Paris, France (July 30, 2024) - Australian heavyweight boxer Teremoana Teremoana Jnr has made a powerful statement at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a brutal knockout victory in his opening bout. The 26-year-old Queenslander faced Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi in the round of 16, securing a stoppage with just 11 seconds remaining in the first round. This performance not only marked Teremoana as a serious contender but also made him the first Australian to win an Olympic fight in the super heavyweight division.

With current heavyweight champion and 2012 gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk watching on at the North Paris Arena, Teremoana showcased his devastating power and precision. The bout began with Teremoana delivering a short left hook that sent Lovchynskyi to the canvas. Despite getting back on his feet, Lovchynskyi was immediately met with a right uppercut that forced the referee to administer a standing eight count. Teremoana then closed the fight with a monstrous overhand right, prompting the referee to stop the bout.

After his victory, Teremoana delighted the crowd with a celebratory dance in the middle of the ring, a nod to his Cook Islands heritage. This win is especially significant as it avenges his previous loss to Lovchynskyi last February, demonstrating Teremoana's remarkable improvement and determination.

Teremoana's journey in boxing began at the age of 12 when his father introduced him to the sport to help him protect his older sisters. However, it wasn’t until the passing of his grandfather, Teremoana Tangauru, in 2018 that he began to seriously consider boxing as a career. Teremoana adopted his grandfather's name and has not cut his hair since turning 21, symbolizing a new and improved version of himself.

Reflecting on his upcoming bout with defending Olympic champion Bakhodir Jalolov, Teremoana is confident and determined. "Someone's going to get knocked out," he stated, expressing his intention to box with the same aggression and skill displayed in his opening fight. Teremoana is seeking revenge against Jalolov, who defeated him in the world championship finals in Tashkent last year.

"I believe I'm the best in the world and this is the stage to prove it," Teremoana declared. His ambition and recent performance have set the stage for an electrifying matchup against Jalolov, as he aims to dethrone the reigning champion and solidify his place among the best in the world.

Teremoana's victory in his opening bout and his upcoming fight against Jalolov highlight his potential to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As he continues to honor his family's legacy and pursue his dreams, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if he can achieve Olympic glory.