Colombian boxing was left with five representatives in the 2024 Olympic Games

Colombia did not increase the boxing quota from five to Olympic Games after the last world selection in bangkokwhere the medalist was eliminated Yuberjen Martínez.

The truth

What is the balance of the last qualifier without achieving a place in Paris?

Our objective was to classify Yuberjen Martínez and it was not possible. He lost to the only boxer who could beat him because he fell in the draw. We won 10 of the 18 fights we had, I think he had never won so much before in one of these world tournaments.

And the participation of eight fighters?

We participated with eight boxers because we had the money and we wanted to try out some boxers. But the purpose or goal with a view to Paris was to qualify Yuberjen. (José,) Viafara Fori, who competed for a spot with Shirleidys (Orozco), was not counted on at the beginning. Now that he doesn’t go Yuberjen is not a problem.

In other words, preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle also began here?

We are testing boxers with the next cycle. And if some don’t measure up, we will change. A Grand Prix is ​​coming and we are going with a new team and before the end of the year, a world championship. That will help us a lot to evaluate. Five places have been the maximum number for Colombia in Olympic Games qualifiers.

Are they in size?

The maximum has always been five. Six went to Tokyo, by rank in the middle of the pandemic, but fighting. There have been five.

Can you win a medal in Paris?

In Paris I think we are going to win one or more medals. Color I can’t say. The Olympic Games are a tough competition and it is even hard to say that we are going to win one. Any of the five boxers is capable of winning a medal. We just hope that God will be with us in the draw, which is important.

What’s next in the pipeline?

We have two paths: go to Spain or Türkiye. I like Türkiye better, because there is more strength of women. They are going to separate men and women. And we want them to accept us as the only qualified male. I think that even without Yuberjen Martínez we have a lot of quality for Paris.