The European champion from Sofia 2018 and two-time world runner-up Stoyka Krasteva defeated with 5:0 judges’ votes (30:27, 30:27, 29:28, 30:27, 30:27) the current European champion, world runner-up, and top-seeded Buse Naz Cakıroglu (Turkey).
For Bulgaria, this is the second gold from the Olympic Games in Tokyo after Ivet Goranova in women’s kumite 55 kg and first in the history of women’s boxing in Bulgaria.
In the debut final for a Bulgarian at the Olympics in women’s boxing, the 35-year-old Stoyka Krasteva showed a more effective game and definitely won the match.
She became Bulgaria’s fifth Olympic boxing champion in the first final for a Bulgarian representative in the sport from Atlanta in 1996, when Daniel Petrov won the country’s last title.
“Maybe I still don’t realize what exactly happened. The first thoughts that passed me by were – here, after all, little Bulgaria succeeded”, said Stoyka Krasteva after the final fight. “I hope that the work of all over the years has been gathered in this piece (shows the Olympic gold medal) indescribable work and deprivation of many people. I want to thank them for their support during all these years and hope this is an example for all young Bulgarian athletes, despite everything, despite all staying in Bulgaria, to continue working until their dreams come true. Mine has already taken place today. I am happy and proud to have this title for Bulgaria. The whole world got up and listened to the Bulgarian anthem. There is nothing better than that”, added she.
The first round was under the dominance of the Bulgarian boxer. Buse Naz Cakıroglu dropped a right hook into Krasteva’s body. Stoyka Krasteva made a good combination of right straight and left straight, follower by another right hook for the Bulgarian. Buse Naz Cakıroglu’s left straight hit Stoyka Krasteva’s head. The Bulgarian boxer scored a right hook, but Buse Naz Cakıroglu also returned a right straight. A series of 3 strokes for Stoyka Krasteva. The Bulgarian won the first round with 5:0 judges’ votes.
The second round started with a successful left-right hit by Stoyka Krasteva, followed by the right and left hook of the Bulgarian. The Turkish boxer was warned for dirty play. Left-right hooks hit Buse Naz Cakıroglu’s head. Exchange of blows from the two competitors. Another successful left hook by Stoyka Krasteva hit Chakraolu. More accurate shots by the Bulgarian. Stoyka Krasteva won the second round with 4:1 judges’ votes.
In the third round, the Stoyka Krasteva scored a wonderful right-hand strike in the head of Buse Naz Cakıroglu. The left and right hooks of the Bulgarian hit exactly the target. Stoyka Krasteva definitely won the 3rd round with 5:0 judges’ votes.