(OCT 20) The host nation’s Mira
Potkonen won a 3rd successive Tammer Turnaus title as the 35th
edition of the famous Finnish tournament drew to a close in
Tampere Sunday evening, overcoming a strong challenge from
former 64kg World no 1 Mikaela Mayer of the United States.
As predicted this was a tough
contest and full marks to both fighters for providing the
assembled audience with a fight to remember.
After her win over Mayer, a delighted Mira Potkonen told WBAN:
“Great fight, my tactic worked just as I was hoping for. I had a
fantastic feeling throughout the fight after I realised how well
my tactic was working.The fight felt good, I really enjoyed it a
lot.
I am going to Germany (Stralsund) for the Queen’s Cup next week
so hopefully will be in the ring on Thursday again. Last year I
won the tournament and a fighter trophy”.
On her hopes for November’s 2014 AIBA World’s in Jeju Island,
South Korea, Potkonen had this to say:
“From the worlds in Korea – my goal is a medal. It’s a tough
goal but that’s the way it should be.”
The 33 years old mother of two, remains eligible to compete in
the 2016 Rio Olympics ( if she qualifies) as a result of the
AIBA rule amendment which now includes boxers 19 to 40.
Our thanks to Mira and to her friend and interpreter, Anna
Laukkanen for facilitating this interview and photo from Finland
last night.
For the Finnish faithful it was a day of celebration as their
main male hope (69kg) 20 years old, Antti Hietala gained a 3:0
verdict over Turkey’s experienced Huseyin Karlslioglu, the same
margin of victory as achieved by Potkonen over former World
bronze medallist Mayer.
In all there were 11 titles at stake this year in Tampere with
two wins also being achieved by Brazil, Holland and Russia and
one each going to England, Hungary and Scotland.
No happy ending though for the U.S boxers as all three of their
squad were on the losing end of decisions in Tampere on Sunday.
Joshua Temple lost his 60kg lightweight bout against Russia’s
Sadam Magomedov and Cam F.Awesome was defeated in the +91kg
final by England’s Frazer Clarke.
A fine win for Scotland’s Reece McFadden whom I saw strike Gold
at the Commonwealths; this evening he overcame the challenge of
young English star, Jack Bateson.
Two excellent performances from other Scottish boxers too - Mark
McKeown went under on a split decision against Brazil’s
Robenilson de Jesus whilst Scott Forest lost 0-3 to the highly
experienced Peter Müllenberg.
The day though belonged to the ‘Fighting Finns’ with once again
Mira Potkonen taking that elusive three-in- a row Tammer title
and being joined on the podium by their your future prospect,
Antti Hietala.
THE DAY’S RESULTS FROM TAMMER TURNAUS : Sunday 19th October.
Bout Weight
1. (51.) 49kg Bator Sagaluev, RUS Muhammet Ünlü, TUR 3 – 0
2. (52.) 52kg Reece McFadden, SCO Jack Bateson, ENG 3 – 0
3. (53.) 56kg Enrico la Cruz, NED Viktor Gálos, HUN 2 – 0
4. (54.) 60kg Robenilson de Jesus, BRA Mark McKeown, SCO 2 – 1
5. (59.) 91kg Sadam Magomedov, RUS Joshua Temple, USA 3 – 0
6. (55.) 64kg Everton Lopes, BRA Georgián Nyéki, HUN 3 – 0
7. (58.) 81kg Peter Müllenberg, NED Scott Forrest, SCO 3 – 0
8. (57.) 75kg Balázs Bacskai, HUN Andrey Kovalchuk, RUS 2 – 1
9. (W5.) W60kg Ida Lundblad, SWE Anna Beuselinck, BEL WO
10. (W6.) W60kg Mira Potkonen, FIN Mikaela Mayer, USA 3 – 0
11. (56.) 69kg Antti Hietala, FIN Hüseyin Karlslioglu, TUR 3 – 0
12. (60.) +91kg Frazer Clarke, ENG Cam F. Awesome, USA 3 – 0
