SOFIA: TWO CHAMPIONS

The European Boxing Championships were held in the Bulgarian capital from 17–25 September. Azerbaijan's men's team, which set a record for the number and quality of medals won, finished second in the team standings.

At the championships, which saw the participation of 406 athletes from 43 countries, Azerbaijani boxers achieved a commendable five medals. Subhan Mammadov (50kg) and Saidjamshid Jafarov (75kg) emerged victorious, securing the top spots as European champions. Nabi Iskandarov (70kg) claimed the runner-up position, while Amin Mammadzade (55kg) and Muhammed Abdullayev (+90kg) both attained third place, respectively.

In the overall standings for men's and women's teams, Azerbaijan finished third and received a special cup. Russia took first place, followed by Türkiye.

An excellent result

Azerbaijan's boxers concluded the continental championships with a remarkable achievement. This was the best performance in the history of the national team in terms of the number of medals won at a single championship. The previous records were four medals at the 2006 European Championships in Plovdiv and the 2013 championships in Minsk.

Russia topped the standings, while a strong Ukrainian team completed the top three. It is important to note that Azerbaijani boxers were responsible for both of Russia's defeats in the championships' final stages.

Subhan Mammadov has received little but praise. During the tournament, the young athlete demonstrated composure and technical proficiency in their boxing. In the final, he emerged victorious over Russia's Bair Batlaev with a score of 4–1, marking a close yet decisive win and securing the top spot on the podium. Mammadov's ability to maintain the correct distance and launch quick counter-attacks earned him the gold medal.

Saidjamshid Jafarov has added a European title to his growing list of career achievements. He was undoubtedly the most impressive figure at the Sofia tournament. Jafarov achieved victory in the championship, and was also awarded the title of the tournament's best boxer. In the final, he defeated another Russian, Ismail Mutsolgov, by a clear 5–0 margin, giving his opponent no chance thanks to effective close-range combinations and superior physical condition.

Nabi Iskandarov, the silver medallist, successfully advanced to the final bout following a series of decisive victories. He was defeated by Russia's Sergey Koldenkov in the final, but the determination he displayed suggests a promising future.

Amin Mammadzade, who secured the bronze medal, convincingly defeated Armenia's Zhirayr Sargsyan in the initial stages of the tournament, providing him with further motivation. Experienced heavyweight Muhammed Abdullayev was unable to proceed to the semi-final due to minor tactical errors. He subsequently received a bronze medal.

Khojayev's strategy

The team's success is largely attributable to the leadership of its head coach, Uzbek specialist Rovshan Khojayev. His "new generation" strategy proved effective. In comparison with previous years, the team in Sofia exhibited a more aggressive approach to boxing, taking control of the centre of the ring from the outset of each round and focusing on combination attacks.

The younger athletes demonstrated a particularly successful level of adaptation. Azerbaijan's third-place finish and bronze cup in the overall men's and women's team standings indicate a resurgence of boxing in the country.

The result confirms that Azerbaijani boxing is moving in the right direction ahead of the upcoming World Championships and the Olympic cycle, and is becoming one of the leading forces on the continent.