Vastly experienced French amateur stalwart Sofiane Oumiha goes into the Olympics with a lot to prove and a lot to gain.
Oumiha, who will head into the event as one of his the host country’s medal favorites, is optimistic of what lays ahead for him in the junior welterweight division.
“The games in Paris, I hope will be magnificent,” Oumiha told The Ring. “Like any Olympiad, in any case I hope so.”
Oumiha is a decorated amateur and has won a slew of titles and tournaments during a highly productive career.
He claimed bronze at the 2012 Youth World Championships. After heading to the seniors, he continued his impressive career arc and has become a staple on the International scene.
Fils de boxeur, c’est tout naturellement que Sofiane Oumiha se met à la boxe à l’âge de 7 ans et monte rapidement sur les podiums. Il participe à ses premiers Jeux en 2016 après avoir dominé le tournoi qualificatif européen et devient vice-champion olympique. En 2023, il devient… pic.twitter.com/dkoKArQ2wQ
— Equipe France (@EquipeFRA) June 13, 2024
The 29-year-old has won two national titles, though doesn’t usually participate. He claimed gold at the 2023 European Games, having settled for silver in 2015 and 2019.
The Frenchman then claimed silver losing to home favorite Robson Conceicao in the final of the 2016 Rio Olympics. He participated in the 2020 Olympics that were delayed until the following summer but lost to eventual silver medalist Keyshawn Davis in the opening round, which was also the last defeat he has suffered.
However, it is at the World Championships where he has had most success taking home the gold on three occasions, in 2017, 2021 and 2023.
He is one of eight French boxers, four male and four female, to represent their country at these Games and though there will be a certain level of pressure and scrutiny on him, he is remaining positive.
“No, not at all, on the contrary, I’m used to big competitions,” said the experienced Oumiha, who has an amateur record of 225-20-1. “Obviously there we will be put in the spotlight even more, but no additional pressure.”
Understandably, he has his eye on the top prize.
“I will have finished the game because I have won everything in the amateurs,” he said. “The realization of all my work and determination.”
The Toulouse resident, who holds amateur wins over the likes of future world champions Serhii Bohachuk, Joe Cordina and Teofimo Lopez, as well as amateur star Andy Cruz, has already boxed professionally.
He turned professional in Barcelona, Spain in 2022 and has fought four times on home soil since, largely boxing both pro and amateur over the past couple of years.
“Yes, these will be my last Olympic Games in any case,” he said hinting that he’ll focus 100 percent on the professional side of the sport.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk.
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