Elwin “Bazooka” Belezika wins bronze in the Youth European Championships

Elwin Belezika is one of the most promising Swedish boxers at the moment. Photo via Instagram: (@hammarbyboxning) and Facebook

Swedish heavyweight boxer Elwin Belezika won a bronze medal in the 2023 Youth European Boxing Championships in Armenia that takes place between April 24 and May 4.

Hammarby Boxning’s Belezika defeated Kian Govan from Scotland in the quarterfinals to advance to the semi finals.

At Monday’s semifinals against Russia, the Swede lost via walkover due to the Swedish Boxing Federation’s policy to not compete against fighters from Russia or Belarus.

However, with the quarter final win against Govan, Belezika secured a bronze medal in the 2023 Youth European Boxing Championships.

“The tournament was good. Of course it was not the results I was hoping for, but the situation was not in our hands,” Belezika says in a comment to Frontkick. “I had a good fight and we will come back to Sweden with a lot of new experiences and good memories.”

Read more: Rising heavyweight talent Elwin ‘Bazooka’ Belezika: “Boxing makes me feel alive”

Elwin Belezika and Nick Zulawinski represented Sweden

Sweden was also represented by Nick Zulawinski, who competed in featherweight at 57 kilo.

Höllvikens BK’s Zulawinski fought well but lost his fight against Germany’s Arian Gohar Shenason Esfahani on points.

“I had a tough draw and faced a tough German boxer, he got the win but it was a good fight. I could have boxed at a higher pace to land more power shots to the body, but it was a good fight and I’m happy with my performance,” Zulawinski says in a comment to Frontkick. “The European Boxing Championships has been great, it’s my second Youth Championship.”

“I will continue to fight in the National Team as much as I can, train hard and become the best boxer I can be.”

The 2023 Youth European Boxing Championships was the 33rd edition of the tournament. The first tournament was held back in 1970, in Hungary.

Read more: Rising stars: 23 Swedish fighting prospects to watch in 2023

Follow Frontkick on Instagram for more news about Swedish boxing and subscribe to Frontkick.online on YouTube for the best MMA and Muay Thai videos in Scandinavia!