Sometimes getting on an international podium is not synonymous with joy. Emmanuel Reyes Pla ‘The Prophet (Havana, 1992) achieved the bronze medal of Krakow-Malopolska European Gamesbut it remained without a direct ticket to attend Paris 2024 -privilege reserved for two boxers who will fight for gold in -92kg-.
“Getting an international medal is something very difficult and we have to appreciate it, but obviously he wants the olympic passport”, Reyes Pla explained to Mundo Deportivo just after leaving the Nowy Targ ring.
“It was a very demanding match. In my opinion, I won the last round, but we have to follow the judges’ decision”, he analyzed with resignation. The Cuban-born Spaniard started his fight against Irishman Jack Marley with great energy and won the first round by majority. In the second ’round’, Marley evened the score thanks to a spirited reaction. “Defend, defend,” shouted his colleagues to Reyes Pla from the stands. “You’re whole”, they tried to encourage him.
The Spaniard faced the third and final attack hungry and wanting to hold the long-awaited Olympic passport. “You must die in the ring”, his colleagues told him, knowing the importance of these last hooks. Reyes Pla was satisfied with his performance at the bell, but the judges awarded the Irish victory and Olympic glory by unanimous decision in the final round. Beat 4-1 and reflect for what’s to come. “Now we have to find pre-Olympic qualification and I will work hard to achieve it”he makes sure his mind is focused on that appointment that will serve as a pre-Olympic.
In Paris 2024, a total of 248 boxers will participate, 124 men and 124 women, the total parity demanded by the International Olympic Committee, which will oversee its organization at the expense of the controversial international federation. In the Kings Pla category, -92kgthere will be a total 16 seats -two of which were awarded at the European Games-.
There will be two qualifying pre-Olympic tournaments that will provide the final spots for the non-classified of each continental tournament. The two tournaments still do not have a date or venue, but they will be held in the first two quarters of 2024. Four places will be awarded in each of them -for a total of eight routes before the Olympics-. Reyes Pla will be looking to grab one of those tickets and he will take it with him in the leap to professionalism that he gave in October of last year. Boxing will cease to be Olympic in Los Angeles 2028 and Paris 2024 will be a unique opportunity to achieve the coveted medal.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
