Khizhnyak wins gold in boxing at Paris Olympics

Ukrainian boxer Alexander Khizhnyak became the winner of a gold medal Olympics 2024 in boxing in the weight category up to 80 kg.

In the final fight, the Ukrainian defeated the representative of Kazakhstan Nurbek Oralbay by a split decision of the judges. Khizhnyak won the first round, but lost in the second. In the decisive round, Alexander acted more actively, hit his opponent more often and constantly moved forward.

The bronze medalists in the 80 kg weight category were Cuban Arlen Lopez and Christian Javier Pinales from the Dominican Republic.

Let us recall that Khizhnyak started in Paris with a strong-willed victory over Filip Akilov, representing Hungary. In the quarterfinals, Alexander was stronger than the Brazilian Vanderlei Pereira by unanimous decision. In the semifinals, the Ukrainian was stronger in the fight with two-time Olympic champion from Cuba Arlen Lopez.

This is the second Olympic medal in Khiznyak’s career. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, he won silver in the 75 kg weight category. It should be noted that Oleksandr is the second Ukrainian boxer after Vasyl Lomachenko to win two awards at the Olympics.

This gold medal was also Ukraine’s third at the Olympic Games in Paris, following the success of the women’s team in sabre fencing and the victory of Yaroslava Mahuchikh in the high jump.

Let us recall that WBO/WBA/IBO/WBC heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk previously promised to personally pay prize money to Ukrainian boxers for each medal won at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.