Spanish boxer José Quiles was left without a medal at the Paris Olympic Games (France), after losing by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals of the 57 kg category against Uzbek Abdumalik Khalokov, world champion in the category, in a very tactical fight in which the Elda native showed ambition, but it was not enough.
Quiles was the last option to win a medal in Olympic boxing, after those of Enmanuel Reyes Plá (-92 kg) and Ayoub Ghadfa (+92 kg) – both already in the semi-finals. But the draw for the man from Elda was not favourable and, after beating the Kazakh Makhmud Sabyrkhan, he had to face the world and Asian champion in the category, and the favourite for gold, a tough nut to crack.
The boxer from Elda, who left the ring with his left eye and half his face purple and swollen from a headbutt from his rival in the quarterfinals, looked much more comfortable in the first round, gradually getting into the rhythm of the fight and taking the initiative in the centre of the ring. In addition, he was able to connect a 1-2 combination and a good straight punch against the Uzbek’s face. The latter, however, showed his mastery with each movement, supported by a greater reach thanks to his long arms.
The Spaniard’s intention was not enough for the judges, who unanimously gave the first round to Khalokov, who was more solid. Quiles was forced to come back, without losing his ambition or his energy, with which he landed a couple of direct jabs, while the Uzbek boxed with much more intelligence. And this was rewarded by the judges in their decision, who forced the Spaniard to end the fight before time.
An almost impossible mission for Quiles, who was living the last minutes of his Olympic dream. And looking for that saving hand, he fell into despair, to which the Uzbek also drove him, more worried about not making any mistake that could be decisive than about entering the direct duel. The participation of the Elda native in Paris is over, so Spanish boxing will have two medals, those of Enmanuel Reyes and Ayoub Ghadfa.
