Super-Heavyweight (>91 kilograms), Men

Traditionally the “Blue Riband” event of the boxing tournament, the super-heavyweight division was perhaps even more eagerly anticipated than usual due to the depth of talent in the division. Defending champion Roberto Cammarelle was joined in London by world champion Məhəmmədrəsul Məcidov of Azerbaijan, Beijing finalist Zhang Zhilei of China and the rising young British talent Anthony Joshua.

Though cheered on fanatically by the home support Joshua was nearly eliminated in his first fight and was fortunate to be given the decision over Cuban Erislandy Savón, nephew of the legendary Félix Savón. Joshua improved on this display in his next fights and reached the final with a victory over Russia’s Ivan Dychko while in the other semi-final Cammarelle won a close but deserved decision over Məcidov. The final bout between the Italian and the Briton, whilst not a classic, turned into a nail-biter. For the first two rounds the more streetwise and experienced Cammarelle kept the young British fighter at bay but a desperate attack in the third brought Joshua back into contention. Neutral observers were a little surprised when the score was announced as a tie and the Italian contingent were certainly unhappy when Joshua was awarded the fight on countback.

Joshua’s victory denied Cammarelle the honour of becoming the first man to defend an Olympic title in the heaviest weight category since Teófilo Stevenson.