Olympics: Uzbekistan Jalolov wins super-heavyweight boxing gold medal
After conquering his old rival, United States’ Richard Torrez Jr, at the end of the super-heavyweight 91kg finals, Bakhodir Jalolov claimed his country's first-ever Olympic title in the event.
As
the Olympics official website reports, the last time the duo went toe-to-toe in the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships, Uzbekistan knocked the 22-year-old out. However, this time with more experience under his belt, Torrez fought hard in the bruising battle but was denied the victory, which the judges awarded to Jalolov 5-0.
“The last bout was really hard," the Uzbekistan athlete said later. “I still feel as if I’m dreaming right now, being a champion. I think a lot of sportsmen would love to be the Olympic champion. It was also one of my dreams when I was a child. Now I could achieve the result.”
On the other side, Torrez calmly and confidently walked into the Kokugikan Arena to the strains of Beethoven’s 'Moonlight Sonata' to take revenge for his previous defeat.
Despite a stunning performance from the young American, who started the first round better, Jalolov used his experience to win by a unanimous decision and was crowned Olympic champion in the last boxing bout of Tokyo 2020.
"I had the world in my hands, and it slipped, and I watched it fall and break, and I'm trying to pick up the pieces," said a disappointed Tozzer, who had to settle for silver.
"He's a big dude. He's a huge competitor I want to say congratulations to him. Being in that ring and getting hit, it's not fun. Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. I got hit one time, I got wobbled, but I was able to maintain my feet, I was able to maintain my composure and continue."
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