Interview > José Quiles Brotons / Boxer (Elda, October 19, 1997)
José Quiles Brotons is the only athlete born in our town to have participated in two Olympic Games. In Paris, he was close to winning a medal, but a controversial refereeing decision and the power of Uzbek Abdumalik Khalokov prevented him from doing so.
The boxer admits that “the Uzbeks, holders of many titles, are always the favourites”, but with the Spaniards close behind. He fondly remembers the experience, which was much more positive than in Tokyo, especially due to the atmosphere and family support he received.
It is still too early to know whether we will be able to see him in Los Angeles 2028, because the continuation of boxing among the Olympic sports is also being debated. “I still have the dream of being champion of the Olympic Games, but the idea was to go to Paris,” he laments.
What does boxing represent for you?
Right now it’s my life, the one I’ve chosen; it’s a very tough sport and I live for it. Inside the ring I try to be calm and intelligent, trying to hit and not get hit (laughs), although it’s difficult.
How was the preparation for Paris?
It was very hard, between the issue of nutrition, trying to get into a weight class, and the desire to reach 200% for the Olympics, because you’re preparing for four years, three in this case. The important thing, however, is that we enjoyed it.
Let’s talk about the Games themselves.
The first fight went as expected, against a very intense opponent, the Kazakh Makhmud Sabyrkhan, who always shows a high frequency of punches. The result was very good, four to one in my favour.
“I still dream of being an Olympic champion, but the idea was to do so now, in Paris 2024”
Could you tell us what happened to Abdumalik Khalokov?
I think he won the first round, surprising me with his speed and explosiveness, but in the second I was clearly superior, perhaps more clearly. However, they gave me five to zero down, so the third round was no longer of any use.
These were your second Olympics. What were the differences compared to Tokyo?
A lot, in Tokyo without an audience. In Paris, when they said my name and Spain, and I was able to go out, see all the fans and my family, it was a huge adrenaline rush. I was more than happy to be able to compete in these Games.
How was the unique opening ceremony?
It was very cool, so different from the traditional opening ceremonies. It took place on the Seine, on a boat for each delegation, and it was beautiful, too bad about the rain and the cold. Despite everything, we were noticed, as always (laughs). As soon as we got off the boat we were in front of the Eiffel Tower, a picture-postcard image.
«The preparation for the Olympics was very hard, because of the diet and the desire to reach 200%»
What is it like to live in the Olympic Village?
Similar to the one in Tokyo, but not as big. I would have changed the beds, which were very strange and, without being a disaster, were not particularly comfortable. As for the cleanliness, it was very neglected, while I barely tried anything about the food, as I had to follow a very strict diet: chicken and protein shake.
Were you able to see any of your idols?
Yes, I was lucky. We were going to train, going down to the gym with the physio, and we ran into Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer and Carlos Alcaraz. I think they were coming back from a session, I’m sure they had already been asked for a million photos, but they were super nice and I was able to take a photo with each of them.
What are your next championships going to be?
I don’t think I’ll compete again next year, in 2024. I’ll just rest and continue training, which is hard enough. Next year, in May, the World Championships will be held, possibly in Kazakhstan, although there is no definitive venue.
“When they called my name and I saw all the fans supporting me, it was an adrenaline rush”
Are we waiting for you in Los Angeles 2028?
I don’t know yet, I have to think about it. Of course I would like to, but at the moment it is not known if there will be boxing in Los Angeles, after the controversy that has arisen in the French capital.
What exactly happened?
I don’t know much about this subject, because I’ve read so many different things… Some say that instead of having XX chromosomes, they have XY; although they are women from birth, others think that they are men who have had surgery. It is true that the difference is noticeable, especially in the Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif.
It seems that boxing is over at the Games.
I don’t know either. We at the Federation try not to think about it, because it would cause us anxiety and stress. Right now we can’t do anything, just go to the competitions that come up and try to win them.
What else do you do in your life?
I have finished the first year of the Advanced Degree in Sports, very happy. I like playing video games with friends, reading and being with my partner.
José Quiles Brotons (left) in combat with Uzbek Abdumalik Khalokov.
