Rising boxing star and Centenary State High School’s Teremoana Teremoana has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics after a closely contested match against defending champion Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan. The quarter-final bout in the 92kg+ category ended in a 5-0 decision in favour of Jalolov, despite a spirited performance from the Australian.
Read: Centenary State High Alum Teremoana Teremoana Punches His Way to Paris Olympics
Heavyweight match at the North Paris Arena
The quarter-final match saw Teremoana putting up a strong fight against his more experienced opponent. The 26-year-old Queenslander came out aggressively in the opening round, frequently forcing Jalolov against the ropes. However, the judges awarded the first round to the Uzbek boxer in a close decision.
Jalolov gained momentum in the second round with several early hits, though the Australian rallied late. The final round saw Jalolov secure points from all five judges, resulting in a unanimous decision.
Teremoana remains positive
Despite the loss, the boxer maintains his trademark optimism. “I guess it just wasn’t my time to get a medal,” he says. “I know I’ve done my family proud, done my country proud and made a little bit of history along the way.”
He expresses confidence in his abilities, stating, “I still believe I’m the best in the world, and unfortunately it’s not my day today.”
He plans to enjoy the rest of his Olympic experience before deciding on his future in the sport. He mentions the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying, “I’ve given myself until 2030 to box … so LA possibly because it’s in the time frame, we’ll see how we go.”
Prior to his quarter-final match, Teremoana made history as the first Australian to win an Olympic fight in the super heavyweight division. His round of 16 bout ended with a knockout victory over Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi, showcasing his improved performance since their last encounter.
Read: Mount Ommaney Tops List for Homeowners Who Never Want to Leave
Teremoana, formerly known as Samson, changed his name to honour his late grandfather. This decision, along with his commitment to not cutting his hair, reflects his strong connection to his Cook Islands heritage.
Published 04-August-2024