PARIS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Drawing its Olympic lineage from the ancient Greek sport of pankration, boxing is considered one of the Games' marquee events. Despite recent controversies, including accusations of financial mismanagement and governance issues by the IOC-suspended International Boxing Association and judging scandals, Olympic boxing remains a premier event.
For fans and pundits alike, the Olympic boxing competition is where future superstars announce themselves to the world. Former gold medalists like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis and, more recently, Anthony Joshua, have used the Games as a crucial springboard to global stardom.
The event will take place from July 27 to August 10.
THE FORMAT
The boxing competition will feature athletes from around the world, competing in weight classes ranging from flyweight to super heavyweight.
The men's competition includes seven weight classes: 51kg, 57kg, 63.5kg, 71kg, 80kg, 92kg, and +92kg. The women's competition features six weight classes: 50kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 66kg, and 75kg.
From 1984 to 2012, male boxers wore protective headgear, a requirement dropped for the 2016 Rio Olympics, though female boxers still wear headgear. Men's matches consist of three rounds lasting three minutes each, while women's matches include four rounds of two minutes each. Judges evaluate each round, awarding 10 points to the round's winner and seven to nine points to the loser based on their performance. The final winner is determined by the total points accumulated over the rounds.
THE VENUES
The competition will be held at two venues, with the preliminary rounds at Arena Paris Nord to the north of the city and the medal rounds (semifinals and finals) at the iconic Roland Garros tennis arena.
THE CONTENDERS
Cuba: Topping the medal table at the Tokyo Games three years ago, Cuba is traditionally a powerhouse in amateur Olympic boxing. However, a subpar performance at the Pan American Games sees the nation with only five fighters in Paris.
One to watch: Julio Cesar La Cruz - The 34-year-old two-time gold medalist from Tokyo and Rio, and the current 2023 Pan American Games champion, arrives in Paris as the favorite to defend his title at 92kg.
Uzbekistan: Emerging as a boxing force at Rio 2016, Uzbekistan consistently punches above its weight. Runners-up to China at the recent Hangzhou Asian Games, Uzbekistan boasts full-time professional talent within its squad.
One to watch: Bakhodir Jalolov - Super-heavyweight Jalolov is perhaps the most formidable fighter at the Games. Standing two meters tall, the professional heavyweight returns to the Olympics with an undefeated professional record of 14 wins, all by knockout.
United States: The USA has produced numerous Olympic boxing champions and stars over the years, but this year's squad appears diminished. With only two golds at the Pan American Games, the team hopes a few young fighters will rise to the challenge.
One to watch: Jahamal Harvey - Already a World Championship and Pan American gold medalist at 21, Harvey is one of the most naturally gifted fighters at the Games and remains the USA's best hope for a gold medal.
Britain: Team GB enters the Paris Olympics without any outstanding favorites but boasts a squad of young, technical fighters.
One to watch: Delicious Orie - Moving to the UK from Russia, Orie started boxing at 18. Now 27, the super heavyweight has European and Commonwealth golds and draws comparisons to Anthony Joshua, who also began boxing late.
China: With a deep squad across multiple weight classes, China has opportunities to secure golds, especially in the women's divisions. A strong performance at the Asian Games, surpassing Uzbekistan in Hangzhou, positions China to top the boxing medals table.
One to watch: Wu Yu - Competing in the women's 50kg category, Wu is a world champion who secured her spot at the Hangzhou Asian Games. A resilient fighter with incredible stamina, she is a front runner for gold.
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