The 77th Strandja International Tournament, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, continues with intense and uncompromising fights. The second program of the prestigious competition has also concluded, where representatives of the Uzbekistan women's national team tested their abilities in the ring. Some advanced to the next stage with a convincing victory, while others were defeated in fierce and controversial battles. But the overall picture showed that Uzbek female boxers once again demonstrated character, resilience, and fighting spirit in the international arena.
In the -57 kg weight category, Humorabonu Mamajonova stepped into the ring against the representative of Ireland, Niam Fay, in the quarterfinals. Throughout the bout, Humorabonu did not perform poorly, but, on the contrary, showed worthy resistance to her opponent and demonstrated the most active and courageous boxing possible. During the fight, there were moments when he dominated in some episodes. Nevertheless, in the end, the judges' decision was in favor of the Irish athlete - 2:3. This result is certainly somewhat painful, but Mamajonova's performance made a good impression on the fans.
Another representative of Uzbekistan in the same weight category, multiple-time champion of Uzbekistan Nigina Uktamova, entered the ring against Ukrainian Karina Vovka in the quarterfinals. In this fight, Nigina fully demonstrated her high level of competence, experience, and pressure style. He left almost no chance for his opponent, took full control of the fight, and secured a convincing victory by technical knockout in the second round. This result once again proved that Nigina Uktamova is one of the serious contenders in the competition.
Sitora Turdibekova, competing in the -60 kg weight category, faced Mongolian Namuun Monkor in the quarterfinals. This battle wasn't easy. In the ring, both sides gave their all, and each round was filled with intense and fierce struggle. Sitora also tried to use her opportunities to the end and acted steadfastly. However, in the decisive moments, the opponent had a slight advantage, and the fight ended with a score of 2:3 not in favor of Turdibekova, but in favor of the Mongolian boxer. Despite this defeat, Sitora's perseverance and fighting to the end is noteworthy.
Navbahor Hamidova, our most famous and experienced representative in the -65 kg weight category, also held her first fight in the competition. It is known that her participation in the tournament was slightly delayed due to the fact that her Kazakhstani opponent did not enter the ring in the preliminary round. This time, he was opposed by the representative of Turkey, Berfin Kabak. The fight was very difficult, uncompromising, and tense. At times, it seemed as if the opponent had the advantage. However, experience, mental stability, and the willpower characteristic of true champions are manifested precisely at such moments. Navbahor managed to change the situation, made a comeback at the right moment, and snatched the victory. The final score was 3-2. This victory once again vividly revealed Hamidova's character.
Aziza Zakirova, another promising athlete in the -75 kg weight category, started her competition against Italian Melissa Gemini. During the fight, Aziza acted very confidently, actively, and thoroughly. His punches were precise, his movements organized, and his overall tactical approach seemed quite solid. As a result, the Uzbek boxer surpassed his opponent in all aspects and won with an absolute advantage of 5:0. Such a large-scale victory, of course, increases confidence in his capabilities in the next stages.
For Sobirakhon Shahobiddinova in the +80 kg weight category, the competition began with a serious test from the very first stage. Her opponent was Valeria Akhenova from Kazakhstan. Sobirakhon strived to show a worthy fight in the ring, stared at her opponent as much as possible, and tried not to give up. However, experience is also a very important factor in such major competitions. It was in this aspect that Sobirakhon felt a slight shortage and lost the opportunity with a score of 0:5. Nevertheless, such debates are clearly a great school of experience for the future.
Another representative of Uzbekistan in the same weight category, the champion of Uzbekistan, Oltinoy Sotimboyeva, also entered the ring. She faced Ukrainian Maria Lochinska and showed good preparation, correct tactics, and worthy movements throughout the fight. Altynay confidently controlled the match and won 5:0 with a significant advantage over her opponent. This result means that he has successfully advanced to the next stage. Sotimboyeva's performance was also one of the brightest results of the day for the national team.
Thus, the 2nd program of the "Strandja" tournament ended with mixed results for Uzbek women's boxing. Some of our athletes delighted the fans with convincing victories, while others lost in fierce and difficult matches. But most importantly, each of our representatives who entered the ring fought until the end, striving to worthily defend the honor of the country. This gives hope for further stages and future competitions.
As can be seen from the results presented by the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan, our team has a sufficient number of characteristic, strong-willed, and capable athletes. Now the fans are waiting for our girls to perform successfully in the upcoming competitions.
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