Paris Games: what to know, who to watch during possibly the last Olympic boxing competition
- The women’s field is bigger than ever, but this could be the last year boxing is held at the Olympics after a century of competition
What would boxing be without some controversy, and there is plenty around the amateur sport at the moment.
With rival organisations bidding for control, and the IOC threatening to leave it out of the next Olympics altogether, at least the action in Paris should focus on the ring.
Athletes to watch
Arlen López (Cuba): Now 31, the two-time Olympic champion will attempt to become the fourth three-time gold medallist in Olympic boxing history. He’ll probably have to beat the Philippines’ Eumir Marcial, a promising pro boxer and Manny Pacquiao protégé.
Julio César La Cruz (Cuba): Although he took two pro fights in 2022, the punishing heavyweight is back to take his own shot at the exclusive club of three-time gold medallists.
Teremoana “Junior” Teremoana (Australia): The most compelling fighter on the Aussies’ impressive team might be this 6ft 6 inch (1.98-metre) super heavyweight with four professional knockouts.
Kellie Harrington (Ireland): The lightweight champion of Tokyo is back to try for a second gold, but she is coming off her first loss in almost three years and has faced criticism for her perceived anti-immigration stances on social media.
