2020 Olympics bronze medalist and multiple Russian champion boxer Imam Khataev said he considered himself a World Cup favorite in Uzbekistan.
The world championship will take place from May 1 to 14 in Tashkent. The opening ceremony is scheduled for April 30. The competitions will take place in 13 weight categories. It was previously announced that in the absence of force majeure, defending champions Russia will fly to Uzbekistan. Last fall, the International Boxing Association (IBA) admitted Russian athletes to the World Championships with national symbols.
– I have been waiting for the World Cup for a very long time, there are no fears and I am very happy that there is not much time left before departure. I don’t see any competition in my weight category, it will be quite possible to win against my rivals. I consider myself the favorite in the weight category up to 80 kg. I’m going to the World Championships with a winning attitude and for the gold. Although there will be a double Olympic champion (Cuban Arlen Lopez) among the opponents, but I beat him in the tournament in Morocco, so I don’t see him among my competitors in Tashkent.
I can note the preparation of the whole team, all the guys worked hard in Kyrgyzstan, and now they are preparing for an important start in Sochi. It’s great that our team can compete in the World Championships with the flag and the anthem of Russia. I remember how we fought without national symbols at the Tokyo Olympics, and it was very unpleasant. I am proud and very happy that this year the Russian anthem can sound,” said Khataev, whose “” lyrics were provided by the press service of the Russian Boxing Federation.
Watch live broadcasts of boxing tournaments on the federal channel, as well as on the matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru websites.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
