Second Colombian triumph in boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and this time the victor was Angie Valdés, who in the 60-kilogram category defeated Donjeta Sadiku from Kosovo, 2-3.
According to the criteria of
The first round went to the Colombian, as the judges declared her the winner 4-1, thanks to her hitting more punches to her opponent’s face, an offense with which she began to secure her victory.
Tight
The second round was more contested, as the rival of the barranquillera went on the attack to overcome the deficit, landing punches that helped her score, but not to win, as she ended up down 3-2.
For the final round, Valdés entered more confident and calm, focusing on defending against her opponent’s attacks, who always tried to knock her down, but it didn’t happen.
The Colombian has set her sights on winning a medal at the Olympics and is mentally prepared to overcome all the adversities she faces: competing for the first time in the games, being only 23 years old, and being seeded in sixth position.
Born in Barranquilla on July 14, 2000, Valdés aims to secure a medal and forget the numerous problems that have haunted her and that still leave some lasting effects.
She earned her spot in the Olympic Games after her participation in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, where she won the silver medal after losing to Brazilian Beatriz Ferreira Soares, who is her main rival for medals in Paris.
Indeed, Ferreira Soares defeated her at last year’s World Championship, where Valdés secured the silver medal, making her one of the favorites to win a podium spot this time on French soil.
“She tried to confuse me, but my coach’s shouts alerted me. You know that all fights are tough, even if you know the opponent,” Valdés said.
She added: “We’re taking it step by step. First it was the inter-club matches, then the Nationals, Bolivarian Games, and now we are at the Olympics.”
She already has an opponent
Her next fight will be against Irish Kellie Harrington, seeded three, who defeated Italian Alexia Mesiano 5-0. It is worth noting that the European is the current Olympic champion, having won in Tokyo 2021.
If the barranquillera wins that match, she secures, for now, the bronze medal and will go for the gold.
“It’s a tough fight, as she has been an Olympic champion. I trust in my abilities. Respect won’t win you a fight; it’s what you do in the ring that counts,” concluded the winner.
This fight will take place next Wednesday at 5:54 PM Paris time, which is 10:54 AM Colombian time.