Boxer Khyzhniak guaranteed Ukraine third medal at Paris Olympics

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak won against Brazilian Vanderley de Souza Pereira in the quarterfinals of the 80 kg weight category. He advanced to the semifinals, securing at least a bronze medal, reports Suspilne Sport.

In the first and second rounds, the judges unanimously awarded the advantage to Khyzhniak. In the final round, Pereira tried to knock out the Ukrainian, but Khyzhniak withstood the challenge and secured the victory.

In his first match at the Olympics, the Ukrainian won by split decision against Hungary’s Filip Akimov.

According to the competition regulations, athletes advancing to the semifinals are guaranteed at least a bronze medal, while winning the gold requires two more victories in the tournament.

In the semifinals, Khyzhniak will face Cuban two-time Olympic champion Arlen Lopez. The match is scheduled for August 4 at 18:22 Kyiv time.

The first medal for Ukraine was won by fencer Olga Kharlan, who secured bronze in the individual sabre competition.

The second medal, silver, was awarded to Serhiy Kulish in the three-position small-bore rifle shooting.