Three fights, three gold medals were handed out today. Shakur Stevenson's quest to become the first men's boxing gold medalist for the United States since 2004 fell short today in Rio, as he dropped a split decision to Cuba's Robeisy Ramírez, who is now a two-time gold medalist. Ramírez was Stevenson's toughest opponent to date, as he was the favorite by many to win the gold in this division. Stevenson is going to turn pro next, as he’s ready to sign a deal with Mayweather Promotions. He’s cited Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward — the last American male to win a gold medal -- as his inspirations in the ring. At 19, he gave a tough fight to one of the best amateur boxers in the world. Expect Stevenson to get a lot of attention from the boxing world when he eventually becomes a pro.
Cuba, who came out as the strong winner on his day, and Uzbekistan have probably had the two best boxing teams we’ve seen at the 2016 Olympics. The two countries collided today in the men’s middleweight (75kg) final, with Arlen López of Cuba taking home the gold, capping off a sensational showing in Rio. While women’s boxing was only introduced to the Olympics in 2012, it’s no question who the greatest women’s flyweight in Olympic history is thus far, as Nicola Adams of Great Britain won her second straight gold medal today, defeating Sarah Ourahmoune of France and winning all three rounds of the match. Adams proved without a shadow of a doubt, tht she is quite possibly the best pound-for-pound female amateur boxer in the world.
Here is the Olympic boxing results after Day 15:
Women’s flyweight (51kg) - FINAL
Nicola Adams (Great Britain) def. Sarah Ourahmoune (France)
Men’s bantamweight (56kg) - FINAL
Robeisy Ramírez (Cuba) def. Shakur Stevenson (United States)
Men’s middleweight (75kg) - FINAL
Arlen López (Cuba) def. Bektemir Melikuziev (Uzbekistan)
