It was a debut to remember for Brian Lewis Youga who defeated Abdulrahman Bashar via a technical knockout (TKO) to clinch gold in the Super Heavyweight (+91kg) category at the 18th Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) Ramadan Open Sports Festival.
Youga was one of 48 boxers from the UAE who took part in the competition and reached the finals at AFOC in Abu Dhabi.
Making his first appearance in the tournament, Youga looked comfortable inside the ring, defending and attacking wisely.
Despite his height disadvantage, Youga floored Bashar twice but the latter fought back to take the bout into the second round.
But Youga, who has been boxing since 2008, continued his dominant display and after flooring Bashar again, the referee stopped the bout early in the second round.
Youga hopes to win many more gold medals, and said: “I knew Bashar is a tough opponent. I had a better reach and I didn’t give up.
“This is my first time competing in the tournament and I definitely want to return and defend my title.”
In the Middleweight (75kg) category, Nik Mayels overcame Sbaiee Mohammad Rahal on a points decision, 29-27.
In a thrilling bout that lasted the full three rounds, both boxers gave it their best shot that kept the crowd at Al Maqta Hall entertained.
Despite receiving medical attention in the second round, Rahal ensured the bout went the full distance, but Mayels was always on top of his game, and despite Rahal’s brave efforts, the latter missed out on gold by two points.
Mayels, 33, said: “I really had to give it my best because Rahal was very good. I tried to be on the offensive but he blocked my shots well.
“Every medal is good to win and boxing is a big part of my life since I took up the sport 15 years back.”
In other fights, Omar Hadi triumphed in the Light Welterweight (64kg) division via a TKO over Armando Gordoba.
Hadi, 22, said: “It definitely feels amazing to win this category. I trained very hard. This is my fourth time competing in the tournament; it is getting tougher and tougher.”
In the Bantam (56kg) category, Khalid Faisal Naser earned a TKO over Saab Merza Hawas, while Adham Jumaa triumphed with the same decision in the Heavyweight (91kg) division over Abdulhakim Waheed.
In the only knockout (KO) of the evening, Hamad Mohammad Alzaabi floored John B. Senyongo in the Lightweight (60kg) division, while in the Light Heavyweight (81kg) category Sardor Beek took gold after Abdulaziz Khalifa failed to show up