Robby Gonzales, also known as Rahim Gonzales, was once considered one of Team USA Boxing’s best chances for a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics. However, the light heavyweight has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Gonzales’ heartbreaking defeat came at the hands of Weerapon Jongjoho from Thailand in the Second Olympic World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok.
Gonzales won the first round on four of the five judges’ scorecards. Jongjoho swept the second round on all five judges’ scorecards. The third and final round was devastating for Gonzales, as he lost a 3-2 split decision, ending his Olympic dream.
Gonzales posted the following on his Instagram account after the fight:
“Gave it my all in the ring tonight and it wasn’t meant to be! On the wrong end of a controversial 3-2 split decision to hometown favorite, Jongjoho of Thailand. Thank you to the @usaboxing coaches and staff for the opportunity and support. An amateur career only few could dream of!!! World Amateur Champion alongside being the USA’s No. 1 light heavyweight for seven consecutive years! If you don’t take the chance, how will you ever know? Onto the next chapter of my boxing career… To be continued.”
Gonzales, 28, was expected to medal at the 2020 Olympics, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was unable to qualify. The 2019 world rankings became the basis for entry to the Olympics for Team USA as the qualifiers were canceled. Gonzales didn’t have the ranking needed to compete. He opted to wait for the 2024 Olympics rather than turning professional.
Gonzales won a gold medal at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships. Only he and Jahmal Harvey, a featherweight who has qualified for the 2024 Olympics, achieved this feat for USA Boxing in that event.
In March, Gonzales lost in the second round to Andrej Csemez at the Olympic Qualifiers in Lombardia, Italy. In October, he lost in the first round of the Pan-Am Games to Cristian Pinales. This comes after a tremendous 2023, in which he won the Strandja Memorial tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the GeeBee tournament in Finland.
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