Two spectacular closing days of action saw the final champions crowned in the boxing tournament of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games on Friday and Saturday.
The highlight of the boxing tournament finals was Canada’s three-time AMBC American Women’s Continental Champion Mandy Bujold defeating AIBA Women’s World Champion Marlen Esparza in front of her home fans in a packed Oshawa Sports Center to win a gold medal in women’s 51 kg weight category on her birthday.
"I felt great in the ring tonight against Marlen Esparza. I was able to put my game plan to work, and I could see her punches coming. I fought smart and I am proud of that. I am going to celebrate my gold medal and my birthday tonight with everyone who came to Oshawa to cheer me on," said Canada’s gold medallist Mandy Bujold after her final bout.
The Cuban boxers claimed three gold medals on the first day of the finals, and their strong team doubled that tally on the second day, making Cuba the most successful boxing nation in the history of Pan American Games. With Cuba winning six gold medals, the hosts Canada won three, USA – two, while Mexico and Venezuela won one gold medal each. In total, 11 different countries earned a medal during these games, showcasing the vitality of boxing all over Americas.
"These Pan Am Games were an incredible event to promote our sport with astounding performances from men and women boxers in a fully packed Oshawa Sports Center. The diversity of our medalists and the countries awarded sent an utmost signal one year before the Olympic Games in Brazil. Boxing will be one of the most exciting sport to follow with amazing athletes getting ready to reach the ultimate pinnacle of their careers", said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.
The gold medal winners per weight category are:
Women’s 51 kg: Mandy Bujold, Canada
Women’s 60 kg: Caroline Veyre, Canada
Women’s 75 kg: Claressa Shields, United States of America
Men’s 49 kg: Joselito Velasquez, Mexico
Men’s 52 kg: Antonio Vargas, United States of America
Men’s 56 kg: Andy Cruz Gomez, Cuba
Men’s 60 kg: Lazaro Alvarez, Cuba
Men’s 64 kg: Arthur Biyarslanov, Canada
Men’s 69 kg: Gabriel Maestre, Venezuela
Men’s 75 kg: Arlen Lopez, Cuba
Men’s 81 kg: Julio Cesar La Cruz, Cuba
Men’s 91 kg: Erislandy Savon, Cuba
Men’s +91 kg: Leinier Pero, Cuba
For more information, contact:
AIBA PR & Communications Department
+41 21 621 80 00
communication@aiba.org
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