Mary Kom does not appear ready to throw in the towel on her dreams of an Olympic boxing gold medal despite defeat at Tokyo 2020.
The 38-year-old from India lost a split decision (3-2) to flyweight rival Ingrit Lorena Valencia Victoria of Colombia in the round of 16 at the Kokugikan Arena on Thursday.
Haiti's Darrelle Valsaint Jr is out to make history, while fellow victorious middleweight Eumir Marcial of the Philippines hopes a boxing legend can inspire him to glory.
We take a look at the pick of the action in the ring.
KOM REFUSES TO GIVE UP ON GOLDEN DREAM
Kom, a mother of four, has not ruled out an appearance at Paris 2024 at the age of 41 if she meets the age qualification in force at that time.
Her career has yielded six world titles and Olympic bronze from London 2012m which she desperately hoped to turn into gold in Tokyo.
"There is an age limit of 40 but maybe it will change,” said Kom.
"I'm still strong enough. It’s what's in your heart and your mind. It's about if you have the will power, a strong mentality.
"Being focused, disciplined. For 20 years all my focus has been on fighting and I know all my country is with me.
"When I look at my memories, it’s been incredible. It’s very easy to say I’m a one, two-time world champion, but in reality, doing that is not easy. You have to have a unique personality."
MARCIAL HOPES ROACH'S INFLUENCE HAS RUBBED OFF
Marcial of the Philippines hopes time spent with legendary coach Freddie Roach at his gym in Los Angeles can fire his bid for Olympic glory.
Roach, one of the best boxing trainers of all time, is the coach of Marcial's compatriot and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
Marcial progressed to the last 16 of the men's middleweight after the referee stopped his bout against Algerian Younes Nemouchi after two minutes and 41 seconds.
"I learnt a lot of tactics from coach Freddie and his other trainers and I can use that experience in my competition here," Marcia said.
"I have been training for this since I didn’t make Rio 2016. I’ve worked hard for four years for this moment so I will be ready.
"But I am very grateful to my national team coaches as for the last month before we came here they have given me all the support I needed."
VALSAINT JR BIDDING TO END HAITI'S LONG WAIT
Not since Silvio Cator's silver in the long jump in 1928 have Haiti won a medal at the Olympic Games, but Darrelle Valsaint Jr is out to end that long wait.
Orlando-born Valsaint Jr is into the quarter-finals after a points victory over Democratic Republic of Congo fighter David Tshama Mwenekabwe.
"My mum and dad were born in Haiti. I still feel a proud Haitian," he said.
"It’s an honour to represent Haiti in the Olympics and I am on the verge of making history for Haiti as the last time Haiti had a medal was 1928. I believe in myself and I know I can make history.
"I’ve visited Haiti twice and both times I went there were no riots or anything, just peace and love.
"As of right now I know it is kind of crazy down there, it like a war zone. Hopefully when I win the gold medal it will calm things down, that’s what I’m hoping for.
"To get to go back to Haiti with the gold medal would be another dream come true."
Jerone Ennis impresses in professional debut with first-round knockout
Jamaican boxer Jerone "Beast" Ennis made a memorable transition from amateur standout to professional prospect with a commanding victory in his debut fight on Saturday night at the Pickering Casino Resort. Ennis, a two-time Caribbean Amateur Champion, showcased his skills and promise by knocking out his Argentinian opponent Marcelo Adrian Fernandez (4-3-1) at 1:51 into the first round of their scheduled four-round contest in the light-heavyweight division.
Ennis wasted no time in displaying his pedigree, exhibiting poise, ring intelligence, and superior technique early in the fight. His chief-cornerman, Ryan "RG" Grant, commended Ennis's performance, stating, "He performed real well, he is a real promising talent coming out of Jamaica. I like that he's a thinker in there and he's got good eyes, looking and seeing his spots to land and to move on defense."
The turning point came when Ennis unleashed a powerful overhand right that sent Fernandez crashing to the canvas, beating the referee's 10-count only to face a relentless barrage of punches from Ennis. The onslaught forced the referee to intervene, awarding Ennis a TKO victory at 1:51 of the first round.
Ennis's victory was significant, as he became the first boxer to stop Marcelo Adrian Fernandez in the opening round of any fight. President of United Boxing Promotions, Tyler Buxton, expressed his satisfaction with Ennis's debut performance, highlighting the promising future ahead for the young Jamaican prospect.
Fellow countryman and stablemate Kemahl "Hitman" Russell praised Ennis's debut, stating, "He did what he was expected to do, the formula worked - training in Jamaica and showing up and proving on the big stage. He has a bright future."
Looking ahead, Ryan Grant emphasized the importance of keeping Ennis active in the ring without any setbacks, indicating high expectations for the rising star.
Born on February 4, 2000, in Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, Jerone Ennis represented Jamaica at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, U.K., reaching the quarter-final stage before making his professional debut. Ennis joins an esteemed roster of Jamaican fighters under United Boxing Promotions, including heavyweight Ricardo "Big 12" Brown, middleweight Kemahl "The Hitman" Russell, super welterweight Joshua "HellRazor" Frazer, and super middleweight Shakeel "The Jamaican Juggernaut" Phinn.
Jerone Ennis's successful professional debut marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his boxing career, with aspirations of achieving further milestones and making a significant impact on the international stage.
This is my time, my destiny, my era and my generation – Fury on Usyk showdown
Tyson Fury has declared it is “my time, my destiny, my era and my generation” ahead of his blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
WBC champion Fury is set to fight Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO title-holder Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia in the first undisputed world heavyweight bout of the century.
Regarding his opponent, the former unified cruiserweight champion who made his heavyweight debut in 2020, Fury told a press conference on Wednesday: “It’s not personal, it’s strictly business for both fighters. There’s a lot of stuff on the line, but I don’t hate him, he don’t hate me.
“I respect him, as a man, as a fighter. Everyone has to respect the man’s achievements. Good fighter – I have a tough challenge in front of me. But I’m very confident in my ability and I’m very confident I’ll beat the guy.
“When the cruiserweights step up to the big boys, usually they get found wanting. You can beat the average big ones but you can’t beat the elite big ones, because size really matters. We have weight divisions for a reason and he’s going to be found wanting when he fights me on May 18.
“This is my time, my destiny, my era and my generation. Fact.”
Jerone Ennis completes training camp ahead of professional debut in Toronto this weekend
Jerone Ennis, the two-time Caribbean Amateur Champion, has wrapped up his training camp in Jamaica and is now set for his professional debut in Toronto, Canada this Saturday, April 13, 2024. Ennis will face off against Marcelo Adrian Fernandez, an experienced Argentine fighter, in a four-round light heavyweight bout at the Pickering Casino Resort.
Ennis, born on February 4, 2000, hails from Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, and represented his country at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, U.K., reaching the quarter-final stage. He recently joined a elite roster of Jamaican talent under United Boxing Promotions, including undefeated heavyweight Ricardo 'Big 12' Brown, middleweight Kemahl 'The Hitman' Russell, super welterweight Joshua 'HellRazor' Frazer, and super middleweight Shakeel 'The Jamaican Juggernaut' Phinn.
Marcelo Adrian Fernandez brings a record of four wins (two by knockout), three losses and a draw, promising a challenging matchup for Ennis's debut. However, United Boxing Promotions President Tyler Buxton expressed confidence in Ennis's abilities, emphasizing his potential to shine in the professional ranks.
"Jerone is an elite boxer, and joins a stable full of the best talent that Jamaica has to offer. We are confident that his skills and determination will shine through in his debut fight against Fernandez," Buxton expressed.
Ennis's training camp in Jamaica was marked by intense preparation, including rigorous fitness regimens and sparring sessions to sharpen his skills. Now in Toronto, Ennis is focused and ready to make an impact in the light heavyweight division.
The stage is set for an exciting showdown as Jerone Ennis steps into the professional boxing arena for the first time, aiming to leave his mark and kick-start his career with a victory over Marcelo Adrian Fernandez. Boxing enthusiasts await eagerly to witness the debut of this promising Jamaican talent on Saturday night.
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