American boxer Robby Gonzales showed mental fortitude by defeating Eldric Sella of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Refugee Team by unanimous decision in the men’s 80kg Boxing Road to Paris 1st World Qualification Tournament opening bout on Monday, March 4 in Busto Arsizio, Italy. Despite a 5-0 lead on the scorecards, the USA Boxing star did not have things all his own way. Venezuelan boxer Sella landed a stunning cross punch in the second round, knocking and sending his opponent to the canvas. But Gonzales, the 2021 light heavyweight world champion, exhibited his superior experience by regaining his composure and closing out the bout.
I’ve had a rough three months. In my last tournament, I lost on the first day, and I haven’t lost on the first day of a tournament for a while, Gonzales said securing a crucial win. I’m building my confidence back, but the job isn’t done yet. I was knocked down in the second round when he hit me with a good shot but I came through the adversity and I’m ready to show who I am and get my golden ticket to Paris 2024, the 27-year-old boxer expressed.
After falling short at the 2016 Olympic Trials, Gonzales won the 2020 Olympic Trials but was prevented from competing in the Olympic Qualifiers due to COVID-19 guidelines. After failing to secure a Paris 2024 Olympic quota at the 2023 Pan American Games, the American is determined not to miss his chance this time.
This is my chance and I’ve sacrificed a lot in the last three months so I’m ready to get the job done. Trying to become an Olympian for the third time has been rough, Gonzales added. My mother and father just told me to keep going and whatever happens. Right now, I want to inspire the youth and the next generation who will follow my path. I’m trying to set a legacy right now, Gonzales concluded.
Meanwhile, 2021 world bronze medalist Weerapon Jongjoho of Thailand defeated Lithuania’s Robertas Liorancas in the men’s 80kg division. Bantamweight reigning world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan edged past Ethiopia’s Fikremariyam Yadesa Leta in the men’s 57kg category. Armenia’s Artur Bazeyan, the featherweight world silver medalist in 2022, beat Seifeddine Letaief in the men’s 57kg category.
Earlier on Sunday, World Championships bronze medalist Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Asian Games bronze medalist Narender (+92kg) bowed out after losing their respective round of 64 clash.
