Final Preps Done for AIBA World Champs

(ATR) Before preliminary bouts can begin Tuesday, boxers weighed-in and received their draws for the 10-day AIBA Word Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar.

The 243 boxers from 73 countries are competing for the chance to represent their country at the Rio 2016 Olympics next August. In order to make it, the athletes in each weight class must survive five rounds and finish in the top three for most weight classes.

In the 49 kg, 52 kg and 81 kg weight classes, only the two finalists will qualify to make the trip to Brazil. Only the champion will advance to the Olympics from the 91 kg and 91+ kg heavyweight classes. The remaining five weight classes will send the top three athletes.

Boxers gathered in the Ezdan Hotel on Monday afternoon following their official weigh-in to learn the road they must take to the finals and earn the coveted title of world champion.

AIBA president C.K. Wu announced the results of the draw starting with the lightest weight class at 49 kg and proceeded in increasing order.

Welterweight competitor and European champion Eimantas Stanionis drew Adam Nolan, a 2012 Olympian from Ireland. Stanionis says he is familiar with his opening round opponent.

"Nothing has changed after the draw, and as a new European champion, I have got great expectations in Doha. You can’t change the draw so I will do my best to win in the ring against everybody. I know my Irish opponent well enough, but I am also well prepared," said Stanionis.

The preliminary bouts will take place from Tuesday to Friday with many of the top-ranked boxers receiving byes into the second stage of prelims. The gold medal matches of the event will take place on Thursday, October 15. Around the Rings will be on the scene in Doha for the final week of competition.

The world championships for women’s boxing get underway January 14, 2016 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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