Olympic boxing has launched the careers of some of the sport’s greatest figures, including Sugar Ray Leonard, whose first great stride on his climb to the Hall of Fame and legendary status was a gold medal win.
The Games provides fighters with a chance to compete (and allow us to witness) the highest form of amateur competition, in which underdogs can rise and dreams can be fulfilled or shattered.
Unlike professional boxing, which is often mired in politics, the Olympics follow a straightforward format. A simple tournament structure ensures that each winner will face the next challenger in line, making for an exciting and pure display of boxing talent.
What follows is a preview of boxing’s men’s division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin Saturday.
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Favorites: Uzbekistan’s Hasanboy Dusmatov, the Rio 2016 Olympic gold medalist and a seasoned professional, is the frontrunner. His only recent setback was a walkover, with his last defeat coming against Saken Bibossinov, who also competes in these Olympics. Dusmatov is widely expected to vie for another gold. Cuba’s Alejandro Claro boasts an impeccable record in 2024, representing the formidable Cuban amateur boxing tradition. Kazakhstan’s Bibossinov, known for defeating Dusmatov and securing a bronze in the 2020 Olympics, poses a credible challenge, rounding out the potential medalists. Billal Bennama is the No. 1 seed and represents host nation France, so he has a lot going for him.
Dark horses: The Dominican Republic’s Junior Alcántara, a Pan-Am Games gold medalist, brings a dynamic, professional style and approach to the ring. Turkey’s Samet Gumus, champion of the 2024 European Championship in Belgrade, showcases a robust international pedigree. Brazils’s Michael Trindade, despite not fully realizing his potential, carries dark-horse credentials due to his stylistic adaptability and competitive drive.
U.S. representatives: Historically, the U.S. has done well in this weight class. Roscoe Hill, recognized for his agile boxing style suited to the amateur ranks, defeated Yuberjen Martinez in 2023. Hill is a good mover and has a real shot at the podium, if not gold. However, the top of the division is very tough, and Hill got no favors with this draw.
Matchups to watch: Hill versus Bennama in the round of 16. If Hill medals, he will need to knock off the No. 1 seed. Dusmatov versus Bibossinov in the quarterfinals could determine who fights in the finals on their side of the bracket.
Gold medal match prediction: Dusmatov versus Claro.
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Favorites: Jahmal Harvey is the United States’ best chance at Olympic gold since Shakur Stevenson in Rio 2016. Harvey, who won gold at the Pan Am Games and the AIBA World Championship in 2021, aims to complete the amateur boxing triple crown. Cuba’s Saidel Horta, who lost to Harvey at the Pan Am Games, will be seeking revenge. The two will fight in the quarterfinals, creating a medalist. The Philippines’ Carlo Paalam, a silver medalist at flyweight in Tokyo 2020, returns for his second Olympics as one of the most experienced boxers in the bracket. Uzbekistan’s Abdumalik Khalokov, with gold medals at the 2023 Tashkent World Championships, the Asian Games and the Asian Championship, is also a strong contender.
Dark horses: Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan, gold medalist at the 2023 Tashkent World Championships, has medaled in several international tournaments but doesn’t hold a high rank. Javier Ibanez, originally from Cuba and now representing Bulgaria, could make a significant run and is a strong contender in the featherweight division.
U.S. representatives: Harvey is widely considered one of the favorites to win this division.
Matchups to watch: Jahmal Harvey versus Saidel Horta in the quarterfinals should be a bout to watch as it is a rematch of the Pan Am Games finals that Harvey won. Harvey versus Ibanez in the semifinals, Khalokov versus Usturoi in the semifinals.
Gold medal match prediction: Harvey versus Khalokov.
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Favorites: Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez, now a professional, has a style well-suited for amateur boxing with his hit-and-don’t-get-hit approach, making him tough to beat in a three-round bout. Canada’s Wyatt Sanford, a Pan Am Games gold medalist and the No. 1 seed, shows promise as a medal contender and has strong pro prospects. Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Abdullaev, undefeated in 2024, benefits from an elite amateur program that will have a chance to earn multiple gold medals. France’s Sofiane Oumiha, a career amateur who recently turned pro, defeated Teofimo Lopez in the 2016 Rio Olympics but was stopped by Keyshawn Davis in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At 29, Oumiha could either make a strong run or show signs of wear. Belgium’s Vasile Usturoi, a southpaw who won gold at the 2022 European Games, could be a bracket buster.
Dark horses: Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan, champion of the 2023 Tashkent World Championships and a consistent international medalist, enters with modest expectations despite his impressive credentials. Ireland’s Dean Clancy, though lacking major international titles, has a strong amateur record and potential to surprise with national support. Tajikistan’s Bakhodur Usmonov, known for defeating Alvarez and earning numerous bronze medals, is a professional to watch for his aggressive determination. Australia’s Harry Garside, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a pro boxer, draws attention not only for his achievements but also for challenging gender norms, potentially making headlines if he advances to the medal rounds.
U.S. representatives: No one from the U.S. qualified for this division.
Matchups to watch: Garside versus Oumiha in the quarterfinals, Abdullaev versus Sanford in the quarterfinals.
Gold medal match prediction: Alvarez versus Abdullaev.
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Favorites: Kazakhstan’s Aslanbek Shymbergenov is the favorite, boasting more than 100 amateur wins and dominance in international competition. He won the 2022 Asian Championships and the 2023 World Championships at light middleweight. Mexico’s Marco Verde, a potential gold medalist, has competed in the 2020 Olympics and exhibits traits reminiscent of a young Oscar Valdez. Ireland’s Aiden Walsh, who won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is the Irish hopeful for a medal, aiming to improve on his previous performance. Nikolai Terteryan of Belgium is a solid fighter who should have a strong outing as well.
Dark horses: U.S. qualifier Omari Jones, known for his difficult-to-score style, could win a medal if the judges properly assess his in-and-out counterpunching approach. Poland’s Damian Durkacz, in his second Olympic appearance, has traits similar to those of former titleholder Arthur Abraham. Despite limited international wins and occasional inactivity, Durkacz could emerge as a pro if managed correctly. Japan’s Sewon Okazawa, who has defeated Shymbergenov and won gold at the World Championships and Asian Games, is a strong contender aiming to follow in the footsteps of 2020 Japanese Olympic gold medalist Sena Irie. Uzbekistan’s Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev, the 2023 World Champion at welterweight, is part of an ambitious Uzbek team looking to surpass the Cubans in this year’s Olympics. India’s Nishant Dev has a good pro style and has given a lot of people fits internationally.
U.S. representatives: Jones drew a great bracket, but has to win a tough opening bout against Kan Chia-wei to almost be assured a medal spot.
Matchups to watch: The drama around Verde, Dev and Okazawa, who are all on the same side of the bracket. These could easily be medalists and will face each other early in the tournament.
Gold medal match prediction: Verde versus Terteryan.
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Favorites: Cuba’s Arlen Lopez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist (Rio 2016 at middleweight and Tokyo 2020 at light heavyweight), is training for his third gold at 80 kilograms. Known for his excellent distance fighting and ability to walk opponents down, Lopez is a strong favorite. It would be a major shock if he doesn’t win gold. Already a pro with an exciting style, the Philippines’ Eumir Marcial could help create the highlight of the 2024 Olympics if he meets Lopez. The top seed, China’s Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan, is also worth mentioning and should have a clear path to the finals. Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak was on his way to gold in 2020 before being knocked out by Brazil’s Herbert Acevedo. Khyzhniak, who relies on brute force and high energy, is always worth watching, though his lack of defense against big punchers makes his outcomes unpredictable.
Dark horses: Marcial, who won bronze in 2020, is Lopez’s biggest challenge but drew a tough bracket. Thailand’s Weerapon Jongjoho, who has medaled in international competitions like the 2021 AIBA World Championships, is unlikely to reach the gold medal match but could upset a favorite and possibly find himself on the podium. Italy’s Salvatore Cavallaro is another notable contender who has a very hard road to a medal.
U.S. representatives: No one from the U.S. qualified for this division.
Matchups to watch: Arlen Lopez drew a tough bracket. Early on he could face Eumir Marcial and Pylyp Akilov, if they get that far.
Gold medal match prediction: Tanglatihan versus Lopez.
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Favorites: Cuba’s Julio de la Cruz is the front-runner, known for his distinctive style. Despite being knocked out by Khalil Coe at the 2018 Chemistry Cup Final in Germany, his unorthodox hand placement makes a transition to professional boxing unlikely. De la Cruz, aiming for his third Olympic gold after victories in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, faces competition from Cuban defector Loren Alfonso, now representing Azerbaijan. Italy’s Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine, with recent golds at the 2023 European Games and 2022 European Championship, is also a contender, along with Uzbekistan’s Lazizbek Mullojonov, known for consistent international performances.
Dark horses: Spain’s Enmanuel Reyes, known for his entertaining style and power, and Ireland’s Jack Marley, who defeated Reyes at the 2023 European Championships, are strong contenders. Brazil’s Keno Machado, benefiting from Brazil’s recent success in boxing, could surprise with a favorable draw.
U.S. representatives: No American boxer qualified for this division.
Matchups to watch: Enmanuel Reyes versus Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali in the quarterfinals, Julio César La Cruz versus Loren Alfonso in the opening round.
Gold medal match prediction: Mouhiidine versus La Cruz
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Favorites: Uzbekistan’s Bakhodir Jalolov, already a pro prospect, is the favorite, having won gold in 2020. Jalolov aims for his second gold medal at super heavyweight as his professional career has stalled. Australia’s 6-foot-6 Teremoana Junior, known for stopping opponents as an amateur, is a strong podium contender due to the lack of depth in this weight class. Kazakhstan’s Kamshybek Kunkabayev, though not the top choice, is a solid fighter who has struggled against the best, often winning silver medals leading up to the Olympics.
Dark horses: All eyes are on Great Britain’s Delicious Orie, who possesses traits of Anthony Joshua and is coached by Joshua’s former coach, Rob McCracken. If Orie medals, he could become a significant pro prospect. Joshua Edwards has been a solid heavyweight, filling the void left by Richard Torrez Jr. This is a pivotal moment for Edwards, who could emerge as a superstar despite being an undersized heavyweight, reminiscent of great cruiserweight Steve Cunningham.
U.S. representatives: Edwards is a solid fighter, though his potential is uncertain. He could be another Cunningham or an underestimated breakout like Deontay Wilder, who won bronze in 2008. Edwards, with a style similar to Cunningham’s, is evolving and improving with each fight. He is the No. 1 seed and poised for a life-changing moment, but he has Jalolov on his side of the bracket.
Matchups to watch: Junior versus Jalolov in the quarterfinals could be the toughest challenge for Jalolov to repeat gold. Delicious Orie has a good path to the finals.
Gold medal match prediction: Jalolov versus Orie.
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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