By Abdellatif Sharaa
KUWAIT: With five gold medals and a bronze, Uzbekistan's team took the first position in Kuwait's first International Boxing Championship that was concluded on Monday. Thailand was second - with a gold and two silver medals while China took third with one gold and a silver medal. Fourth place went to Iran with two silver and two bronze. Kuwait secured fifth with one silver and two bronze as Kyrgyzstan (sixth) grabbed one silver and a bronze. Ukraine (seventh) took one silver while Iraq (eighth) won two bronze. Morocco and Hong Kong (ninth) won a bronze medal each.
The bout between Kuwait's champion Abdelrahman Al-Enezi and China's Maimaiti Aihemaiti (92kg+) was highly competitive. The Chinese has a height advantage and was able to deliver straight punches while keeping his distance as Al-Enezi focused on short hook punches.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Boxing Federation Chairman Mohammad Mansi lauded the friendly spirit that dominated the championship and the cooperation of all delegations during his speech at the conclusion of the boxing tournament. "We were honored and pleased to host you all. Your active participation and fruitful cooperation contributed to the success of the event," he said, adding that the Championship saw exciting bouts and was filled with good spirits among the fighters.
Mansi thanked the Interior, Information and Health ministries as well as Kuwait Olympic Committee Public Authority for sport for their cooperation and support. Kuwait's silver medalist in the 92kg+ Abdelrahman Al-Enezi said he gave his best in his final bout of a career that spanned 22 years, adding that the fight was tough but close in all rounds. Al-Enenzi thanked Kuwait Boxing Federation for the support he and other boxers received.
Results of the final bouts were as follows: In the 51kg; Abdumajid Mannopov (UZB) defeated Mostafa Rigi (IRI). In the 57kg: Abdumalikkhalokov (UZB) beat SarawutSukthet (THA); In the 63kg: Khunatip Pidnuch (THA) outpunched Bagher Faraji (IRI); In the 71kg: Javlonbek Yuldoshev (UZB) defeated Sitthisak Yuldoshev (THA); In the 80kg: Dilshodbek Ruzmetov (UZB) overpowered UuluErkin Adylbek (KGZ); In the 92kg: DiyorbekUralov (UZB) beat MykytaGorbatenko (UKR) while in 92kg+: Maimaiti Aihematiti (CHN) defeated Abdelrahman Al-Enezi (KWT).