Chinese 75kg boxer Wang Jianzhen had a bad luck of having to fight Ukrainian Sergiy Derevyanchenko, runner-up of last year's World Championships on Saturday night here at the Worker's Gymnisium.
Though fighting bravely, he lost 6-15 due to strength and skill differences.
As the fifth at last year's world championships, Wang's punching power, speed, footwork, and defense were still not as good as the Ukrainian heavyweight. He fought bravely throughout his rounds, and managed to catch up with his Ukrainian rival by 3-3 at the second round, but was soon surpassed by the powerful Derevyanchenko. The Ukrainian won by exceeding Wang by nine points.
After the match Wang said: "I've tried my best. I prepared for it very well but my opponent is stronger than me. He has rich skills and experiences. I need to work hard and try to be better."
Derevyanchenko said: "In the first round I was careful and I was watching how my opponent was fighting. In the second round I was in charge of the game. It was quicker and more fierce."
Losing his first bout, Wang won't be able to enter the next round. His teammate, 81 kg Zhang Xiaoping has successfully defeated his Tunisian opponent and joined the top 16.
(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)