The first four semi-final pairs are set at AIBA World Boxing Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The evening session today will determine the next semi-finalists. 

Flyweight semi-finalists are France, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and India 

After defeating Cuban first-seeded rival Galal Yafai from England was not able to succeed. He lost unanimously to Billal Bennama from France. Shakhobidin Zoirov (UZB) demonstrated a spectacular fight against Daniel Asenov and celebrated his 5:0 victory that leads him to the final. Bennama and Zoirov will fight against each other in a semi-final. 

Other semi-final participants of the flyweight division are Indian Amit and Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan. Before Bibossinov defeated Artur Hovhannisyan (ARM) and the Indian won against Carlo Paalam from Philippines.  

Light Welterweight medal winners are Cuba, India, Armenia and the USA 

Defending World champion Andy Cruz Gomez from Cuba unanimously swept the victory over the Youth Olympic champion Ilya Popov from Russia. To proceed to the finals the winner needs to defend against Indian Manish Kaushik. 

Third seeded European Games champion Hovhannes Bachkov from Armenia progressed to the semi-finals winning against Leonel De Los Santos from Dominican Republic. Second seeded defending World champion Sofiane Oumiha from France lost to Keyshawn Davis (USA). The American will challenge Bachkov to continue to the next round.

Middleweight medals go to Russia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Philippines 

Russian Gleb Bakshi hold an unexpected victory against Arlen Lopez (CUB) with the split decision 3:2. In the next round he meets Brazilian Hebert Da Conceicao, who defeated Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) 4:1.       

“Of course, Cuban athletes are dangerous. Today I was fighting against the Olympic champion. His titles represents him well enough. But to be honest he didn’t surprise me a single time. During the preparation for this fight we learned most of his previous fights and I knew how he will be acting. I had a certain strategy for this fight but followed it only to 90%, so there were few mistakes. Every athlete has some secrets that are not to make public. Today I brought some light on a few of mine though. It’s a very emotional moment for me and I need to calm down now. But I feel satisfied at the end,” said Bakshi.

Tursynbay Kulakhmet (KAZ) set to the next round unanimously winning against Arman Darchinyan from Armenia. Eumir Marcial (PHI) defeated Seyedshahin Mousavi (IRI) and meets with Kazakhs for the semi-final battle. 

Top-4 heavyweight nations are Bulgaria, Russia, Kazakhstan and Ecuador  

One more surprising victory goes to Bulgarian Radoslav Pantaleev. He unanimously beat Cuban defending World champion Erislandi Savon. Next round the Bulgarian meets European Games champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov from Russia who defeated the 4th seeded Cheavon Clarke (ENG).

“I’m very happy to win against such a strong opponent, therefore I believe that my steadfast character and a power of will made this happen. I was focused from the very beginning and had no doubts about myself. The right-time initiative and a well-chosen tactics of a close-range boxing was the key to win this fight. I knew with my whole heart that this fight will lead me to the victory,” said Pantaleev.

Olympic silver medalist Vassily Levit (KAZ) defeated Hussein Iashaish (JOR). Sanjeet Sanjeet (IND) lost to Julio Cesar Castillo Torres (ECU). For gold medal match Levit meets Castillo Torres.

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