Germany's boxing hopes are shattered
Comfort is the bronze medal: Germany's boxer Nelvie Tiafack was clearly defeated by Tokyo Olympic champion Bachodir Jalolow in the semi-finals and missed out on the final. A new career step awaits the 25-year-old in Paris.
He had wished for "an even more beautiful color" - but boxer Nelvie Tiafack will not be able to upgrade his already secured bronze medal at the Olympic Games. The Cologne native lost his semi-final in the super heavyweight class (over 92 kilograms) to the Tokyo Olympic champion Bachodir Jalolow from Uzbekistan with a clear 0:5. This means he missed out on the final, which will take place on Saturday at 22:51.
Jalolow will face either Djamili-Dini Aboudou from France or the Spaniard Ayoub Ghadfa in the gold medal match. Tiafack's win of a medal was already assured before the fight, as both losers of the semi-finals receive bronze.
Tiafack seemed completely at ease as he walked towards the ring in Roland Garros in the tennis stadium Philippe Chatrier. There, Jalolow, who was 12 centimeters taller than the German, immediately took control and did not give Tiafack any opportunity to land decisive hits. "Nelvie! Nelvie!" chants could be heard from the stands, but even later in the fight, Tiafack could not get the better of his seemingly invincible and cleverly defending opponent.
Tiafack switches to the pros
"I'm completely relaxed now, I've exceeded all expectations," the 25-year-old said after his semi-final victory on Friday. "But that's irrelevant, I only look at my goals." Before the games, the 2022 European champion had stated that he was aiming for a medal in Paris. The last Olympic boxing medal for Germany was won by Artem Harutiunian, who won bronze in the lightweight class at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
The success at the Olympics is so far the highlight of Tiafack's career, which has been on a fast track. He only started boxing at the age of 15 because he wanted to lose weight. Shortly afterwards, he became German youth champion. Tiafack will continue his career on a different stage: after the games in Paris, he will switch to the pros.
Despite his valiant effort, Tiafack will not be able to add to his Olympic medal collection at the 2024 Games in Paris, as his semi-final loss ensures he receives only bronze. This setback does not deter Tiafack, however, as he looks forward to continuing his career and competing in the professional boxing circuit post-Paris.
