Chinese welterweight (69kg) boxer Hanati Silamu smashed his Banamian opponent Toureano Johnson with a convincing 14-4 win on Sunday night, rushing into the last four crew of his category and guaranteed at least a bronze medal at the Olympics.
The two rivals pulled themselves all out to attack immediately after the bout began. For being both aggressive and strong, the Chinese enjoyed a more steady defence and so slightly led the race. In the last round, things turned dramatic. The Banamian, obviously burnt out all his energy at former rounds, appeared incapable of throwing powerful punches and standing vicious attacks from Silamu. After taking two standing counts by the referee, Johnson was declared defeat.
With this victory, the Chinese strode into the last four family and has secured at least a bronze medal.
The overjoyed Silamu said after the match that during the fight, he wasn't thinking anything but how to fight well. His concentration made him win. He also thought himself stronger in techniques and psychology than his opponent.
"Now I'm more than ever confident to win a gold medal," said the Xinjiang guy, "but I also know that it's in hands of God. All I can do is to try my best."
Johnson said after the match: "I felt a little afraid going in but that usually happens. After the first round I was OK. After the second round, when I was still down, I got a little discouraged. I just don't know what happened."
Silamu will face fearful Cuban Carlos Banteaux Suarez at the semifinal on Aug. 22.]
(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2008)