

He’s the new bright talent in Cuban team. Beat everyone in the division with great style.
“The final contest with Jerome Thomas was a tough one and the first two rounds were very even. My coaches told me to stay away from my opponent, which I did while trying to counter his punches. I am ready to become a boxing star. Thanks to the fans in Athens!”

54 kg

Guillermo Rigondeaux - The future
23 years, 163 cm
Born in La Prueba
Olympic champion from Sydney 2000
World champion from Belfast 2001
Pan American champion from Santo Domingo 2001
His second Olympic title and what he has shown in the ring from 2000 suggests he has the ability to become the first boxer with four Olympic titles.
“I dedicate this gold medal to my country. I was in perfect psychological condition. It was the first time I fought a Thai boxer. He was very strong and quick. I was a little tense, but I could make it my fight. I am eager to arrive at Santiago with my gold medal, and after a rest, to prepare me for my third Olympics in Beijing.”

57 kg

Alexey Tischenko – The White warrior
20 years, 167 cm
World junior champion from La Habana’02
Silver medal in European cadet championships in Patra’00

Born in Rubtsovsk
The white warrior demonstrated the most attractive boxing. Maybe his warrior power is fed by his mother’s special salad called “Raduga”, just as Popeye the sailor had his famous spinac!.
““I can’t describe my feelings right now. When I heard the national anthem playing I felt very strong, and the whole thing is like a dream. It will sink in when I calm down. The hardest fight was against Shahrin Imranov (AZE), when in the second round I was losing and a stroke of luck allowed me to win. I had lost before to my semifinal opponent Seok Hwan Jo (KOR). The Final against Song Guk Kim (PRK) was very difficult and emotionally draining as well.

60 kg

Mario Kindelan - The Legend
33 years, 165 cm
Born in Holgu
Olympic champion from Sydney 2000
Three times world champion (Houston’99, Belfast’01 and Bangkok’03)
Two times Pan American champion (Winnipeg’99 and Santo Domingo’03)

The master of the gloves is leaving our sport. The fans favorite once again showed his style.
“When I lost in 2002 the delegation spent a day in the airport, and it was then that I made the commitment, never to lose another fight. I feel so contented today after fulfilling my promise. I decided to retire and give an opportunity to the next generation of Cuban boxers. Now I want to become a boxing coach. Amir Khan is a great boxer. If he does not turn professional, he will definitely conquer all in amateur boxing."

64 kg

Manus Boonjomnong - The fox
24 years, 176 cm
Born in Bangkok

Manus’ trickery in the ring confused all his opponents. His style is based on a very clever fight plan, fast legs and quick hands

“Before I entered the ring I thought about the King of Thailand and I am very happy the contest went my way today. I dedicate my gold medal to my king, but this will change nothing as I will go home and train very hard as I want to defend my title at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. If it seemed I was boxing more defensively than offensively, then that is the strategy of the Thai boxing coach. I think people who know about boxing will understand that. Every boxer here deserves a gold medal because the standard is so high. But the judges decide the results of the contest.”

69 kg

Bakhtiyar Artayev – The Lightened shadow
21 years, 183 cm
Born in Taraz
Silver medalist at Afroasian Games in Hyderabad’03

“I am very happy for Bakhtiyar. You can’t even imagine! He saved our team. He was a sensation. Artayev made Kazakhstan famous”, said twice an Olympic Games silver medallist Bulat Djumadilov about Artayev.

75 kg

Gaidarbek Gaidarbekov – The Revenge
27 years, 183 cm
Born in Kaspiisk
Silver medalist from Sydney Olympics
European champion from Pula’04
Silver medalist from world junior championships in Istanbul’94

After losing a close final four years ago to Jorge Gutieres (CUB), now Gaidarbek achieves his ambition.
"I want to thank everyone, my family, my fans and the people of Russia. I don't like to use the word 'dream', as I believe we all have our destiny, and now I have the Olympic gold medal.
The hardest contest was the final against such a hard opponent, who I was familiar with. There was a pain in my hand, but it didn’t matter. The semifinal against the boxer from Thailand was much easier than I expected. I will retire now, a decision taken before the Olympics as there would be no sense in continuing, lose or win in Athens. I am too old to turn professional. I have had offers in the past to turn professional but I think thing have turned out for the best. I have a family and a son and I should let other younger boxers have their turn. After my failure at Euro 2002 I was very depressed and I got married. Earlier this year my wife gave birth to our son – Ahmad. At the opening day of the games he turned three months old. Maybe I will open a Cafe in my city – Kaspiisk, where I am sure the entire population of 50 000 citizens will welcome me. This means I will be totally finished with boxing. You know, before everything in amateur boxing was fair. Now there are a lot of politics. For example in Athens Makarenko and Kazakov were robbed.”

81 kg

Andre Ward - Father’s pride
20 years, 165 cm
Born in San Francisco

“"I’m numb right now. My eye hurts a bit after getting a thumb in it, but that was a love tap. I believe this was preordained by God who put me on this Earth to win this gold medal, and he gave me the strength to do it. This was the gold medal contest and I decided it was up to me to pick things up and use this chance. One of the USA coaches Anthony Bradley told me that and I did it. This was not my best performance but the dog in me made me tough it out. It is very stressful being in this tournament. You have to change your style with each contest because each boxer is so different. I have beaten world champions here and not been able to go out and celebrate. "I hope this will give a big boost to USA amateur boxing and I hope we will be a world power again. Don’t know right now if I will trun professional. We will have to see what offers are on the table. I have my father’s name - Frank Ward - on my forearms, I just put that to symbolize him being the strength in both my arms. He introduced me to the game of boxing and we talked about these times. It’s heartbreaking that he’s not here to see this, because I know he’d be on Cloud Nine and he’d be loving it."
Frank Ward died suddenly of a heart attack in 2002 at the age of 45. His son was devastated, and when he stepped into the ring in Athens he had his father with him.

91 kg

Odlanier Solis - The successor
24 years, 180 cm
Born in Boyeros, Havana
Twice world champion (Belfast’01 and Bangkok’03).
Twice Pan American champion (Winnipeg’99 and Santo Domingo’03)
Solis sat on the heavyweight throne of The Great Felix Savon. Expected win for him.
“We start training at a very young age so we arrive at the Olympic Games in the best possible shape. I have trained for this for four years and worked with Felix Savon. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. It’s very hard to achieve Savon and Teofilio Stevenson’s success. It will take a lot of discipline and training for many years to do this.”



+91 kg

Alexander Povetkin - Unconquerable
25 years, 188 cm
Born in Kursk
World champion 2003
Twice European champion (Perm’02 and Pula’04)

He gets through all his main opponents in Athens as expected.

“I am feeling insulted, because I haven’t the chance to fight in the final. I wanted very much to fight the Egyptian fighter and to win in a fair contest. His style of boxing was very suited to mine. I do not think that I will have a problem with him, despite the fact that his name is Mohamed Ali.”

Credits: Notes have been taken from Official site of the Games (http://www.athens2004.com), and various sport editions (http://www.bangkokpost.com, http://www.nationmultimedia.com, http://www.sovsport.ru, http://www.sport-express.ru, http://www.nbcolympics.com, http://sport.hotline.kz and http://www.trabajadores.co.cu

Inside look into the Games

By Adam Trupish

Canadian Olympian Adam Trupish shows especially for ENEWS readers a different look into the 28-th Summer Olympics. Within the following phrases we are entering into the hidden word of the best sportsmen in the world.

Athens Olympics 2004 have now concluded, this one following in the footsteps of the first Olympic flame. These two weeks being the focal point of the entire universe, where the best of the best compete for glory.
Here I give you an inside look from behind the bright lights and attraction. At the bloopers, blunders, credits and thanks that go unheard and unnoticed.
The games were well planned for and organized, with prompt timing and meticulously scheduled events. Coming as such a surprise because of the Greeks laid back nature.
Opening ceremonies were better than imagined. Exciting and heart pounding, great till the last second. though...could have done without the giant mass leaving from the same exit, and the annoying high pitched megaphone voices shouting 'thank you for coming', over and over.
Boxing weigh-ins were an event in itself. Dozens of doctors and officials on hand making the morning run smoothly and efficiently. First athletes in line? Depends who won the battle between the Russians and Cubans. A zoo like atmosphere of yelling and pushing for those few first seats. Not to mention the Canadian fighter who nearly missed the Olympics by stepping on the scale at exactly 12:00 pm. as they say 'you snooze you lose'.

The Olympic village was that itself. A huge village. A simple wrong bus could leave you far out of your way, possibly missing a Yao Ming sighting. The cafeteria was good, soon becoming repetitive and leaving us getting fat on unlimited McDonalds. To beat the immense heat, thousand upon thousands of air conditioners came to the rescue, and were the unheard heroes of the games.

Boxing was as expected, an abundance of talent. Amateur greats and newcomers boxed for two weeks, for an action packed tournament. Not to be over shadowed by the usual controversy that follows the sport. Before the bouts in the athletes warm-up area, an Asian official traded gifts with his own countries coaches. Paying, swapping and rotating judges to accommodate particular favored countries…… is this allowed? Well its all hear say. Some fighters pulled though the diversity and others were ousted and dictated with decisions. Medalists are in the record books and history was made.

All in all the experience of a lifetime. Hope you took the picture, taped the match, and bought the t-shirt. as the flame makes its way to Beijing in another four years, we finalized with the closing ceremonies and watched as they...blew...the...flame...out.
Credits: Adam Trupish

Alexander Povetkin: In amateur boxing all the peaks are conquered

Olympic super-heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (RUS) wasn’t so happy after his final fight. The reason, that his opponent Mohamed Ali (EGY) didn’t show in the gold medal contest and prevented the Russian from showing once again his great skills in front of 8000 boxing fans in the “Peristeri” Hall and the millions, who watched the finals on TV.
Thanks to the editor of Alexander Povetkin’s official web site (http://www.povetkin.ru) Viktor Orehov, ENEWS was able to cast some questions to the boxing Grand slam laureate.

- Sasha, congratulations on winning the title! Tell us, how was the Olympic tournament for you, not only in the ring, but also in the Olympic village?
- Exacting discipline in the Russian team created a lot of boredom.
Which was your toughest fight in Athens?
Cammarelle!!! But it was the Olympic Games. In the Super-heavyweight division every opponent may submit a surprise. Another great boxer was Rozhnov. Regrettably, in the Olympic Games the strongest fighters aren’t put into different parts of the draw.
Your main opponent Roberto Cammarelle seems weaker than in the European championships in Pula or maybe you were stronger than in your previous meeting in Croatia?
Both of us were very well prepared for the Games. Maybe the reason for your impression is that we know each other very well. In fact our fights must decorate finals, not the earlier stages.
Three gold medals for Russia, is this success or failure?
Success of course, taking into account that in last two Olympic Games our team got two titles. Also until now neither Soviet Union nor Russian fighters, have won gold in the Super-Heavyweight division. So everything is ok on the background of Atlanta and Sydney.
What happened to Evgeny Makarenko, was there some problem with him before the match with Andre Ward and what did he say after the bout?
After the match with the Cuban, Evgeny didn’t concentrate very well for the next one. Also Ward knows the style of Makarenko, while Makarenko didn’t know the style of his opponent. I didn’t discuss this theme with Jenia.
Alexander Maletin lost for the second time to Willy Blain. Has Sasha some psychological problem with Frenchman?
There isn’t a psychological complex. A lot of sportsmen have technically uncomfortable opponents. For Maletin, it’s Blain.
Is there any fighter that you like from this Olympic competition?
I regret we didn’t have the chance to watch all the bouts, only those with Russian fighters involved. This is why it’s difficult for me to answer this question.
In your opinion, what’s the reason for Cuban fighters’ dominance? All the nations train very hard, all nations have talents, but Cuba is always №1.
In Cuba, there is very strong generation heredity. The government supports boxing very well. It’s the №1 sport on the Island and the best fighters don’t turn professional. They stay amateur and at the same time give the chance for the new generation to improve their skills. It’s great for the country.
You made the Grand slam as Olympic, world and Continental champion. This is a shortcut to my next question. Is there anything still to be conquered in amateur boxing for you?
In amateur boxing all the peaks are conquered!
Did you have some talks with professional managers and what’s up next for you after a well-deserved rest following the Games?
Propositions from foreign promoters have been coming and continue to come. But this matter must be approached very, very carefully. The problem isn’t from a commercial point of view. Viktor Petrovich Agaev (twice European champion and member of WBA’s EC) for example thinks that in Australia and Germany the Super-Heavyweight division is lacking sparring partners, which is very important..
You almost gave the answer to my next question. When you become professional, where would you like to continue your career – in Europe (Germany) or in America?
I prefer to continue there, where the road to the final is shorter.
Is there a future for amateur boxing and what do you think must be changed, for the sport to become more attractive?
Without doubt there is a future for amateur boxing. But it must become fair, without backstage intrigues. For the beginning the draw procedure must be made online and on live TV. About judging, in my point of view there were some unfairly counted bouts. It’s unpleasant when even a person, who does not follow boxing, sees that the punch has landed and the head moves, but the scores don’t change. And the other way, very light connection with the other fighter is turned to a point.
After the end of your active sporting career, what will you do?
I will take care of youth sport in my region (Kursk).
What’s the first thing, you think about in a hard moment?
My daughter (Arin), my relatives (his wife Irene) and my friends.
What’s your wish to ENEWS readers and to all boxing fans?
To readers – nice mood and to edition – many readers.
From your mouth to Mighty’s ears. Thanks a lot for spending a few minutes with us! All the team of ENEWS and readers of the Olympic boxing forum (http://www.eaba.org/forum) wish you the best of luck, many successes in professional rings and to have more great friends such as your fellow-townsman in Kursk!!!
Credits: Viktor Orehov, editor of Alexander Povetkin’s official web page (http://www.povetkin.ru)

If anyone Khan, Khan can!
That’s the slogan emblazoned across the T-shirts of Amir Khans fanatical supporters that will be remembered for many a year by we proud and happy Brits.

To put the popularity of Khans final challenge into perspective, take the biggest ‘’tabloid’ TV programme, one that has received front page headlines and hundreds of salacious column inches on a daily basis and the figures for the Lightweight final, at 9.6 million viewers beat the best the ‘Big Brother’ marketing moguls could muster (£8m)! An odd comparison indeed but one that is worthy of note as the UK’s biggest supporter of televised boxing, the BBC, looks certain to pull the plug on it’s already limited schedule.

To put Amir Khans win into perspective he could be the shining light, the long awaited saviour of English amateur boxing. He could invigorate the sport at grass roots level, as seldom do kids get the chance to follow in the steps of true amateur sportsmen who have reached their goals without grooming by professional coaches, as in football, athletics and other money tainted sports. Go to a gym, train hard and become an Olympic champion. Rocky himself couldn’t have written a truer story!

But ‘khan’ Amir stay amateur?

These are difficult times for the administrators of amateur boxing who are struggling to justify the enormous expense of running elite training camps, set against the solitary success of a skinny kid from Bolton. The world is Amirs oyster but the burning question is can the Amateur Boxing Association of England Ltd afford to match the tempting offers being made by professional managers or indeed should they? With figures of £2 million pounds being mentioned the nation is divided into those who believe he should remain amateur at all costs, those who believe it will be in Amirs best interests to capitalise on his Olympic success now and those, as does this writer, who believe that a couple more years, a World Championship Gold next year and representative honours at the Commonwealth games would be ample experience to rubber stamp a golden future for himself and English Amateur Boxing.
Credits: For more news, views and boxing chat visit the TALK UK Amateur Boxing Forum at http://www.warriorboxing.com

Somluck Kamsing hangs up the gloves.

Somluck Kamsing (THA) announced that he is finished with boxing. The record holding four time Olympian lost in Athens in the first round to Canadian Benoit Gaudet by 17:32. The 31-year old fighter became an instant hero when he won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Atlanta in 1996. Eight years ago he was rewarded for his success, amassing more than $1 million dollars given to him by the government and corporate admirers. Then Somluck started an acting and singing career. He took part in the Sydney Games four years ago, but only made it as far as the quarterfinals.
“I tried my best but my opponent was much younger and quicker. This is my last Olympics, there will be no more. I just can’t compete with the younger fighters”, said Kamsing after his final fight in Greece
Credits: ENEWS Thailand correspondent Piyarat Setthasiriphaiboon (http://www.nationmultimedia.com)

Marian Simion retires

Another great fighter - Romanian legend Marian Simion said that he will retire from boxing after his Olympic Games second round loss to Ramadan Yasser (EGY) 24:26. He blamed the judges for the defeat.
“I was robbed by the judges. This is my last Olympics and I will now retire”,the former world champion and silver medalist from Sydney Games told “Reuters”.
Credits: “Reuters” agency (http://www.reuters.com)

Najar Ali awarded with ice cream for his win

Iraqi fighter Najar Salah Ali (48 kg) received a very interesting award for his efforts during the Olympic games tournament. His American coach Maurice “Termite” Watkins promised him plenty of ice cream after Najah got past the first round, beating North Korean Ju Kwak Hyok 21:7. Ali lost in the second round to experienced Armenian Alexan Nalbandian by 11:24, but became the audiences favorite.
I'm a symbol for the Iraqi people, who want freedom and peace," said the 24-year old boxer after his first win. He started to train for the Games just 10 months before biggest sport event in the world and received a wild card entry from the International Olympic committee’s special commission along with welterweight Sultani Basharmal (AFG). As the Iraqi entered the ring for his second contest the crowd at the “Peristeri” hall started to chant "Ali, Ali".
"The situation in my country is very hard and to hear the people shout my name was the biggest thing in my life. All the people in Iraq were watching me. I hope they are proud of me. Now I will go back to my family", explained the light-flyweight to a “Reuters” reporter.
His coach is a former world title contender who went to Iraq shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein to kill bugs and ended up taking over the national boxing team. Watkins first tried to draw together a real squad. After none of his boxers managed to qualify, he was allowed by the IOC to go to Athens with just one and he picked Ali, who was told to train hard and stop eating ice cream.
Each training session began with a team dance and a chant of "Iraq is Back", a phrase that became a rallying cry and was printed on the back of Ali's shirt. The 47-year-old Watkins, who fought for the world light-welterweight title on the same bill that saw Larry Holmes defeat Muhammad Ali in 1980, has received several offers to turn the story of his life into film.
"He's just a wonderful person, - Watkins said of his boxer. - He's got a big heart."
Credits: “Reuters” agency (http://www.reuters.com)

Holyfield enjoys the Games

Boxing legend Evander Holifield enjoyed the finals of the Olympic Games boxing tournament. He shared his opinions about the event and said that he was impressed by the young British talent Amir Khan after the lightweight final against Mario Kindelan.
“Fantastic effort, hopefully we'll see him in Beijing, getting a gold. "It was a great performance - he's got huge potential”.
The Real deal gave a high valuation of the tournament……….
"It was very exciting. Every country represented itself very well. The competition has been excellent. A great thing I noticed is that the Olympic Games and each competition gets better and better every four years. Everybody is working really well and we are all satisfied. You have done a really good job and we are leaving with fabulous memories", added one of the greatest boxers of our time.
The four times world professional champion liked very much the “Peristeri” Hall …….
"All the venues are great and beautiful and especially this one. It is an ideal size, its capacity is big and the atmosphere the fans make is terrific. It is nice and modern", said the man who beat Mike Tyson twice.
Finally Evander concluded that the level of amateur boxing has improved so much and he was pleased to be able to watch so many promising boxers.
Credits: Official web site of Olympic Games (http://www.athens2004.com)

Amateur rankings are back!

We are very happy to announce that International amateur boxing rankings once again are to be prepared. Editor of http://www.ababoxing.com Darren Stead handles the tough task by managing a very complicated system to determine the best fighters in Europe. Taking into count all the tournaments in the Old continent. The rankings will be revised each month.

Unofficial European amateur rankings

September 2004

48 kg
1. Sergey Kazakov (RUS)
2. Salim Salimov (BUL)
3. Atagun Yalcinkaya (TUR)
4. Alfonso Pinto (ITA)
5. Vjacheslav Gojan (MDA)

51 kg
1. Jerome Thomas (FRA)
2. Rustam Rachimov (GER)
3. Georgi Balakshin (RUS)
4. Alexander Vladimirov (BUL)
5. Igor Samoilenco (MDA)

54 kg
1. Detelin Dalakiev (BUL)
2. Agassi Mamedov (AZE)
3. Gennady Kovalev (RUS)
4. Ali Hallab (FRA)
5. Zoltan Jozsa (HUN)

57 kg
1. Vitaly Tajbert (GER)
2. Aleksey Tishenko (RUS)
3. Viorel Simion (ROM)
4. Khedafi Djekhir (FRA)
5. Alexsey Shaidulin (BUL)

60 kg
1. Amir Khan (ENG)
2. Gyula Kate (HUN)
3. Murat Khrachev (RUS)
4. Domenico Valentino (ITA)
5. Aydun Selcuk (TUR)

64 kg
1. Alexander Maletin (RUS)
2. Boris Georgiev (BUL)
3. Willy Blain (FRA)
4. Ionut George (ROM)
5. Mustafa Karagolu (TUR)

69 kg
1. Oleg Saitov (RUS)
2. Ruslan Khairov (AZE)
3. Bulent Ulusoy (TUR)
4. Vilmos Balog (HUN)
5. Spas Genov (BUL)

75 kg
1. Gaidarbek Gaidarbekov (RUS)
2. Nikola Sjiekloca (YUG)
3. Oleg Mashkin (UKR)
4. Marian Simion (ROM)
5. Andrei Gogolev (RUS)

81 kg
1. Yevgeniy Makarenko (RUS)
2. Magomed Aripgadzhiev (BLR)
3. Alexey Kuziemski (POL)
4. Rudolf Kraj (CZE)
5. Yildirim Tarhan (TUR)

91 kg
1. Alexander Alexeev (RUS)
2. Viktor Zuyev (BLR)
3. Kubrat Pulev (BUL)
4. Roman Romachuk (RUS)
5. Vitalijus Subacius (LTU)

+91 kg
1. Alexander Povetkin (RUS)
2. Roberto Camarelle (ITA)
3. Islam Timurziev (RUS)
4. Sebastian Kober (GER)
5. Sergey Rozhnov (BUL)

Credits: On http://www.ababoxing.com will find full lists of the ranks!


ENEWS correspondent got married!!!

ENEWS’s Pakistani special correspondent Sajid Mahmood got married!!! Congratulations to him and his beautiful wife Riffat Jasmine, who were described by the bridegroom as “Very caring and loving. A pearl, A Diamond. Actually I am short of words to describe her.” Let Almighty God, Allah or whoever has the power to give you many children!

Matt Mizerski’s records

The author of unique amateur boxing database Matt Mizerski presents to ENEWS readers some of the most interesting facts in the history of the Olympic Games:

One fighter won two titles at the same Games: Harry Kirk (USA) in Saint Louis’04

Two fighters participated on four Olympic Games: Gyorgu Gedo (HUN) and Somluck Kamsing (THA)

Three boxers had three Olympic titles each: Laszlo Pap (HUN), Teofilio Stevenson (CUB), and Felix Savon (CUB)

Four fighters won two medals at the same Games: Harry Kirk (USA), Charles Mayer (USA), Harry Spranger (USA), and George Finnegan (USA)

Top 5 of youngest Olympic Games champions:
John Fields (USA) – 1924 at 16 years and 120 days
Floyd Patterson (USA) – 1952 at 17 years, 6 months and 28 days
Juan Hernandez (CUB) – 1980 at 17 years and 7 months
Meldrick Taylor (USA) – 1984 at 17 years 9 months and 11 days
Carlo Orlandi (ITA) – 1928 at 18 years

Top 6 of the oldest gold medal winners
Richard Gunn (GBR) – 1908 at 37 years old
Mario Kindelan (CUB) – 2004 at 33 years and 19 days
Harry Mallin (GBR) – 1924 at 32 years
Jan Szczepanski (POL) – 1972 at 32 years
Alexander Lebziak (RUS) – 2000 at 31 years and 4 months
Edward Crook (USA) – 1960 at 31 years

Seven fighters won three Olympic medals: Laszlo Pap (HUN), Zbigniew Pietrzykowski (POL), Boris Lagutin (URSS), Teofilio Stevenson (CUB), Arnold Van der Lijde (NED), Felix Savon (CUB) and Oleg Saitov.

Ten fighters won twice Olympic gold: Oliver Kirk (USA), Harry Mallin (GBR), Jerzy Kulej (POL), Boris Lagutin (RUS), Angel Herrera Vera (CUB), Hector Vinent (CUB), Ariel Hernandez (CUB), Oleg Saitov (RUS), Guillermo Rigondeaux (CUB), and Mario Kindelan (CUB)
Credits: Technical director of Canadian boxing association Matt Mizerski


Loring Baker passed away

Loring Baker, long-time member and leader in USA Boxing, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77 on August 16, at his home in Alpharetta, Georgia. A private funeral service was held on August 21.
Baker is survived by his son, Bill Baker, daughter, Pat Maloney, son-in-law, Frank Maloney, two grandchildren, Patricia Gordon Baker and Ryan Patrick Maloney, and long-time companion, Nadina Elmas. His wife, Beulah, preceded him in death in 1994.
Baker was involved in boxing from the grassroots level to the international level. He boxed in high school and in the U.S. Navy, winning the regimental championships. Also active in other sports, he played high school football and was on his college swim team at Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also was a semi-professional player and coach of American football, and refereed college and high school football.
Baker, a life member of USA Boxing, coached amateur boxing for 20 years, served as trustee for two scholarship funds, was Chairman of both the USA Boxing Officials Committee and the International Committee, and was a member of the Board of Directors, holding the position of President from 1980 to 1984. Baker was the first president of the organization, then known as United States of America Amateur Boxing Federation (USAABF). At the international level, Baker was an Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA) referee/judge, Vice President of AIBA, Executive Committee member of AIBA, and most recently, served for four years as Secretary General of AIBA.
Baker’s career was in the chemical process industry, where he worked as Bench Chemist, Plant Superintendent, Plant Manager, Vice President and Director of Manufacturing and Executive Vice President. His most significant accomplishment in this field was the design, construction and operation of a chemical plant which handled dangerous chemicals for 20 years without a single lost-time accident.
Baker was passionate about and believed in and worked for the good of amateur boxing. His contributions to amateur boxing will long be remembered, and he will be missed by family and friends.
Credits: President of USA boxing Robert Voy and Melanie Ley, editor of http://www.amateur-boxing

ENEWS is offer his condolence to all relatives and friends of Loring Baker

In October edition of ENEWS you will learn how Alexey Tischenko changed ballet shoes with boxing ones. How Val Barker winner Bakhtiar Artayev cried after failing to qualify for the Games in the first Asian qualification. How Manus Boonjumnong spend one week collecting prizes and awards in his home country Thailand and what was the total amount of money he got for his Olympic gold medal. Of course there will be a lot more from the world of amateur boxing.

ENEWS project aim is to try to improve the amateur boxing information stream in Europe and World wide. We have no precise period for publishing ENEWS, but hope in the future with common efforts to be in a position set some sort of time between editions. This Newsletter is sent to nearly 500 e-mail addresses, featuring national associations, officials, coaches, fighters, journalists, news agencies, fans, members of Olympic boxing forum (http://www.eaba.org/forum) etc .ENEWS is distributed via the Internet thanks to the president of Stockholm boxing association Lars Westerberg (http://www.boxopen.nu), British boxing publisher Leslie McCarthy (http://www.boxingaction.com) and Martin Campen, editor of UK boxing TALK (http://www.warriorboxing.com).
Please feel free to send news from your countries to [email protected] and they will become part of ENEWS.

Editorial crew:
Ognian Georgiev a.k.a. ogii3
Martin Campen a.k.a. Warrior (http://www.warriorboxing.com)

[The Scientist]

Took ages to read but was worth it.
Cheers Og & Warrior.