India is set to send a contingent of athletes to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, aiming to build on the success of the Tokyo Games. This article highlights the athletes who have secured their spots in various disciplines, including weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling.
Jade Picon took to Instagram to share a video of her intense boxing workout, showcasing her dedication to fitness.
Maksym Halinichev, a promising Ukrainian boxer who won silver at the Youth Olympics, chose to fight for his country instead of pursuing his athletic dreams. He joined the army after the Russian invasion, eventually dying in battle in March 2023. His story exemplifies the sacrifices made by Ukrainian athletes who prioritized defending their homeland over personal ambitions.
Unbeaten American boxer Shakur Stevenson successfully defended his World Boxing Council lightweight world title with a methodical unanimous decision victory over Artem Harutyunyan in Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson, now 22-0 with 10 knockouts, showcased his dominance throughout the fight, utilizing body shots to wear down his opponent in the later rounds. The judges scored the fight 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112 in favor of Stevenson.
Nesthy Petecio, a Filipina boxer and LGBTQ+ advocate, has overcome challenges both in and out of the ring. From her first fight at age 11 against a taller opponent to facing criticism for her identity, Petecio’s journey is a testament to her resilience, discipline, and determination. Now, she’s set on achieving gold at the Paris Olympics, proving that even in the face of pressure, she can conquer any obstacle.
Trans Boxing, founded by Nolan Hanson, is changing the face of boxing at Gleason’s Gym, the oldest boxing gym in the United States. Hanson, a transgender coach, provides a safe space for transgender individuals to train and compete, fostering a sense of community and self-defense. This initiative challenges traditional boxing norms and creates an inclusive environment for all genders and sexual identities.
Manny Pacquiao’s exhibition match in Japan has a new opponent after his original opponent was ruled out by injury. The Filipino boxing legend will now face fellow Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo instead of Chihiro Suzuki. This comes as Pacquiao considers a potential return to professional boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his IBF heavyweight title, paving the way for a fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. Usyk’s decision comes ahead of his rematch with Tyson Fury, where the winner will not be undisputed champion. The Ukrainian boxer is considering a return to cruiserweight after the Fury fight.
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain secured a silver medal at the Grand Prix Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic after losing a close bout against China’s Li Qian in the women’s 75kg category. This follows Borgohain’s bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics and her qualification for the Paris Games.
Premier Boxing Champions’ Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) makes his highly anticipated return to the ring this weekend, following his decisive victory over Ryan Garcia in one of the highest-selling PPV events since 2017. Facing him is the undefeated Frank Martin (18-0, 12 KOs), who will attempt to capitalize on Davis’ extended absence from the ring. The co-main event features former super middleweight champion David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) taking on Oleksandr Gvozdyk (20-1, 16 KOs) for the WBC Interim light heavyweight title, as Benavidez continues his pursuit of a showdown with pound-for-pound king Canelo Álvarez.
The ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Frank Martin PPV event will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video starting at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 15th, with several intriguing undercard fights also scheduled. To access the live stream, viewers will need a free Amazon account and pay a $75 fee for the PPV. For international viewers facing geo-restrictions, utilizing a VPN service is recommended to ensure seamless access to the event.
