october, 2015 Newsletter NEWS FROM ASBC

Together we are power content

MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV IS PROUD OF ASIA’S DEVELOPMENTS 4

MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV ATTENDED IN THE AIBA EC MEETING 5

MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV ARRIVED TO DOHA IN THE PRELIMINARIES 6

MR.YOUSUF ALI AL-KAZIM - DOHA CONQUERED THE HEARTS 7

ASIA CLAIMED 13 MEDALS IN DOHA 9

LIST OF THE ASIAN QUALIFIED ATHLETES TO THE RIO 2016 12

INTERVIEW WITH MR. WALID JARRAR 14

JORDAN’S NEW ERA BEGINS IN 15

ATHLETE OF OCTOBER – BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV 16 samruk-energy.kz SIX ASIAN GOLD MEDALS IN THE WORLD MILITARY GAMES 18

KAZAKHSTAN’S SELECTION EVENT - ASTANA WOMEN’S CUP 20

UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER 22

October, 2015 3 Together we are power

President of the Asian Boxing Confederation and Vice-Pres- ident of AIBA Mr. Serik Kon- akbayev attended in the AIBA MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV Executive Committee Meeting today which was held in the rest day of the Doha 2015 AIBA IS PROUD OF ASIA’S DEVELOPMENTS World Boxing Championships. President of the Asian Boxing Confederation and Vice-President of AIBA Mr. Serik Konakbayev arrived to the venue of the AIBA World Boxing Championships to Doha still in the preliminary stage of the compe- tition to watch the performance of the Asian boxers in the picturesque capital city of Qatar. MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV ATTENDED Mr. Serik Konakbayev summarized his The Asian Boxing Confederation is Bangkok where their boxers took nine thoughts after five competition days focusing to the Rio 2016 Olympics in medals. is also among the key of the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing the tactical level and following seven of boxing nations in the world while China, Championships. our athletes qualified to the Games we , and bagged “We had three successful ASBC Asian could recognize our current potential medals in Doha from our continent which IN THE AIBA EC MEETING Boxing Championships in the recent here in the Doha 2015 AIBA World shows our diversity and background months in Tashkent, in Wulanchabu and Boxing Championships. The Asian boxers potential. Host Qatar, Mongolia, and Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu the AIBA President welcomed all of the the 2024 Olympic Games. Another German city Munich finally in Bangkok. On those events we collected finally amazing 13 medals here Jordan are also impressed in Doha. participants of the AIBA Executive Committee Meeting in was the host of the AIBA World Boxing Championships showed the power of the Asian continent in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing The Asian Boxing Confederation working the opening part of the negotiations in Doha. The bidding firstly in 1982 and following that Berlin was the capital of to the world as we had more than 400 Championships and we could do a big hard together with the affiliated national cities of the 2017 AIBA World Boxing Championships boxing in 1995 where Asia claimed three medals. boxers and the performance of the women impact in the world’s boxing life. Asia’s federations to get record number of showed their presentations and following that the The further topics of the meeting were the updates elite, men elite and also for our junior performance improved in comparison to Olympic quotas to the Rio 2016 Olympic AIBA Executive Committee decided the venue of the from the Special Ad Hoc Commissions, the Audit in the boxers were excellent. Asia has got great the previous editions and now not only Games,” said ASBC President and AIBA competition which will be the first milestone in the road to while the members of the Executive future potential in boxing and our strategic Kazakhstan could surprise the boxing Vice-President Mr. Serik Konakbayev after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The winner of the bidding Committee approved the financial report. The closing plans is to raise our position in the battle world. impressed the whole the quarter-finals of the Doha 2015 AIBA process became Hamburg which city hosted a program in remarks has done by AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu among the continents. world which we could recognize also in World Boxing Championships. the Cycle I in the AIBA Pro Boxing and also aiming to host the EC Meeting in Doha.

4 www.aiba.org October, 2015 5 Together we are power MR. SERIK KONAKBAYEV ARRIVED TO DOHA IN THE PRELIMINARIES

President of the Asian Boxing Confederation and Vice- Konakbayev will be there in the ASBC Competition Commission President of AIBA Mr. Serik Konakbayev arrived to the venue Meeting on Friday and follow the performance of the Asian of the AIBA World Boxing Championships to Doha and boxers from the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena where he will will be watching the event from the preliminaries. Mr. Serik have negotiations with the leaders of the world’s boxing life.

MR.YOUSUF ALI AL-KAZIM – DOHA CONQUERED THE HEARTS

Mr. Yousuf Ali Al-Kazim is the Vice-President of the Asian We have asked Mr. Al-Kazim about his thoughts, opinion Boxing Confederation and also he is the President of the and the performance of the local and Asian boxers in an Qatar Boxing Federation which association hosted the interview. AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha.

6 www.aiba.org October, 2015 7 Together we are power I think we succeeded with that vision, and hopefully we will definitely see concrete results. The event became one celebration based on sporting action, inspiration, health and wellbeing across the country and the region. We set up a big fan zone outside the arena which has been packed with people of all ages, but especially children, throughout the competition. What was your opinion about the Doha 2015 AIBA embassies in Doha, and the response was beyond our World Boxing Championships which was the main wildest dreams. People flocked to the arena with flags event of the year? and banners, and it was amazing to feel the capacity — It has been a huge success. It has once again put Qatar crowd singing, cheering and chanting – people from the on the map as a global sports hub and showcased our Philippines. India, Ireland and . In many ways the ability to host major international sports events. AIBA crowd represented the multinational city what Doha is have said that this World Championship have set a new which was great to see in the arena. benchmark, while the athletes have informed us that they have never experienced better facilities. All in all we are Are the foreigners respected your hospitability? very happy after the year-long preparation. How did you see it during the AIBA World Boxing Championships? What were the biggest issues, problems in the — We have received feedbacks from everyone such as ASIA CLAIMED 13 MEDALS preparations to such a big event as the AIBA World from ambassadors to media to the athletes and all were Boxing Championship? satisfied with our services. I think they are all happy with — For us there were no problems, only challenges which Doha as host to world boxing’s signature event, and that we relish and challenges that we have solved in perfect they leave Qatar with best memories. We have done way. If I had to pick one issue, which I firmly believe we everything to make sure about it. worked out really well in the end, it would have to be the arrivals of the boxing superstars such as Manny Pacquiao, What are your personal thoughts about the IN DOHA Amir Khan and the Klichko brothers. We knew it was going performance of the Qatari boxers? to cause quite hysteria among sport fans in Doha, but it — It was great experience for our local boxers to be able The second part of the gold medal bouts were held at The LOC of the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing was a nice, controlled one. to compete on the world stage on home soil for the the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Championships divided the finals into two parts same as in first time in history, and in front of friends and families. the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Asia achieved 13 the semi-finals. The gold medal bouts of the 52 kg, 60 kg, 69 What objectives were the main strengths of your Although we love boxing as much as anyone, boxing in kg, 81 kg and +91 kg classes were held on Thursday in Doha. organization? Qatar and the Middle East is still very much an emerging medals in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Champi- In the first day of the finals the three Uzbek boxers claimed — First of all experience, boosted by the vision and sport, so hopefully this experience will have inspired both onships and in the final day two of our hopes fought three silver medals for Asia while Kazakhstan was also able to support of Qatar Olympic Committee President H.H. the team and next generation of boxing heroes. I think for the titles in Qatar. get two runner-up places in the day of the finals. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani and Secretary General they did their country proud. H.E. Dr. Thani Al Kuwari and their experts in the most important areas of logistics, branding and media support. How do you see Qatar’s boxing life in the future? Will the AIBA World Boxing Championships have a Light class Philippines’ ASBC Asian Confederation bit different tactic against ’s Vasilii How did you feel yourself personally during the big impact in Qatar? (49 kg): Boxing Championships silver medallist Egorov who achieved gold medal at the whole championships? — There is no question about that. We have already seen Rogen Ladon eliminated ’s two- EUBC European Confederation Boxing — It is difficult to describe, as I am still very much in a sort the effects by the capacity crowds here in Doha. Through time Panamerican Games winner Joselito Championship. The Filipino boxer was not of live event mode. I feel focused and inspired by seeing these AIBA World Boxing Championships we have laid Velasquez and ’s Dawid Jagodzinski enough shape in the opening round but this wonderful event taking place in my country. I could the foundations for the future, and we will continue to in the previous two rounds in Doha. he was better in the second where he had watch over 10 days of incredible boxing actions here at develop the sport in years to come. When we won the Ladon reached his career highlight some great counter-attacks. Ladon had a the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. bid to be hosts for the global boxing elite, we wanted to winning a medal in an AIBA World brave attempt to turn back the bout and make the boxing sport come to life across Qatar and in Boxing Championships but he was still had a great run in the final three minutes Which was the biggest success of the LOC in the the Middle East, and to ensure that it left a lasting legacy hungry for further successes. The 22- but Egorov could keep a tiny advantage event? for years to come. I think we succeeded with that vision, year-old rising hope planned to use a in their contest. — In order to be a successful host for such a prestigious and hopefully we will definitely see concrete results. The event as the AIBA World Boxing Championships, there is event became one celebration based on sporting action, not one particular area that needs to work well – it is the inspiration, health and wellbeing across the country and combination of all departments working together in one the region. We set up a big fan zone outside the arena Flyweight class China’s WSB athlete Hu Jianguan defeated Cuban opponent, AIBA World Boxing coherent and dynamic organism. which has been packed with people of all ages, but (52 kg): Uzbekistan’s 2014 Championships bronze medallist Yosbany especially children, throughout the competition. We also silver medallist Shakhobiddin Zoirov and Veitia who was seeded as No.1 in Doha. How did you feel the atmosphere of the Doha AIBA made sure that when the boxing legends such as Amir Kazakhstan’s ASBC Asian Champion Olzhas The Chinese boxer used excellent World Boxing Championships? Khan and Manny Pacquiao were visiting, they engaged in Sattibayev in the Doha 2015 AIBA World in the final but he did not feel the rhythm — It was incredible! Tickets were sold out and local meaningful activities with young people in this fan zone. Boxing Championships which results well enough and the counter-attacks of the communities came out in force to support their boxing I think it’s fair to say that Doha 2015 did a big impression were unexpected ones in the event. The Cuban boxer was even more successful heroes. We had great support and cooperation with the for the next generation. 22-year-old Chinese boxer had a tough which means Hu’s campaign ended in Doha.

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Bantamweight class Uzbekistan’s ASBC Asian Confederation performance and knocked down his superb in the semi-final of Baghirov. His Caucasian rival was not able (56 kg): Boxing Championships silver medallist Irish opponent in the final round but his the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing to fight in the third place bout therefore eliminated efforts were not enough to turn back the Championships but he had a chance to Liu Wei achieved a quota. After Lu Bin and Kazakhstan’s , Thailand’s contest which means Uzbekistan could get get a spot to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Zhang Jiawei he became the third Chinese current ASBC Asian Champion Chatchai silver in Doha. in the box-off against ’s Parviz boxer who could take a quota to Rio. Butdee in Doha and India’s former ASBC Besides to the final bout India’s ASBC Asian Asian Champion which means Champion Shiva Thapa fought for the he met only Asian top rivals in the road to third place in the box-off against ’ the finals. Akhmadaliev’s next opponent for 19-year-old Dzmitry Asanau who claimed class Uzbekistan’s sensation ASBC Asian tactical contest. Melikuziev amazed the the gold was Ireland’s who silver medal in the Baku 2015 European (75 kg): Champion and Nanjing Youth Olympic judges and the spectators with his virtuoso is the current EUBC European Champion Games. The Indian boxer proved his Games winner Bektemir Melikuziev defeated style and tried to keep his concentration in and the Commonwealth Games winner. The best performance only in the final round two gold medal contenders in Doha firstly the final against Cuba’s Arlen Lopez who 24-year-old Irish boxer has already qualified against his teenage rival and could not Russia’s Petr Khamukov in the quarter-finals is the current WSB Champion. The 19- to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games following turn back the bout. Shiva Thapa looked and following that he was also too smart year-old Uzbek sensation was not enough his clear performance in the World Series of more tired than his Belarusian opponent in for Ireland’s Baku 2015 European Games shape in the opening round but he turned Boxing. Akhmadaliev proved top quality of the box-off. winner Michael O’Reilly who triumphed up the heat from the second and he was over Kazakhstan’s defending AIBA World near to get his first AIBA World Boxing Champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly in a Championships’ title.

Lightweight class Uzbekistan’s ASBC Asian Confederation finals and for the guaranteed third place (60 kg): Boxing Championships bronze medallist he had to meet in the box-offs with ’s Elnur Abduraimov defeated Algeria’s All AIBA World Boxing Championships silver Light class Kazakhstan’s London 2012 Olympic Games class (81 kg) which begun in 2003. The Africa Games winner Reda Benbaziz, New medallist Robson Donato Conceicao. The (81 kg): silver medallist most experienced Uzbek team member Zealand’s Chad Milnes and surprisingly 21-year-old Uzbek boxer was motivated was defeated by Uzbekistan’s two-time had to meet with Ireland’s two-time EUBC Mongolia’s Incheon and well concentrated against his South Asian Games winner in European Champion Joseph Ward in the winner and current ASBC Asian Champion American rival which delivered for him a the quarter-final who was medallist in the semi-final which contest was another Dorjnyambuu Otgondalai in the Doha 2015 quota to Rio. As Hurshid Tojibayev has AIBA World Boxing Championships in spectacular one. The Irish boxer controlled AIBA World Boxing Championships. He already qualified from the APB Uzbekistan 2009 and in 2011 as well. Rasulov is on the second part of their bout which means lost to only Cuba’s two-time AIBA World has got two qualification places in the form and continued Uzbekistan’s great Rasulov will be travelling back to home Champion Lazaro Alvarez in the semi- class (60 kg). medal series at the with bronze.

Light class Uzbekistan’s ASBC Asian Confederation European Champion Vitaliy Dunaytsev Heavyweight class Uzbekistan’s ASBC Asian Confederation Levit walked over to the quarter-finals (64 kg): Boxing Championships silver medallist who eliminated Cuba’s Seed No.1 Yasniel (91 kg): Boxing Championships silver medallist as Brazil’s Juan Nogueira could not fight and London 2012 Olympian Fazliddin Toledo Lopez in the second semi-finals. Rustam Tulaganov had to meet with Cuba’s against him two days ago but now he had Gaibnazarov won the key bout of the The Russian boxer used up the faults of the Seed No.1 and he was a to fight against ’s Gevorg Manukian. quarter-finals where he was too strong for Uzbek athlete and in spite of Gaibnazarov’s competitive rival for the Caribbean star in Levit’s opponent was silver medallist in the Italy’s Vincenzo Mangiacapre who took efforts Dunaytsev could win their gold spite of the fact he lost his contest narrowly. Baku 2015 European Games and shocked medals in all of the major international medal bout. The box-off for the third place Kazakhstan’s two-time ASBC Asian the Kazakh ringside when his hand was championships. The 24-year-old Uzbek in this also affected an Asian Champion and WSB Champion Vassiliy raised after the final bell. boxer defeated also Thailand’s current ASBC boxer, Thailand’s who Asian Champion and Asian Games winner should have been met with the above Wuttichai Masuk on their re-match after mentioned Cuban star. The Thai southpaw the Bangkok finals. Gaibnazarov’s last and walked over as his Cuban opponent was class Kazakhstan’s London 2012 Olympic with France’s former Singapore 2010 Youth final opponent was Russia’s reigning EUBC not able to fight against him. (+91 kg): Games bronze medallist and Asian Games Olympic Champion who defeated winner outpointed Brazil’s two gold medal contenders in the previous Rafael Duarte Lima, ’s promising rounds. Dychko was motivated and he Florian Schulz and Uzbekistan’s Bakhodir had some effective punches in the second Welterweight class Kazakhstan’s defending AIBA World Yeleussinov could not show his best form Jalolov which contest was a narrow one. round of their final. Kazakhstan’s last hope (69 kg): Champion, Asian Games winner and ASBC this time and suffered a surprise loss to Kazakhstan’s big man had to meet in the controlled only clearly the final round which Asian Champion the North African boxer who reached his final of the Super Heavyweight class (+91 kg) was not enough to turn back the contest. defeated Belarus’ EUBC European career highlight in Doha in the front of the Confederation Boxing Championships Arabic crowd. silver medallist Pavel Kastramin, Philippines’ China’s Liu Wei surprisingly defeated ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing Mongolia’s Byamba Tuvshinbat in a close Championships silver medallist Eumir contest and delivered a sensational Felix Marcial and Azerbaijan’s Baku 2015 triumph over Lithuania’s Eimantas European Games winner Parviz Baghirov Stanionis who claimed gold medal in the in the road to the finals. The Kazakh star EUBC European Confederation Boxing will now meet with ’s WSB No.1 Championships in Samokov two months Mohammad Rabii in the gold medal bout. ago. The Chinese boxer lost to Morocco’s

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After the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships the Asian continent has got 14 quota places to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and among them 13 will be available due a duplication. Before the champi- onships in Qatar our continent had seven spots which means Doha delivered further seven places to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. LIST OF THE ASIAN QUALIFIED ATHLETES List of the qualified boxers to Rio TO THE RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES 49 kg: Birzhan Zhakipov, Kazakhstan 64 kg: Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan had a lone quota before and Elnur Abduraimov from Doha - in the third most successful Asian nation the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing the Lightweight class (60 kg) which their in the qualification to Rio de Janeiro. 49 kg: Lu Bin, China 64 kg: Wuttichai Masuk, Thailand Championships but after their great association need to be decided later. Lu Bin (49 kg) and Zhang Jiawei (56 kg) performance in Qatar the number of Asia's top boxing nation Kazakhstan qualified from the AIBA Pro Boxing while 56 kg: Zhang Jiawei, China 69 kg: Daniyar Yeleussinov, Kazakhstan their spots raised up to five. Murodjon added one more quota to their previous surprisingly Liu Wei (69 kg) secured a Akhmadaliev (56 kg), Elnur Abduraimov three, star Daniyar Yeleussinov was able to spot in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing 56 kg: Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Uzbekistan 69 kg: Liu Wei, China (60 kg), Fazliddin Gaibnazarov (64 kg) get a spot at the Welterweight class (69 Championships. and 19-year-old Bektemir Melikuziev (75 kg). Birzhan Zhakipov (49 kg) and Berik Iran's best boxer Ehsan Rouzbahani (81 60 kg: Berik Abdrakhmanov, Kazakhstan 75 kg: Bektemir Melikuziev, Uzbekistan kg) secured their new places to Rio which Abdrakhmanov (60 kg) qualified from the kg) was one of the first Asian who had a means Uzbekistan is now near to their APB while Vassiliy Levit (91 kg) from the quota to Rio while Thailand's first quota 60 kg: Hurshid Tojibaev, Uzbekistan 81 kg: Ehsan Rouzbahani, Iran previous performance which was six in WSB previously. was achieved by Wuttichai Masuk (64 kg) London. Uzbekistan has got two quota China, the host of the 2016 AIBA who was bronze medallist in the Doha 60 kg: Elnur Abduraimov, Uzbekistan 91 kg: Vassiliy Levit, Kazakhstan places - Hurshid Tojibaev from the APB Asian & Oceanian Olympic Qualifiers, is 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships.

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INTERVIEW WITH MR. WALID JARRAR JORDAN’S NEW ERA BEGINS Mr. Walid Jarrar of Jordan is the Chairman of the ASBC Competi- Qatar Boxing Federation and its President IN BOXING tion Commission who arrived to Doha to a short visit to lead their Mr. Yousuf Ali Al-Kazim. The Asian boxers meeting during the AIBA World Boxing Championships. The ASBC did their bests in the event in Doha while Jordan repeated its best ever to the quarter-finals in Doha. The young Doha was the best one in Jordan’s history the atmosphere of the competition was performance in the history of Jordanian boxer lost to Uzbekistan’s since 2005 even he is no taller than his Competition Commission Meeting was opened by AIBA President also excellent. We will work harder in the in the Top8 where he opponents. Hussein has got courage Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu while ASBC President and AIBA Vice-President Mr. the AIBA World Boxing Cham- future to promote boxing in our nations pionships in Doha where one of had weight and height disadvantage and tactical tools to defeat his taller Serik Konakbayev attended in the negotiations of the Commission. more actively. against his Central Asian rival. Hussein opponents but in the future we decided to ASBC Vice-President and President of the Qatar Boxing Federation Regarding the performance of the two their talented boxer reached the Iashaish repeated their previous star move him down to the Heavyweight class Mr. Yousuf Ali Al-Kazim is also took part in the ASBC Competition Jordan boxers here in Doha our best boxer quarter-final stage of the global boxer’s Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Gharahir (91 kg). Ihab Darweish Al-Matbouli was not in event. performance who was quarter-finalist in the The atmosphere of the Doha 2015 Commission Meeting in the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. best form now while our younger hope 2005 edition in Mianyang, China. AIBA World Boxing Championships was Hussein Iashaish was able to win a bout in Hussein Iashaish was bronze medallist The new head coach of the Jordan excellent and I think the local boxing fans Mr. Walid Jarrar replied our questions in the level of our R&Js and find more the Super Heavyweight class (+91 kg) and at the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation national team is 3-star AIBA coach and the spectators worldwide could watch connection of the current and future role qualified ITOs in Asia. We need to support advanced to the quarter-finals. Youth Boxing Championships in Subic Bay, Mr. Azzedine Aggoune who had also great combats. AIBA has done a lot of of the ASBC Competition Commission, national federations to host boxing The size of his body is enough good Philippines and after a few experiences in successes in the Algerian squad in the things to develop boxing therefore we are the participation of the Asian boxers competitions and also to participate in in this weight class therefore we are the international level he was involved to recent years. all expecting highest level of boxing next in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing the ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing thinking to move him down. Important to their elite team in 2014 at the age of 19. “The Jordanian team and especially year as well. Jordan will be there with Championships and Jordan’s boxing life. Championships in all age groups and all mention now we have got a good coach The Super Heavyweight class (+91 kg) Hussein Iashaish done well and showed maximum number of three women and “This ASBC Competition Commission genders. Mr. Azzedine Aggoune who has got great boxer defeated his strong rival ’s he has great potential in the future. We ten men boxers in the 2016 AIBA Asian Meeting was very fruitful as we had a lot of The Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing plans in Jordan,” said Mr. Walid Jarrar EUBC European Confederation Boxing began the common job only in August & Oceanian Olympic Qualifiers in China topics and recommendations which we can Championships is a well-organized event the Chairman of the ASBC Competition Championships bronze medallist Mikheil and since then he developed well in the next March,” said Jordan’s new head coach use in the practice. We have to improve and we will appreciate the hard work of the Commission. Bakhtidze in the last 16 and advanced preparations. His strong performance in Mr. Azzedine Aggoune.

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He claimed the gold medal in the Uzbek Youth National Championships in October 2013 which competition was the selection event for the ASBC Asian Youth Continental Championships.

Bektemir Melikuziev was born on April 8 in 1996 and Welterweight class (69 kg) for Uzbekistan. He won the began his boxing career very early at the of 10 in the Uzbek Youth National Games in the city of Namangan in Ferghana region where Uzbekistan’s excellent sport May where he competed at the Middleweight class (75 academy of boxing located. He trains with coach Mr. kg). His last preparation event before the Nanjing 2014 Maruf Akhmedov in the strong Uzbek boxing school Youth Olympics was the Golden Gloves of Vojvodina where all of the age groups are in the world class level. Youth Tournament in Serbia but following his opening Two-time Asian Games winner Elshod Rasulov, two-time victory he chosed the option not to fight in the semi- AIBA World Champion Abbos Atoev, APB finalist Hurshid final to keep his energies and avoid the injuries prior the Tojibaev, AIBA World Championships silver medallist Nanjing event. Jasurbek Latipov and AIBA Youth World Champion As expected Melikuziev advanced to the final of Akmalbek Kosimov all came from their strong physical Youth Olympics in Nanjing where he had to meet schools and boxing academies. with ’s AMBC American Youth Melikuziev won the Uzbek Schoolboys National Boxing Continental Champion Juan Ramon Solano once again Championships in 2010 which was his first success in the following their first fight in Sofia. Uzbekistan’s flagbearer national level. He continued the golden series in their controlled the bout and shocked his opponent in the Junior National Championships in 2011 and in 2012 as final round therefore his gold medal was one of the most well. He was involved to their national squad in 2011 but comfortable one in Nanjing. finally he was not selected to take part in the AIBA Junior The 175cm tall boxer will be joined to the elite level World Championships in that year which was held in in January 2015 and started with a gold medal in the Astana, Kazakhstan as he was a reserve of the team. Uzbek National Elite Boxing Championships in the city of Melikuziev competed in several international junior Almalik where he was too strong for their WSB athlete competitions in 2012 and following his participation at Hurshidbek Normatov. The Middleweight class (75 kg) the Konstantin Matviychuk Junior Memorial Tournament boxer won all of his four bouts in the Strandja Memorial in Magnitogorsk, Russia he was able to advance to the Tournament in Sofia therefore the staff of ASBC chosed final of the prestigious Heydar Aliyev Junior Cup where him as athlete of February. He stopped ’s young he lost to Russia’s Aleksey Lomonosov by accepted Nikolay Chavdarov, eliminated ’s AIBA Youth scores for the gold medal. He defeated five Kazak World Championships bronze medallist Osman Aydin, boxers in the Mengerey Khayrutdinov Youth Memorial triumphed over Ukraine’s Valeriy Kharlamov and finally Tournament in in December 2012 where he could he was too strong for Ireland’s EU Championships silver won the Lightweight class (60 kg). medallist Michael O’Reilly. He claimed the gold medal in the Uzbek Youth Melikuziev's next great moment has come in the National Championships in October 2013 which quarter-final of the ASBC Asian Confederation Boxing competition was the selection event for the ASBC Asian Championships in Bangkok where he defeated Youth Continental Championships. Melikuziev continued Kazakhstan's reigning AIBA World Champion Zhanibek the winning way at the Abbas Agalarov Youth Cup in Alimkhanuly. He had a clear semi-final triumph and had Baku, Azerbaijan where he defeated Ukraine’s rising star some energies to beat also India's former Asian Games Oleksiy Tokarchuk as well. winner in the gold medal bout which He proved excellent quality of boxing in the ASBC delivered for him a title in Thailand. Asian Youth Continental Championships in Bangkok Bektemir Melikuziev defeated two gold medal this January where was too smart for Kazakhstan’s Ilya contenders in the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Ochkin in the semi-final and also beat ’s AIBA Championships, firstly Russia’s EUBC European Champion Junior World Championships bronze medallist Shabbos Petr Khamukov in the quarter-finals and following that ATHLETE OF OCTOBER - Negmatulloyev in the gold medal bout. he was also too smart for Ireland’s Baku 2015 European The Uzbek teenager travelled to the AIBA Youth World Games winner Michael O’Reilly who triumphed over Championships to Sofia as one of the top favourite of Kazakhstan’s defending AIBA World Champion Zhanibek the category. Melikuziev defeated his main rival Ukraine’s Alimkhanuly in a tactical contest. Melikuziev amazed Oleksiy Tokarchuk in the quarter-final of the AIBA the judges and the spectators with his virtuoso style BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV Youth World Championships in Sofia which was the key and tried to keep his concentration in the final against Uzbekistan regained its great place among the top nations of the globe after the Doha 2015 AIBA moment of his participation in the qualification event. He Cuba’s Arlen Lopez who is the current WSB Champion. defeated Dominican Republic’s Juan Ramon Solano in the The 19-year-old Uzbek sensation was not enough shape World Boxing Championships where their team claimed six medals, three silvers and three bronzes. semi-final and ’s Luka Prtenjaca in the gold medal in the opening round but he turned up the heat from Bektemir Melikuziev joined to the elite level only in January and following his excellent performance in bout therefore following Akmalbek Kosimov’s triumph in the second and he was near to get his first AIBA World the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships he was named as athlete of the October in Asia. in 2012, Melikuziev secured a further gold at the Boxing Championships’ title.

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Bantamweight class Korea’s Kim Ju Sung moved up one weight Mohammed Hussamuddin. Kim was the (56 kg): class before the start of the event and favourite in the gold medal bout against defeated Asian opponents only in the Algeria’s WSB boxer Fahem Hammachi and World Military Games. Following his success in spite of his difficulties in the final round over China’s National Champion Wang he was able to get Korea’s second gold Long he could beat India’s promising boxer medal in the World Military Games.

Lightweight class India’s Dheeraj defeated Germany’s Robert Yahia Abdeli which final was a surprise as (60 kg): Harutiunjan in the quarter-final and both boxer came from the dark. The battle Kazakhstan’s Zhaksylyk Ilyasov in the semi- of the promising young hopes the Algerian final of the category. The newcomer Indian athlete could beat his Indian rival who soldier fought for the title against Algeria’s reached his career highlight.

Light Welterweight class Kazakhstan’s experienced Yeldos Sarkulov, Combat Games winner Joedison Teixeira in the (64 kg): following his three previous triumphs in the quarter-finals and China’s National Champion event, met for the gold with Korea’s former Liu Xiaoshuai in the semi-finals. Sarkulov Asian Games competitor Shim Hyun Young reached his career highlight as he could who defeated Brazil’s Sportaccord World defeat the strong Korea boxer in the final.

Welterweight class Kazakhstan’s National Champion and WSB who defeated China’s top athlete Hu (69 kg): Team Champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov Richabilige in the last four. Shymbergenov was too strong for Korea’s Lee Dong proved the Welterweight class (69 kg) is Jin in the semi-final. The 22-year-old Kazakhstan’s own territory as he dominated Shymbergenov did his very best once again all of the three rounds against the in the final against Russia’s Albert Karibyan Armenian-descent Russian boxer.

SIX ASIAN GOLD MEDALS Middleweight class China’s Asian Games bronze medallist Zhou old Chinese boxer had a difficult opponent (75 kg): Di proved incredible performance during in the gold medal bout Russia’s Radzhab IN THE WORLD MILITARY GAMES the whole Military Games where he was Radzhabov who knocked out his Algerian too strong for Brazil’s three-time Olympian rival in the semi-final. Zhou Di had a brave Myke Carvalho, Italy’s Giovanni Sarchioto in attempt to beat the powerful Russian but The boxing tournament of the World Military Games has finished in Yeongju, Korea where Asia the previous part of the event. The 27-year- finally he could satisfy with a silver medal. claimed 23 medals and among our 11 finalists six secured the gold medal in the big competition where 174 boxers fought for the titles.

Light Heavyweight class Korea’s former National Sports Festival level since 2006. Yang Hee Guen proved (81 kg): winner Yang Hee Guen defeated Morocco’s top performance also in the final and as he class Korea’s new boxer in the lowest weight road to the finals of the World Military Karim Ben Mansour in the semi-finals and never expected during his previous career (49 kg): class Park Jung Woong defeated Russia’s Games. The 25-year-old Korean boxer had to meet with Russia’s Gamzat Gazaliyev he could beat a top Russian boxer in the Valentin Chebochakov, Syria’s four-time met for the gold with Brazil’s two-time who has been fighting in the international final. National Champion Hussin Al-Masri and Olympian Paulo Carvalho and he was Kazakhstan’s National Championships able to defeat his veteran rival in a hectic silver medallist Erzhan Zhomart in the bout. Super Heavyweight class China’s Mou Haipeng proved top Kamshybek Konkabayev who overwhelmed (+91 kg): performance as he defeated Tunisia’s African Russia’s Artem Suslenkov in the second Champion Aymen Trabelsi in the quarter- semi-final. The Central Asian boxer is No.2 Flyweight class Korea’s Yeon Seong Mo was absolutely the gold medal with Russia’s Armenian- final and shocked also India’s Narender in the after star Ivan Dychko in his home country (52 kg): newcomer in the international level descent Karen Arutyunyan who claimed last four. His final opponent was Kazakhstan’s but this time he was not enough fresh to before the World Military Games but medals in several previous international Strandja Memorial Tournament winner beat Mou in the gold medal bout. his efforts were enough to beat all of tournaments. The Russian boxer knocked his rivals in the road to the finals. The down the host nation’s hope and the young Korean hope eliminated China’s referee ended their one-sided battle in Fang Bo in the semi-finals and fought for the second round.

18 www.aiba.org October, 2015 19 Together we are power

Kazakhstan has been preparing to the upcoming AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships which will be helding in Astana next year. The Astana Women’s Cup was a selection event for that event where almost all of the best female athletes of Kazakhstan took part to get the titles. Defending National Champion of National Championships in spring which South Kazakhstan's Madina Nurshayeva Kazakhstan Alina Turlybayeva was was a huge surprise. The 23-year-old shocked national team member Zarina not enough successful in the ASBC Zholaman returned to the national team Tsoloyeva in the final of the Kazakh Asian Confederation Women's Boxing in top shape and defeated Parkhatova in Women's National Championships some Championships in Wulanchabu but the final of the Bantamweight class (54 months ago and she was able to repeat she was able to get the throne at the kg) in Astana which was a revenge and a that top performance in the final of the Light Flyweight class (48 kg) in Astana. perfect timing before the AIBA Women's Astana Women's Cup while former ASBC The 24-year-old boxer defeated young World Boxing Championships. Asian Women's Champion and London Alua Balkybekova in the semi-final and Astana's Saniya Sultankyzy joined to 2012 Olympian Saida Khasenova achieved experienced Aigerim Askarova in the gold the national team of Kazakhstan only last only bronze in the event. medal bout. year but she proved once again she is the Astana's second gold medal was Incheon 2014 Asian Games silver top boxer at the class (57 achieved by 20-year-old Valentina medallist Zhaina Shekerbekova defeated kg). The 25-year-old National Champion Khalzova who moved down one category AIBA Women's World Champion Nazym eliminated veteran Oksana Koroleva in and won the Welterweight class (69 kg) Kyzaybay in the final of the National the semi-final and met in the final of the after beating Zura Khusainova in the final. Championships of Kazakhstan some Astana Women's Cup with 18-year-old Another youngster Violetta Knyazeva of months ago. The two top stars met each Maria Agapova who was a competitive Karagandy region secured a title in the other once again in the final of the Astana rival for her but Sultankyzy was able to event in Astana where she was too smart Women's Cup and the result was the defend her local throne in Kazakhstan. for Fariza Shaltay in the gold medal bout same on their re-match, Shekerbekova AIBA Women's Youth World Boxing of the Middleweight class (75 kg). was able to keep and Championships bronze medallist Nazym AIBA Women's World Boxing bagged the gold medal. Newly crowned Ishchanova defeated 19-year-old talent Championships silver medallist Yulduz AIBA Women's Youth World Champion Karina Ibragimova in the semi-final Mamatkulova returned to the top of the Balaussa Muzdiman secured bronze which was the key bout of the Olympic Light Heavyweight class (81 kg) in Astana medal in the strongest weight class of the Lightweight class (60 kg). The 18-year- where she was too strong for her main Astana Women's Cup. old Ishchanova, who trains in the Atyrau local rival Moldir Bazarbayeva. In the AIBA Women's World Boxing region, dominated all of the rounds absence of star Lazzat Kungeybayeva a Championships quarter-finalist Dina against Aizhan Khodzhabekova of young hope Umida Sadykova won the Zholaman lost to Rano Parkhatova of Karagandy and secured her first ever title gold medal of the tenth weight class after Almaty in the final of the Kazakh Women's among the elite athletes. defeating Togzhan Syzdykova in Astana.

The two top stars met each other once again in the final of the Astana Women’s Cup and the result was the same on their re- match, Shekerbekova was able to keep the distance and bagged the gold medal. Newly crowned AIBA Women’s Youth World Champion Balaussa Muzdiman secured bronze medal in the strongest weight class of the Astana Women’s Cup.

Winners in the Astana Women's Cup KAZAKHSTAN’S 48 kg: Alina Turlybayeva 64 kg: Madina Nurshayeva 51 kg: Zhaina Shekerbekova 69 kg: Valentina Khalzova

54 kg: Dina Zholaman 75 kg: Violetta Knyazeva SELECTION EVENT – 57 kg: Saniya Sultankyzy 81 kg: Yulduz Mamatkulova ASTANA WOMEN’S CUP 60 kg: Nazym Ishchanova +81 kg: Umida Sadykova

20 www.aiba.org October, 2015 21 UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

4-7 November Nepal Eastern District Championships, Dharan, Nepal 4-10 November Nepal Western District Championships, Pokhara, Nepal 12-16 November Layton’s Cup, Colombo, Sri Lanka 18-22 November All Japan National Championships, Iwate, Japan 18-22 November Chinese Taipei National President’s Cup, Taipei, Chinese Taipei 19-24 November Nepal Far Western Region Championships, Dhangadi, Nepal 25 November - 2 December Pakistan National Championships, Karachi, Pakistan November Malaysia Cup, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia November Uzbek Junior National Cup, Namangan, Uzbekistan November Uzbek Women’s National Championships, Ferghana, Uzbekistan

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