Uzbekistan’s national boxing team has established itself as a leader in amateur boxing over the past few years. The team’s success is demonstrated not only by five gold medals won at the Paris Olympics but also by the performance of its “second lineup” at the Asian Championship in Thailand, where Uzbek boxers once again showcased their high level of preparation, surpassing teams such as Kazakhstan. The intense competition within the team fosters continuous improvement among athletes.
British boxing expert Taylor O’Higgins commented on the reasons behind Uzbekistan’s success:
“Boxing’s cyclical nature is a well-known fact. Cuba previously held the top spot, but the situation has shifted. Uzbekistan has achieved remarkable results due to several factors. A crucial role is played by the highly qualified coaching staff led by Tulkin Kilichev. Equally important is the internal competition within the team. Boxers who didn’t make it to the main Olympic lineup still deliver excellent results in other competitions.
For instance, Adhamjon Mukhiddinov and Khavasbek Asadullayev’s performances at last month’s Asian Championship are noteworthy. Although they were not primary contenders for the Olympics, both athletes showcased outstanding boxing. As the saying goes, ‘iron sharpens iron.’ This competition drives athletes to constantly improve.”
O’Higgins also pointed out the role of random factors: “The influence of luck, especially in major tournaments, cannot be denied. The draw can provide some athletes with an easier path to victory compared to others. Judges’ decisions in close matches can also make a difference. A bout judged one way on a given day might have ended differently on another. This does not imply bias but rather underscores that an element of randomness exists in sports.”
The expert emphasized that despite the influence of random factors, Uzbekistan’s success is primarily the result of systematic work and high professionalism.
Source: upl.uz