Flyweight (≤51 kilograms), Men

The favorite in this class was clearly Bolat Zhumadilov of Kazakhstan, who was the 1996 Olympic silver medalist, the 1999 World Champion, and had won bronze at the 1997 Worlds and silver in 1995. The defending champion in this class was also in Sydney, but Maikro Romero fought in 2000 as a light-flyweight. Zhumalidov won three decisions to advance to the final against the unheralded Wijan Ponlid of Thailand. Ponlid was given little chance but led from the start and defeated Zhumalidov 19-12 for the gold medal. On his return to Thailand Ponlid was given rewards worth $700,000. He never turned professional in boxing but did fight as a pro in Muay Thai kickboxing. Jérôme Thomas of France had lost to Zhumalidov in the semi-finals and won a bronze medal. He would return in four years at Athens and add a silver medal to his trophy case.