AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) has announced the crop of hard-hitting Heavyweights joining the competition and striving to snatch a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Among the ranks of elite athletes looking to pave their way to Rio there is suave Italian superstar and two-time Heavyweight World Champion, Clemente Russo, who has voiced his enthusiasm for the tournament and the unique opportunities open to the boxers competing in it.
“I adore AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) for the fact that it allows you to compete as a pro whilst still retaining your Olympic Games eligibility,” said the double Olympic silver medalist. “My goal, for instance, is to take part in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games and to try and get to the very top. I dream about the Olympic gold medal, which is the one missing from my collection.
“I have to move forward and throw myself wholeheartedly into this exciting new adventure in APB. Definitely, I am motivated to perform well in front of the Italian public and those who support me and get an Olympic Games place for Rio 2016,” he added.
Joining the rugged Russo in the division is spindly Kazakh technician and 2013 Asian Boxing Championships gold medalist Anton Pinchuk alongside Algerian brawler and All Africa Games gold medalist Chouaib Bouloudinats.
One of the shining stars amongst a bright pack of boxers is highly-touted young gun and unbeaten World Series of Boxing (WSB) boxer Yamil Peralta, who has already made a name for himself by winning bronze in the 2013 AIBA World Championships and representing his country at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Completing the crew of heavyweight hard knocks is undefeated USA pro Javonta Charles; Russian warrior and 2013 European champion Aleksei Egorov; slick 2013 European bronze medalist Emir Ahmatovic from Germany; and Bulgarian 2012 Olympic Games bronze medalist Tervel Pulev.
With such an illustrious list of talent, the 91kg category will surely light up a tournament already teaming with talented champions and superstars from all corners of the globe.
