Montreal, December 10, 2015. An hour before the start of the competition, excitement is in the air in the athletes’ warm up area. The pugilists are skipping their ropes, and warming up on the pads with their coaches. You can notice the determination and drive in their eyes. There’s on common goal: win this last set in the Olympic qualification, in order to finalize the roaster for the Olympic Boxing National team.
The first dual in the Men’s 52 kg would introduce a new member on the Elite National Team, the 18 years old Thomas Blumenfeld. The new champion in the 52 kg division won against his opponent Evan Gillard with exceptional skills. Indeed, the Quebecer born in the USA will be one to watch in the upcoming years.
The fierce battle delivered by Caroline Veyre and Sabrina Aubin was the 2nd bout. Powerful punches were delivered from the Pan Am Games gold medalist and saw the red corner win over her rival due to her international experience. A 3-0 decision was given by the judges in favour of Veyre.
A tactical fight highlighting David Gauthier and Rodolfo Velasquez was marked by speed, and it is the experience of the Quebec boxer that earned him a unanimous victory.
Imposing his rhythm throughout the bout, Arthur Biyarslanov will go back home satisfied over his victory against Brandon Leaman. “I wanted to stopped him, but it didn’t work. Nonetheless, I needed a victory, which I accomplished and that is what matters,” admits the Pan Am Games Gold medalist.
Quebec’s sweetheart Ariane Fortin also imposed her fight against her opponent from Ontario, Ali Greey, serving precise punches and agility in her counter-attacks. The 8-count in the 4th round was the highlight of the bout. “I’m really happy and I felt good in the ring. I had energy and I felt well-prepared against Greey.”
The dual opposing Sasan Haghighat-Joo and Josh Cameron was the most difficult bout of the evening, where both middleweight boxers gave their everything in the ring. Sasan remained focused on this technique, which resulted in a victory.
The evening came to an end with a fiery bout between Paul Rasmussen and Samir El Mais. Samir El Mais used his mouvement in the ring and his calm to defeat his Super heavyweight partner on the National Team. “I have something to prove to myself. Representing Canada at the Olympic Games and winning a medal is something I will be proud of until my old age,” says Samir, happy about the positive outcome despite an elbow injury bothering him for a few months now.
The next international competition on the road to Rio will be the Continental Qualification taking place in Argentina in March, for both the Men’s and Women’s National teams. Boxing Canada invites you to follow the athletes during the process towards their Olympic dreams on boxingcanada.org!
Source : Andrée-Anne Dionne
Posted on: December 11, 2015
