Uzbekistan’s star, Abdumalik Khalokov won his first challenge at the Strandja Memorial Tournament
The prestigious 75th edition of the Strandja Memorial Tournament opened with its first preliminary day in Sofia, Bulgaria where Uzbekistan’s superstar, Abdumalik Khalokov opened his campaign with a success.
Altogether 83 women and 178 men boxers are participating in the new edition of the Strandja Memorial Tournament in 6 female and 13 male weight categories.
The traditional event will be a great opportunity to prepare actively before the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event. The 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event will take place in Busto Arsizio, North Italy between February 29 and March 13.
Algeria, Armenia, Austria, host Bulgaria, China, France, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, India, Iran, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are the participating 28 countries in Sofia.
Uzbekistan’s Khujanazar Nortojiyev won several medals as a youth boxer during his career and he is a young hope in their national team at the bantamweight (54kg). The Uzbek teenager dominated all of the three rounds against Kosovo’s Bashkim Bajoku and managed his clear pathway to the next round.
Uzbekistan’s top star, Abdumalik Khalokov is the defending World Champion, Asian Games winner and ASBC Asian Champion at the featherweight (57kg). The 24-year-old Uzbek enjoyed his opener against Algeria’s experienced Oussama Mordjane and he won all of the three rounds in each judges’ scorecards.
Kazakhstan sent its second line-ups to the Strandja Memorial Tournament and their 20-year-old Ruslan Kuzeubayev caused a small surprise in the first competition day. The young Kazakh lightweight (60kg) boxer worked hard against Georgia’s European Champion Artyush Gomtsyan and he eliminated a more experienced rival on his opener. His teammate, the World silver medallist Dulat Bekbauov had a very hard first battle against Bulgaria’s Blagovest Nedelchev but his finish was enough to win this welterweight (67kg) bout in Sofia. Another Kazakh talent, Daulet Moldashev defeated Kyrgyzstan’s 19-year-old Ruslan Ernest Uulu at the bantamweight (54kg) and he also marched to the next round.
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