Azerbaijan's Murad Allahverdiyev Triumphs in Men's 80kg Boxing Prelims

On July 30, 2024, the Men's 80kg preliminaries at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcased an intense battle between Azerbaijan's Murad Allahverdiyev and Egypt's Abdelrahman Abdelgawwad. The match, held in the North Paris Arena, was part of the Round of 16 and drew significant attention as both fighters aimed for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The bout began with high energy as both athletes entered the ring, with Allahverdiyev representing Azerbaijan in red and Abdelgawwad in blue. From the outset, Allahverdiyev demonstrated his superior technique and agility, scoring consistently throughout the rounds. The judges awarded him a decisive victory, with scores reflecting his dominance: 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 in his favor.

In a match marked by strategic exchanges and powerful punches, Allahverdiyev's performance was nothing short of exceptional. He displayed not only physical prowess but also a keen tactical understanding of the sport, which allowed him to outmaneuver his opponent effectively.

Abdelgawwad, seeded 4th in the tournament, fought valiantly but ultimately could not match the intensity and skill shown by Allahverdiyev. His scores from the judges were 27, 28, 28, 28, 28, indicating a competitive spirit, though it was clear that Allahverdiyev had the upper hand.

The officiating team, led by referee Kim Jongjin from Korea, ensured a fair match, with judges from Algeria, Chinese Taipei, Argentina, Hungary, and Canada contributing to the scoring. The final whistle confirmed Allahverdiyev's victory, propelling him to the quarterfinals where he aims to continue his quest for Olympic glory.

This match not only highlights Allahverdiyev's potential as a medal contender but also emphasizes the competitive nature of boxing at the Olympics, where every match can be a test of skill, endurance, and strategy. Fans and supporters of both athletes eagerly await their next performances as the tournament progresses.