New quota hopes for Spain in the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualifier

Spain has announced its 10-strong team for the upcoming 1^st World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event which will be held in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29.

Spain has already qualified two boxers, Laura Fuertes (women’s 50kg) and Jose Quiles (men’s 57kg to the Paris Olympics through the European Games last summer.

The team has been finalized during the recent Boxam Tournament in La Nucia based on their selection bouts in a few weight categories. The Boxam Tournament saw a record number of nations and boxers and several of the top teams are still preparing in Spain together with the local squad.

The President of the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation, Mr. Felipe Martinez is optimistic about the upcoming 1^st World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event, he is expecting new spots for the Paris Olympics in Italy.

Marta Lopez Del Arbol won her important classification bout in La Nucia and she will represent Spain at the women’s bantamweight (54kg) in Busto Arsizio.

The 28-year-old Jennifer Fernandez (57kg) defeated such strong boxers as France’s Amina Zidani and Kazakhstan’s Karina Ibragimova in the previous months therefore her expectations are high in Italy.

A professional boxer, Sheila Martinez (60kg) and Mariana Soto (66kg) were also involved to the travelling four-strong female team to Busto Arsizio.

The reigning European Champion Martin Molina has a strong chance at the men’s flyweight (51kg) despite his semi-final loss at the previous Boxam Tournament.

The World Championships bronze medallists, and Tokyo Olympics quarter-finalists such as Gazimagomed Jalidov (80kg) and Emmanuel Reyes (92kg) are strong rivals for everyone in their weight categories.

The European Championships silver medallist Ayoub Ghadfa Drissi is one of the top super heavyweight (+92kg) boxers and he has medal hopes in the World Qualifier.

Two young talents as the energetic Salvador Flores (63.5kg) and Sergio Martinez (71kg) won their selection bouts and received the right to compete for Spain in the Qualifier.