A year and a half ago, Khizhnyak and Oralbay met in the quarterfinals of a rating tournament, today they will compete for Olympic gold
Late in the evening of August 7th in Paris Ukrainian boxer Alexander Khizhnyak will meet in the ring with Kazakh boxer Nurbek Oralbay the final fight of the 2024 Olympics in the 80 kg category. For the Ukrainian and Kazakh boxers, this is the second face-to-face fight in the last year and a half. In February 2023, Khizhnyak and Oralbay met in the quarterfinals of the Istvan Bocskay rating tournament. We tell you what you need to know about the final fight of the 2024 Olympics in boxingin the d category 80 kg Alexander Khizhnyak – Nurbek Oralbay.
How Khizhnyak and Oralbay reached the final
On the way to the final, Khizhnyak defeated Hungarian boxer, Ukrainian Philip Akimov, in the quarterfinals – Brazilian Vanderlei Pereira, and in the semifinals – two-time Olympic champion, Cuban Arlen Lopez.
Oralbay had easier opponents. However, Nurbek won only one fight easily – in the quarterfinals against Azerbaijani Azza Alakhverdiev – 5:0. The win against Australian Callum Peters in the 1/8 finals and the semifinals against Christian Pinales were more difficult – both times 3:2.
Who has better achievements?
The upcoming Olympic final is the second in Khizhnyak’s career. Three years ago, the Ukrainian lost by knockout in the third round to Brazilian Herbert Souza in the decisive fight of the Tokyo Games. However, that fight took place in the now abolished 75 kg category. Khizhnyak is the 2017 World and European Champion, a two-time winner of the European Games. It should be noted that the defeat to Souza remains the only one on Khizhnyak’s record since 2016.
Oralbay is a famous and titled boxer. Nurbek is last year’s world champion (the Ukrainian team did not go to the tournament in Tashkent), a prize winner of the Asian Championship, and a world champion among youth.
How Khizhnyak and Oralbay fought among themselves
The Ukrainian and Kazakh boxers have only met once in a face-to-face fight. In February 2023, Khyzhnyak and Oralbay met in the quarterfinals of the Istvan Bocskay rating tournament. Then Khyzhnyak won a difficult victory – 3:2.
During his career, Khizhnyak has met boxers from Kazakhstan four times. In addition to Oralbay, the Ukrainian defeated Abilkhan Amankul (in the final of the 2017 World Championship), Dias Molzhigitov (2022) and Zhanibek Kartbaev (2023).
Who is the favorite in the 2024 Olympics final?
According to bookmakers, Khizhnyak is the favorite in the fight with Oralbay. The probability of his victory is estimated at 1×1.27. Chance for Oralbay to win – 1×3.8.
According to bookmakers, this is due to the Ukrainian’s experience, high level of training, and impressive victories in the current Olympic tournament.
Why Oralbay is dangerous for Khizhnyak
This is exactly the case when styles make fights. Khizhnyak prefers pressing and pressure. Oralbay likes to work from a distance. A year and a half ago, it seemed, the Kazakh boxer found the keys to the Ukrainian, and since then Nurbek has become even more experienced.
If Khizhnyak manages to break the distance competently, imposing his rhythm and pace on his opponent, then Oralbay will have little chance. But it is important to remember another thing: for Khizhnyak, the 80 kg category is relatively new, while Oralbay has been fighting in it for a long time. This means he knows how to hit and take a hit. The first is especially important for Khizhnyak, given the bitter experience of the last Olympics.
Where to watch the fight Khizhnyak – Oralbay
On Wednesday, August 7, the fight for the title of the 2024 Olympic Games champion in boxing in the category of 80 kg Oleksandr Khyzhnyak – Nurbek Oralbay will be available for viewing online in Ukraine. The broadcast of the final fight of the 2024 Olympics Khyzhnyak – Oralbay will be available on Suspilne. The matches of the football tournament of the 2024 Olympics and the key broadcasts of the 2024 Games can be seen on the YouTube channel Suspilne Sport and regional channels of Suspilne.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
