Thursday, October 19, 2023.- Lucas Fernández from Uruguay defeated Juan Reyes of the Independent Athletes team (Guatemala) by unanimous decision in a bout during the round of sixteen in the 57-kilogram category of the men's Pan American boxing competition held at the Centro de Entrenamiento Olímpico in Ñuñoa.

Additionally, the fastest bout of the day in the 63.5-kilogram category took place when Argentinian Matías Amaya defeated Peruvian Leodan Pezo by technical knockout in the first round, just 1 minute and 23 seconds into the fight.

Finally, in the +92-kilogram category, there were two bouts: Colombian Cristián Salcedo secured a unanimous decision victory over Nigel Paul from Trinidad and Tobago, while Cuban Fernando Arzola defeated Delroy Jno from Dominica by walkover.

It's worth noting that Guatemala is under a suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to partial modifications made to the statutes of the country's Olympic Committee by the Constitutional Court in August 2022, a practice prohibited by the IOC.

As a result, Guatemalan athletes will not wear their national colors in Santiago, nor will their national anthem be played if they win any gold medals. They will simply compete under the name of the Independent Athletes team.

Pan American boxing will continue in the afternoon, starting at 5:00 pm, with seven bouts in various categories for both women and men. The last match of the day will feature the debut of Chile's first competitor, Miguel Ángel Véliz, who will compete in the +92-kilogram category against Ecuadorian Gerlon Congo.

Written by Alejandro Pérez; Translated by Vicente Valdivia / Photosport
Photos: Diego Alvujar/Santiago 2023 vía Photosport