Khabibullaev vs Lopez Cardona: A Thrilling Quarterfinal Clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Men's 80kg quarterfinals at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris witnessed an electrifying match between Turabek Khabibullaev from Uzbekistan and Arlen Lopez Cardona from Cuba. The bout took place on August 2, 2024, at the North Paris Arena, where both athletes showcased their exemplary skills and determination.

Khabibullaev entered the ring ready to prove his mettle, donning a red uniform. He faced off against Lopez Cardona, who sported a blue uniform and was seeded second in the competition. The match was intense, with both boxers exchanging powerful punches and tactical maneuvers, but ultimately, it was Lopez Cardona who emerged victorious.

The judges' scorecards reflected a closely contested battle, with Lopez Cardona winning on points with scores of 30, 29, 29, 28, and 27 from the five judges. Khabibullaev fought valiantly, but the final scores of 29, 28, 27, and 28 in his favor were not enough to secure the win, leading to his defeat in this critical phase of the tournament.

The match was officiated by a team of judges from various countries, including Germany's Holger Kussmaul, who served as the referee, along with judges from France, Norway, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Morocco. Their expertise ensured a fair evaluation of the intense competition.

With this victory, Lopez Cardona advances to the semifinals, continuing his quest for Olympic glory. Meanwhile, Khabibullaev, despite the loss, demonstrated tremendous skill and sportsmanship, marking a commendable effort in his Olympic journey.

Overall, the Men's 80kg quarterfinals provided a thrilling glimpse into the high stakes and competitive spirit of Olympic boxing, as athletes from around the world vie for the prestigious gold medal in Paris.