Lausanne, July 31, 2014: AIBA Pro Boxing’s (APB) 60Kg category of lightweight boxers truly attests to the notion that the groundbreaking and innovative new tournament brings together the premier performers in the world of boxing.
The APB lightweight 60Kg division is a stunning collection of proven, hungry champions vying for Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualification.
This pack will feature the dazzling skills of Italy’s 2009 World Champion Domenico Valentino who is universally recognized as one of the greatest talents of his generation.
We managed to speak to Domenico this week to gain his thoughts on his new career path.
Domenico, what has attracted you most in the APB competition?
“The opportunity to turn pro while retaining my Olympic eligibility and get a chance to compete for an Olympic Gold medal is what drew me to APB.”
You have participated in the past three Olympic Games, are you looking forward to qualifying for the fourth Olympiad in your career?
“My main goal is to win an Olympic medal. During the past three editions I have managed to get to the podium, however this time in Rio, I would like to go one step further.”
What should the APB fans should expect from Domenico Valentino in the upcoming competition?
“I have been working intensely for many months in order to get in the best possible shape ahead of the APB launch. Fans can be confident that they will see Valentino enter the competition with renewed energy and ready for a show in the ring. My last season marked with the World Championships bronze was just excellent. My latest WSB season ended with me undefeated, even beating (Albert) Selimov in the fight which was defined as one of the best in the last WSB season.”
Joining the virtuoso Valentino is Kazakhstan’s rugged reigning Asian champion Berik Abdrakhmanov, and the brilliant Brazilian tactician Robson Conceição who won a silver medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships last year.
Russian Dmitry Polyyanksiy, a bronze and silver medalist in the European Boxing Championships will join the ranks along with the ambitious former Youth World Champion Artur Bril from Germany, and Beijing 2008 Olympian Hurshid Tojibaev from Uzbekistan.
Completing the group are two more top class operators in Filipino fighter Charly Suarez, and Ireland’s 2009 European Union Boxing Championships gold medal winner David Oliver Joyce who will both stake their claim for APB glory, and that all important qualification for Rio in a division boasting a sparkling set of skilful athletes. —- AIBA
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