Third match, third victory by unanimous decision for Tammara Thibeault in Istanbul. The boxer defeated Rady adosinda Gramane of Mozambique in the -75kg semifinals on Wednesday. So he reached the World Championships final for the first time in his career.
She will face Atheyna Bylon of Panama for the gold medal. Both 5th at the Tokyo Olympics, the two pugilists face off in the final of the latest Pan American Championships, in April. Thibeault led 5-0 to be crowned champion.
When I was young I dreamed of it, to fight for the gold medal. I’m close! I’m so happy, I’m so proud, I’m so happyhe confessed after his victory.
On Wednesday, the bell rang when Gramane attacked to close the distance separating him from Quebecer.
It was a harder fight than I expected. My opponent came out very strong, he was small, powerful, and he showed that he had a heart in his stomachspecified Thibeault, who did everything in his power to stay in control.
Clearly favored by his size, he found his rhythm as the fight progressed. He expects his opponent’s blows, to counter and retaliate at appropriate times. The Mozambique representative was punished twice when he tried to touch Thibeault.
Thus, the Canadian has no doubt as to the outcome of this confrontation. Its efficiency has made all the difference. Four jurors gave up cards of 30-25, while the other gave up a score of 29-26.
The first round was a bit chaotic, but I managed to pull myself into the next two rounds, which gave me the victory. I’m really happy and excited about the idea of reaching the final.
On Monday, Tammara Thibeault defeated Australian Anne Parker in the quarter-finals. She also shut out American Naomi Melissa Graham in her first world fight, after being given a first-round bye.
Give 120%
Tammara Thibeault, who is competing in her third World Championships, will now have the opportunity to climb to the top step of the podium in her category. The 25-year-old athlete will get his hands on the second world medal, winning bronze in 2019.
It’s hard to really describe how I feel. All I can say is that on Friday I will give my 120%. It’s been a long time since Canada had a gold medal at the World Championships and I want to be the woman to win it.
On Wednesday, Charlie Cavanagh of New Brunswick also won his semifinal bout at 63-66 kg. In the final, he will face Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey on Friday.
Source: Radio-Canada
