Light-Flyweight (≤48 kilograms), Men

In the absence of world champion Steve Mushioki, who had turned professional even before his nation, Kenya, had decided to boycott the Games, the long range favorites appeared to be Soviet Shamil Sabirov, the European champion, and Hipólito Ramos, a Cuban who had won an upset victory in the national championship to book his place in Moskva.

The 1972 champion György Gedó, who became the first boxer to appear at four Olympics, fell to Ramos in the quarter-finals, as both the Cuban and Soviet had straightforward paths to the final. The gold medal bout was a frantic affair, with Sabirov holding the center of the ring as the fleet-footed Ramos circled him, attempting to jab through his guard. Sabirov’s defense held and he picked off the Cuban as he moved into close quarters. The Russian was awarded the verdict and the title, but only by a 3-2 majority of the judges.

Sabirov was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 1981 European Championships and made a quick exit at the 1982 World Championships before opting to retire from the ring. He became a successful businessman and founded a toy company.