Busenaz Surmeneli Falls to Janjaem Suwannapheng in Women's 66kg Quarterfinals

The Women's 66kg quarterfinals in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed a gripping contest between Türkiye's Busenaz Surmeneli and Thailand's Janjaem Suwannapheng on August 3rd. The match was held at the North Paris Arena, showcasing the elite talent and competitive spirit of these athletes.

Surmeneli, ranked as the number one seed, entered the ring with high expectations. However, despite her efforts, she was unable to secure a victory against the eighth seed, Suwannapheng. The bout, characterized by intense exchanges and tactical prowess, ended with Surmeneli scoring 1 point while Suwannapheng triumphed with 4 points, marking a significant win for the Thai boxer.

The judges, who played a crucial role in determining the outcome, awarded Suwannapheng the victory decisively, with scores reflecting her superior performance throughout the three periods of the match. The judges recorded consistent scores for Suwannapheng, with several giving her a top score of 29 in their evaluations, while Surmeneli received lower scores.

This defeat for Surmeneli marks a bittersweet moment for Türkiye as they had high hopes for her in the tournament. Conversely, Suwannapheng's victory propels her into the semifinals, bringing her one step closer to Olympic glory. The match was overseen by a panel of officials, including referee Wade Peterson from Canada and judges from Korea, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Ireland, and Morocco.

As the boxing competition continues, the focus now shifts to Suwannapheng's upcoming matches, where she will aim to maintain her momentum and possibly secure a medal for Thailand. The Olympic boxing events have proven to be a platform for fierce competition, and the Women's 66kg event has lived up to its expectations, delivering an exciting display of sportsmanship and skill.