Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine delivered a powerful performance to claim the gold medal in the men’s 80kg boxing final at Stade Roland-Garros on Wednesday, August 7. Khyzhniak secured victory with a 3-2 split decision in a bout marked by his relentless aggression and skillful technique.
From the opening bell, Khyzhniak dominated the ring with a barrage of punches, showcasing his superior offensive strategy. He kept Nurbek Oralbay of Kazakhstan on the defensive, landing a series of body shots, uppercuts, and jabs that tested Oralbay’s resilience.
Despite the pressure, Oralbay remained composed and retaliated with strong counterattacks. The match was a gripping spectacle, with both fighters exchanging blows that kept the audience and judges engaged. After two rounds, the judges split their scores, awarding one round to each boxer.
In the decisive third round, Khyzhniak’s sustained aggression began to take its toll on Oralbay. His uppercuts pierced through Oralbay’s defenses, and his body shots proved increasingly effective. Oralbay, despite a bleeding nose and a valiant effort, could not turn the tide in his favor.
As the final bell rang, the judges awarded Khyzhniak the victory, and the Ukrainian boxer’s joy was palpable. Khyzhniak, who had previously won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, expressed his elation, stating, “Since getting the silver medal in Tokyo to this day, and finally getting the gold, I have worked so hard. But I’ve done it. It’s a gold medal for Ukraine.”
In addition to Khyzhniak’s gold, Oralbay took home the silver medal, while Cristian Javier Pinales of the Dominican Republic and Arlen Lopez Cardona of Cuba received bronze medals after their semi-final losses.
Boxing: Men’s 80kg Podium
| Position | Athlete | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Oleksandr Khyzhniak | Ukraine (UKR) |
| Silver | Nurbek Oralbay | Kazakhstan (KAZ) |
| Bronze | Cristian Javier Pinales | Dominican Republic (DOM) |
| Bronze | Arlen Lopez Cardona | Cuba (CUB) |
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