“It is a great feeling to be Olympic champion,” says Uzbekistan’s Olympic Flyweight gold medalist Shakhobidin Zoirov
August 21st, 2016 / IBA
Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin Zoirov became the new Olympic Flyweight Champion on Sunday afternoon, defeating Russia’s former World Champion Misha Aloian by unanimous decision. It was another composed display from the Uzbek, who had already defeated Azeri top seed Elvin Mamishzada and Venezuela’s Yoel Finol on route to the final.
It was Aloian who started the brighter of the two boxers, the London 2012 Semi-Finalist hungry for Olympic gold and edging a tense opening round. Zoirov came out with intent in the second to even the tie, and a devastating final round sealed the victory.
“It is a great feeling to be Olympic champion, I’m so happy with the result. I thought I’d done enough to win. Thanks to everyone in Uzbekistan for their support, this is my Independence Day present to them,” said Zoirov after the bout.
The silver medal went to Russia’s Misha Aloian, with Venezuela’s Yoel Finol and Hu Jinguan of China winning the bronze.
