LIVERPOOL, England – Two of the standout talents in the World Amateur Championships advanced to the quarterfinals at their respective weights.
Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez and Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Ummataliev are each one win away from guaranteeing at least a bronze medal. Both posted big wins on Tuesday in the 65kg and 80kg divisions, respectively.
Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti was the first boxer to secure a medal at the tournament, guaranteeing she takes home at least a bronze with her win over Ireland’s Lisa Edel O’Rourke in the Women’s 70kg category. That was followed up by England’s Chantelle Reid who also secured a minimum of bronze with her win over Mengge Zhang, also in the same category.
In the Round of 16, the USA had a disappointing day with two of their boxers being eliminated from the tournament. Jajaira Gonzalez was beaten via unanimous decision by Poland’s Aneta Rygielska in the Women’s 60kg category, whilst Robby Gonzales was also beaten unanimously by Croatia’s Gabrijel Veocic at 80kg.
One of the stars of the tournament was on display today, Alvarez competed in a fantastic contest against Kyrgyzstan's Almaz Orozbekov in the Men’s 65kg category.
Alvarez displayed why his skills earned an Olympic gold medal last summer in Paris. He cruised in the first but was dragged into a fight by the Kyrg as the fight went on. The pair went toe-to-toe in the third and participated in what perhaps will be the round of the tournament.
Alvarez took the contest by unanimous decision and will be a tough man to beat at 65kg.
Uzbekistan have been one of the standout nations at the tournament so far, and both continued their success on Day 6.
Ummataliev – the star of the Uzbek squad - breezed through his contest with Korea’s Minseong Kim in the 80kg category. At just 20 years old it’s scary to think of how special this young talent could become.
Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev (65kg) and Akmaljon Isroilov (85kg), also of Uzbekistan, also secured their place in the last eight with dominant wins.
One of the knockouts of the tournament so far happened in the Men’s 55kg category where a powerful right hand from Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan rendered Kosovo’s Bashkim Bajoku unconscious.
Kazakhstan picked up two wins over England on Day 6, Yertugan Zeinulinov defeated Patris Mughalzai at 65kg, whilst Viktoriya Grafeyeva pipped Lucy Kings-Wheatley in the Women’s 60kg category.
It wasn’t all bad news for England, Dimeji Shittu was victorious in the Men’s 80kg category, whilst Alice Pumphrey picked a win at 48kg. The day was capped off with England’s Teagn Scott defeating Czech Republic’s Daniel Komarek in the Men’s 85kg category.
Full list of results from Day 6:
Tom Ivers is an amateur boxer who has a master’s degree in sports journalism. He had his first bout in 2013, joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.
