By Lewis Richardson, the last remaining boxer for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics, secured a crucial victory by defeating Vakhid Abbasov of Serbia in a split decision. This win kept British hopes alive after a series of early exits and contentious judging decisions had put the team on the brink of losing all their bouts.
Richardson faced immense pressure, especially against a formidable opponent like Abbasov, a European gold medallist. Despite a challenging first round, Richardson fought back in the second round, landing a powerful left punch that shook Abbasov. The final round saw Richardson edging out his opponent with solid counter-punching, ultimately winning the match and advancing to the quarter-finals.
Earlier, GB middleweight Chantelle Reid lost her opening contest against Morocco’s Khadija Mardi. Despite the loss, Reid’s journey to the Olympics was remarkable, having returned to the sport after a six-year hiatus due to degenerative disc disease. She expressed pride in her performance and gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the Olympics.
The standout performance came from Cindy Ngamba, a UK-based refugee athlete originally from Cameroon. Ngamba, who trains with the GB squad but competes for the IOC’s refugee team due to her refugee status, delivered a stunning victory over Canada’s world champion Tammara Thibeault. Despite being handed a standing count early in the fight, Ngamba fought back fiercely, winning the second and third rounds to secure a memorable split decision victory. Ngamba’s triumph is a testament to her resilience and determination, inspiring many with her journey and success.
