Noteworthy Performances

Men’s Featherweight

Serik Temirzhanov (KAZ) defeated Roland Galos (HUN) – One of the studs of the first day, Temirzhanov jumped off the screen as a pro-ready fighter, who was focused, sharp, and in control. Temirzhanov has an effective style for the amateurs, but one that could easily transfer over to the pros. I see him as the elite of the division, and so far the closest rival to favorite, Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov.

Ceiber Ávila (COL) defeated Mohammad Al-Wadi (JOR) – It could’ve been the opponent, but Avila looked like a raw version of Oscar Valdez from the Olympics prior with the main difference being his southpaw stance. Aggressive, talented, and smart. Avila is an exciting fighter to watch as he is a crowd-pleaser.

Duke Ragan (USA) defeated Samuel Kistohurry (France) – An ugly foul-ridden fight that saw the right man win in Ragan, but very dangerous as Kistohurry used a lot of dirty tactics that could have lingering effects on Ragan. Ragan has a tough task ahead with Temirzhanov in his next bout.

Men’s Welterweight

Albert Mengue (CMR) stopped Thabiso Dlamini (SWZ) – Mengue looks to be a force to be reckoned with, as he stopped Dlamini and celebrated afterward in a viral manner. Mengue on my bracket should make it to the semi-finals and meet Pat McCormack, who is the class of the division, but Mengue looks to be a fighter who earned a lot of respect with just one fight, and win over Aidan Walsh of Ireland, would make him a fighter most promoters would be eager to sign.

Delante “Tiger” Johnson defeated Brian Arregui – Both Johnson and Arregui impressed me. Arregui looks to be the heir apparent to Brian Castano and Diego Chaves in terms of pressure-based Argentinan fighters, and Johnson is a very sweet boxer, with no ceiling insight in terms of the pro game. Johnson was dropped in the second round but came back to win the fight via a split decision.

Eskerkhan Madiev (GEO) stopped Lorenzo Sotomayor (AZE), doctor stoppage from a cut – Pressure, pressure and more pressure. Madiev does one thing well, and that is pressure. Beating a decorated amateur with a pro-style makes him a name to keep an eye on.

Women’s Featherweight

Nesthy Petecio (PHI) defeats Marcelat Matshu (COD) – Petecio has a lot of success at the world level, but her true test to see if she will medal in this year’s games comes in the next round as she faces Lin Yu-ting, the #1 seed. Petecio has a hop-in, hop-out style and reminds me of Bay Area boxer, Bruno Escalante.

Irma Testa (ITA) defeated Liudmila Vorontsova (ROC) – I greatly underestimated Irma Testa who might just be one of the best women’s featherweight fighters in the world. The hands-down European wiggle is used to perfection, and her timing is special. Testa will face Michaela Walsh of Ireland next, if she gets by her, I see her going to the semi-finals.

Women’s Welterweight

Karolina Koszewska (POL) defeated Shakhnoza Yunusova (UZB) – Koszewska, at 39-years-old, has a lot of experience a long-frame she uses to her advantage to defeat her opponents. She had the strongest performance of any fighter in this weight class on day one

Other Results

Men’s featherweight

Kurt Walker (IRL) defeated José Quiles (ESP)

Jean Caicedo (COL) defeated Mykola Butsenko (UKR)

Men’s welterweight

Merven Clair (MRI) defeated Wyatt Sanford (CAN)

Aliaksandr Radzionau (BLR) defeated Necat Ekinci (TUR)

Sewon Okazawa (JPN) defeated Vikas Krishan Yadav (IND)

Stephen Zimba (ZAM) defeated Marion Faustino Ah Tong (SAM)

Alexy de la Cruz (DOM) defeated Keevin Allicock (GUY)

Erdenebatyn Tsendbaatar (MGL) defeated Nick Okoth (KEN)

Nguyễn Văn Đương (VIE) defeated Tayfur Aliyev (AZE)

Mirko Cuello (ARG) defeated Hamsat Shadalov (GER)

Chatchai-decha Butdee (THA) defeated Peter McGrail (GBR)

Heavyweight

Abdelhafid Benchabla (ALG) defeated Sanjar Tursunov (UZB)

Super Heavyweight

Mahammad Abdullayev (AZE) defeated Danis Latypov (BHR)

Women’s Featherweight

Nikolina Ćaćić (CRO) defeated Yarisel Ramirez (USA)

Karriss Artingstall (GBR) defeated Keamogetse Kenosi (BOT)

Sena Irie (JPN) defeated Yamileth Solorzano (ESA)

Women’s Welterweight

Baison Manikon (THA) defeated Saadat Dalgatova (ROC)