In Karaganda, the boxers were congratulated on their successful performances at the world championships. Sabyrzhan Akkalykov, an athlete from Shakhtinsk, became the World Cup champion and confirmed his status as one of the most promising masters of leather gloves in Kazakhstan. Aida Abikeeva won the bronze medal at the same tournament. Eight years later, Milana Safronova returned to the pro ring: in Turkey, she won a fight against the host of the tournament, fighting a two-time world champion.

– The victories of Karaganda boxing further popularize the sport in our region and set it up for new heights. The stage of the Boxing World Cup held in Astana under the auspices of World Boxing was not easy and became a triumph for the national team of Kazakhstan. More than 300 athletes from 30 countries participated in it. As a result, the national team won 16 medals, eight of which were gold, and led the overall standings. We are glad that our boxers contributed to this result," said Serik Sapiev, Head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports.

It was noted at the press conference that the Astana tournament has become an important preparation for the World Cup in Liverpool, which will be held in September. After a short rest, hard work will begin again – you will not be able to relax.

The athletes shared their impressions and thanked their mentors and fans for their support.

Sabyrzhan Akkalykov had no equal in the weight category up to 75 kg. In the final match, he confidently defeated Bulgarian boxer Rami Kivan: he dominated from the very beginning and held the advantage until the end of the fight. This tournament has become an important stepping stone in his rapid athletic growth.

Sabyrzhan Akkalykov has been boxing since he was 11 years old. The champion is coached by Alexander Nasibullin.

– We are from the city of Shakhtinsk. I am grateful to my coach: he is always there, supportive and motivating.  We came out of the basement and rose to the title of champion! – He says  Sabyrzhan Akkalykov. – I have been preparing hard for this tournament and was focused on winning. There were nine participants in my weight class, I had three fights, and in the final I met a Bulgarian athlete who participated in the Paris Olympics. The opponent is serious and technical. We set tactics with the coach before the fight and achieved victory. Of course, it's easier to perform at home: the support of the fans raises the fighting spirit. Mom watched my fights from the podium, she came to the semifinals and finals. The next starts are the World Cup in Liverpool. We will prepare. On July 21, training camps will begin in Almaty.

Aida Abikeeva has been involved in sports since she was seven years old. At first, she played football, and then her parents brought the girl to the boxing section. And now he is directing all his efforts towards a sports career.

At the World Cup in Astana, Karagandinka competed in the weight category up to 65 kg. In the semifinals, she lost to the titled athlete from Turkey, Olympic champion Busenaz Surmeneli.

The bronze medalist admitted that she was unhappy with her result.

– I was aiming for the first place. I think I didn't have enough physical strength. We will work on the errors. The main thing now is to prepare well for the upcoming World Cup. And then I'll work on physics for these three years, and I'll be ready for the Olympics," said Aida Abikeeva.

34-year-old athlete Milana Safronova is also determined to achieve new victories. According to the boxer, the support of the fans energizes his character and fighting spirit.

– When you feel that the whole of Kazakhstan is looking at you, it gives you even more strength. You feel responsible for defending the honor of your country. And then you don't think about any worries or emotions anymore, you try to do your best," Milana Safronova shared.

https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda/press/news/details/1032191?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda-sport/press/news/details/1034848?lang=kk