By Abdellatif Sharaa

KUWAIT: Kuwait 1st International Boxing Tournament will be concluded on Monday with final bouts in the seven Olympic weights in the presence of Chairman Kuwait Boxing Federation Mohammad Mansi, board members and heads of delegations. Boxers from Europe, Africa and Asia seek to win the most gold medals to enable their teams take first place in the championship.

Boxers from the three continents showcased their best in most of their matches in the semi-finals in front of enthusiastic crowds. Kuwait's boxer Abdelrahman Al-Enezi nicknamed (Kuwait Tyson) hopes to end his 15-year carrier by winning the gold medal (90 kg). The semi-finals saw highly competitive and exciting matches between Arab boxers - reflecting the major development of the Arab boxing sport. In the first bout, Kuwaiti boxer Mansour Mubarak gave a brilliant performance - beating Bahrain's Fadhel Sayyed Abbas by a unanimous decision in the 51 kg category, while Iraq's Muntather Ali defeated Saudi Arabia's Abdelaziz in the same weight.

KUWAIT: Bahrain's Fadhel Sayed Abbas (left) and Kuwait's Mansour Mbarek compete during the third day of the Kuwait International Boxing Championship at the Kuwait Boxing Hall.

The championship had three competitive bouts in the 80kg category on Saturday evening. Rosennov Willam from Bulgaria was defeated by Iran's Seyedhossein Mirahmadidabaheidari, while Adylbek Uulu Erkin from Kyrgyzstan defeated Thailand's Borworn Kadamudan. Also, Iran's Seyedshahin Mousavi beat REhemandu Halimulati (China).

Kuwait's Boxing Federation Assistant Secretary Hazzaa Al-Mutairi said the organizing committee continues in its efforts to guarantee the success of the tournament. "We are keen on applying the best international standards. All subcommittees completed their work early to ensure smooth and comfortable participation," Al-Mutairi said. Chairman of Iraq Boxing Federation Ali Takleef lauded the good organization of the first Kuwait International Boxing Championship, adding that the event is considered a model.

KUWAIT: Iran's Mostafa Rigi (left) and Bulgaria's Ergyunal Sabri compete during the third day of the Kuwait International Boxing Championship.

Results of the third day of competition were as follows:

In the 51 KG category: Rigi Mostafa (IRI) defeated Sabri Ergyunal (BUL); Mbarek Mansour (KWT) defeated Abbas Sayed Fadhel (BHN); Mannopov Abdumajid (UZB) defeated Shuail Al-Qannas (YEM); Ali Nasser Muntadher (IRQ) defeated Abdulaziz Alatbi (KSA).

In the 63 KG category: Pidnuch Khunatip (THA) beat Hassan Kamel; Lazizbek Fattoev (UZB) defeated Abdullahi (QAR); Sami Yahya (IRQ) defeated Samer Humaidi (KSA) while Faraji Bagher (IRI) beat Muaadh Al-Khameri (YEM).

In the 80 KG category: Seyedhossein Mirahmadibabaheidari (IRI) defeated Wiliam Rosennov (BUL); Uulu Erkin Adylbek (KGZ) defeated Borworn Kadamduan (THA); Sayedshahin Mosavri (IRI) defeated Halimmulati (CHN) while Ruzetov Dilshodbed (UZB) overpowered Talal-Al-Motawaa (KWT).