Omari Jones was eliminated in the men’s 71kg (welterweight) boxing semifinal today, meaning that Team USA leaves Paris 2024 with just his bronze medal to show for their efforts.
Jones was defeated by Uzbekistan’s Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev, who won the bout 3-2. Judges who saw it for Muydinkhujaev had it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27. Judges who scored for Jones had it 29-28 and 30-27.
Muydinkhujaev, the reigning world amateur champion, got off to a strong start with a 4-1 advantage after the first round. Jones battled and stayed in the contest, but with Muydinkhujaev up 20-18 on three cards after two rounds, it was basically over at that point barring drama Jones could not produce.
It should be said that Jones, 21, had a terrific run in Paris, and was not expected to be among Team USA’s standouts. But he was the last boxer standing for the country, and gave a proud effort against an excellent opponent to bow out.
Muydinkhujaev will face Mexico’s Marco Verde for the gold medal on Friday, August 9. Verde defeated Great Britain’s Lewis Richardson in the semifinal. Team GB also exits the boxing in Paris with a lone bronze medal to their squad’s credit.