Fuad Aslanov: Azerbaijan’s Olympic Boxing Bronze Medalist
Azerbaijani flyweight Fuad Aslanov won bronze at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, reaching the semifinals before losing to France’s Jérôme Thomas. His medal was one of two earned by Azerbaijan’s boxing team at those Games.
The path to the Athens podium
Aslanov competed in the 51-kilogram flyweight division. His opening-round place opposite Madagascar’s George Rakotoarimbelo resulted in a walkover, rather than a contested victory. He then defeated Georgia’s Nikoloz Izoria to reach the quarterfinals.
The decisive step toward a medal came against Poland’s Andrzej Rżany. Aslanov won that quarterfinal by decision, advancing to the last four and securing bronze. Thomas ended his run in the semifinal and subsequently took silver after losing the final to Cuba’s Yuriorkis Gamboa. Germany’s Rustam Rahimov was the other bronze medalist.
A comeback with a lasting impact
In a retrospective published by Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee, Aslanov recalled spending four years away from boxing while working to help his parents. His return ultimately carried him to Athens, where his performances contributed to the national team’s medal haul alongside fellow boxer Aghasi Mammadov.
His involvement in sport continued after his competitive career. The same Olympic committee account described his work as a referee and his leadership of a youth sports school in Sumqayıt. Those roles extend the story beyond the podium, linking his Olympic experience with the development and organization of sport at home.
Olympedia and Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee confirm the medal and Olympic event. Sources: Athens flyweight tournament; National Olympic Committee retrospective; [1] [2]
Sources
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
