Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, Huang Hsiao-wen (黃筱雯), has secured her place in the gold medal bout at the prestigious 2024 World Boxing Cup Finals, which is being held in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Huang’s victory over Brazil’s Tatiana Chagas (5-0) in the semifinals on Friday has solidified her chance to claim the world title in the women’s 54-kg division.
Setting the Stage: Huang’s Journey to the Final
After a strong performance throughout the tournament, Huang is now set to face Yesugen Oyuntsetseg, a highly skilled boxer from Mongolia. Oyuntsetseg, who earned third place at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, will be Huang’s toughest opponent yet in the final, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. No matter the outcome, this marks Huang’s best performance since her World Championship win in New Delhi, India, in March 2023.
A Comeback to Remember
The 2024 World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield marks Huang’s return to major international boxing after a short break following the Paris Olympics earlier this summer. In Paris, Huang faced an early exit in the round of 16, falling victim to a controversial decision. Despite the setback, Huang quickly refocused, returning to Taiwan for recovery and resuming training in Japan ahead of this competition.
Huang’s Path to the Final
Huang’s journey to the gold medal bout has been nothing short of impressive. She advanced to the semifinals after receiving a bye in the round of 16. On Thursday, she triumphed over Thai boxer Apisada Tantawa in a unanimous decision, demonstrating her technical skill and determination.
Friday’s Semifinal Results:
| Boxer | Opponent | Result | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huang Hsiao-wen | Tatiana Chagas (Brazil) | 5-0 Victory | Dominant performance |
| Liu Yu-shan | Hikaru Shinohara (Japan) | Loss by unanimous decision | Bronze medal finish |
Liu Yu-shan Earns Bronze in Women’s 54kg Division
Also representing Taiwan, Liu Yu-shan (劉宇珊) secured a bronze medal after a hard-fought battle in the semifinals, losing to Japan’s Hikaru Shinohara by unanimous decision. Liu’s performance was praised for her tenacity and sportsmanship, making her a strong contender in future tournaments.
Controversy Surrounding Lin Yu-ting’s Withdrawal
A notable incident at the 2024 World Boxing Cup came when Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷), the Olympic gold medalist in the women’s 57-kg division from the Paris 2024 Olympics, withdrew from the event. Lin’s withdrawal came in protest against the World Boxing organization’s unclear gender eligibility policies.
The Taiwan Sports Administration Director-General Cheng Shih-chung expressed concern over the lack of transparency and insufficient protections for athletes, especially regarding the submission of medical records. In response, World Boxing stated that Lin was not barred from competing and reassured that boxer safety and well-being remain a priority for the organization.
The Future of World Boxing
Since its formation in April 2023, World Boxing has aimed to fill the void left by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which had its recognition revoked by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023. World Boxing is committed to improving the integrity of the sport and ensuring its continued inclusion in the Olympic Games. The new organization has already attracted 55 national federations and is planning its inaugural World Championships in Liverpool in 2025.
Conclusion: Taiwan’s Promising Future in Boxing
With Huang Hsiao-wen advancing to the final, Taiwan’s boxing scene continues to thrive on the international stage. The final bout on Saturday promises to be an exciting one, with Huang aiming to secure her first gold medal at the World Boxing Cup, following in the footsteps of her Olympic success.
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